The focus of the article is on the different strands that shaped Seamus Heaney's sensibility. The first section examines the role played by the home and local community and the second explores the contribution of school and university. One of the most significant sources of his upbringing was the experience of living in a divided society. His educational journey involved negotiating the complex elements of his cultural identity. The different languages and literary traditions are then addressed. Finally, the nature of the inspiration that was at the heart of his poetry is considered.