In 2021, Ireland marked the centenary of the partition of the island, which was formalized in 1921 with the establishment of Northern Ireland. The centenary was a moment of reflection on the legacy of partition, which has shaped Irish politics and society for a century. The event was marked by a range of commemorative events and discussions about the future of the island.

The centenary of partition is a subject of reflective poetry, with writers exploring the legacy of the event. The centenary is often contrasted with the hopes of a united Ireland, creating a sense of unfinished business. The poetry of the period reflects the ongoing debate about Irish identity, a theme that would persist in the literature of the 21st century.