Welcome to the Yeats Trail
"Come away, O human child, to the waters and the wild..." The Stolen Child, William Butler Yeats 1886. If you adore Yeats’ work, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy The Yeats Trail, which has been developed for those of you who love grand old houses, magnificent scenery, a fine flavour of Ireland’s culture and great stories.
Ireland’s literary hero, WB Yeats
Born in Dublin in 1865, William Butler Yeats’ life was devoted to writing and to raising the consciousness of the Irish nation through this art. His father, John, wishing to train as an artist, moved the family to London, which is where William’s brother Jack was born.
Both brothers spent a lot of their childhood in Sligo with their grandparents, and discovered that this county in the Northwest of Ireland was a haven for childhood innocence. The Sligo landscape in all its variety flooded their minds. The table-topped mountain Ben Bulben evoked grandeur of epic proportions; horse races on the beach at Rosses Point were heart-thumping moments; the legends were alive, and the people they met contained a savage mix of utter self containment and open heartedness.
This was WB Yeats literary inspiration, and you can follow Yeats’ trail across Ireland.
What’s on in Sligo
There’s lots going on around beautiful Sligo – any time of year. From extreme multisport racing to trad sessions and heritage weekends. It’s no wonder Yeats was enthralled...
Visit Yeats Grave
Nestled beneath the awe-inspring Ben Bulben, Drumcliffe is the final resting place for Yeats, and the site of a 6th Century Columban Monastery.
Yeats Memorial Building in Sligo
Occupying a delightful heritage building in the heart of Sligo Town, The Yeats Society presents a fascinating photographic exhibition of the life and times of WBYeats and his family.
Kiltartan Gregory Museum in Galway
An award-winning museum housing the works of Lady Gregory, local history, artefacts, photos, manuscripts and an early 20th Century classroom.
Thoor Ballylee in Galway
WB Yeats bought this ancient Norman tower and adjoining cottages in 1916. Watch the audio visual presentation about WB Yeats, or enjoy a riverside walk to the ancient mill.
Coole Park
Coole Park & Visitor Centre, now a nature reserve, was the home of Lady Augusta Gregory, dramatist and co-founder with Edward Martyn and WB Yeats of the Abbey Theatre.
The Model Arts & Niland Gallery
This beautiful building is home to the impressive Niland Art Collection, featuring John and Jack B Yeats, Estella Solomons, Paul Henry and Louis Le Broquy, among others.
Sligo County Museum
Sligo County Museum's Yeats’ collection includes a selection of photographs, prints, artefacts and memorabilia.
The Dublin Writers Museum
Yeats, Swift and Sheridan, Shaw and Wilde, Joyce and Beckett are among those presented through their books, letters, portraits and personal items.
Horse Holiday Farm
Follow a Yeats Trail from the vantage of a horse – not only will you delight in the trail, but the perspective will take you through some stunning landscapes!
