Discovering Yeats’s Ireland; Explore the Ireland which inspired one of Ireland’s most renowned poets, and first Nobel Laureate, William Butler Yeats

Considered by many as one of the most influential poets of the twentieth century, William Butler Yeats is without a doubt one of Ireland’s best loved poets. Born in Dublin in 1865, Yeats’s early life was split between London and Ireland, where he undoubtedly was inspired by his country surroundings and Irish mythology. In 1923, Yeats became Ireland’s first Nobel Laureate, after the previous year being elected to the senate of the newly formed Irish Free State. With poems spanning two centuries, his style evolved and developed in his later years and has provided influence and inspiration to many writers in the years since. Celebrated as one of Ireland’s most popular poets, with worldwide renown and appeal, discovering the Ireland which inspired Yeats’s poetry, is a must for lovers of literature worldwide.

Yeats’s Country, Sligo

Without a doubt Sligo lays claim to the greatest connection to Yeats, with many of his poems directly related to different beauty sports around Sligo. For the avid poetry fans, it is possible to follow the Yeats Trail, exploring fourteen stops with a connection to Yeats and his poetry. With most of his childhood summers spent in the wilds of Sligo, and family connections from both sides, Yeats truly felt a kinship and at home in Sligo, inspiring many of his later works, where he draws on Sligo’s folklore, landscape and culture. No visit to Sligo is complete without a stop at Innisfree, the inspiration for perhaps one of Yeats’s most recognised works, ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’. Experiencing the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings will deepen your understanding of Yeats’s longing for Innisfree and leave you with lasting memories in your own daily life.
Lissadell is also a fascinating spot for fans of Yeats, and those interested in Irish history. Home to his friends, Eva and Constance Gore Booth, later Countess Markievicz, Lissadell provides the backdrop for ‘In Memory of Eva Gore Booth and Con Markievicz’, 1933. A visit to Lissadell not only offers an opportunity to visit their Yeats exhibition, but also to explore the fascinating and inspiring story of the Gore-Booth sisters. Countess Markievicz is perhaps best known for her role in the 1916 Easter Rising, for which she was initially sentenced to death, but had her sentence commuted due to her gender. She became the first woman elected to Westminster Parliament in London in 1918, where she refused to take her seat, as was Sinn Féin policy at the time. She was also the first woman elected to and to serve Dáil Eireann, with the distinction as being the first woman to serve as a minister in a modern democracy. Her sister Eva, meanwhile left her mark through her works as a suffragist, artist and poet. She spent many years in Manchester working to improve the conditions of working women. A fascinating visit is certainly ahead for anyone with an interest in literature, the arts and history.

Other worthwhile stops on a Yeats’s Tour of Ireland

Located in County Galway you will find Thoor Ballylee, often referred to as Yeat’s Tower, as he bought and restored the sixteenth century castle as a retreat for himself and his family. While he and his family occupied the castle for only ten years before it fell into disrepair, it still had a profound impact on Yeats’s writing and in more recent years, due to its close connection with the poetry and family of Yeats, is has become an iconic landmark for literary lovers across the globe.
Located mere minutes away is Coole Park, legendary setting for the ‘Wild Swans of Coole’ and a must visit for poetry lovers worldwide. Former home of the Gregory family, under the ownership of Lady Gregory, it became a haven for many of Ireland’s celebrated literary figures of the time. After meeting a young W.B. Yeats in the 1890s, they formed a lifelong friendship and literary connection, which led to the formation of the Abbey Theatre, along with other notable figures of the time. Lady Gregory’s autograph tree is a testament to the number of notable Irish literary figures of the early twentieth century who found solace in the serenity of Coole Park and the hospitality of Lady Gregory. Witnessing the tree with the initials of many of Ireland’s literary greats is an awe-inspiring experience.
Without a doubt one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets, W.B. Yeats clearly drew such inspiration from the landscape around him, particularly from the West of Ireland. For lovers of his poetry, it is still possible to visit so many of the areas and sights of peace and beauty which inspired him, many remaining as tranquil and unspoiled today as there were in Yeats’s lifetime.
Should you wish to incorporate some of these many inspiring and celebrated sights on your tour, speak to your personal tour consultant today and we will work collaboratively to design your bespoke itinerary.