Yeats Country

                                                                W.B. Yeats and the Sligo Connection

William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist, a writer, a politician and widely considered one of the greatest poets of the English language. His work was greatly influenced by the heritage and politics of Ireland. Yeats has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his eloquent verses and profound insights. While Yeats' work and legacy have transcended borders, it is his connection to the County of Sligo that held a special place in his heart, as he found lifelong inspiration in the mythology, the folklore and especially the mystical landscape of the area.                             

                                                           “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
                                                     And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
                                                  Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee;
                                                                 And live alone in the bee-loud glade”.          

                                                                                                  Lake Isle of Innisfree by W.B. Yeats 1835 

Born in Dublin in 1865, Yeats spent many of his childhood summers in Sligo, where his mother's family resided. The area has now become known as Yeats country, an area of picturesque landscape and the historic Dartry Mountains, set alongside the Wild Atlantic Way. The intimacy of the landscape, folklore, and rich heritage of Sligo permeated his creative consciousness, becoming a wellspring of inspiration for the young poet, shaping the themes and imagery that would feature prominently in his later works.

In Sligo, Yeats found a deep fascination with Irish mythology and the mysticism of a Celtic past. The natural beauty of the region, including the enchanting Lake Isle of Innisfree, the majestic Ben Bulben Mountain, and the mystical Knocknarea, became recurring motifs in his poetry. Moreover, his interactions with the local people, his encounters with local legends and folklore, informed his exploration of the Irish identity and cultural heritage.

In 1923, Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Irishman to receive this prestigious honour. The Nobel Committee recognized his poetic mastery, stating that he had been chosen "for his always inspired poetry, which in a highly artistic form gives expression to the spirit of a whole nation." This accolade solidified his status as one of the greatest poets of his time and secured his place in literary history.

Yeats' association with Sligo extended beyond his childhood. Throughout his life, he maintained a strong bond with the area and its people. He often returned to Sligo, drawing inspiration from its landscapes and engaging with its vibrant artistic community. Yeats' connections to Sligo can be seen in many of his notable works, including "The Stolen Child," "The Song of Wandering Aengus," and "Under Ben Bulben."  W. B. Yeats referred to Sligo as the ‘Domain and Landscape of his Poetic imagination’. He frequented Lissadell House, the home of Irish rebel Countess Markievicz and her sister Eve.

William Butler Yeats had a significant relationship with Lady Augusta Gregory, a prominent playwright and patron of the arts. Their partnership and friendship played a crucial role in the development of the Irish Literary Revival. Lady Gregory's ancestral home, Coole Park House in County Galway, became a gathering place for writers, artists, and intellectuals, including Yeats. The house's vibrant atmosphere and the intellectual exchange that took place within its walls inspired Yeats and influenced his work, serving as a cultural hub, fostering creativity and nurturing the emerging Irish literary and cultural renaissance. The Sligo connection in Yeats' life exemplifies the profound impact a sense of place can have on an artist's work. Through his deep-rooted ties to the county, Yeats celebrated the beauty of Ireland and championed its cultural heritage, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to captivate readers and inspire generations of poets and dreamers alike.

William Butler Yeats died on January 28, 1939, in Menton, Southern France, aged 73, and was buried at Roguebrune-Cap-Martin Cemetery.                       

In 1948 his remains were moved to the churchyard of St. Columba’s, North of Sligo Town.

                                                          “Under bare Ben Bulben's head
                                                           In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid.
                                                           An ancestor was rector there
                                                           Long years ago, a church stands near,
                                                           By the road an ancient cross.
                                                           No marble, no conventional phrase;
                                                           On limestone quarried near the spot
                                                           By his command these words are cut:

                                                                          ‘Cast a cold eye
                                                                          On life, on death
                                                                          Horseman, pass by”.

                                                                       William Butler Yeats 1938 

The family connection and his final wishes ‘to be forever in the shadow of Ben Bulben’ led to Drumcliff being his final resting place.

Yeats' legacy lives on. His poetry continues to be celebrated for its beauty, depth, and thought-provoking insights. As a Nobel laureate, he left an indelible mark on the world of literature, reminding us of the enduring power of words to touch hearts, ignite imaginations, and capture the essence of the human experience.