Yeats Country Guide

‘Yeats Country Guide’ is a soundscape of stories, music and poetry around both Sligo and Leitrim. Many of the places referenced in his early poems can be visited on this digital guide. From Dooney Rock to Glencar Waterfall, the Lake Isle of Inishfree to Knocknarea, these iconic sites from his Celtic Twilight phase are all included.

Best of all, when enjoyed on Spotify as the ‘Yeats Country Guide’ playlist, a who’s who of Yeats fans – as well as Yeats himself– are added to the mix. Everyone from W.H. Auden to Michael MacLiammoir, Cyril Cusack to Niall O’Shea can be heard reading his poems. As to Yeats-inspired music, The Waterboys feature prominently along with The Cranberries, John McCormack, Maura O’Connell and many more.

Folklore, mythology and a host of interesting anecdotes about the area are also covered. And no, it is not all about just Yeats! The guide also reveals local stories about Sebastian Barry, Bram Stoker, Spike Milligan and Yeats great friend, Rabindranath Tagore. The Spotify playlist comes with a dedicated webpage to help visitors plan the route if they’re coming to the north west of Ireland in person. All coordinates and directions are detailed.

The tour itself is designed for cyclists or drivers over two days with the third day being a tour of Sligo Town including both Yeats and non-Yeats sites. The town serves as the perfect spot for anyone hoping to take in some of the Wild Atlantic Way from Mayo up to Donegal.