Lady Gregory Yeats Heritage Trail

Follow in the footsteps of Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats

Between Gort and Loughrea, there are a number of points of interest along the Lady Gregory Yeats Trail that are connected to the lives of Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats. Kilmacduagh, Coole Park, the Kiltartan Gregory Museum, Thoor Ballylee, the Killinane Graveyard, Roxborough Gates, Woodville Walled Gardens, and St. Brendan’s Cathedral are just a few of these locations. Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats were both influenced by South Galway and its people and landscape.

Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats both found enormous inspiration in the environment and people of South Galway, and the region is reflected in their best works. Since ancient times, the region has been a magnet for creative types such as writers, poets, historians, artists, and musicians. Please feel free to walk this path in the spirit of Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats.

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1. KILMACDUAGH

St. Colman, son of Duagh, established this monastery in the seventh century; its Round Tower is the tallest in Ireland. This tower is unlike any other since it tilts over by more than a meter, just like the Tower of Pisa. There are the remnants of seven churches and an abbey there. During the years 1662–1700, the Very Reverend Dudley Persse served as Dean of Kilmacduagh; he is Lady Gregory’s ancestor. More info: Kilmacduagh Monastery

2. COOLE PARK

Lady Gregory, a dramatist and folklorist, lived in this house before it became Dublin’s famous Abbey Theatre. It is currently a natural preserve with trails that are clearly designated and open year-round. Tea rooms, a picnic area, nature paths, and the world-famous “Autograph Tree” are just few of the amenities that are available to visitors. From Easter to the end of September, you can visit the visitor center. Daily: 10.00 – 17.00. For more information, please contact us at 091/631804. More info: www.coolepark.ie.

3. KILTARTAN GREGORY MUSEUM

Once used as a school, this structure was commissioned by Sir William Gregory of Coole Park. There are historical artifacts from Lady Gregory and Coole House, as well as a wonderful school from the 20th century. Includes a picnic area, restrooms, a gift shop, and guided excursions. Every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Timeframe: June – September. Otherwise by appointment. Call 091 632346 / 086/8252164. More info: www.kiltartangregorymuseum.org

4. THOOR BALLYLEE

From 1917 through 1929, W.B. Yeats and his family summered at this Norman Tower House and its attached cottage. Many of his works, including “The Tower” (1928) and “The Winding Stair,” were motivated by his time spent in the Tower (1933). Guided tours, exhibits, audiovisual equipment, a performance venue, and a historic mill on the river are just some of the features available. From June through September, we are open every day from 10am to 6pm. Tel: 091/631436. More info: www.yeatsthoorballylee.org

5. KILLINANE GRAVEYARD

Placed in the Kilchreest parish, which is part of the Old Roxborough Estate’s jurisdiction. This cemetery is the final resting place of several members of the Persse family, including Lady Gregory’s parents. It is signposted, but it is still somewhat isolated. Bring shoes that are appropriate for the weather.

6. ROXBOROUGH GATE

Lady Augusta Gregory was originally named Augusta Persse and was born on March 15, 1852, in Roxborough. For 245 years, the Persse family called this place home. The Persse family’s legacy is commemorated by a notice posted at the renovated gates.

7. THE WALLED GARDEN AT WOODVILLE

Harry Perse, Lady Gregory’s brother, once lived there. The garden has a dovecote, a rose garden with a fountain, a herbaceous border, and a Fairy Woodland Trail in addition to its espaliered fruit trees. Guided tours, a museum, a gift shop, a greenhouse, and a tea room are just some of the amenities. From April to October, you can visit us daily between the hours of 11 AM and 5:30 PM. Contact Margarita at 087/9069191 for information about our upcoming events. More info: www.woodvillewalledgarden.com

8. ST. BRENDAN’S CATHEDRAL

A veritable treasury of Celtic-inspired artwork. Michael Healy, A.E. Child, Sarah Purser, and Evie Hone are just a few names in the long list of stained glass artists. Take a 30 minute listen of the Cathedral’s history. In the adjacent museum, you may see banners and hangings made by the Yeats sisters and other members of the Dun Emer Guild. It’s possible to visit the Cathedral at any time of year. Clonfert Diocesan Museum Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30. (Closed 1-2) Contact the Presbytery 091 841212. More info: www.loughreacathedral.ie