Background

Teach Synge: A Literary Pilgrimage on Inishmaan

Step back in time at Teach Synge on Inishmaan, where the spirit of JM Synge and the heart of the Aran Islands come alive in a beautifully preserved cottage museum.

5

Visit Teach Synge, the beautifully restored 300-year-old cottage on Inishmaan where celebrated playwright John Millington Synge spent his summers between 1898 and 1902. Now a museum, it offers a glimpse into the life and inspiration of one of Ireland's most influential writers, set against the backdrop of the rugged Aran Islands.

A brief summary to Teach Synge - Synge's Cottage

  • Carrowntemple, Co. Galway, IE

Local tips

  • Check the museum's opening hours before visiting, as they may vary seasonally.
  • Take your time to explore the gardens, which offer stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into Synge's life and works.
  • Bring a camera; the cottage and surrounding landscape provide excellent photo opportunities.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cottage is a 15-minute walk uphill from Carrowntemple.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main ferry terminal in Inis Meáin, the most direct route to Teach Synge is on foot. Follow the road inland, heading towards the center of the island. The walk to Carrowntemple, the nearest village to Teach Synge, takes approximately 30 minutes. From Carrowntemple, the cottage is approximately a 15-minute walk uphill. Follow the signs for Teach Synge.

  • Public Transport

    From the main ferry terminal in Inis Meáin, a local bus service operates to various points around the island. Confirm the route with the driver and ask to be dropped off at Carrowntemple, the nearest village to Teach Synge. The bus fare is typically around €5-€10, depending on your starting point. From Carrowntemple, the cottage is approximately a 15-minute walk uphill. Follow the signs for Teach Synge.

Unlock the Best of Teach Synge - Synge's Cottage

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Teach Synge - Synge's Cottage

Teach Synge, or Synge's Cottage, is a meticulously restored 300-year-old thatched cottage on the serene island of Inishmaan, one of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. This humble dwelling served as a summer retreat for John Millington Synge (1871–1909), a pivotal figure in the Irish Literary Revival, who spent five summers here between 1898 and 1902. It was here that Synge found inspiration in the island's raw beauty, vibrant culture, and the compelling stories of its people, which profoundly influenced his most famous works. Synge first visited Inishmaan after W.B. Yeats encouraged him to immerse himself in the island's unique way of life. Staying with Bríd and Paidin MacDonnchadha, Synge became deeply connected to the local community, learning the Irish language and absorbing the island's folklore. His experiences during these summers shaped his writing, most notably his plays 'Riders to the Sea' and 'The Playboy of the Western World'. The cottage has been preserved as a museum by Theresa Ni Fhatharta, the great-granddaughter of Synge's hosts, and it now houses a collection of photographs, drawings, letters, and relevant publications by and about Synge, Yeats, and Lady Gregory. A visit to Teach Synge offers a unique insight into Synge's life and work, as well as a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the Aran Islands. The cottage is located on the road just before Dún Chonchúir, an ancient stone fort that offers stunning views.

Popular Experiences near Teach Synge - Synge's Cottage

Popular Hotels near Teach Synge - Synge's Cottage

Select Currency