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Thoor Ballylee: Yeats's Tower

Explore the historic tower home of W.B. Yeats in County Galway, a source of inspiration for his timeless poetry.

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Discover Thoor Ballylee, a 15th-century tower house in County Galway, Ireland, once the summer home of the Nobel Prize-winning poet William Butler Yeats. Explore the tower's history, architecture, and connection to Yeats's most celebrated works.

A brief summary to Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months (May to September) when the tower interior is open to the public.
  • Allow ample time to explore the tower's four floors, climb the winding staircase, and enjoy the views from the top.
  • Take a stroll along the riverside walk to the ancient mill and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
  • Check the Yeats Thoor Ballylee website for information on events, workshops, and group tours.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving, head towards Gort, County Galway. From Galway City, take the N6 motorway towards Limerick and exit at Junction 17 for the N18 towards Ennis, following signs for Gort. Once in Gort, follow signs to Ballylee. Thoor Ballylee is located at Ballylee, Gort, Co. Galway, H91 D8F2. Free parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Galway City to Gort. Bus Éireann operates services on this route. From Gort, you can take a taxi to Thoor Ballylee, which is approximately 5 km away. Taxis are available outside the bus station in Gort. The taxi fare should be confirmed with the driver beforehand. Alternatively, you can walk from Gort to Thoor Ballylee, heading east on Church Street, then left onto the N66 until you see signs for Ballylee. The walk is approximately 2 km.

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Discover more about Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower

Thoor Ballylee, also known as Yeats's Tower, is a captivating 15th-century Anglo-Norman tower house located near Gort in County Galway. This historic landmark served as the summer residence of William Butler Yeats, one of Ireland's most renowned poets, from 1919 to 1929. Yeats purchased the tower in 1917 for £35, drawn to its romantic setting and rich history. He restored the tower with the help of local craftsmen, incorporating larger windows while retaining its original character. The tower itself consists of four floors, each with a single room, connected by a spiral stone staircase within the thick outer wall. The Streamstown River flows alongside the tower, adding to its picturesque charm. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Coole Park, the estate of Lady Gregory, a friend and patron of Yeats. Thoor Ballylee became a source of inspiration for Yeats, who penned some of his most celebrated poems there, including "The Tower" and "The Winding Stair". Today, the tower functions as a museum and heritage center, showcasing exhibits related to Yeats's life and works. Visitors can explore the tower's rooms, climb the winding staircase, and learn about Yeats's deep connection to the landscape. The site also hosts cultural events, such as poetry readings and workshops.

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