Travel to Yeats country in the west of Ireland for the opportunity to walk the same pathways of inspiration and touch the walls that sheltered Ireland's most famed poet during the late 19th and early 20th century. Fly into the Shannon airport where you can rent your vehicle. Drive to Galway city via N18, about 68 miles.
Your first stop is the Kiltartan Gregory Museum near Galway, which houses the artwork of Lady Gregory, Yeats' friend and patron, plus artifacts, photos and some manuscripts. The museum is located just off N18, 3 km northeast of the town of Gort. Visit nearby Coole Park, the home of Lady Gregory, which Yeats wrote about in poems such as "The Wild Swans at Coole," and "Coole Park and Ballylee." Coole Park is now part of a 1000 acre nature preserve. Walk along the Family Trail for 1.5 km to see the Autograph Tree which bears the initials of Yeats and his contemporary notables in the world of Irish arts.
Next, hop back on N18 and travel the short distance to Gort, where Yeats' ancient Norman tower, Thor Ballylee awaits, charmingly situated beside a melodic stream and attached to a cottage where the Yeats family lived after purchasing it in 1916.
After an optional lunch in a Galway Bay-side pub, head north on N-17 to Sligo---approximately 90 miles---to view the Yeats Memorial Building photographic exhibit that chronicles the life of the poet. The building is located in the center of town at Hyde Bridge. Your tour is not complete without a visit to the poet's grave at Drumcliffe Church, 7 km north of Sligo via N15.
Discover Ireland/Failte Ireland
Shannon Development
Town Centre
Shannon
County Clare, Ireland
011-353-0-61-361555
www.discoverireland.ie
Beginning in Tralee, County Kerry's capital town, take N22 southeast to the lake region of Killarney, where the stately Muckross House and Gardens, an 1843-vintage Victorian manor, await your enjoyment in the midst of Killarney National Park.
From Killarney, travel southwest to the small, charming village of Kenmare; be sure to stop and drink in the gorgeous Ladies View, just 12 miles out of Killarney on the way to Kenmare, for a vista of the famous lake region.
Turn onto the N71 Ring of Kerry route--officially known as the Iveragh Peninsula. The area's sandy beaches are among the most popular recreational strands in the country. The Ring of Kerry Route will deliver you back to Tralee, via the picturesque beach front towns of Waterville, Cahirciveen, and Killorglin. The entire route is just over 100 miles, making for a great day trip.
Ring of Kerry Tourism
Insight Web Marketing Ltd
Killaha, Killarney
County Kerry, Ireland
011-353-64-7754095
www.ringofkerrytourism.com
From Dublin, travel south on the N11 coastal road at Kilmaconogue, turn right onto R755, and follow the signs to Glendalough. This is the site of a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, and the beautifully preserved round tower and surrounding ancient architecture will be one of the highlights of your tour.
Proceed from Glendalough on the main road towards the Vale of Avoca and the famed "Meeting of the Waters," immortalized in the song by Ireland's poet laureate, Sir Thomas Moore. Rejoin N11 and proceed to New Ross in County Wexford, where you can walk the carefully nurtured pathways of the John F. Kennedy Gardens.
From New Ross, drive N11 west to Waterford and tour the famous crystal factory, where approximately 1000 artisans practice their centuries-old glass blowing and crystal cutting crafts. The direct distance from Dublin to Waterford is just under 100 miles.
Waterford Crystal
Killbarry, Waterford
Ireland
011-353-51-332500
www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com
