By Jennifer Ciotta

County Sligo, located on the northwest coast of Ireland, remained in the Yeats family for generations.  Both of his parents grew up here, and the poet vacationed in the aesthetically pleasing town in his later years.  Drumcliffe Churchyard and the Round Tower serve as two popular attractions.  Drumcliffe is Yeats' burial spot, and coincidentally, a walk under the Round Tower (right next to the churchyard) may prove fatal.  The tower, struck by lighting in 1396, thus shaky in foundation, traditionalizes that it will fall on the wisest person who passes by. 

Today County Sligo attracts many visitors for a variety of reasons.  Its beaches boast superb surfing waters and attractive golf courses.  Active participants can fish, cycle, horseback ride, hike or take a swim.  Open farms give visitors a glimpse at cattle, pet lambs and donkeys, while the gorgeous lakes provide fresh fish.  One can observe wild geese and ducks at Coney Island, the Irish version, in other words, no New York franks.  Other explorations include: bogs, caves, forests and mountains.

Located in County Galway is Thoor Ballylee, the summer home of Yeats, which opened its tower to the public in 1965.  Birds flutter over the grounds, upon the request of Mrs. Yeats, while the inside the tower, visitors embark through a narrow passageway to reach the top.  Not far away is Coole Park, the home of Yeats' close friend Lady Gregory.  It was in this house, Gregory nursed Yeats back to health from potential illness, but actual lovesickness.  The lovely garden showcases the autograph tree with inscriptions such as: Sean O'Casey and George Bernard Shaw.  For nature lovers walks, trails and lakes add to the serene ambience, just like the poets works.