Drumcliff

Droim Chliabh

A small village famous as the burial place of poet W.B. Yeats and home to a historic round tower and early monastic site. The quiet churchyard and surrounding landscape inspire literary pilgrims and those seeking to connect with Ireland's rich cultural heritage.

Things to do

• Visit Yeats's Grave — Pay respects at the poet's simple grave in the churchyard, marked with a modest headstone beneath Ben Bulben.
• Explore Drumcliff Round Tower — Climb or admire this 11th-century round tower, one of Ireland's finest monastic survivors, standing 34 meters tall in the churchyard.
• Walk the Drumcliff Monastic Site — Wander the early Christian settlement grounds featuring high crosses, ancient foundations, and stone carvings dating to the 6th century.
• Hike Ben Bulben's Lower Slopes — Follow accessible trails up the distinctive table-top mountain that dominates Drumcliff's landscape and inspired much of Yeats's poetry.
• Visit Lissadell House — Tour this Neo-Classical mansion 4km away where Yeats was a frequent guest and which features prominently in his literary work.
• Attend a Literary Reading or Event — Check for seasonal poetry readings and cultural events held in the churchyard or local venues celebrating Yeats and Irish literature.

Food to try

• Colcannon — A traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage served at local pubs, often with butter and spring onions.
• Brown Soda Bread — Freshly baked local bread made with wholemeal flour and buttermilk, a staple at village shops and cafes.
• Smoked Salmon from Sligo — Regional specialty of locally smoked Atlantic salmon available at nearby restaurants and food shops.
• Irish Stew — Hearty one-pot dish of lamb, potatoes, and onions served warm at village pubs on cooler days.
• Black Pudding Breakfast — Traditional Irish breakfast featuring black pudding, bacon, eggs, and toast served at local tea rooms and B&Bs.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Churchyard Solemnity — Drumcliff is an active religious site and literary pilgrimage destination; keep noise low and remain respectful while visiting Yeats's grave and the round tower.
• Visit During Daylight for Safety — The village has minimal evening lighting and amenities; arrive before dusk to fully explore the monastic site and churchyard.
• Bring Weather Protection — Northwest Ireland is famously wet and windy; pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear even for short visits to the open churchyard.
• Learn Yeats Before You Go — Reading a few of Yeats's poems set in Sligo—such as 'The Stolen Child' or 'Ben Bulben'—will deeply enrich your experience of the landscape and gravesite.