Overview
Drumcliffe, a small village perched at the foot of the iconic Benbulben mountain, is best known as the final resting place of William Butler Yeats, Ireland’s first Nobel laureate in literature. Yeats’s grave lies in the tranquil churchyard of St Columba’s (also called Drumcliffe Church), marked only by a modest limestone slab bearing his self‑written epitaph: “Cast a cold eye on life, on death, horseman, pass by.” The simplicity of the monument reflects Yeats’s own wish for “no marble, no conventional phrase.”
Beyond the poet’s stone, the site is a living tapestry of early‑medieval history: a high cross dating to around AD 1000, the fragmentary remains of a 10th‑century round tower, and the ruins of a 6th‑century Columbian monastery founded by St Columba (St Colmcille). A coffee‑shop and craft‑shop – the Pink Clover Café and Téach Bán Art Gallery – sit on the edge of the grounds, offering refreshments and locally‑made arts.
History
The monastic settlement at Drumcliffe is believed to have been established around AD 574 by St Columba, a pivotal figure in early Irish Christianity. Over the centuries the site evolved, with the present Neo‑Gothic church constructed in 1809 by the Board of First Fruits. The graveyard continued to serve the local community, accumulating layers of history that include the high cross (c. AD 1000) and a round tower partially destroyed by lightning in 1396.
W B Yeats (1865‑1939) spent his childhood in Sligo and fell in love with the rugged landscape that would later dominate his poetry. After his death in Menton, France, Yeats’s own instructions – “If I die, bury me up there at Roquebrune, and then in a year’s time … dig me up and plant me in Sligo” – were finally honoured in September 1948 when his remains were re‑interred at Drumcliffe. The epitaph on his gravestone is taken from the closing lines of his poem “Under Ben Bulben.” A recording of the 1948 graveside eulogy by Sligo Mayor Michael Rooney is available through the RTÉ Archive.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Yeats’s Grave | Simple limestone slab with dates (1865‑1939) and the three‑line epitaph from Under Ben Bulben. The stone faces the southern side of the churchyard, easily spotted near the church’s left side. |
| High Cross | Sandstone cross erected c. AD 1000, richly carved with biblical scenes – Christ in Glory, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, the Crucifixion, and a curious camel on the west face. |
| Round Tower Remains | Only a third of the original limestone tower survives, offering a glimpse of 10th‑century monastic architecture. |
| Teach Bán Art Gallery | A creative hub showcasing Irish jewellery, prints, photography and crafts. Open 10:00‑17:00 (April‑September). |
| Pink Clover Café | Serves tea, homemade cakes (including gluten‑free and dairy‑free options) and a signature kefir. Ideal for a reflective pause with Benbulben in view. |
| Audio Guide | Multilingual audio commentary (available on‑site) explains the history of the monastery, the high cross, and Yeats’s literary legacy. |
Visitors often combine a walk around the churchyard with a short hike up the lower slopes of Benbulben for panoramic views of Drumcliff Bay and Lough Gill. The site is also a stop on the Wild Atlantic Way and features in many literary tours of Sligo.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
- Churchyard (grounds) – Open all year round, free entry.
- St Columba’s Church – Daily, March‑October, 09:00‑18:00.
- Teach Bán Gallery – 10:00‑17:00, seven days a week, April‑September.
- Pink Clover Café – Open during typical café hours (check on‑site for seasonal times).
Admission
Entry to the grounds is free; donations are warmly welcomed (suggested €5) to support maintenance. Tourist groups are subject to a charge; details can be found on the Drumcliffe visitor page.
Accessibility
The main pathways and entry points are wheelchair‑accessible. A side ramp provides access to the interior of the church; staff are on hand to assist. Wheelchair‑friendly toilet facilities are available when the café is open.
Parking & Transport
A free car park and coach parking are located beside the church on the right‑hand side of the N15, about 7.5 km north of Sligo town. Public transport options include:
- Local Link 982 – runs daily between Sligo and Ballyshannon, stopping 200 m from the site.
- Bus Éireann Route 64 – up to seven services per day, linking Drumcliffe with Derry, Letterkenny, Galway and beyond.
Nearby Amenities
The churchyard is flanked by a small shop, restrooms, and the Pink Clover Café. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The site is suitable for families; children often enjoy spotting the camel on the high cross.
Visitor Resources
- Audio guide and printed brochures are available on‑site.
- For group bookings, contact the Drumcliffe Parish tourism committee via the Discover Drumcliffe website.
- Detailed maps and the exact coordinates (54.326307, ‑8.493723) can be viewed on Google Maps.
Whether you are a poetry enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful spot with breathtaking scenery, the grave of W B Yeats offers a unique blend of literary reverence and ancient Irish heritage.