
Drumcliffe Church and W. B. Yeats Grave
Visit the serene grave of Nobel laureate W.B. Yeats, a historic church, and ancient Celtic Cross with stunning views of Benbulbin.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Drumcliffe Church and W. B. Yeats Grave
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Visit the serene grave of Nobel laureate W.B. Yeats, a historic church, and ancient Celtic Cross with stunning views of Benbulbin.
"It’s amazing to see the grave of W.B. Yeats. All those college English courses? Worth it."

Tread Softly!
A humorous nod to Yeats' poem, reminding visitors to be respectful. :pray:
Audio Tour Insight
Enhance your visit with an audio tour detailing church history and Yeats' life. :iphone:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

W.B. Yeats' Grave
Drumcliffe Churchyard
Pay respects at the final resting place of one of Ireland's greatest poets. A truly moving experience for literature lovers.

Drumcliffe Church
Adjacent to the graveyard
A picturesque and historic church, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into local heritage.

Ancient Celtic Cross
Drumcliffe Churchyard
Marvel at one of Ireland's oldest Celtic Crosses, a significant historical artifact within the church grounds.

View of Benbulbin
Overlooking the churchyard
Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic flat-topped Benbulbin mountain, a stunning natural backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Poet's Final Resting Place
Beyond the Grave
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tread Softly!
A humorous nod to Yeats' poem, reminding visitors to be respectful. :pray:
Audio Tour Insight
Enhance your visit with an audio tour detailing church history and Yeats' life. :iphone:
Cafe & Gift Shop
Enjoy a coffee and browse local crafts at the charming cafe and gift shop. :coffee:
Benbulbin Views
Don't miss the stunning vistas of Benbulbin mountain from the church grounds. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Tread Softly!
A humorous nod to Yeats' poem, reminding visitors to be respectful. :pray:
Audio Tour Insight
Enhance your visit with an audio tour detailing church history and Yeats' life. :iphone:
Cafe & Gift Shop
Enjoy a coffee and browse local crafts at the charming cafe and gift shop. :coffee:
Benbulbin Views
Don't miss the stunning vistas of Benbulbin mountain from the church grounds. :camerawithflash:
Historical Depth
Discover the rich history packed into this small but significant site. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Drumcliffe Church and W.B. Yeats' Grave for its peaceful atmosphere and profound literary significance. Many highlight the beauty of the church, the ancient Celtic Cross, and the stunning views of Benbulbin. The on-site cafe and gift shop add to the pleasant experience, making it a highly recommended stop for its historical and cultural value.
"Stop. Just stop. It’s amazing to see the grave of W.B. Yeats. All those college English courses? Worth it. He is one of the best poets of all time. I don’t care who you are, you’ll be moved by it. It’s beautiful. The church is just lovely and there is a gift shop with a sweet little cafe. “No Second Troy” is one of my favorite poems and to see where’s he’s laid to rest is amazing. The cemetery itself is beautiful. One of the oldest Celtic Crosses in Ireland is there. Trust me. You’ll be glad you stopped."
Cynthia Dite Sirni
"Had a wonderful and relaxing time. I love Yeats and I wanted to pay my respects while I was here in Ireland. I wasn’t originally planning a tour, I was going to just visit the grave, read a bit, and have a coffee. I met James who told me a little about the history of the church and gave me a audio tour to listen to. It’s amazing how much history is packed into this place. Not only that but the church itself is quite nice and just off in the distance there is a great view of Benbulbin. I definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves Irish history and culture and anyone who loves Yeats."
Marc Chiurco
"The man himself. What an honour to stand beside one of the all time great poets and writers. So much more we could have seen and done but unfortunately we didn’t have enough time."
Nuala Kent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Drumcliffe Church is located about 8 km (5 miles) north of Sligo town. It's easily accessible by car via the N15 road. Public transport options are limited, so driving or taking a taxi is recommended. Parking is available at the church.
While the churchyard has some uneven terrain, efforts have been made to improve accessibility. The church interior and cafe are generally accessible. It's advisable to check on-site for specific access points.
The church grounds and graveyard are generally accessible during daylight hours. The church interior may have specific visiting times, and the cafe and gift shop have their own operating hours. It's best to check locally for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the graveyard where W.B. Yeats is buried is typically open to visitors during daylight hours, allowing for quiet contemplation.
Yes, there is a dedicated coach park and parking area available at Drumcliffe Church, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to visit the graveyard or the church grounds. Donations are welcome to help maintain the site.
Entry to Drumcliffe Church and its grounds is free. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they wish to support the upkeep of this historic site.
While not always formally scheduled, you might find local guides or volunteers like James who can share historical insights. An audio tour is also available to enhance your understanding.
Information on the cost of the audio tour is best obtained on-site, as prices can vary. It's a worthwhile investment for a deeper understanding of the site's history.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use in the graveyard and church grounds. Please be respectful of other visitors and any ongoing services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond Yeats' grave, you can admire the historic church architecture, see one of Ireland's oldest Celtic Crosses, and enjoy stunning views of Benbulbin mountain. The site is rich in history and natural beauty.
Yes, there is a lovely cafe located at Drumcliffe Church, offering refreshments and a place to relax after your visit. It also has a gift shop.
The Celtic Cross at Drumcliffe is one of the oldest in Ireland, dating back centuries, and is a significant historical and artistic artifact.
A visit can range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your interest in the history, poetry, and the surrounding views. Many visitors find a couple of hours allows for a relaxed exploration.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the church, often near the cafe and gift shop area.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic church facade, the ancient Celtic Cross, and the poignant grave of W.B. Yeats. The panoramic views of Benbulbin mountain also make for stunning photographs.
It is generally acceptable to take photos of the grave for personal remembrance, but always be mindful and respectful of other visitors who may be there for quiet reflection.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful, soft illumination for your photos, especially for capturing the landscape and the church.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and religious sites to ensure the peace and safety of visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Photography inside the church may be restricted, especially during services. Always check for signage or ask a church official before taking interior photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to look for interesting gravestones or imagine the stories behind them. The story of W.B. Yeats, a famous poet, can be simplified into tales of words and imagination, making the visit educational. Keep the visit relatively short to maintain their interest, focusing on the most visually striking elements like the cross and the mountain views.
📚 Literature Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the audio tour to gain deeper insights into Yeats' life and his connection to this specific location. The historic church and the ancient Celtic Cross also add layers of historical context to the visit, enriching the understanding of the cultural landscape that shaped Yeats' writing.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Sligo
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of W.B. Yeats
Yeats himself chose Drumcliffe as his burial site, famously stating in his poem 'Under Ben Bulben': 'Cast a cold eye / On life, on death. Horseman, pass by!' This poignant request is echoed by the serene and contemplative atmosphere of the churchyard. The surrounding landscape, particularly the imposing presence of Benbulbin mountain, is a recurring motif in his poetry, adding another layer of meaning to the visit.
For literature enthusiasts, this pilgrimage is a highlight of any trip to the Sligo region. It's a chance to connect with the man behind the iconic verses and to appreciate the landscape that so deeply influenced his work. The peaceful setting allows for quiet reflection on his contributions to poetry and Irish culture.
Exploring Drumcliffe Church and Its Surroundings
The churchyard provides a peaceful setting for a stroll, with many ancient gravestones adding to the historical ambiance. The most striking feature for many, however, is the commanding presence of Benbulbin mountain in the distance. This iconic geological formation, with its distinctive flat top, is a dramatic backdrop and a constant reminder of the wild beauty of County Sligo.
Visitors can also enjoy the amenities at the church, including a gift shop stocked with local crafts and souvenirs, and a sweet little cafe perfect for a break. This combination of historical significance, natural splendor, and local hospitality makes Drumcliffe a truly memorable stop.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit