Northwest Adventure Tours – W.B. Yeats Cycle and Walking Guided tour

2015 bespoke guided cycling tours of Yeats country

3 full days guided touring which will encompass two days cycling and one day walking with all equipment and transfers included. Accommodation also available.

Price: €50pp x 1 day or €135pp x 3 days (min 4 people)

Day 1

Distance: 18km (3-4 hours)

Highlights:

• Incredible panoramic views of Yeats County
• Glencar Waterfall
• Yeats Grave
• Round Tower
• Lissadell House

We will begin at the foot of the Dartry Mountains and cycle along quiet country roads enjoying the views of Glencar Valley, Copes Mountain, Kings Gully and Benbulben.

Our first stop is the beautiful Glencar Lake situated in the picturesque Glencar Valley. From here we have a short walk to Glencar Waterfall. This impressive waterfall drops from huge cliffs to a pool below. This waterfall was an inspiration to WB Yeats and is mentioned is his famous poem ‘The Stolen Child’.

Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star

This short woodland walk is truly breathtaking.

On our way to our next stop we will have views of Irelands highest waterfall ‘Sruth in Aghaidh An Ard’. This means stream against the height and is named this because in west winds the waterfall blows back up the cliff. It is a sight to behold!

Our next stop is Drumcliffe Village where we will visit St. Columbas Church, a Celtic High Cross, A Round Tower and last but not least the Grave of the William Butler Yeats. We will take a break here for a bite to eat in the lovely Drumcliff Tea Rooms.

Next up is a cycle down the coast to Lissadell House and Gardens. This is a large 19th century Neo-Classical House and gardens overlooking Sligo Bay.

Lissadell was the childhood home of Irish revolutionary Constance Gore-Booth and was also a holiday retreat for the world renowned poet William Butler Yeats. Yeats made the house famous with his poetry.

“In Memory of Eva Gore-Booth and Con Markiewicz”
The light of evening, Lissadell,
Great windows open to the south,
Two girls in silk kimonos, both
Beautiful, one a gazelle.

Day 2

Distance: 25km (3-4 hours)

Highlights:

• Parkes Castle
• Creevylea Abbey
• Lake Isle of Inishfree
• Sleuth Wood
• Dooney Rock
• Lough Gill
• Breathtaking Scenery

First stop is Parkes Castle which sits on the edge of Lough Gill. This early 17th century plantation castle has been restored using Irish oak and traditional craftsmanship. From here we cycle along the winding lakeshore roads below the Sleeping Giant Mountain and on to Dromahair Village. We will have a stop here for a bite to eat before visiting Creevylea Abbey on the banks of the River Bonet. The ruins comprise of nave, choir, south transept and a bell tower. The ruins also contain some amazing stone carvings.

Next we arise and go through farmland and forest trails to the spectacular Lake Isle of Inishfree made famous in Yeats renowned poem. After this we visit the scenic Slish (sleuth) wood and Dooney Rock for more exploring and to enjoy the views over the Wonderful County.

Day 3

Duration: 2 hours walking

Highlights:

• Jack B. Yeats Exhibition
• The Yeats Photographic Exhibition
• The Yeats Monument
• Sligo Museum
• The Garavogue River Trail

This is a day of walking with visit a Jack B. Yeats Exhibition in the amazing model building, the Yeats Building and its Yeats Photographic Exhibition, Yeats Statue, the Yeats room in Sligo Museum and also a visit to some scenic parts of the Garavogue River on the outskirts of the town.

Please Note:

• Routes can be made longer or shorter on request.
• Various levels of Accommodation can be booked on request as an optional extra.
• Lunch is not included in price.
• Poetry Recital and Talk from Yeats Expert available for groups on request.

Booking:

Northwest Adventure Tours
Web: www.northwestadventuretours.ie
Phone: 00353 (0) 871259594 or 00353 (0) 860229952
Email: northwestadventuretours@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/northwestadventuretours
Twitter: twitter.com/nwadventuretour