Location of the Grave
- Drumcliffe Churchyard is situated at the foot of the Benbulben Mountain, a location Yeats himself chose for his final resting place.
- The grave lies beside St. Columba’s Church, which is part of a historic monastic site founded by St. Columba in the 6th century.
The Gravestone
- Inscription:
- The headstone bears Yeats’ self-penned epitaph, taken from his poem “Under Ben Bulben”:
Cast a cold Eye
On Life, on Death.
Horseman, pass by!
- Simplicity:
- The gravestone is modest and understated, reflecting Yeats’ desire for simplicity and directness in death.
Historical Context
- Death and Burial:
- Yeats passed away in 1939 in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
- Initially buried in France due to the constraints of World War II, his remains were repatriated to Ireland in 1948 and interred at Drumcliffe Churchyard, in accordance with his wishes.
- Controversy Over Remains:
- There has been debate over whether the remains in the grave are entirely Yeats’, as records from his reburial are unclear. However, the grave remains a powerful symbol of his legacy.
Significance of Drumcliffe
- Yeats’ Connection to Sligo:
- Sligo, often referred to as “Yeats Country,” greatly influenced Yeats’ poetry, inspiring works like “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” and “Under Ben Bulben.”
- Drumcliffe, with its historical and natural beauty, was a fitting final resting place for Yeats, who often wrote about Irish landscapes, mythology, and spirituality.
- Historic Site:
- Drumcliffe is home to an ancient round tower and a high cross, remnants of its early monastic heritage.