Lissadell House and Gardens

Immortalised by the poet W.B. Yeats, the childhood home of Countess Markievicz, Lissadell is the crucible of Ireland’s historic, literary & garden heritage. Built by Sir Robert Gore-Booth in 1830 (designed by Francis Goodwin) the house is now fully restored and open daily for guided tours.

Lissadell House & Gardens is situated on the shores of Sligo Bay, 7km north of Sligo on the N15 Donegal Road along the Wild Atlantic Way and is very clearly signposted from both Sligo and Bundoran. The historic and literary associations of Lissadell and the wild dramatic natural beauty of its setting surrounded by mountains, sea and woodlands make Lissadell a must-visit heritage attraction in the North West. 

TRIPADVISOR "A surprisingly wonderful tour visit, steeped in history, part home, part estate, part museum. I highly recommend this stop when visiting the Drumcliff area of Ireland. Historical characters and references are so interesting in a spectacular setting on Galway Bay. Step back in time with this stop." 

Follow in the footsteps of W.B. Yeats in wandering through this beautifully restored estate on the shores of the Atlantic. Both Constance and her sister Eva Gore-Booth featured in a famous Yeats tribute:  "The light of evening, Lissadell, Great windows open to the south, Two girls in silk kimonos, both Beautiful, one a gazelle"

Today the estate has been near fully restored by the current owners Edward Walsh and Constance Cassidy with the large courtyard complex now serving as a multipurpose Visitor Centre which houses new exhibitions. Additional galleries feature exhibitions on Markievicz, Yeats and another famous visitor AE, George Russell.

This year we focus on the First Dáil Éireann (1919 - 1921) in which Countess Markievicz served as a Minister. Her portfolio was Labour. In December 1918 Countess Markievicz had become the first woman elected to the Westminster Parliament but refused to take her seat in Westminster as - having risked her life and liberty for Ireland’s freedom - she believed that Ireland should rule itself, and not be governed by a foreign power. She became a member of the first Dáil in January 1919, and accepted Ministerial portfolio, thus becoming the first woman cabinet minister in a modern Western European democracy. Countess Markievicz was a minister on the run, as Ireland did not achieve independence until 1921. She hid her cabinet papers in her piano.
 

The refurbished stable block and Riding Centre feature the newly designed Tearooms serving a high standard of cuisine in comfortable surroundings. Private function rooms and Wedding service including Civil Ceremonies are also now available.

Another must-see is the exquisite Alpine Garden perched over the Atlantic and visitors will enjoy the woodland trails and walks, always under the watchful eye of Benbulben. 

Lissadell House is perfect for a family visit and adventure where children will learn about important events of the past, what is was like to be a servant downstairs in a big house and explore the grounds seeing wild deer and sometimes even a seas eagle.

~ To discover (or share) more great places to explore in and about your home parish, see our LOCAL GUIDE ~