Lough Gill is a lake mainly situated in County Sligo, but partly in County Leitrim. It is about 8 km (5 miles) long and 2 km (1 mile) wide and drains into the River Garavogue near Sligo Town. The picturesque lake is surrounded by wooded hills and is popular with birdwatchers. It is overlooked by the fortified manor house, Parke's Castle.
William Butler Yeats love of Sligo is well documented and much of his poetry is inspired by the locality. In the poem titled “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” Yeats talked about one of the Islands on Lough Gill here in County Sligo. The Island is not accessable but may be viewed from land or by boat. The lake Isle of Innisfree boat trip is available from Parke’s Castle. Take a tour of Lough Gill on the Rose of Innisfree: www.roseofinnisfree.com
“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.”
W.B. Yeats (1888)
William Butler Yeats love of Sligo is well documented and much of his poetry is inspired by the locality. In the poem titled “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” Yeats talked about one of the Islands on Lough Gill here in County Sligo. The Island is not accessable but may be viewed from land or by boat. The lake Isle of Innisfree boat trip is available from Parke’s Castle. Take a tour of Lough Gill on the Rose of Innisfree: www.roseofinnisfree.com
“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.”
W.B. Yeats (1888)