“The creations of a great writer are little more than the moods and passions of his own heart, given surnames and Christian names, and sent to walk the earth.” – W.B. Yeats
“Beginning of wisdom,” shot at Thor Ballyee (May 2012)
We stopped off at a number of places on our first full day, but none was as spectacular and enchanting as Thor Ballyee, the home of W. B. Yeats. From Wikipedia:
“As he had an affinity for the Irish language, Yeats dropped the term “castle” in naming the property and replaced it with “Thoor” (Túr), the Irish word for “tower”; thus, the place has been known as Thoor Ballylee. For twelve years, Thoor Ballylee was Yeats’ summer home as it was his country retreat. In a letter to a friend, he wrote, “Everything is so beautiful that to go elsewhere is to leave beauty behind.” Consequently, it is no wonder that Yeats was inspired and compelled to create literary works at Ballylee such as poems as ‘The Tower’ and ‘Coole Park and Ballylee.’
The light reflecting off the water was like nothing I had ever seen before – with a singular glow and a shimmer. I was quite literally the last one back on the bus after shooting the area for about a half-hour. I will dig up some highlights when we land in Cashel today, assuming we have Internet access.
Meantime, check out my first “iPhone Ireland” photoshow on Facebook, here.
Among many other stops, this afternoon we ended our day at the home of W.B. Yates called Ballylee. Full post and pics coming tomorrow since Internet is spotty tonight.
Getting warmer… we have to dash off to our next spot otherwise I’d sample all these.
Our travel group plays an Irish number before takeoff…
“Going back to Ireland involves at least six to seven emotional breakdowns for me per day.”
Anjelica Huston
Headed out today through JFK. I’m hoping for emotional inspiration rather than breakdowns. 😉
Coming in May, I’ll be joining a student trip through the Irish countryside – and will be blogging the whole way through. More to follow soon.
littlebithazel 