Thoor Ballylee
Just 30 Minutes from The Claregalway Hotel
The Thoor Ballylee, a well-preserved 14th century Norman tower that once belonged to the Nobel Prize winner W.B. Yeats, was described by Seamus Heaney as the most important building in Ireland. It was here the poet spent summers with his family and was inspired to write some of his finest and most famous poetry.
Unfortunately, due to flood damage in the winter of 2009/10 the tower was closed to the public for 6 years. Thankfully, the Years Thoor Ballylee Society came together and are actively working to achieve permanent restoration of the tower. The tower and surrounding cottages can be viewed all-year-round, thanks to the brilliant team of volunteers, visitors can view the Years Thoor Ballylee Exhibition during the Summer months. This exhibition explores W.B. Yeats’ relationship with the place and people that inspired his work and in turn inspired a nation of scholars, poets and artists.
As of April 2019, new studio space was opened to house workshops, exhibitions, special events, youth groups and educationals talks. A series of craft workshops are planned throughout the year featuring textiles, printmaking, spinning, poetry, drama, storytelling, and more. It is a hugely popular tourist attraction and the perfect escape while staying at the Claregalway Hotel. Located just 35 minutes drive from our hotel, the Thoor Ballylee is an ideal destination for guests with an interest in Irish history and our cultural heritage.
Why Stay With Us?
The Claregalway Hotel offers the finest in luxury accommodation in Galway along with a friendly and helpful team of staff that are more than happy to assist you during your stay in the West of Ireland. Start your day off right with a full Irish Breakfast that comes included with our overnight Bed & Breakfast package and maybe extend that stay with overnight Dinner, Bed & Breakfast where you will arrive back to a 3-course gourmet evening meal in our Bia & Co gastropub and restaurant.
Our hotel is the perfect base for exploring the west with complimentary access to our leisure centre which allows you to unwind and relax after you day out discovering all Galway has to offer.