Having visited 34 countries and explored lots of castles, palaces and manor houses, I had zero expectations before visiting Lissadell House. However, I was pleasantly surprised from the moment I arrived there.
Located in a beautiful area, with the Darty mountains as a backdrop and overlooking Drumcliff Bay, Lissadell House is a true Sligo’s hidden gem, where history meets the present.
Built in the 1830s, the house remained in the ownership of the Gore-Booth family until 2003. The most renowned member of the family was Constance Markievicz. She was a leading Irish revolutionary, who became the first woman elected to both the British House of Commons and the Irish Parliament, although she did not take her seat at Westminster.
“Dress suitably in short skirts and strong boots. Leave your jewels in the bank, and buy a revolver. Don’t trust your "feminine charm”... but take up your responsibilities and be prepared to go your own way, depending for safety on your own courage, your own truth and your own common sense”. Countess Markievicz, address to the Irish Women’s Franchise League, October 1915.
Talking about Lissadel House it is impossible not to mention W.B.Yeats. The renowned Irish poet visited the house in 1892 and 1893, when he was still a young man. Inspired by the Gore-Booth Sisters, Eva and Constance, he later dedicated his iconic poem “In memory of Eva Gore-Booth and Con Markievicz” to them. Written in 1927 after the both sisters had died, the poem recalls their youth at Lissadel.
“The light of evening, Lissadell
Great windows open to the south
Two girls in silk kimonos, both
Beautiful, one a gazelle. … “
In the 20th century the house fell into disrepair and was sold by Josslyn Gore-Booth to the Cassidy-Walsh family in 2003. The new owners carried out an extensive restoration, bringing Lissadell back to its former glory. Although they live in the house, they choose to open it to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty and rich history. The house has 60 rooms, including the gallery with unique acoustics. The rooms open to visitors have kept the elegance and atmosphere of the 19th century, transporting guests back to this era.
This summer Lissadell House is open until the 30th of August. Guided tours are available, offering visitors a fascinating journey to the house's history and everyday life in the 19th century. During the tour you will discover how the typical day in the life of the aristocracy looked like, how the household in Lissadell was organised and why the chefs were allowed to have up to 4pints of beer a day.
Like any big old house Lissadell has its own ghost stories. According to local stories, at least four spirits live in the house and even W.B.Yeats is said to have seen onen during one of his visits. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, they definitely add a pinch of mystery to this place. Curious to learn who these ghosts are? Join the tour and discover their stories!
Useful travel tip: if you use Google maps, it may direct you to an entrance that is no longer accessible for visitors. When you reach this point, simply keep on driving and follow the signs to Lissadell House. The entrance is about 2 km further on, via Church Ave, opposite the Anglican church. The air code is F91W2K1.
There is a free car park near the estate. From there it is about a three-minute walk to the Coach House where you find the reception, ticket office, souvenir shop and a cafe. Tickets are available at the reception. From the Coach House it is another three-minute walk to Lissadel House.
Please, be notified that dogs are NOT allowed.
For opening hours, tours and tickets information, please, visit the official website: https://lissadellhouse.com/rental-properties-copy/
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sT3xmsQCf7AhSLtU9
Directions from Sligo Park Hotel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bb3vgYgfvZFbmQt2A
Written by Kate Dorogina Velde.
