For users seeking specialized tour services in the region, Western Tours and Tales are offering expert Guided Tours. For 2026, we continue our popular Celtic Revival Tours. These tours concentrate in the South Galway region, which was closely linked to the Celtic Revival period.
The focus of this Themed tour is WB Yeats, Lady Gregory and the Irish Literary Revival
Typical Route Flow of Celtic Revival tour of South county Galway
Galway City → Thoor Ballylee → Coole Park → Loughrea Cathedral → Ardrahan / Labane Church → Dun Guaire Castle (Kinvara)
Start in Galway City
- Head southeast toward Gort.
- This former home of W.B. Yeats is the perfect opening stop to celebrate Celtic Revival literature and history. Guided talk by qualified guide
- A short drive from Thoor Ballylee. Walk the serene grounds once frequented by Lady Gregory, Yeats & the Irish Literary Revival circle. Listen to brief guided historical talk on this literary landscape near Gort.
Kiltartan Gregory School-House Museum
- Historic schoolhouse where Lady Gregory championed education, language and folklore.
St. Brendan’s Cathedral Loughrea (if time allows!)
- Continue east to the elegant neo-Gothic cathedral with its rich Celtic Revival art and architectural history.
Ardrahan / Labane Church (alternative)
- Head back west toward Ardrahan. Visit the small historic church, see Irish Stained Glass window examples and explore local parish heritage.
- On our final stop we head to the Galway Bay coast with bay views. This dramatic 16th-century castle is a scenic finale to your Celtic Revival journey.
On our return to the City, why not cap the experience off with a Lunch stop! For this we can suggest either Moran’s Oyster Cottage Restaurant or Paddy Burke’s Seafood House, Clarinbridge
For this themed tour, we can provide transport. We will pick you up from your accommodation. Alternatively, you’re welcome to use your own group transport.
Tour Description
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cultural Nationalism gained momentum in Ireland, particularly in south County Galway. This 5-hour tour provides an intriguing glimpse into the revival of Irish literary and artistic traditions. The effort was spearheaded by literary colleagues, WB Yeats, Lady Gregory and Edward Martyn.
This private Half-day tour commences in Galway city and the journey takes you south to rural Galway towards Thoor Ballylee. This 15th-century fortified Tower house was once the home of Irish poet, WB Yeats. He purchased it in the early 20th century.
The Guide leader will highlight Yeats’s significant role in the Literary Revival. They will showcase his publications on Irish folklore and fairy tales. With the assistance of Irish dramatist and Galway aristocrat, Edward Martyn, Yeats co-founded the Irish Literary Society. He also co-founded the Irish Literary Theater (later to be known as the Abbey) in Dublin. A short scene from the 1952 film The Quiet Man was filmed next to the tower.
Next, the group will continue south about seven kilometers to Coole Park via the R458. This Park is a picturesque nature reserve. It features woodland and ‘Turloughs’ (disappearing lakes). It also hosts diverse wildlife, including whooper swans. All of these are immortalized in Yeats’s poetry! Coole House was the residence of Lady Gregory who was another Irish Literary Society co-founder. After her death, house fell into ruin and was eventually demolished. Coole Park was central to the Irish Literary Revival. The woodland served as a sanctuary for writers during this Revival period. The ‘Autograph tree’ bears the names of notable visitors. It is within a charming walled flower garden.
Continuing from Coole, your group will travel South-east to visit nearby Loughrea town, home to St Brendan’s Cathedral. The cathedral has been described as a ‘treasure house’ of Celtic Revival art! It was decorated entirely by the Irish Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th century. It boasts remarkable elements crafted by prominent Irish artists. The cathedral is renowned for its Stained glass windows. It is also noted for its Bronze statues, sculpted columns, and the extensive use of Celtic patterns throughout.
Once you have finished exploring, your journey will continue based on the itinerary. You will travel via the local countryside and return to Galway City with your driver and Guide.
Western Tours and Tales 