Happy new year from all at Thoor Ballylee!
100th anniversary of Yeats’s Nobel Prize
Another successful year has come to a close at Yeats’s tower. In 2023 we welcomed over 4,000 visitors, guided forty tour groups, and held numerous events to commemorate the centenary of W.B. Yeats’s Nobel Prize.
Nobel Words
On the eve of Culture Night, in September, Thoor Ballylee hosted the Premier of ‘Nobel Words’ a one-act play by Board member, Peggy Monahan. The play was met with a rapturous response, and went on to perform at Gort Town Hall and Yeats Society Sligo.
Culture Night
On Culture Night we threw open the doors to an evening of music by the fireside, from Eileen Fleming, Frank Hall and Peter Brazier.
Poetry Competition
This summer, a major new poetry competition marked the 100th anniversary of Yeats’s Nobel Prize. Launched on his birthday, the award attracted hundreds of entrants from around the world. Guest of honour Caitriona Yeats, granddaughter of W.B. Yeats, presented the prizes. The winners were Catherine Phil MacCarthy with first prize, Kitty Donnelly, with second prize, and Breda Joyce with third prize.
Biodiversity at Thoor
A Biodiversity project continues under the guidance of Áine Ní Fhlatharta who is mapping the area and held two workshops during the season.
Mill Wheel Restoration
“Hurray for revolution!” Work on the mill wheel continues with Eugene Murphy and PJ Murphy.
Martin Shaw
A return visit in mid-October by renowned storyteller, Martin Shaw, brought down the curtain on a busy year.
Finally, thank you!
We are indebted to the generosity of our sponsors and benefactors. Our first Artist Residency with Ellen Frances was kindly sponsored by Aidan Eames. This year we acquired four John B. Yeats sketches thanks to Ronnie O’Gorman. Two picnic tables and gravelled paths courtesy of Fiona O’Driscoll and Peter Minihane. Stone seats were sponsored by Frank McCormack and Rena McAllen.
As in former years, none of this could happen without the help of our wonderful volunteers. This year we welcomed new members Peter Minihane, Bernie Collins, Sandra Flaherty, and Joe Walsh. They joined Pauline, JJ, John, Anne, Ruth, Aidan, Pat, and Gus.
Special thanks to our mainstays Nichola and Anthony. We welcome Lewis Goodman who is replacing Anthony on the CE Scheme. Our appreciation goes to Fáilte Ireland for vital maintenance work during the season. We have now completed our ninth year at Thoor Ballylee and we look forward to welcoming you back next season. In the meantime, we wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year!
Thoor Ballylee 