Under bare Ben Bulben
Benbulben forms part of the Dartry Mountain range and dominates the horizon throughout much of County Sligo. While this panorama shot is dominated by the gentle southern slopes of the mountain, the dramatic cliffs of the northern face can also be seen to the left of the shot. The mountain range twists around into the Glencar valley to the right of the photo.
William Butler Yeats described Sligo as 'The Land of Heart's Desire' and the county is said to be the inspiration for much of his work. He is buried in nearby Drumcliff churchyard as per his wishes outlined in the poem Under bare Ben Bulben:
Under bare Ben Bulben's head
In Drumcliff churchyard Yeats is laid.
An ancestor was rector there
Long years ago, a church stands near,
By the road an ancient cross.
No marble, no conventional phrase;
On limestone quarried near the spot
By his command these words are cut:
Cast a cold eye
On life, on death.
Horseman, pass by!