At the far end of Hyde Bridge, the Yeats Building stands out for its red brick, gables and irregular silhouette on the banks of the Garavogue. The former bank is now home to the Yeats Society Sligo. Visitors come to explore the connection between the poet William Butler Yeats and the county’s landscapes, or to see an exhibition at the Hyde Bridge Gallery. Both visits take place at the same address, but follow different schedules. That is the first detail to check before crossing the bridge.
The building was constructed around 1899 for the Royal Bank of Ireland, to designs by Vincent Craig. The Irish architectural inventory associates it with the Arts and Crafts movement. From the bridge or the quayside, look for the small square tower around which the building’s various sections are arranged. Its gables, tall brick chimneys and projecting windows create a silhouette best appreciated with a little distance. Different angles reveal different views of the same building, especially where the street meets the river.
According to the Yeats Society’s archives, the building became its headquarters after being donated to the organisation in 1973. This conversion explains the present-day combination of a building designed as a bank, spaces devoted to literature and an art gallery. For travellers, it also serves as a landmark in Sligo. Pause in front of the façade as you follow the Garavogue, then return for the exhibition at a confirmed opening time.
To take in the façade, begin on the side of the bridge that gives you the best view from a distance. The red brick catches the eye first, then the varying roof heights become more apparent. Head back towards the entrance to look more closely at the details around the openings. This brief stop works even between exhibitions or when the building is closed. It also provides an easy starting point for a waterside walk before returning to the town centre’s shopping streets.
The permanent The Poetic Mind of W. B. Yeats exhibition explores the work of William Butler Yeats through his ideas and family background. It notably highlights the gyre, a spiral figure he used to think about cycles and the tensions between opposing forces. If you are new to Yeats, start by reading the section on the family’s connections with Sligo. It provides useful reference points before moving on to the more abstract aspects of his thought. The exhibition also features work by several members of the family.
The connection with the landscape becomes more tangible if you know The Lake Isle of Innisfree. The island mentioned in the poem lies on Lough Gill, east of the town. You can read the poem before your visit, then save the lake for another part of your stay. This pairing brings together two Sligo experiences. Inside the building, you explore a poet’s work. By the lake, you discover the landscape that inspired one of his best-known poems.
The Hyde Bridge Gallery presents a temporary exhibition programme, featuring artists from the region as well as projects from further afield. The space dates back to the Sligo Art Gallery, which opened upstairs in 1977. The programme changes with each exhibition. Check the dates before making a special trip if you are interested in a particular show. A single visit can offer two very different perspectives: a literary journey devoted to Yeats and the work of a contemporary artist exhibiting in the town.
To extend your artistic visit, head to The Model on The Mall. This is where the Niland Collection is housed, including works by Jack B. Yeats, William’s painter brother. Check which works are on display if you are coming to see a particular painting. Combining the two venues, you can spend half a day exploring poetry and painting without leaving the town centre.
The official opening-hours page lists the literary exhibition and gallery separately. In 2026, the announced season for The Poetic Mind ran until the end of September. The Hyde Bridge Gallery season continues until December. If you are visiting out of season for the literary exhibition, or would like an option including a talk or library access, contact the Yeats Society before travelling. Allow around 45 minutes to an hour for a first visit, depending on which spaces are open and how much time you wish to spend with the texts.
Want to extend your visit without having to rush around? Here are a few well-located places to stay near the must-see attractions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Hyde Bridge, Sligo, County Sligo, Republic of Ireland, Tourist sites in Ireland
54.27209, -8.47490
Announced 2026 season: The Poetic Mind of W. B. Yeats, from May to the end of September, Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm. Hyde Bridge Gallery, from March to December, Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm. Confirm out-of-season opening and occasional closures with the Yeats Society.
Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Hyde Bridge Gallery: free. Literary exhibition: €6 per adult, €18 for 2 adults and 2 children over 12, free for under-12s. Options advertised at €10 with a talk, and €12 with a talk and library access.
