The beautiful landscapes of Sligo that inspired W.B. Yeats feature in a new Channel 4 travel series, which is all about the places that have inspired some of Ireland’s literary greats.
Sandi’s Ireland: A Literary Journey, fronted by broadcaster, author and comedian Sandi Toksvig, begins airing on Channel 4 and More4 on Thursday, September 3.
Co-produced by Tourism Ireland and produced by Cornelia Street Productions, the series sees Sandi – a lifelong lover of literature, theatre and music – explore the landscapes, places and people that have inspired some of our greatest writers, poets and storytellers.
Episode one features Sligo, with Sandi visiting Yeats’ grave at Drumcliffe and meeting with Susan O’Keefe, Executive Director of The Yeats Society, to hear about how Sligo’s landscape inspired Yeats’ poetry.
Aidan Power, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Marketing, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to support the production of ‘Sandi’s Ireland: A Literary Journey’ through our International Programming Ireland Fund. Sandi’s journey will shine a spotlight not only on our rich literary heritage but also on the spectacular landscapes that have inspired generations of writers – inspiring viewers to come and explore Sligo and Ireland for themselves.”
Sandi Toksvig said: “Visiting Ireland to film this new series was a wonderful experience. As a lifelong book lover, I’ve always wanted to explore Ireland’s rich literary culture and understand why the island is home to so many phenomenal storytellers. Following in the footsteps of some of Ireland’s literary giants and exploring the landscapes, places and people that have inspired them was a real treat.”