Coole

Coole is a placename used for several locations in Ireland. The name is of Irish origin and appears in many rural townlands and villages. In many cases it is linked to landscape features such as woodlands or corners, though the exact meaning can vary by locality. The name is attested in historical records dating to medieval times and remains a recognizable element of Irish geography.

The most prominent use of the name is Coole Park, a historic estate in County Galway near Gort. The estate was associated with Lady Augusta Gregory, a central figure in the Irish Literary Revival, and its grounds became a gathering place for writers and artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The landscape around a lake at Coole Park inspired poetry by W. B. Yeats, notably The Wild Swans at Coole. Today, Coole Park is appreciated as a nature reserve and a cultural landmark that highlights Ireland’s literary heritage.

Beyond Coole Park, the name Coole appears for several other townlands and small settlements across Ireland. These instances reflect the widespread use of the placename in rural administrative divisions and local geography.