Kylemore Abbey
Blog/Photography / March 09, 2011

Kylemore Abbey

Taken on an overcast day at Kylemore Abbey. As far as I can remember, Kylemore Abbey was originally a private home built by Mitchell Henry back in the 1860s. Mitchell, a wealthy English politician, spared no expense during construction of the house.

For me, the highlight of the grounds has to be the walled garden – it originally featured 21 glass houses, which were heated by boilers which allowed him to grow banannas and other tropical plants. And as most of the glasshouses were linked, it also gave guests a dry warm place to walk on the days when the weather was being less than cooperative. Sadly all of the original glass houses were collapsed over time, however two have been restored to their former glory.

In the 1920s, the Benedictine Community founded the Abbey and opened a boarding school. They are doing a fabulous job maintaining the grounds.

I really wish I could have seen this place in the 1800s – it must have been something else.

A weekend with the N8
Photography / March 08, 2011

A weekend with the N8

A PR company, Simply Zesty (via Stephen over at Galloping Green), got in touch last week about a campaign Nokia were running for their new flagship model – the N8. Basically they were looking for a few photo bloggers to take photos at various locations (more…)

Road to Leenane
Photography / March 06, 2011

Road to Leenane

Taken on the road to Leenane from Louisburgh. I took a few different shots of this particular view. For me the road provides scale, but I’m not 100% sure about the composition at the same time. Comments and thoughts appreciated.

Listowel Bound
Photography / February 27, 2011

Listowel Bound

One from the archives. Taken at the Limerick Tunnel open day last June (2010). The newly built tunnel under the river Shannon was opened for the public to walk for one day before it was opened to traffic. Kevin, Barry and I went along for the walk. I forgot I had processed this one and just found it today – with travel still very much on my mind, I thought I’d post it.

Winter Scene
Photography / January 24, 2011

Winter Scene

Another Wintery shot taken on Christmas morning 2010. I’m noticing a trend starting here – time for a change of topic and I have to stop shooting into the sun!

Winter Light
Photography / January 12, 2011

Winter Light

Taken very early on Christmas Day while walking around in Adare, Co. Limerick. The low, early morning Winter Sun burst through the frost covered trees casting long shadows.

Walking the Dog
Photography / January 10, 2011

Walking the Dog

Taken in Loughrea, Co. Galway – December 2010.

Soapbox Racer
Photography / November 19, 2010

Soapbox Racer

A tetraptych of shots taken at the OUTSTANDING soapbox race at the Pumpkin Festival in Virginia, Co. Cavan.

This particular entry was made out of two wheelie bins – making a fine Massey 165. Maximum attack is the only way to describe this drivers approach. He stayed off the brakes all the way down to the straight, getting big air off the jump. Unaware of the recent departure of one of his rear wheels on landing, the driver demonstrated incredible commitment – opting to look down the road as he poured on the opposite lock, deperately trying to wrestle his machine back in line. This guy was determined to make it home. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, the wreck came to a standstill in front of us. After being helped from the Massey by the marshals, the driver walked down the course smiling for the cheering crowd, carrying his only souvenir of the event, the rogue rear wheel. Theres always next year.

Seriously, we were really impressed by the engineering, bodging, creativity, driving skills, commitment and general lunacy of all the teams involved. Well done to all.

We’ll be back again next year – with a racer of our own. I think we’ve found something new to do in the Motorsport off-season next year. 😉

Click here for full size Image.

Pumpkin
Photography / November 17, 2010

Pumpkin

Eanna and Stephani were kind enough to bring Síofra and myself up to the Pumpkin Festival in Virginia, Co. Cavan back in October. The festival was much bigger than I expected, with lots of huge pumpkins, food stalls and entertainment – it made for a great day out.

Little Adventure
Photography / November 05, 2010

Little Adventure

A little lad wanders into the shadows cast by the evening sun. This is the last of the series from Ballybunion for the moment – it’s time for a change!

The Sentry
Photography / November 03, 2010

The Sentry

The remains of Ballybunion castle (14th Century) looking out over the Atlantic.

All suggestions are welcome – I’m posting to learn, so feedback is very useful! 🙂

Abandoned by the tide
Photography / November 01, 2010

Abandoned by the tide

Taken on the beach in Ballybunion. I’m really not sure about the processing. Comments and Critique are very welcome!