Last week we took a trip to Lissadell House in Sligo, this is the family home of Countess Constance Markievicz, formally Constance Gore-Booth and her sister Eva Gore-Booth, both of whom who incredibly active political figures in the early years of the 20th Century. The first time I visited Lissadell was with my Grandmother when …
Powerscourt Gardens
Another place I frequently visit is Powerscourt Gardens in Enniskerry. When the gardens were originally been set out one of the gardens the designers used as inspiration was Versailles, having been to Versailles, I can see the influence in Powerscourt. The house and gardens have a long and fascinating history, which intertwines with some of …
Archaeological Dig
The UCD Department of Archaeology has been running a dig in Glendalough since 2014. Over the last two years they have given volunteers an opportunity to get involved and to help them dig the site. I had initially heard of this Project last year, however, I was unable to take part as all the spaces …
Johnstown Castle
Johnstown Castle & Gardens is in Wexford and is incredibly easy to find. The Castle is 19th Century in date, even though the Estate dates back to the 11th Century when an English family called the Esmondes settled in the area shortly after the Norman invasion in 1169. The castle now houses the Agricultural Museum, …
Hellfire Club
The Hellfire Club is a place in the Dublin Mountains that I have kept meaning to go to, and up until today, had 100% failed to do. However, that has now changed. It is about a 2.5Km walk up Montpelier Hill to get to the ruins of what is known as the Hellfire Club. The building …
Monkstown Castle
Another tour I took part in during the Summer of Heritage was one of Monkstown Castle. I was very familiar with this building, so I was curious as to learn about the history of the ruins. The first castle built here was built by the Cistercian Monks of St Mary’s Abbey at the centre of a …
National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland recently re-opened, so I had to visit it, as it has been a very long time since I was there last. The massive refurbishment that has taken place in the Gallery is fantastic. The place looks great. It was just a short visit, so I need to go back to …
Emo Court
Another day, another place to visit, this time it was Emo Court in Laois. I have been to Emo Court a few times in the past and it is always worth a visit. Today, we took the house tour, stopped for tea and Lemon Cake and then walked around the lake. The water levels in …
Carrickbrennan Graveyard
As part of the Summer of Heritage, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown have opened up Carrickbrennan Graveyard for tours every Tuesday and Thursday. I joined one of the tours last week, and it was fascinating. I have passed the gate that leads to this location many, many times in the past without realising what it led to. …
Saltee Islands
I visited the Saltee Islands in Wexford, which is a bird sanctuary 5km offshore, so that I could take photos of Puffins. I wanted to focus on Puffins during this trip. This is one of my favourite places in Ireland, I love how peaceful it is, and how close you can get to the birds. …
Gallagher Photography 