Glentornan is a deserted village in County Donegal, nestled beside Lough Dunlewey, with a magnificent view of Errigal mountain. Who lived there years ago, and why did they leave?
Restoration of Secret Victorian Walled Garden at Kylemore Abbey
We were staying at Leenaun in Connamara recently for a school reunion of my husband’s class from over four decades ago! I hadn’t been there for many years, and it was wonderful to see how unspoilt it is; still with its beautiful golden and purple landscape at this time of year. Best of all, from my point of view, was the story of Kylemore Abbey’s restoration of an abandoned garden from decades ago.
Dunguaire Castle and its stories
I know why old Irish castles and towers stand on picturesque sites on the edge of the sea or on hillsides. Yes, our ancestors probably admired the views like we would do nowadays, but for them the main purpose was safety. Their homes required prominent positions because they needed to be able to see their enemies advancing from a long way off. It was vital they had time to prepare for an attack. Dunguaire Castle, near Kinvara and situated on the rocky coastline of Galway Bay, is a perfect example.
A dramatic setting for a castle - Dunluce is worth a visit
Wandering in old graveyards - St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
This is the beautiful and peaceful graveyard of Saint Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny. Graves here are decorated by nature with wildflowers like poppies, roses and valerian. Some of the headstones are hard to read because they’re so weathered but tombs inside the Cathedral building date from mediaeval times.