Author: alan.laighleis
The National Stud
The Japanese Gardens were created between the years 1906–1910. They were devised by Colonel William Hall-Walker, from a famous brewing family and laid out by Japanese craftsman Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’. That plan was executed to…… Continue reading The National Stud
Ghost Signs
In every town and every city we are faced with a multitude of signs. Stores selling their wares, the latest electronic gadgets to the latest trends in fashion. Behind this facade of chrome and glass there is usually a hidden history, a different perspective of that place if you will. From the Elephants above SuperMacs…… Continue reading Ghost Signs
Castle Saunderson
The Saunderson family acquired the original castle during the Ulster plantation. The original castle was inhabited by the O’Reillys of Breffni and formerly known as Breffni Castle. The present castle dates from the 1840s. One notable member of the family born here was Edward Saunderson, a founder of the Ulster Unionist Party. Although unoccupied by…… Continue reading Castle Saunderson
Kilkea Castle
Kilkea Castle was erected in 1180 by Hugh de Lacy, the Earl of Ulster and the Chief Governor of Ireland, for Sir Walter de Riddlesford built a motte and bailey castle on the site in 1180. A grand daughter of his married Maurice Fitzgerald, and the Manor of Kilkea came into the possession of the…… Continue reading Kilkea Castle
Podge Kelly Workshop
I had teh pleasure of attending a worshop by teh fantastic Podge Kelly held by Breffni Camara club in Cavan. Podge has a way of breaking down lighting into simple to understand terms and can also create the magic of a portrait using what he calls “VALS” or Voice Activated Lighting. what are VALs? simpley…… Continue reading Podge Kelly Workshop
Mount Jerome Cemetery
The other day when we were walking by the graveyard near the house you asked me if I thought, we would ever die. And if life and love both fade so predictably, we’ve made ourselves a kind of predictable lie. So I pictured us like corpses lying side by side in pieces in some dark…… Continue reading Mount Jerome Cemetery
Fairy house car show
Abbey
Binn Éadair – from my archives
Binn Éadair or Howth is a peninsular village and outer suburb of Dublin, Ireland. It occupies the greater part of the peninsula of Howth Head, which forms the northern boundary of Dublin Bay, and includes the island of Ireland’s Eye, which holds multiple natural protection designations. A fishing village and small trading port from at…… Continue reading Binn Éadair – from my archives