Ireland XIX (Tyrone House to the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland)

Tyrone House County Galway is a ruined manor house, built in the 1770s for Christopher St. George. The house was destroyed by the local IRA unit during the Irish War of Independence.

Digital original, 2 frame stitch

I could have spent all day photographing Tyrone House, both the simple beauty of the architecture, and the contrast between the abandoned structure and the surge of new life that surrounded it

Digital original

Ardrey House was built in 1770 by by Joseph Blake, who later gained the title of Lord Wallscourt. This title became synonymous with the house that has now fallen to ruins. The Wallscourts lived there until the second wife of the fourth Earl frittered away all the family money on gambling. She even sold the lead of every roof on the estate. The mansion was left empty and much of the contents stolen.

Digital original

In 1241, the Dominican Priory in Athernry was founded, a major institution. It was ostensibly closed during the Protestant Reformation but survived until being desecrated and burned during the MacanIarla Wars of the 1570s, and was finally vandalized by Cromwellians in the 1650s.

Digital original, 6 frame stitch

This site was used as a monastery founded by St. Connell in the 6th century. Later in 1353, the Kilconnell Friary was established on the same site for the Franciscans. There is some evidence that this friary was actually founded later by William O'Kelly in 1414, although it is more widely believed that 1353 is the correct time period.

Digital original

Kilconnell escaped suppression in the early 1500's. However it fell to ruins in 1691, after King James II was defeated in the Battle of Aughrim. It appears as though some friars were in evidence until 1801.

Digital original, 2 frame stitch

The Cliffs of Moher rise 120 metres (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, and reach their maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometres to the north.