Ireland X (Aherlow Valley to Athassel Priory, Ireland)

Digital original

This day dawned damp and drizzly, so after a long morning of lazing around the rented accomidations, we headed to the north into the Aherlow Valley, where the views were pretty impressive.

Digital infrared original

Athassel Priory is the largest medieval priory in Ireland, stretching over a four acre site. The priory dates back to the 12th century when it was founded by the Augustinians under the patronage of Walter de Burgh, 1st Earl of Ulster, the original buildings were altered and renovated over the next 300 years. The priory was burnt twice, once in 1329 by Brian King of Thomond and again in 1581 by John Fitzgerald of Desmond. A large town had grown up around the priory but was destroyed during the two raids.

Digital infrared original

It was a real pleasure photographing at Athassel Priory; with no-one else around, it was ultimately rain which ended the day, but not before I made some really pleasing image, including this one of an ancient stairway.

Digital original

At the end of the day, back in Cahir, the twilight clouds moving over the mountains to the south were haunting.