Ireland IX (Jerpoint to Kilcooley, Ireland)

Digital original

This day was focused in no small way on the ruins of religious sites, as most of the remaining days in Ireland would be. The morning saw a drive across central Ireland to Jerpoint Abbey, which was a pleasure to photograph, even through it was constantly threatening to rain.

Digital infrared original

Jerpoint Abbey is a ruined Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of the 12th century, near Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

Digital original

Kilkenny is a city located in south-east part of Ireland and the county town of the eponymous County Kilkenny. It is built on both banks of the River Nore in the province of Leinster.

Digital original, 2 frame exposure blend

Walking around Kilkenney, I only had my smaller Sony mirrorless, so the distortion in this image (of the refurbished horse barns of Kilkenney Castle) is pretty evident...all the same, the smaller camera was absolutely the ideal camera for just walking around town.

Digital infrared original

This was the first image on the Irish trip that I knew was a success - it was the end of the day when we arrived at Kilcooley Abbey, and the low, angular light was just perfect, coming into the ruin and highlighting the texture of the ancient stones. I felt like the ghost of Frederic H. Evans was looking over my shoulder.

Digital infrared original, 2 frame stitch

Kilcooley Abbey is a Cistercian Abbey close to the Village of Gortnahoe,in Co Tipperary, located within the grounds of the Kilcooley Estate. This abbey dates from 1182 when Donal Mor O’ Brien granted lands to the Cistercians, to build an abbey here. The abbey which is a sister house to both Jerpoint Abbey and Holy Cross Abbey, is considered to be a hidden gem, tucked away in this remote corner of County Tipperary.