Ireland

The Full Irish!

Cromwell Point lighthouse with Dingle Peninsula in the distance on the left.

The beautiful cast iron spandrels of the columns supporting Tuam station's platform roofing also support a blackbird. The station was originally opened in 1860 as part of the Waterford, Limerick and Western Railway (later Great Southern & Western Railway) route between Limerick and Sligo. It was closed, along with the whole route, in 1976 during Córas Iompair Éireann's rationalisation of the rail network.

Just been pulled, red onions in the walled garden make a very pleasing composition.

The abandoned down platform of the MGWR station at Mullingar is slowly deteriorating. The up platform looks in better shape but neither are in railway operational use. Note the junction signal box in the centre distance. The line from here to Athlone opened in 1851 as the first line from Dublin to Galway but with intercity trains diverted in 1973 it closed for passengers in 1987 and freight in the 1990s. Trains to Galway are now concentrated on the old Great Southern and Western Railway via Portarlington to Athlone. HFF & have a great weekend.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755 and today is a National Trust site. You don't have to be scared of heights as the bridge swings 100ft above the sea linking the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. The bridge is located on the North Antrim Coastal Path and road, 7 miles from Giant's Causeway, ½ mile from Ballintoy village. For the avoidance of doubt this shot is looking back from the island to the mainland & yes I did cross the bridge! And yes it was a bit scary!! Well worth it though. HFF to everyone. Enjoy your weekend - hopefully in the sun!

Ashford Castle Hotel near the village of Cong is an impressive building but so are the grounds seen here at sunset. We spent a few days there for my wife's birthday back in 2010. A cold and snowy few days but the sun shone. Founded in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman De Burgo and then captured by the English Lord Bingham in 1589 it was bought by the Guiness family in 1852. It has been rebuilt and extended many times. It became a hotel in 1939 and was doubled in size in 1970. Not cheap but a great place to stay. HFF to everyone. Have a great weekend.

The village of Cong is well-known as Inisfree the village setting for the 1952 film The Quiet Man starring John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara. The connections with the film have led to the area becoming a tourist attraction. The evening light tints the whole village with a warm glow on this icy winter day. HWW to everybody. Have a great day.