Ireland

Designed by John Roberts Tyrone House was built in 1779 for Christopher French St. George, part of an old Co. Galway family with Norman Irish roots. Empty since 1905, the house was torched by the IRA during the War of Independence in 1921 when the house was rumoured to be a base for the Black & Tan army during the War of Independence. An elderly and bed-bound caretaker was reputed to be inside at the time, but the IRA carried his bed, bedding and furniture downstairs, put him in one of the out-offices and then set the place alight. It has lain derelict since but many of the valuable architectural features have been removed. It is a very atmospheric and melancholy sight especially at sunset.

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.

The impressive Trim Castle and River Boyne lit up at night. Trim Castle, Ireland's largest Norman castle was built in the late 12th century following the Norman invasion of Ireland. It was used in the production of the film Braveheart

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.

The light was going but Croagh Patrick was catching the last winter rays. Seen from Westport Co. Mayo.

Flame-red Fuchsia grows everywhere in the west of Ireland. Looking north from Valentia Island the Blasket Islands and the Dingle Peninsula are on the horizon. A beautiful part of the world. HFF to everyone. Enjoy the weekend.