Category: 1970’s

Footed Turf, Treacherous Water

by irishvisions

Story
Given the amount of rainfall in Ireland, bogs are generally quite wet and dangerous to traverse. In this scene, a bog face has been recently cut. Its damp sods of turf are tossed upon the bank to begin the drying process. Farmers will then stack the pieces to allow more air to flow through the turf. Once dry enough, the peat is stacked in ever larger mounds and eventually into an enormous reek. Turf reeks are frequently positioned near a bog path to allow easy access for the horse and cart that bring the fuel home.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1975
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Bogwood Evolution: Tree to Turf

by irishvisions

Story
Ireland was originally covered with trees. Over the centuries their remains have been transformed into bogland. Even today, bogs reveal evidence of the large trees that once grew there. As the trees decayed, the bogs developed. In turn, locals cut the bog to provide turf to burn in their hearths to warm their homes and cook. This image depicts the silvered stump of an ancient tree just below the earth’s surface. Above it, a turf reek awaits transport to the farmer’s home.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1975
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Entering Holy Ground

by irishvisions

Story
In this image of the holy grounds of Glendalough, the sun is setting. The cemetery and abbey ruins are suffused with the sun’s waning rays. Helen O’Malley was conscious of using natural light. She would often wait to photograph a subject at a later time if the sun would then provide better illumination.
Location
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
Date
1975
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Convergence/Divergence

by irishvisions

Story
Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most revered religious sites. St. Kevin founded a monastery here in the sixth century. It features a ninth century round tower built to protect the monks from invading Vikings. This image captures the juncture of two vastly different sets of steps.
Location
Glendalough Monastery, Co. Wicklow
Date
1975
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Cloister Honor Guard

by irishvisions

Story
Helen and Ernie O’Malley visited the late-12thcentury Cistercian monastery, Jerpoint Abbey, during the late 1930’s. Helen returned in 1975 to photograph its arcade. To achieve this illuminated perspective of the pillared knights, she waited until the sun’s rays provided the right contrast to emphasize the sculptural craftsmanship of these effigies.
Location
Jerpoint Abbey, Co. Kilkenny
Date
1975
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Arched toward the Sky

by irishvisions

Story
The windowless ruins of St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, illustrate the elegance of medieval monastic venues. The carefully constructed stone walls and rounded arches give support to the gable ends where these tall elegant windows bring light to the sanctuary’s interior.
Location
Gowran, Co. Kilkenny
Date
1975
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Remains of Castleleaffy

by irishvisions

Story
The ruins of Castleleaffy Castle stand guard over Roscahill inlet near Westport. The remaining walls bear the scars of war, but the gracefully arched interior of the quarters can be clearly seen. In the 16th century, sons of powerful Irish clan chieftains were fostered out to be educated and trained in the arts of leadership and war. The heirs were entrusted to only the most highly regarded allies. Granuaile sent her son Tibbott to be fostered at Roscahill by Edmund Mac Tibbott, a sub-chieftain of her husband Richard Burke. Burke lived in the barony of Burrishoole near where Helen and Ernie O’Malley later moved and farmed.
Location
Roscahill, Westport, Co. Mayo
Date
1975
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