Category: Mayo

Lobster Fisherman, John Gallagher

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
Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Raking the Hay, The Kelly Family

by irishvisions

Story
Tom, Jack, Mary and Thomas Kelly are working to bring in the hay but pause their efforts for Helen to photograph the scene. The Kelly’s are near Granuaile’s Castle in Carraigahowley, Co. Mayo. Farmers usually wore work shirts while laboring. New shirts were worn on Sundays only, transitioned to weekday wear later, then became work shirts as they aged. The men wore galluses (suspenders) to hold up their trousers even when wearing a belt. During “The Emergency” years of the Second World War, clothes and other goods were scarce and beyond most people’s modest means. Mending was common as people made do with what they had.
Location
Carraigahowley, Co. Mayo
Date
1943
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Ribs and Oars of a Currach

by irishvisions

Story
In 1938, Helen and Ernie O’Malley visited Inishbofin Island just off the Galway coast. Transport to the islands was via large boat that would often carry a currach on board. If a port had no pier, the crew could lower the currach, unload the ship’s cargo and row their goods ashore. This image highlights a plank-built currach with its wooden oars and thin wood ribs inside a tar-covered shell. Once made out of stretched animal hides and now canvas, the thin skin is all that separates the fishermen from rough, cold ocean waters.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Island Ways

by irishvisions

Story
During their visit to Clare Island in 1938, Helen and Ernie O’Malley observed many of the local conditions. No telephone lines or motor cars are present in this village scene. Some of the older residents wear traditional clothing as does the woman in the background of the picture. Note the two panniers on either side of the horse’s back. These woven wicker baskets were used to transport goods. In this image the local parish priest can be identified by his white collar as he wheels his bicycle through the village.
Location
Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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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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Fairy Mound and Hawthorn Trees

by irishvisions

Story
Traditional folklore in rural Ireland maintains fairies live in drumlin mounds with hawthorn trees growing on top and around them. There were many times in rural communities when local workers would not help dig a road, foundation or railway line through a fairy mound. To this day, there are several examples of the Irish refusing to disrupt these hallowed sites especially for the construction of modern roadways.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1939
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Rural Altar

by irishvisions

Story
During the time of the 18th century Penal Laws, the British administration forbade Irish Catholics from the Irish people would assemble in a well-protected rural area to hold their religious services. Posted lookouts would warn of approaching police. This stone altar is typical of those used during that era. The large slab of rock might be from an ancient dolmen. The white quartz stone is also a symbol of pre-Christian practices marking a sacred spot.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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