Amid the solemn remnants of a once-sturdy edifice, nature reclaims its dominion as elegant trees emerge from the heart of the ruins. Time has crumbled the walls and worn away the foundations, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful tableau. The delicate yet resilient trunks of these trees writhe upwards like sinuous dancers, their journey culminating in a verdant embrace that forms a living canopy above.
This evocative scene unfolds within the historic locale of the Gunpowder Mills in Ballincollig. Here, the convergence of human ingenuity and nature’s inexorable advance creates a poignant contrast, as the tenacious growth of the trees emerges amidst the tangible echoes of a forgotten past. The rustle of leaves in the breeze and the interplay of sunlight and shadow across the time-worn stones stir the senses, transporting the observer to a realm where time’s tapestry weaves together the threads of creation and decay.
Kilcrea Friary in Co Cork as the sun set behind it. Despite the unusually wet summer, this particular evening was dry and warm and just about perfect for a sunset.
“Ardfry Castle dates to approx. 1770 and was built by Joseph Blake, member of the famous Blake Family, who later gained the title of Lord Wallscourt.” (Ardfry Castle on Visit Galway)
Known locally as “The Abbey”, this ruin was a Franciscan friary that operated from the 1400s to 1796 when the last friar died. In the background you can see the Baltimore Beacon.
Timoleague Abbey, in the town of the same name in Co Cork is an impressive building from the road. I must have driven (or been driven by my parents) past there hundreds of times over the years from childhood on but I don’t think I explored the Abbey ruins until about 3 or 4 years ago.
This is the graveyard surrounding the ruins, on a beautiful April afternoon last week. More on the Abbey here:
Timoleague abbey was founded by the franciscan order in 1240 A.D. The abbey was built on the site of a monastic settlement founded by Saint Molaga in the 6th century. The villages name comes from the Irish for House of Molaga, Tigh Mologa.The abbey was extended by Donal Glas McCarthy in 1312, and by Irish and Norman patrons in the 16th century. The monks were dispersed by the Reformation, but returned in 1604. In 1612 the abbey was sacked by English soldiers who also smashed all of the stained glass windows, but much of the significant architecture remains. The friars remained in the abbey until 1629.
Out in the wilds of Co Cork, to the north of Bantry I found an old deserted farm. The house looked like it had been empty for some time and some of the out buildings were in worse repair.
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