Temple of Poseidon, Sounion

The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion, south of Athens in Greece is an imposing structure, believed to have been built around 700BC.

It’s a tourist attraction now, attracting people from all over the world, as well as school trips for kids from all over the region.


Apertureƒ/11
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/160s

A forest in the ruins

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.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO400
Shutter speed6s

The Ruins of Kilcrea Friary

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.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/250s

The Sherkin Island Abbey

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.

Aperture ƒ/8
Camera Canon EOS 6D
Focal length 40mm
ISO 250
Shutter speed 1/250s

Timoleague Abbey and Graveyard

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.

Aperture ƒ/10
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 10mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/200s

Derelict House on Blarney Street

A run down house, barely a shell, sits boarded up on Blarney Street, Cork.

Paddy’s Day was productive, away from the parade!

Aperture ƒ/7.1
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 18mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/100s

Old farm building in ruins

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.

Don’t forget the photowalk on Sunday!

Aperture ƒ/6.3
Camera Canon EOS 20D
Focal length 24mm
ISO 200
Shutter speed 1/80s