From My Travels In Ireland

Why Ireland? You ask. Ireland is where many Australians came from. They brought with them a large part of the Aussie sense of humour. I couldn't resist it. In Ireland I found the sadness, the rich warmth and the irreverent sense of humour. The people of Ireland have seen it all, and still know the meaning of the word "enjoy".

To preview a larger copy of each print or to order a print, click on the thumbnail images below ...

BALLYSHANNON  (Mid Size)

This sight greets the traveller crossing the bridge over the river Erne, travelling north to Donegal. A very classy jewellers shop. 

BLARNEY CASTLE  (Mid Size)

To get this view I removed a lot of trees. I just hope the lovely people of Ireland don’t notice the trees have been removed. They were of course put back in their rightful place before any camera-weilding tourists could take advantage of their temporary removal…………truly. 

CLASSIEBAWN  (Mid Size)

The setting with Ben Bulben in the distance is astonishingly beautiful. To see it with the grey Atlantic as a backdrop it is very moody. The story of Classiebawn I shall leave to your imagination. 

DONEGAL CASTLE  (Mid Size)

The story says that the O’Donnells held this castle. The British could not subdue them. There is a lot more to this story but I was too busy removing trees. 

HIGH STREET GALWAY  (Mid Size)

The architectural style and presentation of these businesses made High St irresistable. The folklore. The curved streets. The light misty rain at the end of a beautiful day. I did not want to leave Galway 

HOLE IN THE WALL PUB, GALWAY  (Mid Size)

The four distinct parts of this establishment are from different periods. The thatched roof does not look out of place in this setting. We were looking for an excuse to spend some time inside but it would not rain. 

McSWIGGANS GALWAY  (Mid Size)

This is a fine example of the facades that give Ireland and its pubs a distinctive appeal. As usual we ran out of time and didn’t get inside this one either to enjoy the hospitality. 

MOLLY MALONE and FRIEND  (Mid Size)

There is a beautiful statue in the heart of Dublin. Molly looked a bit lonely so I gave her a friend. I do hope Sculptor Jeanne Rynhart does not mind too much. 

PATRICK, PAULINE..........and MURPHY.  (Mid Size)

My three friends posed for this picture. This image portrays three of the greatest comforts in life. The comfort of music, of love, and of faithfullness. 

ROAD TO LIMERICK  (Mid Size)

The cottage is a little overgrown and has been “modernised” many times.It is well thatched and has smoke coming from the chimney. What more could we ask for? 

ROAD TO TULLA  (Mid Size)

This was a truly soft weather day. It is so typically Ireland as we experienced it. The weather as usual was gentle and misty in the distance. I’m glad I don’t use colour. It would be impossible to capture that green. 

SANDYMOUNT GREEN, DUBLIN  (Mid Size)

We found this pharmacy literally stuck on the side of the pub,facing the green. I asked the silly question of how could this be permitted, even 100 years ago. The beautiful answer from a local person I quote, “aha, never look for any logic in Ireland”. 

THE CEILI, BUNRATTY  (Mid Size)

This was a beautiful night of dance , song and music. It reminded me of the really cold nights when I was a kid in OZ. We played any musical instrument we could get our hands on. Our music was rough but real , and it also warmed hearts. 

THE FLOWER SELLER, DUBLIN  (Mid Size)

In the centre of Dublin is a flower seller who is accompanied by a very interesting sculpture. I have taken the liberty of moving the flower seller to cover a fast-food outlet 

THE IRISH BARBER  (Mid Size)

The fellow wearing the T shirt bolted when he realised I was sketching this scene. One of my fellow travellers stood in for the remainder of the details.