Inis Cealtra, the "Holy Island" in Lough Derg, Co. Clare

Inis Cealtra became known as "Holy Island" during the middle ages, when the monastery was one the most frequented pilgrimage sites in Ireland. But the island was already considered a sacred place in pagan times.

 

Magical Places: The seven churches of Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

The valley of Glendalough is a raving beauty in the heart of the Wicklow mountains, an enchanted and spellbinding place. Scattered throughout the valley are the remains of seven early medieval churches and one of the most important monastic sites of Ireland. 

 

Under bare Ben Bulben's head: in Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo

...lies the final resting place of William Butler Yeats, one of the great poets of the twentieth century. Four months before he died he wrote the famous poem 'Under Ben Bulben', describing the graveyard at Drumcliffe as his chosen burial place. That's where he wanted to return to: the place of childhood memories.

 

Drumcliffe graveyard

Magical Places: The lost city of Clonmacnoise

The ancient settlement of Clonmacnoise holds a special place in irish monastic history. With seven churches, a cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, a castle and the largest collection of pre-Norman cross slabs in Europe, the ruins of Clonmacnoise are among the most extensive and best known sites in Ireland.  Strategically located at the junction of the two most important roadways in early medieval Ireland, it once was a vibrant city with thousands of inhabitants.

 

The remains of the monastic city of Clonmacnoise

 

A walk around Ardmore, Co Waterford

A few impressions of Ardmore - a little seaside village on the south-east coast of Ireland, where the Celtic Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Join me on a stroll around town with its ancient sacred sites, medieval monuments, colourful houses, down to the beautiful beach and up the surrounding cliffs. 

 

View over  Ardmore Bay

Cliff walk around Ardmore Head in Co Waterford

The Cliff walk, also known as "Monastery Walk", around Ardmore Head is one of the most beautiful loop walks in County Waterford.There´s lots to see along the way, so let me take you on a little photographic excursion along this scenic hike.

Cliff walk

Magical Places: Timetravelling in Ardmore, Co Waterford

Ardmore (Aird Mhór, meaning "Great Height" in Irish) isn´t just a quiet little seaside village in County Waterford. It´s also a very mysterious place, steeped in ancient history, full of legend and with many a mystical site to explore.