Simon Marsden's "In Ruins" Photographic Sites

[PeteScherm@xxxxxxx]

Several people on this list have expressed an interest in identifying the 
locations of the various sites that Simon Marsden photographed for his book 
"In Ruins, The Once Great Houses of Ireland".  I have most of the location 
data now, but will only include the first few sites in this email.....for two 
reasons.  Firstly, I'd like comments from those interested on how better to 
present the information.  Secondly, I hope to visit more of these sites 
myself during my annual "September in Ireland", and could, I hope, give more 
specific information on them after my return.

The copy of the Marsden book I have is the 1997 First Revised Edition, 
Bulfinch Press.  I expect that the U.K. version of the book is the same, with 
perhaps only some changes in pagination.  The maps I use for reference are 
the Ordnance Survey of Ireland Discovery Series, 1:50,000 scale.  The set of 
89 maps are marvelous.........but pricey.  About $5.60 each.  Multiply that 
by 89, and you have the equivalent of a transatlantic round trip coach fare.  
The maps for any given area can generally be purchased at petrol stations in 
that area, or bought at the tourist bureau kiosk at the airport, or purchased 
in advance from  Map Sales, Ordnance Survey Office, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, 
Ireland.  Telephone 01-8206100, Fax 01-8204156, e-mail:  custserv@xxxxxxx  
And remember, postage charges to Europe may be reasonable, but to the U.S., 
they are horrendous.

The map co-ordinates are given in the usual manner (well-explained on the 
maps) of a letter (from Ireland's "National Grid") followed by six digits.  
The first three digits represent the "x" axis (eastings), the second three 
are the "y" axis (northings).  After this, I give the map number and then (I 
can't resist), MY comments.  

Now that I think further on this, I think I will give a general 
distance-as-the-crow-flies from a nearby larger location.  I'll give this 
between the name of the site and the map information.       Here goes.

Page 8    Ballynlackan Castle, Clare (county)
               3 miles NW of Lisdoonvarna                   M 103003,    map 
51
      On the grounds of a hotel, but easy access.  Parking right there, no 
hassle, no charge.  The photo is an archway in a wall to the tower, 20 or 30 
yds. farther on.  The tower is nice, but the entrance was gated, and there is 
no greenery on the tower.....so perhaps not much for IR.

Page 12  Beaulieu House, Louth
               3 miles ENE of Drogheda                        O 127768,    
map 43
       I believe this cadaver tombstone is actually located to the adjacent 
Protestant church.   

Page 16  Duckett's Grove, Carlow  (also title page photo)
               4 miles ENE of Carlow town                     S 800791,    
map 61
         This is the cluster of buildings on the S side of the road (on the 
map).  It looks about the same as in the book.  The property is still 
horse-oriented.  It is used as a sort of horse stables and riding "academy" 
(but it still has trees growing out of the windows and up through the open 
roof).

Page 20   Danganbrack Tower, Clare
                1 mile ENE of Quin.                               R 427748,   
  map 58
           This baby has lots of ivy on it, now.  I saw it from a bit farther 
away, but I had just gotten off the overnite plane from NYC and wasn't quite 
ready to trek into the wet stuff to get closer, at that time.  Maybe again, 
soon, as I missed St. Finghin's Church when I visited Quin to photograph the 
friary.


I think that these few, initial entries will give you an idea of what I have 
in mind.  Any questions, comments, hopefully improvements.....you can e-mail 
me on or off the list.  But remember, I'll be gone for a month after Sept. 2, 
so I wouldn't recommend any e-mail during that month.  My mail box might 
overflow and lose your letter - especially if I forget to unsubscribe from a 
couple of overly-productive mailing lists during the period (not infrared, of 
course).

Pete Schermerhorn, in the glorious Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts
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