(Fwd) Simon Marsden's "In Ruins" Photographic Sites

["Willem-Jan Markerink" <w.j.markerink@xxxxx>]

------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
From:          PeteScherm@xxxxxxx
Date:          Sun, 10 Oct 1999 13:10:43 EDT
Subject:       Simon Marsden's "In Ruins" Photographic Sites
To:            infrared@xxxxx
Cc:            andyfrazer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, irfaq@xxxxxxxxxxx

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).  This past month, I visited a 
few more of the sites, and here is the sum-total of my current information on 
this subject.

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 
complete set is 89 maps, about $5.60 each.  They are excellent maps, showing 
the individual houses in rural areas as well as driveways, farm buildings, 
etc.  The only map shortcomings relate to the time elapsed since the aerial 
photography was done - in some cases, as long ago as the early 70's.  Major 
thoroughfares have been added-to and some additional housing has been built, 
but, for my purposes, these posed no problems.  After all, the 
well-identified castles, ruined abbeys, stone circles, megalithic tombs, 
etc., haven't moved much in the past few years.  In previous years, I have 
been able to find copies of these maps at petrol stations in the local areas, 
but this year - many of them seemed to be sold-out or claimed that "tourists 
were unwilling to pay that much for a map".  The  tourist kiosk at Shannon 
airport stocks nearly all of the maps (they were out of only # 42 when I was 
there.  I offered to sell them mine, properly annotated, at an inflated 
price.),,Alternatively, they can be purchased in advance from Map Sales, 
Ordnance Survey Office, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland.  Telephone 
01-8206100, Fax 01-8204156, e-mail:  custserv@xxxxxxx  An 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). utilizing 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).  Then the Discovery map number, followed 
by an approximate distance (as the crow flies, generally) from a nearby, 
larger and better-known location.  Finally, my comments and experiences 
regarding the site.

Page 8  Ballynalackan Castle, Clare (county)
M 103003, map 51
3 miles NW of Lisdoonvarna
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.  I was recently 
told that the key to the gate is readily available at the hotel/guest house.  
There is no greenery on the tower itself, so perhaps not much for IR.

Page 12  Beaulieu House, Louth
O 127768, map 43
3 miles NE of Drogheda
Haven't visited, but I believe this cadaver tombstone is actually located at 
the adjacent Protestant church (C. of I.)

Page 16  Duckett's Grove, Carlow (also title page photo)
S 800791, map 61
4 miles ENE of Carlow town
This if 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", although the main 
building still has trees growing out of the windows and up through the open 
roof.

Page 20  Danganbrack Tower, Clare
R 427748, map 58
1 mile ENE of Quin
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.  I was in Quin again 
this year and went to nearly St. Finghin's church, but still balked at the 
prospect of reaching the tower again.  Pouring rain, this time, too.

Page 22  Castlebernard, Cork
W 474543, map 86
1-1/2 miles WSW of Bandon
Missed it last year.  On my way, rushing through Bandon to get to Timoleague, 
I forgot to check the map at the right time.  Next time I'm in the area, I'll 
probably stop.

Page 26 CastleFreke, Cork
W323352, map 89
3 miles ESE of Ross Carbery
Was in a hurry, knew I'd be back in the area soon.

Page 30 Castle Lyons, Cork
W 841926, map 81
6 miles SSE of Fermoy
The ruin is on an industrial site and is right next to a large construction 
garage (as I remember).  Drew must be proud of the family manor.  I visited 
on a Sunday, the chain-link fences were locked.  I think it could be 
photographed all right and the industrial cropped-out......but it wouldn't 
look as isolated as in Marsden's photo.  I don't believe the photo on p. 33 
was taken at the Priory cemetary in the center of the town.  I was there and 
my photos don't match-up.  It was probably from the graveyard at the old 
church at the N. end of Castlelyons Town.  Perhaps SM will send me an e-mail 
at PeteScherm@xxxxxxx and confirm this.  (Fat chance).

Page 34  Coppinger's Court, Cork
W 261359, map 89
2 miles WSW of Ross Carbery
Missed this one, too.  Justified missing it on the basis that I didn't have 
any "real" IR film with me at the time.  Perhaps next year.

Page 36  Doneraile Court, Cork
probably R 605075, map 73
Somewhere in the large desmesne on the E side of the town of Doneraile.
I took the book at its word, that the house and grounds had recently been 
restored - and avoided the place.

Page 38  Dunboy Castle, Cork
V 668440, map 84
3 miles SSW of Castletown Bearhaven
This was on my itinerary last year but - of course - I ran out of time and 
put it on a future list.

Page 42  Mount LongCastle, Cork
W 676511, map 87
3 miles ENE of Kinsale
Missed this part of Cork, too.  By this time, my planned itinerary had turned 
into a joke.  My week along the S. Cork coast was compressed into one day.  
That's one of the reasons I went from 3 to 4 weeks in Ireland this year 
(although the southern Cork county area was not on this year's list).

Page 44  Kenure Park, Dublin
O 261556, map 43 (or thereabouts - probably the big black dot on the map).
3/4 miles NNE of Rush
The book says all but the portico has been destroyed.  I didn't visit.....too 
close to Dublin.

Page 46  Ardfry House, Galway
M 347213, map 46
3 miles by boat, 8 by car SE of Galway City
The gate to the property has a PRIVATE sign up, but as I was setting-up the 
tripod near there, the owner's son drove by and inquired of "my intentions".  
I mentioned "Simon Marsden" and he told me to go in and take all the photos I 
wanted.  They have had a host of tourists come by this summer, hence the 
sign.  His mother is putting the place up for sale, together with its 20 
acres.  This place could be a real fixer-upper.............for someone of 
unlimited income.

Page 48  Belview House, Galway
M 849197, map 53
5 miles NW of Eyrecourt
The coordinates won't show a place on the map, but they are from another 
reference source.  The maps aren't perfect.  I may visit next year.

Page 50  Castle Daly, Galway
M 520091, map 52  (or thereabouts)
10 miles SW of Loughrea
I was near there this year, but the pouring rain kept me from much searching. 
 Met Eireann reported that, for much of the country, this September had been 
the wettest on record.

Page 52  Menlough Castle, Galway
M 285278, map 45
One mile or so N. of Galway City
I tried to get there this year, but my natural dislike of urban areas kept me 
from visiting.  My hands on the steering wheel have a mind of their own and 
prevent me from lingering near cities and large towns.  I'll probably never 
go there.

Page 54  "Old" Castle Hackett, Galway
M 357492, map 46
About 7 miles WSW of Tuam
The access road has a 6-foot high bar across the entrance, preventing entry 
of caravans, etc.  Nice location, on the edge of a Wildlife Conservation area 
farther up the hill.

Page 56  Portumna Castle, Galway
M 853040, map 53
On the S. end of town
I've visited Portumna a few times, but never had any interest in the castle.  
This trip, I visited the ruined friary just down the road and went past the 
castle.  Sunday afternoon, plenty of picnickers, etc., there.  Very 
accessible, lots of parking.

Page 58  Tyrone House, Galway
probably near M 383175, map 52
Perhaps 10-15 mile drive S. of Galway City
According to the book, the house is in Clarinbridge (parish or townland?), it 
does "overlook the sea: and you can't do that from Clarinbridge.  The area 
called Tyrone is near enough, and by the ocean, so that is where I looked.  
No luck, but recent newspaper articles said the OPW was hoping to "restore" 
Tyrone House.  Aaaaargh.

Page 60  Conolly's Folly, Kildare
N 958364, map 50
2 miles SE of Maynooth
Never interested me and, besides, it's WAY too close to Dublin.

Page 62  Kells-in-Ossory, Kilkenny
S 498433, map 67
6 miles E of Callan
A very nice place to visit.  Raining when I was there last year, but I'll go 
back again, soon, for more and better photos.  There is a new pedestrian 
bridge, across the King's River, to the N of the Priory ruins.  It's easier 
to reach the site by taking the road on the N bank of the river and walking 
over the bridge.  The traditional way, from the S, would be fine in drier 
weather than I was encountering.  (As I type this, it must sound as if it 
rains all the time in Ireland.  But I guess I have learned to work around the 
showers)

Page 64  Woodstock House, Kilkenny
S 642362, map 68 (place to park the car)
About 1-1/2 miles SSE of Inistioge
It's somewhere in the Woodstock Desmesne, now a state forest.  It seemed to 
be too time-consuming to locate, and probably walk to, it, when I was last in 
that area.

Page 66  Ballynaguarde House, Limerick
R 618476, map 65 for the general area of Ballynagarde (sp.).  The 
house/castle may be the site at 614470, also.
About 8 miles SSE of Limerick City
Next year, I hope.

Page 68  Carrigogunnel (sp.) Castle, Limerick
R 498552, map 65
6 miles WSW of Limerick City
One of only two places of the hundreds I've visited where I saw noticeable 
graffiti (and some broken beer/soda bottles).  It's close to Limerick, on a 
hill overlooking the Shannon estuary.  Probably, a great place for a midnight 
beer party.   But it is still easy to photograph the place and avoid the 
graffiti.  Lots of ivy, as you can tell from the photo.  The access drive is 
just past the last of several close-together houses on the W side of the 
road, along the perimeter wall of the house's yard.  These houses were built 
since the aerial photography for the map was taken.

Page 70  Dromore Castle, Limerick
Location - not sure, map 65
12 miles or so WSW of Limerick City
I've been unable to pin-down which of 5 or so castles this one is, all within 
a 3 mile area just SE of Pallaskerry, centered around Dromore Lough.  The 
"now under restoration" comment in the book will probably keep me away.  Note 
that there is another Dromore area, 2 miles ENE of Limerick City, on the 
banks of the Shannon.  I'd appreciate any info you could supply me with, on 
this or other "unknown" locations.

Page 72  Mountshannon, Limerick
R 648584, map 65
About 3-1/2 miles SSW of Castleconnell.  I was told by a resident to ask at 
Lee's store (don't remember what kind of store) at the crossroads in 
Mountshannon for directions to the former estate.

Page 74  Manisternagalliaghduff, Limerick
R 280472, map 64
4 miles SSE of Foynes
Tried to visit it, but does not seem to be accessible.  I was greeted by a 
sign at the head of the "driveway" entrance.  "DANGER.  These lands contain 
farm animals and working farm machinery.  DO NOT APPROACH."  It was signed 
"FBD".  Although the sign interpretation could be considered cryptic, I took 
it as a sign that wanted me not to enter and, being the nic guy that I am, I 
usually obey the signs.  (Most of the Irish I talk to tell me I'm being 
stupid - the Irish never pay any attention to such signs.  However, I have 
had some interesting encounters with bulls, even in unmarked fields,)

Page 76  The Neale, Mayo
M 187589, map 38
4 miles SSW of Ballinrobe
I've been through the town of Neale 4 or more times, but haven't had the urge 
to stop.

Page 78  Arch Hall, Meath
N 839754, map 42
6 miles NNW of Navan
I was in the area this past month, but was driven-out by - what else - heavy 
rains.  The rains and the forecast were so bad, that I headed straight for a 
climb up Ben Bulben.  Not far enough away.  Rain there, too.

Page 82  Leap Castle, Offaly
S 129975, map 54
6 miles due N. of Roscrea
Right next to the road, as on the map.  Large decorative wrought-iron gates.  
Castle seems well-surrounded by greenery.  When I visited, the "Closed today" 
sign was out.

Page 86  Rathmore Castle, Offaly
S 074978, map 53
6 miles SSE of Birr
Access is through a cattle gate between large stone sides of, probably, the 
original castle-bawn entrance.  Just to the right of the castle gate is a 
driveway back to a farmhouse of the probable owner of the castle property.  
Didn't go in.  Pouring rain, couldn't even see far enough in to determine if 
the car wreck is still there.

Page 88  Castle Strange, Roscommon
Either M 820599 or M 825599 (diffferent sources), map 40
5 miles SW of Roscommon town

Page 90  Frenchpark House, Roscommon
probably M 729920, map 33
10 miles SW of Boyle

Page 92  Seafield House, Sligo
somewhere between G 628323 and G 636327, map 25
5 miles SW of Sligo town
I was driving around this area a few years ago, but not specifically looking 
for this place.  Didn't see it, in any case.  This year, I was nearby, but 
wanted to spend my time in that area climbing Ben Bulben and going out to 
Inishmurray.  The weather kept me from doing either.  That may have been the 
"end of Floyd" at that time.

Page 94  Annagh Castle, Tipperary
R 828898, map 59
8 miles NNW of Nenagh
I've been close, in the past, but haven't been there yet.

Page 96  Ballinakill (Ballynakill) Castle, Tipperary
S 099855, map 59
3 or 4 miles SW of Roscrea
Went there last year.  A nice place.  It's now all cows and gentle bulls - no 
sheep.

Page 98  Lackeen Castle, Tipperary
M 951042, map 53
7 miles due E of Portumna
A run-of-the-mill tower house, in fine shape, well-ensconsed with a number of 
farm, etc., buildings around it.  Would be hard to get a good shot of it.  
The property is owned by a gun club ("Members Only"), so that would seem to 
be an organization that one wouldn't like to displease - even in relatively 
placid Tipperary.

Page 100  Thomastown Castle, Tipperary
about R 980372 (could be in the middle of a forestry scheme, like Moore Hall 
on Lough Carra, Mayo), map 66
8 miles SSW of Cashe.
Spent more time than planned at the fine nearby Athassel Priory and, so, 
skipped it.

Page 102  Timoney Park, Tipperary
My guess is S 186838 (the large black rectangle on the map - or nearby), map 
60
5 miles SE of Roscrea
I skipped it last year.  This year, I lost my map 60, couldn't get a 
replacement in the area, so drove out of the area to an adjoining map.

Page 104  Ardoginna House, Waterford
About X 176766, map 82
1-1/2 miles SW of Ardmore
I tried to get to it, but the large property was well-fenced and the access 
road was blocked by some serious vehicles.  No one was around to ask.

Page 108  Killua Castle, Westmeath
N 662688 to N 665684 (most likely), map 42
9 miles SW of Kells
Skipped it this year.  We all know why.

Page 110  Moydrum Castle, Westmeath
Probably about N 097418, in a new forest, map 47
4 miles E of Athlone
Next year.

Page 112  Rosmead House, Westmeath
Another guess, N 617650, map 42.  The size of the house and the character of 
the driveway (on the map) make me think that this is it.  If not, it's 
somewhere else in the "Cavestown & Rosmead" demesne, a half to one mile N or 
NE.
2 or 3 miles NNE of Devlin
More information.  I stayed at a nearby B&B and the owner said that this is 
the place, but he believes that the gate is all that is left........no house 
beyond, along the track through the gate.  The weather kept me away this time.

Page 114  Waterston (Waterstown) House, Westmeath
N 096463, map 47, is the location of the largest building in this demesne.  
If the "House" is another building on the map, it will be within a couple of 
hundred yards of the above coordinates.
5 miles NE of Athlone
Heavy rain, avoided the area completely.  Next year.

Page 116  Castleboro House, Wexford
S 871370, map 68
8 miles WSW of Enniscorthy

Page 120  Coolbawn House, Wexford
probably S 830374, map 68
12 miles WSW of Enniscorthy

Page 122  Tintern Abbey, Wexford
S 794101, map 76
15 miles E of Waterford City
Okay, but I've been to dozens of more interesting and picturesque old 
"abbeys" in Ireland.  "Restoration" is still ongoing.

Page 124  Wilton Castle, Wexford
Probably S 944350, map 68
4 miles SW of Enniscorthy


Guess that's it,  Hope it fits into one e-mail.  If I push the button and it 
doesn't work, I don't know what I'll do.  My computer-literate granddaughter 
is away until tomorrow.

Pete Schermerhorn, in the glorious (and rainy) Berkshire hills of western 
Massachusetts

--                 
Bye,

Willem-Jan Markerink


      The desire to understand 
is sometimes far less intelligent than
     the inability to understand


<w.j.markerink@xxxxx>
[note: 'a-one' & 'en-el'!]
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