15 March 2006

I've been away at the Manchester Irish Festival - great people, in it's 11th year and better every time - except for the snow!

Back home now to St Patrick's Day here - the gorse is in abundance


 

Blackbird

This blackbird comes to the garden every day. Today he was sitting in the cherry tree outside the back door.

 

BallymcDermott Court Tomb

One of the best court tombs in Ireland, cnstructed 5,500 years ago and still powerfully evocative.

Standing on the shoulder of Camlough Mountain near to Newry County Down, this tomb has an almost circular courtyard, outside a three chambered grave.

It is in great condition considering the ravages of time and a collision with a US army vehicle during WWII!

Said to be haunted, this is certainly an enchanted place.

 

3 March 2006

BallymcDermott Court Tomb
On Camlough Mountain near Newry.

Built c.3500BC, a magnificent 3 chambered tomb with a circular ceremonial entrance courtyard

The snow capped summit of Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the Mournes (and in N. Ireland) looms in the distance.


 

2 March 2005

Slieve Bignian from Carginagh Road, Ballinran

 

First dusting of snow

28 February 2006

the first snow overnoght of much more due in the next few days
this looks west to Clonachulion Hill with the high Mournes in the background

Turnip House is at the foot of the hill
 

20 February 2006

Clonachulion

 

19 February 2006

Sunday Morning Clonachullion Hill

 

15 February 2006

New Promenade street furniture Newcastle County Down
The promenade is being remodelled to revitalise the sea front - it is working 

Frogs!

In the flax pit near to the house the frogs spawn every spring

First sighting of spawn 8 February

This picture taken today 13 February

I counted over 50 frogs happily 'at it' in a space 2x4 metres!

 

8 February 2006

The Hazel Wood

An ancient coppiced hazel wood on the slopes of Clonachullion Hill 

6 February 2006

Spring Blooms

left to right: lenten rose, witch hazel, mahonia

the signs of spring are on the way!

 

3 February 2006

Taken this morning 3 February
Newcastle, at the foot of the Mournes with St John's church and Slieve Donard, the highest mountain

 

1 February 2006

local resident!

 

30 January 2006

The view from Clonachullion Hill

half way up, looking North down at Turnip House.
Another day of uninterrupted sunshine!



 

29 January 2006

Sunday Morning

a bright crystal clear frosty day

 

28 January 2006

Saturday Morning Clonachullion Townland; Gorse and Thorn

 

25 January 2006

The 'Fairy Forth' taken from the front of the house
the stones in the trees are possibly the remains of a passage tomb, and are aligned to the mid summer sunrise to the right of this picture.
 

24 January 2006 Spelga Reservoir

Situated in the heart of the High Mournes, Spelga reservoir is at the head of the river Bann.
This morning was clear, bright and mirror-calm

 

23 january 2006

Monday Morning
This is the southern boundary wall of Tolleymore Park, looking from the Maria's Bridge River towards the King's Grave.