Graves of Irish Writers

"The End" by Ray Bateson. A very small but extremely well researched book. A handy size means it can be easily be carried about. Unfortunately, as it is self-published, it is not readily available in shops. A must for anyone interested in the final resting places if Irish writers.

Old Gravestone, North County Dublin

I stumbled across this gravestone recently. The winged children's heads are known as cherubs and are common on 18th century graves. This example was found in the old churchyard at Lusk, County Dublin.

Clochran Graveyard, North County Dublin

Not very far from Dublin airport is an old graveyard known as Clochran. Although the earliest burial there is from 1732, the site was used as  a burial ground long before this. It is a mixed graveyard i.e both Catholics and Protestants are interred there.  The above gravestone dated from 1813. The hand chiseled inscriptions were done to last.

The Galway Market

The Galway market is a special and intimate place. It does not try to be something that is not and the prices of the quality goods are reasonable. It has been a firm fixture for Saturday morning in Galway for several generations.The above plaque is a poem by Máire Holmes in homage to the market.

Cop Killing Dublin

A plaque in Temple Bar, amidst the tourist pubs and paddywhackery remind the visitor of  the slaying of two Dublin Metropolitan policemen.More to follow when I have researched the circumstances behind it.

Barrack Obama's link to Ireland

Every American president seems to have Irish roots and if they don't, they will be created. The above drawing is of Falmouth Kearney (1831-78) of Moneygall, county Offaly,  a very distant relative of Barrack Obama. I am open to correction but I would question how much Obama cherishes his Irish heritage. The Obama plaza was however a brilliant and highly successful business idea.

RIC Barracks Cahirciveen

The old Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in Caherciveen, county Kerry, now a museum.