Wordless Wednesday : Castle on the Hill

Cows and a Castle at Roches Point

 

Thursday Doors : 8 June 2017

Door from the Alms House in Youghal, Co Cork

Over the weekend we went exploring in Youghal, Co Cork – a town about an hour away from my home.    The main street of Youghal, on first glance, is a bit run down with lots of empty shops and derelict buildings, but there’s more to Youghal than first impressions.   The town was buzzing on Sunday as there was a ‘Moby Dick ‘ festival on, as this is where the film Moby Dick was made in the mid 50s.   There was music, food and dancing in the streets!

We decided to explore a little more, and got a walking map from the Tourist Office, and came across some hidden gems, including St Mary’s Cathedral, which is the oldest church in Ireland, with continuous worship since the 13th century.

St Mary’s Collegiate Chapel

One of the main benefactors in Youghal was Richard Boyle who was the first Earl of Cork, and lived in Youghal for many years.  He built 6 alms houses in 1601 for 6 retired soldiers, and granted them a pension of £5 per year – probably a princely sum in those days!   The houses were renovated about 20 years ago, and are now used as private dwellings, but the original stonework is still there in places, as you can see, and they look exactly like they looked when first built.

Another view of the alms houses.

Tyntes Castle, Youghal

This is the door of Tyntes Castle, called an ‘urban tower house’ and built in the late 15th century, it’s a 4 story residence in the main street, where the gentry lived in earlier centuries.

Tyntes Castle, Youghal

Linked to Norm’s Thursday Doors

Travel Theme : Paths

Along the trail on the Glenalochy walk

The photo above was taken on a hike near Dunmanway in West Cork a few weeks ago, visibility was a bit hazy, but the scenery was still beautiful.

George the Sky, Dunmanway

Along the way we came across this sign showing the way to the top of the mountain where an old man called George lived for many years, his house was so remote and high in the hills that he became known as ‘George the Sky’ and it’s nice to see that he is remembered.

In spite of the hustle and bustle, there are quiet corners in London, such as this old ruin of a church near Monument Tube Station, it’s St Dunstan in the East, with benches and a garden to sit and rest after a busy morning in the city.

Linked to Ailsa’s Travel theme

Wordless Wednesday : My City Streets!

Cork City streets after a shower of rain

Norm’s Thursday Doors : Cahir Castle

Old door at Cahir Castle

My doors this week look like they have seen better days, and they probably have, as they come from the 12th century Cahir Castle in Cahir, Co Tipperary.    Nevertheless it is a very well preserved castle, with guided tours and if you are ever in the area it is well worth a visit.   Below is another of the internal doors.

Check out some more doors at Norm’s place here

Wordless Wednesday : Health and Safety?

Tree cutter at work

Thursday Doors : Nov 17, 2016

This old door is part of an old abandoned house we came across in Millstreet, County Cork, last weekend.   The place is on the main street, but it looks like no one has lived there or taken care of it, for a long time.     I do like the glass on the door though, which you can see in more details in the photo below.

Have a look on Norm’s page for more doors