Fiction Writing and Public History Practice

After writing a lot in October about history related topics I'm changing things up this month.  I love writing about history but I've also had an itch to spent more time on my fiction writing.  Along with a few members of the local writers group I'm part of, I'm participating in National Novel Writing Month … Continue reading Fiction Writing and Public History Practice

Architecture and Preservation at Open House Dublin

Tyrone HouseMy last day in Ireland was spent in Dublin. By happenstance Open House Dublin (OHD) was occurring that day and I was able to check out some local built heritage sites.  Open House Dublin is very similar to Doors Open days which allow people to tour buildings which are often closed to the general … Continue reading Architecture and Preservation at Open House Dublin

A Quick Look At Northern Ireland

The bulk of the time I was in Ireland was spent in the Republic of Ireland.  I did a day trip to Northern Ireland as part of an organized group.  It was a really long day but it was nice to be able to see a couple of sites in Northern Ireland. The tour included … Continue reading A Quick Look At Northern Ireland

Old Buildings and Equipment at the Kilbeggan Distillery

Water wheelThe most direct drive from Galway to Dublin takes you along a major motorway, which is pretty devoid of scenery.  But there are a number of small towns along the way if you decide you want to explore.  I ended up stopping at the Kilbeggan Distillery.  The Distillery offers both guided tours and self … Continue reading Old Buildings and Equipment at the Kilbeggan Distillery

Exploring Galway on Foot

The city of Galway is very walkable.  It is a compact city with lots of walking paths and pedestrian only area.  A few of the places I explored on foot included the Eglington Canal, the Spanish Arch, and the Salthill promenade.   The canal is bordered by paths which take you through residential areas, parks, … Continue reading Exploring Galway on Foot

Natural Landscape and Monastic Ruins in Glendalough

On the way to Kinsale, in Cork County I stopped at the Glendalough Monastic Settlement in Wicklow County.  The Glendalough monastic site is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.  I imagine the drive towards Glendalough from Dublin would be beautiful on a clear day as it takes you through the mountains.  It was foggy … Continue reading Natural Landscape and Monastic Ruins in Glendalough

Irish Political History Intertwined with Built Heritage at the Kilmainham Gaol

New cell block.The Kilmainham Goal was by far my favourite heritage site in Dublin.  The Goal was built in 1796 and was built in the 'new style' of the era, a style which moved towards a model of separation of prisoners into individual cells. In the previous local jail the inmates all mixes together in … Continue reading Irish Political History Intertwined with Built Heritage at the Kilmainham Gaol

Books and Built Heritage: Trinity College Dublin

Long Room at Trinity College DublinI recently spent two weeks in Ireland.  This trip included a number of visits to museums, historical sites, and natural heritage places.  This post is the first of many recounting my experiences at these heritage spaces.  One of the things I had been looking forward to prior to my trip to … Continue reading Books and Built Heritage: Trinity College Dublin