Ruins of Ireland

Robert O'Byrne's (aka The Irish Aesthete) new book is a fantastical journey through Ireland's four provinces and their awe-inspiring ruins, from Medievel castles to Victorian lodges. Here's a sneak peek at at a few of these architectural wonders...

In 1842, German writer and geographer Johann Georg Kohl traveled around Ireland, publishing an account of his journey the following year. “Of all the countries in the world,” he observed, “Ireland is the country for ruins. Here you have ruins of every period of history, from the time of the Phoenicians down to the present day... down to our own times each century has marked its progress by the ruins it has left. Nay, every decade, one might almost say, has set its sign upon Ireland, for in all directions you see a number of dilapidated buildings, ruins of yesterday’s erection.”

 

Ruins of Ireland

Ballysaggartmore Towers, County Waterford

 

Ruins of Ireland

Dromore Castle, County Limerick

 

Ruins of Ireland

Kilcrea, County Cork

 

Ruins of Ireland

Mount Long Castle, County Cork

 

Ruins of Ireland

Raphoe Palace, County Donegal

 

Ruins of Ireland

Dunlough Castle, County Cork

 

Check out The Irish Aesthete: Ruins of Ireland by Robert O'Byrne. Get more great blog posts like this one direct to your inbox – be sure to sign up to our mailing list here!