Leap Castle, County Offaly

August 26, 2017

“Below the Bloody Chapel
A bloody chapel lies in wait,
Where bone upon bone ponder
And listen through the stone.
For the sounds of their next companion
A new soul for the collection,
A new victim for the oubliette
To lie in forgotten reflection. ”

— Claire Loader

Touted as one of the most haunted castles in Ireland, Leap is an enchanting place in the light of day, with views from the back windows like no other in the country. Ask me to stay after sundown, I'm not sure there would be enough money.

You can find this haunted castle and many more of my favourite places here. Come explore with me…

Kilconnell Friary, County Galway

August 22, 2017

“In life you were my light,
in death you are my flame,
that burns the corners bright,
until we meet again.”

— Claire Loader

Storm clouds were building the first time I took the arching path up to Kilconnell Friary, and ever since it has held a certain magic – the clouds roiling in my memory as her carvings found a place in my soul. One tomb in particular, a work of stunning tracery just inside the West door, the lines like fire curling up the walls, is easily the most beautiful thing I have laid eyes on in Ireland.

Find the location of this gorgeous site and many more of my favourite places here. Come explore with me…

buy these Kilconnell notecards & other handmade greeting card sets here.

Inishmore, Aran Islands, County Galway

August 19, 2017

“Such a paradox, on these windswept shores, to all at once feel so very trapped and yet so very free.”

— Claire Loader

Inishmore – there is a raw beauty about this place. A wildness that calls to the depths of your heart and scares you with its cry. A freedom like no other – a windswept island on the edge of the world, encased then, by the sea.

Seek the island for yourself on my personal map here. Come explore with me…

Shop this and other handmade photo art blocks here.