Glendalough irish landscape photo by Barry Hendrickson

Captivating Glendalough

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Barry and I were just a few days into our first trip into Ireland, when we drove to Wicklow County to see Glendalough. The word Glendalough in Gaelic is Gleann Dá Loch meaning Glen of the Two Lakes, which is so fitting for this serene photograph. Not too far from this beautiful lake is the home one of Ireland’s most impressive monasteries. I found this ancient site captivating.

 

“Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.”

 

Stopping at the Visitor Centre, I truly enjoyed learning about centuries of Celtic history.  I learned ‘How The Irish Saved Civilization’ and that the monastery was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. We explored the grounds with its stone churches, grave stones, high crosses and a middle age round tower. I found its history and natural beauty so moving. So did Barry. He spent a lot of time photographing here. This is where he photographed the well loved “Monastery” fine art photo. See it here. >   

 

All of these sites are within the Wicklow Mountains National Park.  If you wish to explore this area, there are several hiking routes or as the Irish say ‘walking’ routes throughout the park. Barry captured the Wicklow Mountains in this Irish landscape photo titled “Ruins in the Valley.”

 

“Glendalough”
County Wicklow, Ireland (shown at the top)
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Limited edition, Fine Art Photographs for your home. >

 

To see “Ruins in the Valley” visit our website IrelandinBlackandWhite.com >

To see “The Monastery” visit our website IrelandinBlackandWhite.com >

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If you would like to learn “How The Irish Saved Civilization,” read Thomas Cahill’s book. It features Glendalough Monastery and tells the story of how the Celtic monasteries preserved a culture of learning through the Dark Ages. Or another option I personally loved was hearing Liam Neeson read the audio book.   

To plan your own trip to Glendalough, visit these websites:

The Glendalough Visitor Centre >

Wicklow National Park website >

archival matboard closeup

Only the Best – Archival Matboards

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We pay attention to the details. Every photograph has been printed personally by Barry Hendrickson or Nancy Wojack Hendrickson. Each photo and comes with a Matboard*. We only use the premium line of Crescent RagMat Matboard, because of its archival quality. It is 100% acid-free and lignin-free. The color of the board matches our photo paper famously. The line of paper we love printing on is Hahnemühle Photo Rag. It shows off these lush black inks in an amazing way — bringing depth and detail to our work.

 

Our quality, archival materials that are meant to last through your grandchildren’s life times.

 

Jerpoint Abbey, Stone Fence framed in bedroom

 

* The 8.5×11″ square Icon series prints are not matted.

Famine Cottage, Dingle Peninsula by Barry Hendrickson @Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

Driving the Dingle Peninsula

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If I had to name one of my favorite places in Ireland, it would be hard to choose. However, the Dingle Peninsula is definitely one of my top spots. Barry and I took the road out of Dingle to travel on one of our favorite drives in Ireland — Slea Head Drive. This route circles the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula. One stop along the way was this Famine Cottage.

 

Stepping inside this preserved cottage gave me a small idea of what living was like for the Irish in the mid 19th century. In such a picturesque setting, it is hard to imagine the suffering that took place during the Famine.


The Irish Potato Famine, also called The Great Hunger, devastated Ireland between 1845 and 1852. During these times, the staple diet of many poor families in Ireland was the potato. When blight devastated the potato crop, it caused massive deaths from starvation and disease. A staggering two million people died of starvation or were forced to emigrate.

 

This region of West Kerry suffered greatly due to its remoteness and poverty.  It was an introduction for me to some of the hardship that my ancestors must have endured. Life was hard and terrible enough to make them want to leave Ireland and emigrate to America.

 

I have to say I appreciate those ancestors for their tenacity and strength. Their journey and path has enabled further generations, including my family to lead much better lives. I am now so grateful for my ancestors, and their perseverance which has lead to my own prosperity. What a true gift that is.

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Famine Cottage

Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Barry Thomas Hendrickson
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Prints available in three sizes >

Fairy Tree by Barry Hendrickson

Finding Fairy Trees

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These lone hawthorn trees sprinkled throughout the Irish countryside are thought to be a sacred home for fairies. While we were traveling on the West side of Ireland, we kept finding these lone fairy trees. We were drawn to them.

 

What we learned that trees were worshipped in Ireland for centuries and most were believed to have magical or healing properties. For example Fairy trees, typically a Hawthorne, are found all over the countryside. Certain Hawthorne’s are considered sacred in Ireland. Stories are told that these trees are a favorite gathering place for fairies. Irish beliefs say never to disturb the home of the fairies or it will bring you bad luck.

 

When we Irish look at our history, our literature and poetry, our music and art, we find trees as part of our identity and expression.  Certain Hawthorne’s are considered sacred in Ireland. This respect for trees is a connection to when people lived and worked closer with the land, and a direct link to Ireland’s ancient Celtic beliefs.

 

Even today, these fairy trees are both feared and respected. As recently as 1999 in the town of Latoon, in County Clare a very expensive highway construction project was diverted, so it wouldn’t uproot a lone Hawthorne tree. It was believed if the tree was disturbed then everyone who drove on that road would have bad luck.

 

Own your Fairy Tree fine art photograph, purchase it in our on-line store. >

Fairy Tree

County Galway, Ireland
Barry Thomas Hendrickson, Printed by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson

© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Prints available in three sizes here >

Burren by Barry Hendrickson photography

The Burren

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Western Ireland’s Limestone Landscape

 

Giant boulders are tumbled upon this bizarre, lunar-like landscape. Billowing clouds blow over the North Atlantic Ocean, this is the west coast of Ireland.

 

While we were traveling in County Clare, Barry captured this panorama with the ocean beyond. This place is called the “Burren” which comes from the Gaelic word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. A fitting name for so much stone. The bare exposed rocky land really was cool to see for me, because of how different it is from ‘the green’ I had expected to see in Ireland.

 

The Burren covers an area of 160 square km, in north County Clare and parts of south County Galway. This unusual landscape, which includes the Cliffs of Moher, has been designated a Geopark. The park educates visitors about conservation and the unique geological, floral and fauna you will find here. To learn more about the Burren, visit here. >

The Burren

County Clare, Ireland
Barry Thomas Hendrickson, Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Available in our on-line store in two sizes. >

 

Ruins in the Valley, County Wicklow by Barry Hendrickson

Wandering the Wicklow Mountains

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The Wicklow Mountains are not that far south of the city of Dublin. In the past centuries, these mountains were remote enough to have provide a refuge for opponents to the English rule. Rebels that took part in the 1798 Irish uprising, hid out in this region for years.

 

In 1800, the frustrated British started building a military road. This road was devised to help flush out the rebels, and in the end has only made this area more accessible. Currently, this winding road makes for a spectacular drive with many views of breathtaking scenery. 

 

While wandering though the Wicklow Mountains, Barry and I discovered these ruins. One can only imagine what this structure was used for in the past. Barry composed his photograph with the ruins front and center, over looking this stunning valley.

 

On a more recent note, the Wicklow Mountains have been used as a backdrop for hundreds of films. Some of the more well known productions are Excalibur, The Tudors, Ella Enchanted, P.S. I Love you, Michael Collins and Braveheart. Gazing at this landscape, it’s easy to see why films are shot here. 

 

If you’d like this artwork of the Ruins in the Valley for your home, it’s available in three sizes in our on-line store. >

 

Ruins in the Valley

County Wicklow, Ireland

 

A original fine art photo by Barry Thomas Hendrickson.
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

To learn more about these Irish film locations see: www.wicklowfilmcommission.com. >

Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland by Barry Thomas Hendrickson

Stone, Texture & Ancient History

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Bring it on!

This photograph ties all of these elements — stone, texture and history — together.  These carved Romanesque arches are believed to be from the 12th century. Barry and I found them in Cormac’s Chapel, one of the older structures atop the Rock of Cashel. I just love how the black and white medium shows off the texture and composition. A common theme woven among our photos.

 

We were traveling from Dublin to Kinsale, when we saw this giant stone arising out of the Tipperary plains. Hard to miss and super cool was the Rock of Cashel (Caiseal Mumhan in Gaelic). This ancient site was a symbol of power for Kings who ruled over this region for over a thousand years. Many early Christians also were here, including the famous Saint Patrick.

 

If you are traveling across Ireland, do make a stop at Rock of Cashel. You won’t forget it! 

 

Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland (above)
Barry Thomas Hendrickson
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography


Limited edition, fine art photos of this image available in 2 sizes in my on-line store. >

 

Another fine art photo taken at the Rock of Cashel: 

Kings of Cashel, Co Tipperary, Ireland

Kings of Cashel, Co Tipperary, Ireland

Kings of Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland
Barry Thomas Hendrickson
Printed by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

Limited edition, fine art photos are available in 3 sizes in my on-line store. >

St Benens Church Hendrickson Fine Art Photo

Desert in the Sea

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It is an adventure to journey to the Aran Islands. These rugged islands are found in Western Ireland, in County Galway. Having heard stories of these islands, Barry and I couldn’t wait to visit. We took the ferry from Rossaveal to visit Inishmore, the largest of the three islands. We were prepared to leave our car behind. When exploring this island sprinkled with ancient stone sites, it is necessary to bike, hike or take a pony and trap.

 

Our trip on Inishmore was in October, often a cold and windy time of year. But we had lots of sun, glorious sun. Barry however, was frustrated by photographing in all of that super bright sun. It was reflecting off the limestone landscape was making for bright and over exposed shots. I remember a local Irish guide in a lilting accent saying, “You are the only person on this whole island, who is cursing the sun!”

 

We had stayed in Kilronan, near the port. One day we took to exploring the southern part by bicycle. We soon discovered St. Benen’s Church, sitting atop a limestone hill. It cuts a striking silhouette against the skyline.

 

Although I have to say, calling this building ‘church’ didn’t seem to fit, as it is really small — measuring about 7 x 11 feet in size. It is an intimate place, almost like your own personal chapel. These medieval walls are almost perfectly preserved and are built from large limestone blocks.

 

Just below the hill, you can see the remains of the Early Christian monastic village started by St. Enda. I find the history of early Christianity fascinating. How believers like St. Edna sought out these remote places — these “deserts in the sea” — to seek solitude, prayer and live an austere life. During three hundred years from about 500 to 800, Inishmore and the sister islands were a famous center for sanctity and learning. This place attracted believers from all parts of Ireland to study the science of the saints in this remote school of the West. 

 

This photograph brings me back to that remote and rugged landscape, and our adventure in that sacred and austere place.

 

 

St. Benen’s Church (Teampall Bheanáin) Shown Above
 Aran Islands, County Galway, Ireland
Barry Thomas Hendrickson
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

 

Limited Edition Fine Art Photos of St. Benen’s Church are available in three sizes here. >

 

 

Traveling to Aran Islands?
 I’d recommend the hospitality of the Flaherty’s found at the Aran Islands Hotel. They also have a great map of the island Inishmore on their website.  www.aranislandshotel.com

 

Stone Fence fine art photo

Stone Fence

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Weaving their way across Ireland

Visiting Ireland for the first time, or third or the tenth time…. it is easy to notice the miles of stone fences that criss-cross over the countryside. My husband Barry and I saw many of them when traveling in County Galway in western Ireland.
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It made me wonder. How did these stone fences come to be? These structures are said to be hundreds of years old. Some of them are even documented as being thousands of years old in County Mayo. It is hard to imagine all of the hard labor in pulling stones and piling them up, to make way and clear the land for farming. It seems like a practical solution to make  some walls and property borders from all those rocks. The most stone fences are in western and southern Ireland, where the soil is poor and stone plentiful.

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I have always like this image. It is one of my favorites. The rugged piles of stones draw your eye up and into the forlorn, windswept tree. That tree still standing through years of strong weather, resilient, yet shaped and curved by the wind. This image tells the story of Ireland. [eltdf_separator class_name=”” type=”transparent” position=”center” thickness=”25px” ] 

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Stone Fence, Co. Galway
Barry Thomas Hendrickson
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

Limited edition prints available in three sizes. See our shop link here >.

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"No Irish Need Apply" by Hendrickson Fine Art Photography 2019

No Irish Need Apply

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How Soon We Forget

I usually like to spend a great amount of time working on an image before revealing it. However, I feel compelled by recent events to show the photograph here in its preliminary stage. Tacked to the wall of a pub is a sign, surrounded by currency from all parts of the world.  It states “Help Wanted – No Irish Need Apply.”
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My ancestors were Irish immigrants. They faced this kind of discrimination here in the United States. This sign would have been directed at them. The shunning of immigrants is not a new issue. This has been going on a long time.
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The Irish Potato Famine sent over a million of Irish fleeing this small country. Many of those refugees were desperately poor and suffering from starvation. My own Irish ancestors came to America during the famine years to save themselves, to find a new life.
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During those years of heavy Irish immigration (1845 – 1852) there was strong anti-Irish sentiment and many negative Irish stereotypes prevailed. Those with Irish accents or Irish names, were barred from housing and employment opportunities. Signs like this one photographed by Barry were common.
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The United States is a nation of immigrants. How soon we forget. A generation or two will go by, and we will have figured out how to fit in. We have found some comfort and gained our own stability. So perhaps, we don’t recognize in those refugees today, our own ancestors. The needs, the hopes and the dreams are the same.
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I hope this image can help us remember the past and our own ancestors,  and in doing so, find ways to help new immigrants and refugees who seek asylum here, feel welcome.  
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A sign often found in my Minneapolis, Minnesota neighborhood.

No Irish Need Apply

An image by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson from the photo archives of the late Barry Hendrickson.

Take a look at the No Irish Need Apply prints for sale here >
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If this subject interests you, here is some more detailed articles: 

“When America despised the Irish, the 19th Century’s Refugee Crisis.” on History.com >

 

This article gives a brief overview of the potato famine and Irish immigration. > 


“Why historians are fighting about “No Irish Need Apply” signs — and why it matters” >