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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 >

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 >

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. >

Connor Pass, Dingle Peninsula

The View from the Pass

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Connor Pass

(In Irish: An Chonair)

Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

 

One of the roads out of the town of Dingle leads to Connor Pass — one of the highest points in Ireland.  

 

We left early that misty morning, driving the twisting, winding road up and up into the mountains. It’s one of those roads so windy and bendy, that you are not permitted to drive it in a bus, motorhome or truck. You  will not get through. And so narrow at times you need to pull aside to let the opposite driver pass!

 

As we finally neared the highest mountain point, Barry was so excited to capture what he saw, he just grabbed his camera and jumped out of the car — leaving it and ME parked precariously on the side of this precarious road. 

In this photograph, you can see what we saw — from this height, the dramatic view, the storm clouds enveloping the mountains, and us too. I hope you enjoy the view.

 

“Connor Pass” – a limited edition, fine art photograph is available in three sizes.

See here for more info. >

 

 

Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Summer Shows & Events

 

So, do it! Showcase on Friday, Aug 3.
–  Nancy Wojack Hendrickson is speaking about her journey in continuing her family’s legacy through photography.
More information on the So, do it! website >

 

Tiny Gallery  – an exhibit in downtown Minneapolis

Come and see “Connor Pass”  live and in person, along with other Hendrickson Fine Art photos.

The Tiny Gallery
at NordHaus Apartments
315 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
More Information >

 

Celtic Junction Arts Center

Find Hendrickson Fine Art photos on display and take in some Irish music and dance at this cultural music center in Saint Paul, MN.
Find time and directions here >