Abandoned Ireland

Colourful photographic guide to abandoned Ireland from ruined grand houses to standing stones

An ancient island with a romantic history and lush green landscape, Ireland's culture stretches back to the time of St Patrick and the first Christian monks and includes the Norman invasion, clan wars, mass emigration and partition in the early 20th century. Today, remnants of the country's heritage can be found in every corner of this fascinating land, from the thinly inhabited west coast to the modern, populated areas of Leinster. There are thousands of ruined castles, abbeys, churches, ancient sites, houses and mills spread around the island of Ireland.

Abandoned Ireland offers you a substantial taste of the most intriguing of these. In Abandoned Ireland, discover Athassel Abbey on the banks of the River Suir and the largest medieval priory in Ireland; marvel at the imposing Carrigogunnel Castle, destroyed during the second siege of Limerick in 1691; explore Carrigglas Manor, a turreted fairytale exterior with a bloody history; see Hilden Mill, a former factory with ghostly sightings; explore the creepy, overgrown ruin of Ennis District Lunatic Asylum in County Clare; and wander the ruins of Rinn Duin ("fortified headland") overlooking the River Shannon, a key military and trading town fought over by Norman barons and Irish chieftains.

Illustrated with 180 photographs, Abandoned Ireland provides a fascinating pictorial exploration of the little-known corners of this enchanting land.

About the Author

A journalist for more than a quarter of a century, Dominic Connolly was for many years Arts Editor of The Mail on Sunday. He also specialises in Travel, Property, Gardening and Money journalism, and over the years has contributed to the Telegraph, Evening Standard and Metro. He lives in London and is currently Commissioning Editor at Saga Magazine.