Conor McGuire

St. Patrick founded the first church here and baptised many people at a nearby well. The Round Tower is unusually squat and was built between 900 and 1200. The church was built in the 18th century but incorporates an earlier window and a Crucifixion plaque dated 1625.

The Turlough Round tower of the 9th century is one of the most complete and best-preserved round towers in Ireland. Round towers were built as places of refuge for the occupants of important Churches or Abbeys against the Vikings. From the windows near the top of the tower a lookout kept watch for the invaders and when they approached the occupants of the church moved in and brought their valuables with them. The entrance was high up on the wall so they would climb a ladder and pulled it in afterwards to get into the tower. The beautiful round tower is a splendid landmark and it reminds one of the golden age of faith.

Turlough is one of the ancient places associated with St. Patrick. St. Patrick's Church was built in 441 but the Cromwellians, on the confiscation of the Burgo Estate in Turlough, destroyed it in 1654. The ruins of the old church are still to be seen, and it has cery interesting stone sculpture. It was under the jurisdiction of the Primates of Armagh up to the 16th century. For almost a thousand years the Primatial See of Armagh continued to claim rights over the parish by reason of those early associations.

Plein Air painting 13th June 2012

Lough Lannagh lies just upstream of Castlebar providing a wonderful amenity area for the citizens of Castlebar. Standing at the outflow point from the lake to the main Castlebar River and looking westwards you can see Croagh Patrick in the distance. The lake provides for swimming, angling, canoeing and boating, birdwatching as well as just looking good while you follow the path along its shoreline.

A linear walk starts along Lough Lannagh's shores and continues right down the Castlebar River through the town. It's up to you whether you stroll leisurely, walk your dog, walk arm in arm with your loved one, walk briskly to get rid of that fat, or even jog at speed - there's plenty of room for everyone.

Cushendon Bay, Northern Ireland nestles at the base of hills and has a remote charm

A blustery summers day on Tramore Beach in County Waterford, Ireland

The quiet of a summers evening at Spiddal, Galway. The evening light can be very dramatic on the west coast of Ireland.

This is 'Dun Briste' (Broken rock in Gaelic) off the cosat of Mayo, Ireland. Its wonderful on a breezy day as the surf is very animated and churns around the base of the cliffs.

A summer evening at Galway docks with pleasure craft and commercial boats resting in harbour.

The serenity of an evening coming home from a sea trip in Galway Bay is the subject of this piece.

Love painting musicians, love dogs too so this motley group appealed to me!

Cobh Harbour in County Cork, formerly known as Queenstown. It was the last stop for the 'Titanic' before leaving Ireland on its fateful voyage.

A misty morning adds a mysterious atmosphere over River Corrib with the dome of Galway cathedral in background

The skies were leaden with moisture ready to pour. The dark grey gave a dramatic contrast to the boats russets and orange hues.

The more famous view of the Cliffs of Mohar, the stone is usually quite cold in colour but with a touch of evening light they warm up in tone.

Looking up river to Ballina from the banks of the Moy

There are a lot of church and monastic ruins in Ireland, often in spectacularly beautiful spots which were chosen for their isolation.