Today we're back in Ireland. We had left the Rock of Dunamase and were on our way to the tiny village of Timahoe (Irish Tigh Mochua which translates to House of Mochua). Our landlady had told us about the Round Tower, one of the few that you can find in Ireland.
Timahoe Round Tower was built sometime in the 1100s, on the site of a religious community founded around 600 A.D. by Saint Mochua, a warrior who converted to Christianity. The carved stonework of the tower is interesting. There are Romanesque style carvings that decorate the main entrance which is about five meters (16.4 ft) from the ground. The red door in the left photo belongs to the heritage center located in the church (no longer used as such) right next to the tower.
The Round Tower is almost 30 meters (98.4 ft) high, more than 17 meters (55.7 ft) wide at its base and its walls are nearly 2 meters (6.5 ft) thick. Quite impressive.
In the heritage center we met our first Irish storyteller. He was the curator of the museum who was obviously happy to have found an audience in these three Germans from California (we were the only visitors). He recommended visiting the Heywood Gardens.
It turned out to be a good recommendation. Again, we were the only people there - County Laois is definiteley off the beaten path!
Heywood Gardens is an 18th century landscape consisting of gardens, lakes, woodland and some architectural features that is set into a sweeping hillside.
There were some beautiful ruins which gave the landscape a romantic atmosphere.
A few sculptures could be seen here and there. Unfortunately there were no explanations, so I don't know who this lady is, but it seems she enjoyed the gardens.
The formal gardens were designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and it is likely that they were landscaped by horticulturist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). The sunken garden was my favorite with its flowers and an elongated pool with a fountain in its center.
15 comments:
WOW! that round tower is very interesting. Takes me back to my childhood days reading the fairy tales.
Happy Thursday
Much💜love
Lovely photos and the clotted cream and scones, yum!!!
Ireland is alwas a magical place for me, I loved all my holidays there. That round tower is really very impressive, love it. And the scones with cream and jam, yessssssss! Hugs, Valerie
Ireland is a favorite place of mine and your photos represent it beautifully.
How beautiful. That round tower is an architectural marvel considering the times it was built in.
And I love the gardens. What an excellent recommendation. That naked window you photographed was lovely.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photographs of your visit to Ireland.
That cream tea looks delicious.
All the best Jan
YOur photos are a travel brochure for Ireland -- they should be used by the Irish Tourism Bureau. They are fabulous and make me want to hop a plane!
The stone arches in Ireland are just special to look at.
That round tower is fascinating. I think there was one called St. Kevin's Tower, but then it's been 16 years. That garden really looks lovely though. It's fun visiting places that are so uncrowded, and I think it was smart to visit an area that isn't on most tourist's list. I must say your cream tea and scones look delicious. It's making me want something sweet with cream, because whipped cream is the best. I hope you had a great Thursday. hugs-Erika
I am expecting Rapunzel to let down her golden hair from that round tower!
I absolutely enjoyed your travelogue, Carola.
Hugs and blessings
...the Timahoe Round Tower is a wonderful destination. Ireland must be a stoney place, everything is built of stone. The gardener was smart he/she didn't want to lose the gloves. Thanks for taking me along to see the sights. Have a delightful weekend.
The tea with the scones and clotted cream looks traditional and mouth-wateringly delicious. I have enjoyed it a couple of times. I am not a big tea drinker, but I think that when it is done properly and has become an integral part of the experience, you simply have to go along with it. After all, you wouldn’t go to Oktoberfest and order a daiquiri would you? Hugs - David
Oh my, the Tower is amazing and the dimensions are mind boggling ... you should have had someone stand by it in one of your photos so we could better see the size. The Heywood Gardens were interesting as well ... I love old ruins(though ruins doesn't really fit the gardens as they are still beautifully maintained). And a spot of tea with scones, jam and clotted cream (looks delicious, but would love to know what "clotted cream" actually is ... is it sweet or cheesy or what?) I know what you mean by making a proper cup of tea. We had a restaurant in our old neighborhood where they specialized in teas. They were very particular about how the tea was made and taught us how to do it when we purchased tea to take home). It makes a huge difference if it is done right. So loving your sites in Ireland and your delicious tea party, Carola ...
Andrea @ From the Sol
Thanks, Carola, for this photo tour of your visit to Ireland. We will be in that country in mid-October as part of a tour group and while we may not visit some of these destinations, I'm hoping there will be some similar sights! Also, I will be looking forward to tea, scones and clotted cream and jam.
Un precioso reportaje, todo me gusta especialmente la torre. Gracias y besos.
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