Castles & Cottages of Ireland 2011 Calendar

There is nothing more quintessentially Irish than castles and cottages. The ancient and more modern structures are dotted across the landscape charming all who find them. Little thatched cottages can be made of stone, whitewashed or updated with brilliant colour. Castles come in every style from mediaeval to Norman to Elizabethan. Many are in a ruinous condition while others have been restored. There are various folk parks in Ireland where old buildings have been transported and restored. Bunratty Folk Park, the Ulster American Folk Park and Ulster Folk & Transport Museum are some that are worthwhile visiting. In this 12-month calendar for 2011 I have images of Doonagore Castle near Doolin in Co. Clare, Ross Castle in Killarney Co. Kerry, Bunratty Castle, Blarney Castle in Co. Cork, Barryscourt Castle and Waterford Castle. I have a selection of cottages from Stradbally in Co. Waterford, Annestown in Co. Waterford, the Swiss Cottage in Cahir Co. Tipperary, the Playfair cottage from the movie the Quiet Man in Cong Co. Mayo and a little B&B cottage in Spiddal Co. Galway. I hope you enjoy the various dwellings around Ireland as much as I enjoyed photographing them. © 2010 Michele Erdvig www.IrelandYes.com