Blarney, County Cork

David travelled south to Blarney on May 12th to photograph the famous castle and it's surrounding grounds and features.

Situated six miles from the city, this was once a thriving manufacturing village, but now survives mainly on the tourist trade. Blarney castle was built in the middle of the 15th Century by Cormac McCarthy. He was so esteemed as a powerful chieftain, that the English settlers paid him an annual tribute of 40 pounds to protect them from Irish attacks.

In the Grounds of the castle the Rock Close and it's surroundings is a curios place of ancient trees and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of worship in pre-Christain days. The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witche's Kitchen, Druid's Cave and many other delights such as Lake Walk, Waterfall, Fern Garden, Ice House and Lime Kiln; all telling a story of centuries past.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Wexford

David recently visited the county of Wexford on the to complete an interpretative shoot of the town and surrounding county. The shoot will result in a range of specially designed greeting cards and other material for Wexford.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Belfast City

On May 7th, David was invited to photograph the city of Belfast and its features, both historically significant and modern. Selections from this shoot will be used to produce a collection of greting cards/ calendars and postcards for Belfast city.

Lying on the border of the counties of Antrim and Down in Ulster, Belfast is at the head of Belfast Lough on the north-eastern coast of Ireland. Belfast is the capital of and the largest city in Northern Ireland.

Historically, Belfast has been a centre for the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope-making and shipbuilding: the city’s main shipbuilders, Harland and Wolff, which built the ill-fated RMS Titanic, propelled Belfast on to the global stage in the early 20th century as the largest and most productive shipyard in the world. Belfast is also a major seaport, with commercial and industrial docks dominating the Belfast Lough shoreline, including the famous Harland and Wolff shipyard.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

New Ownbrand range for Drumcliffe Tea House & Craft Shop

Seen below are samples from the Willow Ireland Ownbrand range for Drumcliffe tea house & Craft Shop in county Sligo. The collection includes greeting cards, calendars, decorative mounts, postcards and posters.

This charming tea house and craft shop offers good wholesome food together with mouth watering home made cakes and desserts.

There is a selection of Yeats and Irish interest books to browse through, complimented by a distinctive selection of original quality crafts.

Enjoy cheerful service and a relaxed atmosphere.

Mallow, County Cork

On April 14th, David Knight travelled to Mallow, the "Crossroads of Munster" to photograph the town and its surrounds.

Throughout the centuries the town has prospered as a market town, helped by its rich agricultural hinterland, its central location and its importance on the railway network.

It has survived the 1920s burning and the frequent overflow of the Blackwater. Today, Mallow is a highly attractive town that has retained much of its character.

Ballymaloe House, County Cork

David visited Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co. Cork to photograph the house, it's grounds and of course the fine food.

Nestled in a 400 acre estate in rural East Cork, Ballymaloe House is only 20 miles from the historic city of Cork, and minutes from the breathtaking south coast.
At Ballymaloe, they pride themselves on offering a warm welcome, tastefully decorated bedrooms and award-winning cuisine which celebrates the best of local, seasonal produce.

Cork City

David spent time in the city of Cork on the 14th April.

The city, situated on the banks of the river Lee, is home to 123,000 people.
It is located on the South West coast of Ireland and is the 2nd largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The area of the city is 3,731 hectares.