Willow

Malahide Castle

2010-08-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

David photographed Malahide Castle recently for a new range of cards featuring the castle and the rooms and furnishings within. Below are some images from the shoot and some of the new card fronts.

Malahide Castle is one of the oldest and most historic castles in Ireland. From 1185 until 1975, it was the home of the Talbot family. This was a remarkable tenure by a single family and is one of the longest in Ireland.
The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12th century and it was home to the Talbot family for 791 years, the only exception being the period from 1649-1660, when Oliver Cromwell granted it to Miles Corbet after the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland; Corbet was hanged following the demise of Cromwell, and the castle was restored to the Talbots.
The building was notably enlarged in the reign of England’s King, Edward IV, and the towers were added in 1765.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Glenveagh 20th July

2010-08-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

David was in Glenveagh National Park during July and photographed the Park and the Castle for a new range of greeting cards. See some of the photos and cards below and more of the images can be seen by following the link lower down.

Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The Park, over 16,000 hectares in extent consists of three areas. The largest of these is the former Glenveagh Estate, including most of the Derryveagh Mountains. To the west are the quartzite hills around Crocknafarragh and to the south, the peatlands of Lough Barra bog, Meenachullion and Crockastoller.
Glenveagh Gardens
Many famous Irish Gardens are set in natural landscapes of great beauty and nowhere else is the contrast between the luxuriance of the gardens and a rugged and exposed environment as marked as at Glenveagh. Situated at the foot of a steep, wooded hillside sloping down to Glenveagh Castle on the windswept shore of Lough Veagh, the uncompromising conditions of high rainfall and acid soil have been successfully exploited and the gardens feature a range of exotic plants from places as far afield as South America, Tasmania and China. The acid soil is particularly suited to the growth of rhododendrons, of which there is a fine collection.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Dublin Tourism

2010-08-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

David recently photographed Dublin Writers Museum and St. Andrews Church in Dublin for Dublin Tourism. Below you can see some of the photos from the day and also some of the new card fronts as part of the Dublin Tourism ownbrand.

Dublin is famous as a city of writers and literature, and the Dublin Writers
Museum is an essential visit for anyone who wants to discover, explore, or
simply enjoy Dublin’s immense literary heritage.
At the Writers Museum, Dublin’s literary celebrities from the past three
hundred years are brought to life through their books, letters, portraits and
personal items.
The building, a restored Georgian mansion on Parnell Square, is a treasure
in itself. The sumptuous plasterwork in the rst oor Gallery of Writers is
worth a visit alone.
Temporary exhibitions and lunchtime theatre, a specialist bookshop, and a
cafémake this compact and informative Museum all the more appealing
to anyone interested in discovering more about Dublin’ immense literary
heritage.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Bunratty 6th July

2010-08-05T03:06:00.000-07:00

David visited Bunratty early in July and photographed the Castle. Below are some of the images from the shoot and some cards from the new range produced by Willow for Shannon Heritage.

Bunratty Castle was built in the 15th century, by the Earl of
Thomond, who was renowned for his hospitality. That tradition
of hospitality is kept alive today with the world-famous Bunratty
Medieval Banquet, held twice nightly year round. For over 40 years
the ladies of the castle, aided by the Earl’s butler, have welcomed
guests from the four corners of the globe to join them at the Earl’s
banquet. The entertainment includes an atmospheric reception and the
superb Bunratty Singers provide tting entertainment to complement
a delicious four course meal, with wine. Guests are sure to enjoy
an unforgetable evening in the splendour of the Banquet Hall, of
this magnicent castle. The long oak tables, bench seating, ickering
candle-light and the warm glow of the open-re, create a unique
atmosphere, reecting the banqueting style of the medieval era.

Trim 30th June

2010-08-05T02:29:00.000-07:00

Whilst in Dublin David also visited Trim and took photos of the town and Trim Castle for a new set of cards and postcards for Siopa an Caislean www.royalirelandgifts.com

One of Ireland’s heritage towns, Trim is situated on the River Boyne. It once had the oldest and largest religious settlements in the country. The town is dominated by the medieval Trim Castle, which was built by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. The largest Norman castle in Europe, it is now restored and visitors can access the 75ft square keep and grounds by guided tour. Sections of the epic film Braveheart were filmed here.
Soon after proclaiming Christianity in Ireland, St. Patrick built a church here on land granted to him by the son of the High King. He built it near an ancient ford that crossed the river just beyond the bridge and it was from this that Trim got its name.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

National Wax Museum June 30th

2010-08-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

David visited the National Wax Museum in Dublin to photograph the exibits for a new ownbrand range of cards, postcards and posters. http://www.waxmuseumplus.ie/

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Kylemore Abbey 23rd June

2010-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Following Davids photoshoot around Connemara earlier in the month he returned to Kylemore Abbey to photograph the gardens and the Abbey itself.

The story of Kylemore - both Castle and Abbey - is a truly remarkable
one. The twists of fate which have marked its history at crucial moments
from its beginning to the present day combine to create a colourful and
moving history. Home to the Benedictine Nuns since 1920, Kylemore has
been renowned as a place of spirituality and education.
Nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain on the northern shore of Lough
Pollacappul, the heart of the Connemara Mountains, it is regarded as one of
Ireland’s most romantic buildings. Originally built in 1867 as a romantic gift,
Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in
history including engineering initiatives, model farms, tragedy, royal visits,
gambling debts, a hideaway during Ireland’s troubled history as well as
excellence in education.

Ballinamore 16 June

2010-08-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

David did a photoshoot recently in Ballinamore for a new series of cards for Smyth’s Gift Shop

Ballinamore is located in the heart of Leitrim’s magical lake and drumlin landscape, 150 km north west of Dublin and is strategically placed, close to the major road and rail networks.

Ballinamore or Béal an Átha Móir means “Mouth of the Big Ford”. It is so called because it is the main crossing point on the Yellow River. It is situated in what is known as the Valley of the Black Pig which was the frontier between the ancient ‘cúige’ or province of Ulster and the rest of Ireland in the middle of the fourth century
Ballinamore town originates as a mediaeval settlement built at the time of the plantations after a grant of surrounding lands was made in 1621. It grew around its mill, and had flourishing ironworks in the 18th century.

Tara 3rd June

2010-08-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Willow launched a new ownbrand range for the Hill of Tara ealier this year which you can see here

David recently revisited Tara to see how the new cards were going, but also couldn't help taking a few photos while he was there.

Connemara June 2nd

2010-08-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

In ealry June David visited Connemara to photograph the town and the beautiful scenery.

Connemara (in Irish: Conamara), which derives from Conmhaicne Mara (meaning: descendants of Con Mhac, of the sea), is a district in the west of Ireland comprising of a broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of County Galway or south west Connacht. The Conmhaicne Mara were a branch of the Conmhaicne, an early tribal grouping that had a number of branches located in different parts of Connacht.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Kemare May 26th

2010-08-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

While down south David also visited the area around Kemare.

Kenmare is one of the most idyllic places not only in Ireland but in the world. Nestled peacefully at the mouth of the Kenmare Bay between the famous coastal drives of the Ring of Kerry and Ring of Beara. Kenmare is one of Ireland’s Heritage Towns. The town itself is dotted with vibrant coloured buildings, full of character, where there is true pride and concern for the immediate environment. Thus Kenmare has been honoured to win the prestigious "Tidy Towns" competition in 2000 and 2008 and in the intervening years had retained the gold medal for "tidiest small town". A visit to Kenmare leaves lasting memories with its colourful shop fronts, unrivalled award winning restaurants and hotels, all surrounded by stunning scenery. A visit is not to be missed. To learn all about this wonderful town of Kenmare, where to stay, things to do etc... Go to http://www.kenmare.ie/

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Waterville, Co. Kerry

2010-08-04T06:58:00.001-07:00

On May 25th David travelled to Waterville in Co. Kerry to photograph the town and the surrounding areas.

Waterville (An CoireÁn) “The Little Whirlpool”, is the premier coastal tourist centre, with blue flag beaches, on the Ring of Kerry. It has attracted many celebrities through the years including Charlie Chaplin & family. Waterville nestles between Ballinskelligs Bay & Lough Currane, you will find mountains and lakeland with the added advantage of the sea on your doorstep. Traditional market days are still held in the area, where young and old, visitors and locals meet and chat. A visit to Waterville ensures intimate bars, superb food and a wide range of shops.

David also visited the Skellig Islands off the south coast of Kerry. The magnificent Skellig Islands lie 8 miles (12 km) off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry. Rising majestically from the sea, Skellig Michael towers 714ft. (218 metres) above sea level. On the summit of this awe-inspiring rock you will find a remarkably well preserved sixth century monastic settlement. On the spectacular Small Skelligs 23,000 pairs of gannet nest on every available ledge making it the second largest gannet colony in the world.

The entire shoot can be viewed here

Blarney, County Cork

2010-05-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T03:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

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.

New Ownbrands for the Hill of Tara, County Meath

2010-04-09T09:14:00.001-07:00

Seen below are some samples of the Willow Ireland's ownbrand range based in the Hill of Tara.

The Hill of Tara, known as Temair in gaeilge, was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland – 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times.

In ancient Irish religion and mythology Temair was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods, and was the entrance to the otherworld.

Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site.

Oughterard Shoot

2010-04-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

See Davids images from his recent photoshoot in Oughterard on 04th March. See more here

Thurles Photoshoot

2010-04-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

See photos from David's recent shoot in Thurles on 23rd March. More images here

Thurles is a vibrant and prosperous town, located in North Tipperary. The town is a thriving commercial and business centre and a great place to live, work and visit which boasts many cultural, and recreational facilities

Saint Patrick's Day in Carrick on Shannon

2010-03-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tullamore county Offaly

2010-02-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

On the 19th February David travelled to the town of Tullamore in Offaly where he photographed the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre. The center itself is packed with an interesting collection of artefacts and memoribilia on the craft of distilling this fine Irish whiskey. These photos will be used to produce promotional material for the center.

Cashel county Tipperary

2010-02-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

David was in county Tipperary on the 18th photographing the beautiful town of Cashel and it's historic sites where he photographed Cashel's unique Chriatian heritage where he photographed the rock of Cashel itself and other monastic settlements in the area.

Hill of Tara, county Meath

2010-02-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

David recently visited the Hill of Tara in county Meath on the 9th of February to complete an interpretative shoot of the ancient site. Both the Celtic and Christian aspects if the site are included in the shoot. A full range of greeting cards, post cards, and posters is now designed and will soon be available at the Hill of Tara shop, Maguires of Tara.

Arigna Mining Museum County Roscommon

2010-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

David recently went underground in the Arigna mines on a comission for the Arigna Mining Museum, Keadue, Boyle county Roscommon. This presented an interesting photographic challenge. Many of the shots will be used for audio visual purposes as well as for promotional products.

Claremorris County Mayo

2010-02-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

On the 9th of February David knight travelled to Claremorris in County Mayo, where he was comissioned by the town to produce a range of calendars, cards and postcards. Watch out for the finished range of products which will be available for sale in Claremorris Post Office.

Launch of irish made Confirmation cards

2010-02-08T06:36:00.000-08:00

Willow is launching a new range of Confirmation cards today which are available for immediate delivery to retailers throughout the country.

Launch of irish made Communion cards

2010-02-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

Willow's new range of Communion cards were shown and launched at Showcase in the RDS and has recieved a strong order response from the retail card sector in Ireland. With many of Willow's current customers ordering the products for this season. Below are some samples from the range, please call us for a full brochure sheet from the range.

Showcase Craft Fair

2010-01-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

Willow had a very successful show at the RDS Craft Fair in Dublin with over 120 current and new customers attending the stand.

In particular, our new "own brand" photogrpahy and design service was very popular with perspective clients. A product package including greeting cards, postcards and calendars was successfully marketed to new clients.

David Knight, Willow's photographer will visit your town, region or visitor centre / tourist attraction and will complete a photo shoot with you on the day - these photographs will then be used to create your own range of cards, calendars and postcards and will include your own logos and promotional material.

This service is very suitable if you are an independent retailer. Towns such as Naas, Dalkey, Claremorris, Monasterevin, and Killinchy, co. Down have already availed of our service. Visiotr centers and tourist attractions such as the Irish National Stud, Trinity College, Lough Key Forest Park and many more are having great success with our "own brand" ranges.

Craftfair in the RDS in Simmonscourt, Dublin. January 24th to 27th 2010

2010-01-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

Willow Design & Publishing have moved to a new and better stand position for the showcase Craftfair in the RDS in Simmonscourt.

This year the event organisers have created a new concept called "Creative Island" which is located in the Main Hall at the entrance, this area features the best of Ireland's artists, designers and craftspeople.

Willow design's new stand D128 is located on the right hand side of the Main Hall near the main entrance.

January 2010

2010-01-08T06:18:00.001-08:00

Willow design and publishing are launching a new range of Christmas cards for 2010 at the showcase craftfair in the RDS in Simmonscourt, Dublin, Ireland which takes place between January 24th and 27th 2010

Willow's stand number at the show is D128 and can be found in the main hall.

New additions to our wedding range will also be displayed at the show along with our gift stationery range.

Snow Images...

2009-12-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

David Knight was out shooting the snowy scenes around the west this week. Some can be seen below, but check out our online library here for more. Just follow the link and then select events and then SNOW from the drop down menu.

David Knight was out shooting the snowy scenes around the west this week. Some can be seen below, but check out our online library here for more. Just follow the link and then select SNOW from the drop down menu.

Happy Christmas!

2009-12-22T08:44:00.001-08:00

The team at www.willowireland.com would like to wish all of their customers a very merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.

David Knight attended the Launch of Leitrim Flood Appeal

2009-12-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

Pictured at the launch of the Leitrim Flood Appeal in the Leitrim Marina Hotel over the weekend were left to right

Frank McGowan (Manorhamilton), Laura Maloney, Chairperson of Leitrim Flood Appeal (Fenagh), Fergus Mayo (Arigna), Maire Canning, Secretary of Leitrim Flood Appeal (Kesh), Hughie Guihen, Liz Breckenridge, Treasurer of Leitrim Flood Appeal (Kesh).

Photo: David Knight

Pictured at the launch of the Leitrim Flood Appeal in the Leitrim Marina Hotel over the weekend were left to right

Maire Canning, Secretary of Leitrim Flood Appeal (Kesh), Laura Maloney, Chairperson of Leitrim Flood Appeal (Fenagh), Liz Breckenridge, Treasurer of Leitrim Flood Appeal (Kesh).

Photo: David Knight

Paul McCarthy (Kesh), playing the pipes at the Leitrim Flood Appeal.

Photo: David Knight

David Knight Photography & Willow Design promotes North West Hospice Christmas Cards

2009-12-07T05:38:00.001-08:00

North West Hospice promotes a range of Christmas Cards in The Dock Art Centre, Carrick on Shannon.

North West Hospice in conjunction with Photographer David Knight & Willow Design have recently launched packs of fundraising Christmas Cards depicting local scenes. David will be showing and promoting the range from the range at The Dock Art Centre, in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim next Saturday the 12th December between 2pm - 4pm. Everyone is welcome to drop by and support the campaign. David will also have an audio visual slide show with music playing for the afternoon on Leitrim and Roscommon. Come along and support this worthy cause and have a pleasant afternoon viewing and discussing your photography interests. The cards are available from the following outlets. Further information contact David Knight at 071 9667940 or www.willowireland.com

Sligo town
Higgins Chemist
Enda Horans
Liber Bookshop
Brodericks
Conways (Tesco Arcade) / Easons O'Connell St
North West Hospice, The Mall, Sligo

Co Sligo
PJ Tansey Gurteen
Geevagh Support Group
Margaret Toolan Ballisodare
Horans Chemist Ballisodare
Collerys Beltra
Grange Pharmacy
Enniscrone Support Group

Donegal
Bundoran Support Group
Ballyshannon Support Group
Novel Idea Ballyshannon

Roscommon
Surprise Giftware Boyle
McDonagh’s Newsagents, Boyle

Leitrim
Bradens Manorhamilton
The Dock Art Centre, Carrick on Shannon
Cox's Pharmacy Carrick on Shannon

The Flooding

2009-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

David Knight was photographing the flooding around Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Village and Cootehall by helicopter. Below are a number of the photos and the entire selection can be seen on our online shop here where they are also available for purchase.

All proceeds from the sale of photographs, prints and dvds will go to the Leitrim Flood Appeal. (leitrimfloodappeal@leitrim.com)

Anybody who has been directly affected by the flooding and these photos are of use to you please contact us and we will be happy to supply you with the photos free of charge. info@willowireland.com

Carrick-on-Shannon

Leitrim Village

Cootehall

National Blacksmith Championships come to Cootehall

2009-11-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

A shot taken recently in Cootehall at the National Blacksmith Championships.

Permanent Exhibition in Carrick Plaza

2009-11-28T07:04:00.000-08:00

A permanent exhibition of work by David Knight was recently put on display in Carrick Plaza Suites www.carrickplazasuites.ie

Below are some of the images featured but be sure and check them out in Carrick-on-Shannon