Waterford Country Fair 2019

The Fair, a fund-raiser for the hospice movement, was held in various parts of Curraghmore estate, 

by kind permission of Lord & Lady Waterford,

and was an outstanding success,

running from 10.00 am until after 6.00 pm.

On entering the fair area from the Ballyquin Gate car park, two of the first items of interest to see were these magnificent bronzes, which I was told may have been purchased at one of the Parisian World Fairs in the 1800s. 

This one, on left, depicts a mastiff protecting her pups from a wolf or wild boar (?).

The one on the right here depicts a wolf (?),
again protecting her young.

These artworks look very like the work of:

Alfred Dubucand (1829-1894)
or
Isidore Jules Bonheur (1827-1901). 

Portlaw branch of the Red Cross organisation, based in the courtyard,
were very much in evidence, looking after the welfare of the numerous visitors.

Local man, Willie Corcoran,
had on display some of his many
birds of prey, from a collection of over forty!
The public, including young children,
were encouraged to hold the birds on their arms
while posing for photographers,
for a very nominal fee.

Here, Willie is seen with one of his Barn Owls.

You can read all about this well-established
Portlaw enterprise at:

www.falconryinireland.com

Yes, even young children can hold these!

Mussels and Pearls in the local river,
but don't attempt to touch them!

Many images and some text to follow . . . by degrees!

A single left click on each image will reveal an enlarged copy. 

Water Supply Problem

People may not be aware of it,

but three premises on the Curraghmore road, from the roundabout onwards,

have been depending on bottled water for more that six months,

as the supply to those houses had been declared 'unfit for human consumption'.

The problem is now being corrected. 

                                                                                           

                                                                Remedial work near the grotto.

The rust within one of the cast-iron pipes
which had been replaced about twenty years ago.

                                                                               On top . . . section of a pipe which replaced the old cast-iron pipes twenty years ago.
Underneath:                                                        section of the original cast-iron pipe.

These photos taken on June 24th last.

Bird Life!

Collared Doves
(Streptopelia decaocto)
in
own garden.

Check out:                                              https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-collared-dove/

May 3rd . . .

Last Friday, May 3rd, I decided to go for a walk on a different route than usual,

and went down from the Salaheen entrance to King John's bridge to see what 

what was in bloom at the time.

I was pleasantly surprised at Salaheen cottages to see that re-furbishment of the houses

is taking place. These 'old world'  picturesque dwellings have been photographed and painted 

by people for many years.

Half way downhill, I met the above gentlemen who were clearing a large area of Laurel bushes,

which, when unchecked,  seem to take over wide areas like Rhododendrons.

Bluebells were to be seen covering much of the roadsides and also in among the trees.

The approach to King John's Bridge was brightened by the above yellow flowers,

which I was unable to identify at the time

Later, following an Internet search I discovered they were in fact 

'Japanese Rhododendrons/Azaleas',

according to info and a good colour photo on a UK garden centre website.

A close-up shot of these flowers showed how beautiful they were.
These shrubs produce foliage which is quite colourful in the autumn,
and which I had photographed previously, but whose name I could not ascertain then.

Further example of Rhododendron/Azaleas at the Deerpark, Howth Castle,

a wonderful place to spend a few hours on a walk or simply

to drive uphill there from the castle,

and view the spectacular scenery at any time of year. 

Taken on April 19th last. 

Entrance is on the road from Sutton to Howth, and beside Howth Church of Ireland. 

Well signposted. No entrance fee. 

                                                                                                                                                            King John's Bridge arches from the east side approx.

(built during the reign of King John, a visit from whom was anticipated,

but did not materialize).

Same arches from west side, showing branches trapped there following recent storms and flooding. 

The approach to the bridge from the north side approx. 

Finally, a look at the now-low waters of the Clódagh,

as it flows towards Portlaw and the river Suir. 

Early Summer days.

Fruit trees have been in bloom for some time, or are opening their buds . . . 

. . . as can be seen here on a local apple tree.

However, some garden plants have been flowering for very many weeks,

especially Siberian Wallflowers,

which have lit up own garden for ages and are still in full bloom.
The plants were grown from seed set two years ago.

Likewise, with Anenomes (above and below),
which have been flowering for a considerable length of time.

The Arrival of Summer . . .

Suddenly the colour green is all over!

Lots of sheep and lambs can be seen around the country,

but especially here at Curraghmore.

Rhododendrons are coming to life too,

but in sunny areas the flowers are wide open;

. . . this roadside specimen in Ballyquinn townland looking superb!

From the past . . .

From a December 2010 photo, when no cars were in the way!!!