Glenbarrow waterfall is situated close to the geographical centre of Ireland, the Slieve Bloom mountain region which links the counties of Laois and Offaly.

It is a spectacular 3-tiered waterfall that cascades into the River Barrow.

The area is made up of forests, blanket bog of a type which is unique to Ireland and natural woodland that in Spring is ablaze with bluebells.

These images were taken during the record breaking heatwave in July 2018 when the water level was at its lowest.

The Dowhshire Bridge, Grand Canal, Edenderry, County Offaly.

The Downshire is a single-arch masonry bridge, built c.1802, carrying towpath over entrance to the Edenderry Branch of the Grand Canal.

The Edenderry Branch of the Grand Canal, its harbour and this bridge were funded by Lord Downshire of Edenderry, who gave this bridge its name.

Downshire Bridge was designed to carry only pedestrians or horses over the canal. This is the only such bridge on the Edenderry line of the canal

Carbury Castle is a castle situated in the townland of Carbury, on the borders of Kildare and Offaly. The area is dominated by the ruins of this great Tudor mansion set atop Carbury Hill, which was also known as Fairy Hill.

The motte on the hill was probably built by Meiler FitzHenry who was granted the area by Strongbow. It was acquired by the de Berminghams in the 14th century, before being taken by the native Irish in the 15th century.

In 1588 it was granted to the Colley family, ancestors of the Dukes of Wellington, who built a large stronghouse in the 17th century.

In Spring/early Summer the floor of Kllinthomas Woods are carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic.

The violet blue coupled with the heady aroma are seasonal signposts.

Killinthomas Wood is a 200 acre amenity area within 1 mile of Rathangan village, County Kildare.

Blundell Aqueduct, in my hometown of Edenderry, County Offaly, was built by the Grand Canal Company in 1793 and was partly funded by the local landlord and named after him.

The aqueduct carries the Grand Canal over the Edenderry to Rathangan road. It is the only structure in Offaly that carries the canal over a road.

Blundell Aqueduct is known locally as ‘The Tunnel’. The canal narrows as it passes through a limestone quay as is flows over the aqueduct. This area has always been called ‘The Eye’. This has been where generations of local kids have learned to swim.

Facing east towards Ticknevin the area lends itself to some beautiful sunrises reflecting off the canal water.

Various images of an abandoned cottage on the outskirts of the town of Edenderry, County Offaly.

The cottage was lived in by three bachelor brothers....one was killed in a terrible gorse fire on the nearby bog..in time the other two brothers had an argument and one left leavng the second brother living alone in the cottage....they did not speak to each other ever again

The cottage never had any electricity or plumbing

From the start of June to mid-July 2018 Ireland underwent our driest summer in modern records.

A heatwave was officially declared on 22nd June and it caused widespread drought, hosepipe bans and wildfires.

Temperatures reached the high 20s and at times exceeded 30 °C.

Relieving rain soaked the city centre.

Frosty morning on the banks of the Grand Canal in the town of Edenderry, County Offaly.

The Downshire Bridge glistened in the early morning light and was reflected in the water that was supporting a thin film of ice in places.

Ballinskelligs Castle is a castle located near Ballinskelligs on the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry.

Ballinskelligs Castle is more commonly known as McCarthy Mór Castle. It is in fact a Tower House and was built in the 16th century by McCarthy Mór.

It is thought that it's purpose was twofold. Firstly to protect the bay from pirates and also from which to charge a tariff on incoming trade ships

Dún Laoghaire is a suburban coastal town in County Dublin, Ireland, about 12 km (7.5 miles) south of Dublin city centre.

The harbour, one of the largest in the country, is notable for its two granite piers.

It took 42 years to construct the harbour, from 1817 to 1859.

An old Scots pine tree plays witness to the annual ritual of the harvesting of peat turf to be used as a domestic fossil fuel.

Bogland near the town of Edenderry, County Offaly

Rathmore Bridge is a single-arch masonry accommodation bridge, built c.1795, over the Grand Canal in Edenderry County Offaly.

This was where my father learned to swim as a young boy.

Urban observations from around Stoneybatter and Smithfield, Dublin City

Moore Street Market in Dublin city is an open air fruit and vegetable market which is held from Mondays-Saturdays

The market there is considered to be a famous landmark on the northside of the city.

The stalls are passed down from generation to generation and the stall holders are noted for their wit and character.

The Moore Street accent, with its typical Dublin street cries, is widely celebrated

Henry Street is one of Dublins main shopping street and is always a hive of hustle and bustle.

Spend some time people watching and the crowd become a blur as individuals and the alternatives emerge.

Photo index:

‘Penney’s for your thoughts’

‘Pay the Puca’

‘The Watcher’

Henry Street in Dublin City centre has always been a haven for street buskers.

Famous Irish musicians like Glen Hansard, Damien Dempsey and Damien Rice have cut their creative teeth and honed their skills on the streets of Dublin.

Talented troubadours who are always heard but seldom listened to by the passing parade of pedestrians.