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Peace: Maha Ghosanada

Clough Castle, County Down, with Mourne Mountains in background

Clough Castle, County Down, with Mourne Mountains in background

The small village of Clough in County Down houses the ruin of this motte and bailey castle, built in the late 12th century as part of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ulster. Its construction was managed by the prominent Knight, John De Courcy, who masterminded a programme of castle building to establish Anglo-Norman authority.
 
This castle at Clough would have controlled one of the main routeways into the area from the south and may also have acted as part of the defence of a larger castle at Dundrum, just a few miles away.

In the sixteenth century, the ruined ‘keep’ was rebuilt as a tower house. The castle sits on a 25ft artificial mound, giving a vantage point for lovely views over the surrounding countryside, including the Mourne Mountains.
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Life Purpose: Robert Byrne

Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard, County Galway

Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard, County Galway

The 'greetings' pony - welcoming visitors along the laneway to Aughnanure Castle

The 'greetings' pony - welcoming visitors along the laneway to Aughnanure Castle

St Brigid’s, Ballinasloe

St Brigid's, Ballinasloe

The former St Brigid's Hospital and Asylum, Ballinasloe, County Galway

The former St Brigid's Hospital and Asylum, Ballinasloe, County Galway

This sad rundown building in Ballinasloe, County Galway, was known at one time as a ‘lunatic asylum’ according to an article in History Ireland. Designed by William Murray, it opened as the Connacht Asylum in 1833, and was renamed the Ballinasloe District Asylum in 1850. By the late 1920s, it became known as Ballinasloe Mental Hospital, and by the 1950s, St Brigid’s Hospital. This photograph from July 2021 shows a building rapidly deteriorating.
 
The caring profession in the nineteenth century was clearly unaware of political correctness as we know it today. An admission form from 1879 refers to “COMMITTAL as a DANGEROUS LUNATIC or DANGEROUS IDIOT.” This followed the passing of the Dangerous Lunatics Act of 1838, after which any person could make an unsubstantiated allegation of insane behaviour against another. Proof of this behaviour was not a prerequisite to them being arrested and committed to this or another asylum.
 
The discovery of psychiatric medication in the mid-20th century reduced the need for patients to be confined and restrained. As a result, the facility was gradually wound down, its doors closed for the last time in 2013. Ballinasloe locals are hoping for a new purpose for the building. Some would like to see it demolished because of unpleasant memories from the past, but most would like to see a restoration in keeping with the original design.

Photo and article by John Callister

Impossible: Paulo Coelho

The Boyne Centre, Drogheda, County Meath

The Boyne Centre, Drogheda, County Meath

The Boyne Centre Visitor Centre, Oldbridge House, County Meath

The Boyne Centre Visitor Centre, Oldbridge House, County Meath

Portrush : Opportunties

Portrush, East Strand, County Antrim

Portrush, East Strand, County Antrim

In Northern Ireland, a spell of good weather often brings people flocking to the north coast. Portrush and nearby Portstewart are favourites since both have excellent beaches, as well as good shops and eating places, etc. People tend to have the attitude, ‘good weather may not last, so let’s make the most of it.’ There’s plenty of choice and places of interest on this northern stretch of coastline including Ballycastle, Kinbane Castle, Carrick-a-Rede with its famous rope bridge, Ballintoy, Dunseverick, The Giant’s Causeway, Portballintrae, White Park Bay, and then the popular towns of Portrush and Portstewart.

With the Covid travel restrictions, the word ‘staycation’ has become a buzzword as we’ve had to face the uncertainty of being able to travel abroad without quite a bit of hassle. Instead, many have made the most of holiday destinations closer to home – places like the north coast. Fortunately, in Northern Ireland we have plenty of suitable places to enjoy a break. It’s even better when we get those temperatures that we’ve been enjoying this year.

Some will remember the days when The Arcadia was a popular Ballroom. Nowadays it's a popular beach cafe.

Some will remember the days when The Arcadia was a popular Ballroom. Nowadays it's a popular beach cafe.

Portrush East Strand is just one of a number of beaches along this northern stretch of coastline.

Portrush East Strand is just one of a number of beaches along this northern stretch of coastline.

The Battle of the Boyne

Sculpture of King William of Orange, on permanent display at Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim
Sculpture of King William of Orange, on permanent display at Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim

On this day (12th July) each year in Northern Ireland, the outcome of the Battle of the Boyne, fought in 1690, is celebrated by the Protestant fraternal order, The Loyal Orange Institution – commonly known as The Orange Order. Formed in County Armagh in 1795, its members, known as Orangemen, march annually on this public holiday throughout every county in Northern Ireland. Smaller celebrations are also held in other parts of the world where Orange lodges have been set up.  

The sculpture in the photo above is of King William of Orange, against the backdrop of Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim where he was hosted before travelling south to the battle at the River Boyne near Drogheda in 1690. Two years earlier, William, a Protestant, had deposed his Catholic uncle, James II, to take the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland. William’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne put an end to James’s attempt to regain the British crown and instead helped to ensure a Protestant line of succession to the throne.

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