cover297693-mediumSynopsis: “An ancient island with a romantic history and lush green landscape, Ireland’s culture stretches back to the time of St Patrick and the first Christian monks and includes the Norman invasion, clan wars, mass emigration and partition in the early 20th century. Today, remnants of the country’s heritage can be found in every corner of this fascinating land, from the thinly inhabited west coast to the modern, populated areas of Leinster. There are thousands of ruined castles, abbeys, churches, ancient sites, houses and mills spread around the island of Ireland. Abandoned Ireland offers you a substantial taste of the most intriguing of these. In Abandoned Ireland, discover Athassel Abbey on the banks of the River Suir and the largest medieval priory in Ireland; marvel at the imposing Carrigogunnel Castle, destroyed during the second siege of Limerick in 1691; explore Carrigglas Manor, a turreted fairytale exterior with a bloody history; see Hilden Mill, a former factory with ghostly sightings; explore the creepy, overgrown ruin of Ennis District Lunatic Asylum in County Clare; and wander the ruins of Rinn Dúin (“fortified headland”) overlooking the River Shannon, a key military and trading town fought over by Norman barons and Irish chieftains. Illustrated with 180 photographs, Abandoned Ireland provides a fascinating pictorial exploration of the little-known corners of this enchanting land. “

My Review

This was another fab nonfiction photo-book from Amber Books.

The book is split up into six chapters including an Introduction, Castles & Houses, Transport & Industrial, Town & City, Farms, Cottages & Schools, Religious Places, Military Sites, and of course the Picture Credits at the back of the book.

There was so much to look at in this book even though it’s only 226 pages. Ireland has a very rich history and so there are plenty of photographs from all ages.

I think my favourite photos were of the MV Alta, a ship that had total engine failure in Bermuda in October 2018, and then ended washed up in County Cork, in February 2020! Also an art deco-style shopping arcade and the Templemore Baths both in Belfast, the mock pub located on an island in Country Kerry built for a Guinness advert, the beautiful scenery of Skelig Michael and Great Blasket in County Kerry, Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny, Ballynafagh Church and Graveyard in County Wicklow, and Muckross Abbey in County Kerry which has a large yew tree growing in the middle of the cloister.

My favourite chapters were Transport & Industrial, Town & City, and Religious Places.

I enjoyed my armchair visit to Ireland and recommend this, if you’re interested in photography or Ireland.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Amber Books for my digital copy via the NetGalley app.