Portumna Priory, County Galway

September 15, 2017

“Quietly now
on the lush green grass,
lest you wake those that sleep there.
That rest under trees,
lie under stone.
Quietly now, and let us go.”

— Claire Loader

It’s easy to overlook Portumna Priory, hidden as it is in the shadow of the castle, tucked quietly into the trees. A verdant hideaway that lends a certain softness to the old stone – a quiet beauty on the edge of Lough Derg.

Find this gorgeous ruin and many more of my favourite places here. Come explore with me…

Emlaghfad Old Church, County Sligo

September 3, 2017

“Speak not of the dead as if they never sinned, as if all were grace and good. Let not death create a saint, where merely a man once stood.”

— Claire Loader

Sitting on the steeps of a lonely rise just outside of Ballymote, the old Emlaghfad Church is not for the faint of heart. Weeds rise out of the long grass like hands, grasping and clinging, seeking to pull you down like the gravestones and tombs that have already succumbed to her depths.

Seek the thick leaves of Emlaghfad their sad stones here. Come explore with me…

Leap Castle, County Offaly

August 26, 2017

“Below the Bloody Chapel
A bloody chapel lies in wait,
Where bone upon bone ponder
And listen through the stone.
For the sounds of their next companion
A new soul for the collection,
A new victim for the oubliette
To lie in forgotten reflection. ”

— Claire Loader

Touted as one of the most haunted castles in Ireland, Leap is an enchanting place in the light of day, with views from the back windows like no other in the country. Ask me to stay after sundown, I'm not sure there would be enough money.

You can find this haunted castle and many more of my favourite places here. Come explore with me…