Alan Lee - Photos of Ireland

20/04/2026

Cleenrah Dolmen, County Longford

Cleenrah Dolmen (Portal Tomb or Cromlech) is situated just outside the village of Aughnacliffe, County Longford. It is sometimes overlooked, due to the presence of another spectacular Dolmen (Aughnacliffe Dolmen) which is situated in the village. However, it is a very well preserved Portal Tomb with a single west facing chamber measuring 2m long and 2m wide. The sides and back consist of five stones, of which are about 1.5m high. The large capstone, which covers the chamber, measures approxamitely 2.7m long, 2.5m wide and 1.25m thick.
Portal Tombs are believed to date back to around 3800 BC, and are believed to be one of the earliest forms of megalithic structures constructed during the Neolithic period.

14/04/2026

Clamp Hole Waterfall
Glenbarrow, County Laois

Clamp Hole Waterfall is a beautiful 3 tier waterfall, situated along the River Barrow in County Laois. There are many stunning walks and trails in the area, and I would highly recommend a visit to anyone, who appreciates the beauty of nature. In fact, it would be impossible to explore in a single visit. I hope to return myself soon and explore some more of its beauty.

13/04/2026

I came across this grave stone at St John's Church, Edgeworthstown, County Longford. When I read the inscription it made me stop and ponder for a while. It's words were so poignant, and made me wonder who was this young lad who met his end in such a tragic way, back at the end of the 19th century? The inscription reads:

ARTHUR HENRY
BELOVED SON OF
JAMES AND ELLEN LLOYD
WHO MET HIS DEATH BY AN
ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE OF A GUN
ON MAY 26th 1892
AGED 14 YEARS

Maybe someone out there knows of this, or is descended from his family. May he rest in peace.

11/04/2026

The protests continue in Longford Saturday 11th April.💚
Much love and respect to everyone who is taking part.💚
Together we stand, Erin go Bragh💚🇮🇪

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

National Fuel Protest, Longford, Thurs 9th April 2026.

Massive turnout for the fuel protest in Longford today. Well done people from Longford and surrounding areas, and kudos to everyone who took part. 💚👊🇮🇪

11/03/2026

Dún Briste Sea Stack
Downpatrick Head
County Mayo

Dún Briste, translated from Irish means 'Broken Fort' in English. This spectaculor sea stack or pilaster, located off the North Mayo coast near Ballycastle, stands at a height of 45 metres, is 63 metres long and 23 metres wide. It was separated from the mainland during a severe storm in 1393 when the narrow neck of land, connecting it to the cliffs, was destroyed and washed away by the fury of the Atlantic Ocean.
Legend says that, Saint Patrick built one of Irelands first churches there. When a local druid named Crom Dubh, refused to convert to Christianity, Saint Patrick struck the ground with his crozier and separated the stack from the mainland, condemning the druid to die there in solitude.
When I visited there in January 2026, after travelling from the midlands, I was hit by a blizzard en route, which made me contemplate, should I turn back for home and return on another day? I decided to venture on regardless. I arrived just before sunrise, all the snow had melted away by this stage, but the wind was so powerful. I was thinking of doing some long exposures before I left home, but the extreme wind made it impossible to use a tripod. The light was pretty poor at first but then everything kicked off at the same time - the rising sun broke through the clouds, washing the scene with golden light, it started to rain and a majestic rainbow revealed itself. Then, moments later, dark clouds rolled in and the rain became a lot heavier, and just like that, the light had dissapeared.

30/10/2025

Glendalough Round Tower
County Wicklow

The round tower at Glendalough is the dominant monument at the ecclesiastical complex. The cap of the tower was faithfully restored in 1876, using original fallen stones, and the masonry was re-pointed during this period. The masonry is of the local mica-slate with granite dressing, occasional granite courses, and irregular single stones of granite in the wall.
The door faces south-east towards the west doorway of the nearby cathedral. It is constructed of granite monoliths, with gently inclined jambs. The slightly-less-than-round arch of the doorway is comprised of a monolithic lintel, cutaway on the soffit to represent a conventional arch.
The windows appear more organised than on other towers, spiralling around the circumference, one to each floor, comprised of granite inclined jambs. The bell-floor windows all face slightly to the right of the cardinal points.
It is suggested that the tower was constructed in the 11th century, and stands at a height of 30.48 metres; diameter at base 4.87 metres; height of door-sill 3.2 metres.

Ref: 'The Irish Round Tower - Origins And Architecture Explored' by Brian Lalor (ISBN 1 - 903464 - 77 - 3)
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the round towers of Ireland.

09/09/2025

St. Joseph's Carmelite Church, Dublin

This granite building was designed by the architects O'Neill and Byrne, with construction beginning in 1875, and was completed and consecrated in 1880.
The Berkley Road Parish was established in 1890 from St. Michan's. The parish is called Berkeley Road, even though the church is located on Berkley Street.
To celebrate the establishment of the parish, the North-Western bell tower was constructed between 1892-3 to the designs of John L. Robinson.

05/09/2025

Ardmore Round Tower & St Declan's Monastery
County Waterford

It is believed that a monastery was founded here, in the 5th century by St Declan. Today a number of structures remain, including the 12th century round tower and cathedral, and St Declan's Oratory which is believed to be the resting place of the pre-patrician saint, Declan.
The Round Tower was likely constructed during a power struggle between Ardmore and nearby Lismore during the 12th century. Ardmore’s Round Tower is believed to be one of the last built in Ireland, making it an important piece of architectural history. Standing approximately 30 meters tall and measuring about 5 meters in diameter at its base, the Ardmore Round Tower is a striking example of medieval architecture.