Hidden Ireland Exhibition at Thoor Ballylee

Six years ago, I began a photo and text diary exploring Ireland’s built heritage — a personal journey to document and share the quiet beauty of these forgotten places. Hidden Ireland grew from that passion, and this year marks its third edition hosted by Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society. Through this ongoing project, I hope to inspire others to notice, photograph, and preserve these often-overlooked fragments of history.

In line with the Heritage Week theme - Exploring Our Foundations, this year’s exhibition focuses on the sacred stonework of medieval churches, abbeys, and monastic sites in county Galway. I’ve turned my attention to carved doorways, traceried windows, and weathered stone panels — sculptural fragments adorned with interlace, foliage, and symbolic detail. These elements — both decorative and expressive — offer glimpses into a world shaped by faith, identity, and centuries of craftsmanship.

While this year's exhibition leans more on visuals and less on text, the imagery invites close observation. Through these sculptural traces, we can rediscover the foundations that continue to shape Ireland’s sacred landscape.

The exhibition will be displayed at the studio beside Troor Ballylee Tower and will be open daily 11 am - 5 pm from 22nd of August to 31st of August including.