Hidden Ireland exhibition at Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower

Ireland's historic castles are among the most recognisable features of its landscape, yet many of these remarkable structures are vulnerable to the passage of time, weather, neglect, and changing land use. This year's Heritage Week theme, Heritage at Risk, invites us to reflect on the importance of recognising, recording, and valuing the places that connect us to our past before they are lost.

My passion for Ireland's built heritage led me to begin a photographic and written diary of castles and historic sites several years ago. Through exploring these places, I have discovered that every ruin has a story to tell. Many of these sites are overlooked in everyday life, yet they form an important part of Irish heritage.

Hidden Ireland exhibition returns to Thoor Ballylee with the support of the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society. I have selected twelve ruined castles across County Galway and I hope to highlight not only their individual stories but also the importance of recording and appreciating heritage that may be at risk of disappearing from the landscape. Together, they illustrate both the richness of Galway's medieval heritage and the challenges facing many historic structures today.

Join me at Thoor Ballylee to discover twelve hidden castles of County Galway and explore the stories they continue to tell, even as time leaves its mark upon them.

The exhibition will be displayed at the Thoor Ballylee studio and is free of charge. There is an admission fee of €7 for visiting the tower.