Bird World

The garden in Polranny is home to countless species of birds like this
feisty robin, which was lovingly photographed by Pirate Riny.

Irish Pagoda?

A little piece of Japan in Ireland. Part of
the Powerscourt estate near Dublin.
Photo: ©©Profoundly Superficial

Moore Hall

Overgrown ruins of Moore Hall, a mansion firebombed
in the Irish Civil War. PS Pirates don't believe in
ghosts... except in Ireland... ©Profoundly Superficial

The Bridge to the Rainbow's End

If there was a crock of gold there, it evaporated
along with the rainbow about thirty seconds later.

Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial, Achill Island

The Lawn Gets its Trim

Spring is late this year but finally the lawn has had its first trim of the year.

Photo: Mike

The Bears of Ireland

In the kitchen, Rory the Bear is waiting patiently for
his full Irish breakfast.

Photo: Bertje

The Classic Irish Landscape...

... with rolling hills, clear lakes and a graveyard from where the dead watch over the living.

Photo: Peti

Where Europe Ends

The very edge of Europe. Beyond it is water and
another world.
Photo:©Profoundly Superficial

The Folly from Above

Lots of work still to be done but we're getting
there. Meanwhile our guests are having a great
time at the House

Photo: Bertje

Upstairs in the Folly...

... the bookcases for the Library are almost ready!

Photo: Bertje

The Folly is Under Construction...

... but there's still time for tea!

Photo: Bertje

Things Are Looking Positively Rosy

... at the back of the House and the Folly.

Photo: Bertje

Almost Spring

The Folly and the House looking magnificent in the
soft, springtime light.

Photo: Bertje

Natural Beauty

An Irish magic carpet of moss, plants and decorative sheep
poo. Quite transporting! Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial

Beach Combing

Prehistoric axe head. Found by Pirate Annie on Mulranny
beach in August.
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial

Beach Bums

Trudi and Bertje on the Golden Strand, Achill Island.
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial

Picture Postcard

Gay greetings from Ireland!
© Profoundly Superficial

Lorcan

Lorcan is an Indian eagle owl, who lives with his
mate Aisling at the Raptor Centre in County Sligo.
Well worth a visit!! ©Profoundly Superficial

Unexpected Help

Pirate friend Doutsje recently dropped by with (from top to bottom)
Sophie, Cecile and Sabine, who have been helping out at Doutsje and
husband Willem's exquisite Achill Secret Garden. No sooner had
they arrived than the three girls set to work whitewashing the
inside of the Folly. Thank you girls and thank you Doutsje! We really
appreciate it!!

Anyone at Home?

Trudi's waiting for the bunnies to come out to play.

Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial, Currane

Twilight Hour

The horses and the tractor are heading home. The day is done.

Photo: Josée

In the Bleak Midwinter..

... it's important to remember that one day summer will finally return.

Photo: Peti

An Irish Christmas...

... is full of "little people".

Photo: Josée

The Folly's Kitchen is Slowly Taking Shape

Here, Pirate builder Mike is adding the tiles.

Foto: Peti

The Folly From Fore and Aft

Deceptively modest from the front, the Folly reveals its true nature from the rear.

Photos: Peti

The Entrance to the Folly

The elegant entrance to the Folly replete with handy wheelbarrow and the twin compost-makers in the foreground.

Photo: Peti

Pilgrim

Armed with a flag staff, this young pilgrim has spent many painful hours clambering up the Croagh Patrick, the local holy mountain, on his bare feet. At the summit, he paused long enough to have his picture taken by photographer Ineke Oostveen, who was staying at Polranny at the time.

Photo: Ineke Oostveen

There are Fairies at the Bottom of the Garden!

No, not leprechauns as you would expect but beautiful little fairies, who briefly appeared during the stay of an exceptionally talented 11-year-old called Josefien.

Photo:Ineke Oostveen

Once a Tiny Cowshed...

... the Folly is now turning into a veritable palace!
Photo: Peti

More News about the Folly

The windows are in place and builder Mike Wilson has added some stylish curlicues to the cement work. These were originally intended as a temporary element but have now become a permanent feature.

Photo: Peti

News about the Folly

The Folly, the smaller building next to the main house, is being thoroughly revamped and renovated. The windows are in place and work will now begin on the interior.
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial

Divine Madness

The painter Francis Bacon's studio,
now housed at the Hugh Lane Gallery
in Dublin.
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial

Natural Drama

Where the sea meets a fresh water estuary....
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial

Prehistoric Monument?

A teeny tiny 'megalithic tomb'. Presumably intended for
leprechauns.
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial, Ireland.

Flower

A tiny pressed flower on the window sill at the Pirates'
house in Polranny...
Photo: ©Profoundly Superficial