Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny, Ireland

This evening, I am focusing on Jerpoint Abbey, an outstanding 12th century Cistercian Abbey located close to the town of Kilkenny in the south of the Republic of Ireland.

The Abbey follows the conventional Cistercian layout featuring a cruciform church nave, chancel and transepts. A crossing tower was added in the 15th century. The cloister lies to the south of the church adjacent to which there were domestic buildings on three sides.

A principal feature of the Abbey is the high quality  tomb scuplture and carvings:

• 13th-16th century tomb sculpture can be found in the transept chapels one of which is a panel of saints called “weepers”.
• Unique carvings in the sculptured cloister arcade ranging from human figures (bishop, knight, etc.) to grotesque and unexpected diminutive figures in corners or on bases.

There is a visitor centre which houses an interesting exhibition.

This site is deserving of a visit when touring in the area.

Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

 This evening, I am focusing on Carrickfergus Castle  which is probably the best preserved medieval castle in Ireland. Location is on the north side of Belfast Lough, a few miles north-east of Belfast.

This imposing edifice datesback to its original founding in the 12th century as a stand alone keep (tower). Over the succeeding centuries there occurred  extensions and embellishments: in the 13th century, 16th century, 18th century and 19th century. It was as recently as 1928 that Carrickfergus Castle was finally handed over to civilian control. The completed site now comprises the original Keep plus Gatehouse, Grand Battery, Sea Tower, promontory and Postern Gate.

The castle’s original founder was one John de Courcy who later fell foul of King John and was expelled. In the 13th century Hugh de Lacy was in control. Other important developments include:

• Besieged by Edward Bruce in 1315-1316.
• Besieged by by King William III in 1689.
• Captured by the French in 1760.
• Used to store weaponry and ammunition during World War I.

Overall, this castle demonstrates an illustrious military career but now serves a more peaceable function as a tourist attraction.

View from Carrickfergus Castle, Ireland

Interior of Carrickgergus Castle, Ireland

To date, I have always included Carrickfergus castle in my tours of Ireland

Fiddler, Burns Night, Glasgow

This evening, I attended a Burns Night Supper in Glasgow arranged by the local centre of Scotland’s National Trust.

The programme was as follows:

• There was a lad
• Fiddle selection by Hugh MacGilp
• The Immortal Memory
• Songs by harpist, Pauline Vallance.
• Toast to the Lassies by Iain McGillivray
• Green Grow the Rashes
• Fiddle selection by Hugh MacGilp
• A rendition of Tam o’Shanter by George Robertson
• Songs by harpist, Pauline Vallance
• Vote of Thanks by John Foote
• Auld Lang Syne

Sangs and Clatter, Burns Night, Glasgow

Toast to the Lassies, Burns Night, Scotland

Reply for the Lasses, Burns Night, Glasgow

Harpist with Clasarch Harp, Burns Night, Glasgow

An enjoyable and convivial evening.