Continuing on my recent trip around Laois, I happened to pass by an interesting looking structure not to far away from Coolbanagher. It looked like s Castle type fortification or Gatehouse. So I stopped of to have a closer look. Indeed it would appear to have been a Fortified Gatehouse of some kind. Now how old it is I cannot say, it does however guard the entrance to a vast estate. So before we continue, allow me to take you back in time to 1346AD. Sidheán or Shaen Castle as it is known in English was one of eight satellite castles built in the area by Lord Roger Mortimer. These were all outposts of his main fortification at Dunamase. These castles of which Sidheán was one, would have served as an extra layer of defence for Dunamase.
According to local legend The great Gaelic Chieftain Laoiseach O’Moore was said to have attacked and successfully destroyed all nine Castles in one night. Sidheán was eventually rebuilt some time later, only to be destroyed once again in 1650AD by the army of Oliver Cromwell. In the 19th century a certain Dean Coote built what was said to be a fine mansion on the site of Sidheán. This mansion later passed on to the Kemmis family. Eventually it was acquired by Laois County Council. In 1932 it once again opened its doors as a tuberculosis sanatorium. It subsequently closed in 1968 and re-opened as a residential service for older people in 1970.
Now back to our entrance, I don’t believe that this structure would have stood back in the day of the Castle. But I would suspect that it was an addition to the estate at Sidheán either during the construction of the Mansion house or sometime after. This was a popular thing to do as wealthy land owners were able to indulge their whims financially. Another example of this Gatehouse / Entrance can be seen in Carlow at the stunning Ducketts Grove. In fact the more I compare the two the more resemblance I see, Both the Mansion at Sidheán and Ducketts Grove as we know it were constructed around the same time and both have that Castellated Gothic revival appearance. If anyone can shed any further light on Sidheán, please get in touch or leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.
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Lovely work, Ed! Cher xo
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Thank you Cher 🙂
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The sun and clouds were really on your side for this shoot – very smooth grey tones – perfect amount of contrast in each.
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Thank you Robert, it was a very productive day. Things really worked out well, I still a few more sites from this trip to sort out 🙂
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If I ever write a gothic novel I will be coming to you for art work. Great shots here. Loved the one of the turret against the sky especially.
Cheers
MTM
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🙂 Thank you 🙂
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Looks like I must visit The Emerald Isles one day!
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🙂
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Ed, are you familiar with this blog, http://theirishaesthete.com/? Robert showcases a lot of architecture as well. You should compare notes– you have similar interests.
I adore that first shot. It looks like a gateway to a dream world, like as soon as I walk through the White Rabbit will scurry across my path or one of Tolkien’s Great Eagles will swoop down to discuss the latest happenings in Minas Tirith. It also reminds me of the end of “Gladiator.” Gorgeous.
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Yes I have been following Roberts blog for some time.. There are a few off us out there with a similar interest.Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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Beautiful place, would love to see this!
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Thanks John, I came across it by pure accident, definitely worth a visit, 🙂
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Beautiful photography.
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Thank you Paul 🙂
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A ‘highly’ impressive structure I wouldn’t mind having as my front gate!
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As would I, and a nice big Castle to live in would be kinda cool 🙂
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That first image makes it look like the gateway to forever. Nice.
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Thank you Elen 🙂
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This is incredibly stunning. Really good shots,love the work with black and white.looks like a perfect cover for a great novel.Great work!
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Beautiful images, as always, Ed. It’s amazing what unknown treasures you stumble across. I continue to learn from you…
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Thank you Ali 🙂
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Gorgeous pictures! Thanks for liking our recent post…am glad to have found your blog!
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Thank you, much appreciated, 🙂
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