Fionn MacCumhaill and the Fianna are historical figures whose heroic deeds and life stories have been embedded through time, in myth and legend. There are many tales concerning their acts of bravery and magic. The Fianna were the bravest, swiftest and strongest of hunters and warriors who made the wild planes and forests of Ireland their home. Fionn, the last leader of the Fianna and arguably their greatest. Said to have been larger than life in more ways than one and always accompanied by his two hounds Bran and Sceolan who were said to be his cousins or nephews (depending on which tale you read),transformed into hunting dogs by evil sorcery.
Now this may not technically constitute a ruin, but considering its historic connection to Fionn Mac Cumhaill and its location it is a magnificent sculpture, I think it more than deserves to be included in my list of historical places. Situated on the Ballymany Roundabout (exit 12 of the M7 motorway), at the entrance to the Curragh Camp, The majestic statue of a spear-wielding Fionn is five meters high, whilst his hounds stand at three meters. The Hill of Allen, which I visited last year, was the home of Fionn MacCumhaill and the headquarters of the Fianna; it can be seen from the site of the sculpture. Fionn and his Hounds are a powerful symbol of strength and protection and they now stand guard once again watching over the vast plains of Kildare.
Completed in March 2010, the sculpture by Lynn Kirkham cost €45,000 (paid for out of profits from Newbridge Town’s car parking fees) and the figures are made of Corten and stainless which has turned ‘rust-like’ over the years adding an authentic vibe. Its one of the many cultural & Historical gems to be found in Kildare & the surrounding areas.
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I love the dog. Wouldn’t fancy following him around with a plastic bag!
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LMAO, never thought of that John, now you know how the zoo keepers in the elephant enclosure’s feel 🙂
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Great art! It’s good to see traditions and the past brought into the the present and future like this.
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It most certainly is John, we dont seem to be too good at taking care of our heritage sites, so perhaps we might be able to mix it up and do some more of this type of work. At least then in a thousand years or so there will be still something for future ruin hunters to explore 🙂
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That’s a powerful sculpture, Ed, and a fitting tribute to the ancient leader. Blooming good photos too mate!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Ah thanks so much Pete, it really is a magnificent sculpture. you cant make it out in the images, but just beyond the roundabout is a major army base, The Curragh Camp. I thought it quite apt that it was situated in between the homes of Ireland’s ancient army, The Fianna and the modern army.
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Fab photos Ed! I would love to see this sculpture. It reminds me of something similar I have seen up north I think, a massive warrior on a horse, a huge metal sculpture that stand motionless surveying the road, as if waiting…
My pictures were on an old phone. Lost now, sadly. I think you’d like it. The sculpture, not the phone. ..
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LOL, I could do with a new phone 🙂 You should definitely check it out. Its a 10 minute drive from the hill of Allen. and five minutes away from the Kildare Village outlet, if you fancied some shopping, you could make the day out of it 🙂
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I’m not very good at shopping. But yes, maybe, why not? Is there somewhere you can park near the statue?
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yeah just off the roadside, or on the Curragh itself. Donnellys hollow is just up the road aswell
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What’s Donnelly’s hollow?
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OMG, he is only a local legend in Kildare, one of Ireland’s greatest prize fighters from the early 19th century, check it out 🙂
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Is that the guy you blogged about with the footsteps in the field? I remember that.
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That’s the one 😁
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I remember. It’s a great story. A modern day legend
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Sorry, hope I didn’t offend!
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Not a bit, not many people have heard about him aside from the locals👍
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Man, I love those sculptures. Post is good too, Ed. 🙂
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Thanks Elen, they are really cool 🙂
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Great photos and amazing sculptures. I love when art is incorporated into everyday life and we can all enjoy it – not just the elite.
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Here, Here, we need more of it 🙂
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Great post Ed, I love those statues.
Simply wonderful.
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Thanks a mill Cameron, they are quite unique 😁
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Pleasure old chap.
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Thanks for sharing. Fantastic creations. It must be something to have been standing up close. I have been meaning to make some German Shepherd bush statues (out of wire and moss) for my front yard. You’ve reminded me to get on that, TY.
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Glad to hear it, they are quite awsome, Let me know when you have made them, I would love to see them 🙂
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Will do. They will be something like the following link (but mine will be in different positions) http://tinyurl.com/grp78r7
Keep up the great posts, always learning something from them.
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Really interesting history behind these statues…. thanks for posting these. 🙂
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Wonderful artwork, and that first shot absolutely shows them at their best.
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Much appreciated Jeni😁👍
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Magnificent, particularly the hounds. Of course, anyone who has ever had Irish Wolfhound companions during their lifetimes is bound to be prejudiced that way.
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Thank you for liking “Barber No More.” Great photos and cool sculptures! 🙂 I also appreciate the interesting background information about them.
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Brilliant, sir!
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They make an impression :), at nightfall :O
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They sure do, fantastic 🙂
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Yes
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These are beautiful! So sorry to say my tour missed them when I was traveling through Ireland.
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Maybe next time? 🙂
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I Love the drama of your images with this series – you’ve made them ‘come alive’! Fabulous Ed!!!
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I remember that legend from school, Ed. Nice to see car parking fees being put to some artistic use.
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It sure is Jean, we could use more of this type of work around the country. God only knows what the tourists think of that monstrosity of a spire on Dublins O’Connell street. Why they couldn’t have done a big Cu Chulainn or something similar astounds me
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You’re so right about that, Ed.
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These are tremendous! I love the dogs and their names-will file those away. I agree too, the images have come alive through the lens of your camera. There is a real energy to these pieces-
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Thanks a mill Meg, should have known you would like this one 😁
I have always found the Irish Wolfhound fascinating. Sadly the breed is no longer pure, over the years they almost became extinct. What you have now is more Scooby doo than wolf hound 😞
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What fabulous sculpture and perfect perspectives to emphasis their power and strength.
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Thank you Noeline, they really are quite impressive sculptures in there own right, but the heritage and history only adds to them 🙂
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