THE LOCAL AREA

Knocknadiha

Allaghaun River

Ian’s studio is in the Mullaghareirk mountains (more hills than mountains) in an area called the Slieve Lucra (which means  rushy mountains) a mile and a half away from the village of Tournafulla and a twenty minute drive from the nearest towns of Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. 

One only needs to read the famous author John B Keene’s book ‘The Bodhran Makers’ to get a feel of the area in the not too distant past.  John’s house ten minute walk up the hill along the boreen outside Ryan’s is a small ruin of a home of a farm worker that would have housed John’s family and the  livestock they were so dependent on.

 The garden is set in an acre and a half and is cultivated semi wild for the benefit of the birds and wildlife.  Ferns and native trees are predominant and in keeping with the conditions Ian has started to collect ferns.  We have three Indian Runner ducks who, by their nature provide much amusement.

 A vegetable garden is being started this year and hopefully fresh home – grown vegetables will be part of lunch and the evening meal.