This year marks the third ‘Hidden Ireland’ exhibition, hosted again at Thoor Ballylee with the support of the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society. In line with Heritage Week‘s theme of Connections, Routes, and Networks, this exhibition of photographs and other materials explores the monumental structures and ancient routes that mark the territories of Ireland.
Thoor Ballylee is just one of over 30,000 castles scattered across the country. “Ireland’s built heritage is astounding”, says artist and curator Ekaterina Ivanova. “My passion for this heritage led me to start a photo and text diary almost five years ago, documenting these sites. I’d love to share some of these stories to encourage others to explore and appreciate our hidden history.”
The exhibition, open daily at Thoor Ballylee between 17-25 August, offers maps, routes, exact coordinates, photos, and intriguing information to inform and inspire visitors to explore these intriguing sites. It includes two trails in County Galway that explore historically connected sites. The first trail covers five main locations with one bonus stop, while the second includes four main sites with two bonus stops.
Says Ekatarina, “Have you ever walked past an unnoticed pile of stones – or spotted an interesting ruin on a drive? Next time, take a closer look, snap some photos, and research its history. Let’s uncover the secrets of Hidden Ireland together.” Join us in uncovering County Galway’s historical connections and celebrating our rich heritage through this fascinating new exhibition.
