Gateway to the Rock, a photo from Laois, South

Photographer's Note

The Rock of Dunamase, near Portlaoise, Co Laois, is one of the most historic sites in Ireland.

It stands atop a rocky outcrop 46 metres high in the plains of Co Laois, and with a view of the Slieve Bloom mountains. The first settlement was built here in the 9th century, but the castle as seen was built in the 12th century. It is believed to have been built by Strongbow, the iconic figure in Irish history.

It is believed that having changed hands many times, the castle was a ruined shell by 1350.

The castle was blown up by Cromwells troops in 1650 to prevent it being used by the Irish.

Although the rock is said to be drawn on a map by the greek cartographer Ptolemy under the name "Dunum" in the 2nd century, there is no archaeological evidence to support the theory that Dunum is Dunamase.

Although the state of the building itself is very poor, with most of the construction having been destroyed, Dunamase is still a site well worth visiting. The site is now under State Care and is classified as a national monument.

PecoBud, delpeoples has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

PecoBud (3778) 2012-05-01 13:31

Looks like a place out of the "Lord of the Rings" Noel, and with superb clarity and detail. Excellent light control and a beautiful B&W photo. Great Job!!

TFS.........Your Friend from California..........Buddy

delpeoples (45018) 2012-05-01 18:04

Hi Noel

I absolutely adore your photo. It's so classic and so obviously Irish. There could be no mistake that this is any other country in the world. The low POV is great and you've created a really spooky atmosphere. I would probably have ramped up the contrast a bit, but lookng at your photos, they always seem realy natural, so maybe you're not into that? Anyway, the photo is very emotive and immediately brought to mind those old litograph engravings you see around old bookstores. So I hope you don't mind me doing a Workshop, in fact 2 - one which gives it an antique look, the other where I've just increased contrast. Hope that's OK.

Cheers, this one goes straight into my Best of Ireland Theme
Lisa

[workshop] [compare] +

Schnappilic (7931) 2013-03-30 5:01

Hello Noel,

A real very good B/W composition with a splendid view from this low POV. Congratulations!

Happy Easter!

Ovidiu

jcpix (3331) 2013-04-08 21:05

Hi Noel,

Now this is a trip back in time..or at least it appears that way. :) I always love it when a picture has more of a feel to it rather than the actual subject itself, and this one accomplishes just that! Brilliant choice of photo for a black & white treatment, especially with the brightness of the clouds in contrast. The sharp focus has rendered some excellent texture from the stone ruins, this had to have been a great place to not only photograph, but to take in the history and enjoy what's been left behind. The lower point of view enhances the scope of the ruins and makes me wonder just how stoic this was back in the day. I'm surprised there isn't more feedback on this one, I think it's a very well composed and presented photo! Nicely done!

Cheers,

Jason