The Old and the New ~ Gatherings from Ireland # 359

Dunhill Castle, Co. Waterford.
Dunhill Castle, Co. Waterford.

The opening of the Anne Valley Trail which runs from Dunhill village to the foot of the stunning ruins of  the 12th century Dunhill Castle has been one of the unexpected highlights of my year.

Dunhill Castle has a very special place in the history of Co. Waterford and is said to be the  place from which ‘all the Powers in Ireland descend.’ http://powerclangathering.com/dunhill-castle/

I got to know Dunhill Castle through my father who took endless photographs of it from the 1940s onwards and in many ways I felt that it was ‘our place’ and couldn’t bear the thought of a new trail being developed anywhere near it.

But, the Anne Valley Trail is, without doubt, my favourite new haunt of 2013 and I’m really looking forward to seeing it through all the seasons. It’s a place where you meet ‘regulars’ and which inspires reflection. Here’s a glimpse of how it looks in Winter light.

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Author: socialbridge

I am a sociologist and writer from Ireland. I have worked as a social researcher for 30 years and have had a lifelong passion for writing. My main research interests relate to health care and sense of place.

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