Category: 1930’s

Island Ways

by irishvisions

Story
During their visit to Clare Island in 1938, Helen and Ernie O’Malley observed many of the local conditions. No telephone lines or motor cars are present in this village scene. Some of the older residents wear traditional clothing as does the woman in the background of the picture. Note the two panniers on either side of the horse’s back. These woven wicker baskets were used to transport goods. In this image the local parish priest can be identified by his white collar as he wheels his bicycle through the village.
Location
Clare Island, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Fairy Mound and Hawthorn Trees

by irishvisions

Story
Traditional folklore in rural Ireland maintains fairies live in drumlin mounds with hawthorn trees growing on top and around them. There were many times in rural communities when local workers would not help dig a road, foundation or railway line through a fairy mound. To this day, there are several examples of the Irish refusing to disrupt these hallowed sites especially for the construction of modern roadways.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1939
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Rural Altar

by irishvisions

Story
During the time of the 18th century Penal Laws, the British administration forbade Irish Catholics from the Irish people would assemble in a well-protected rural area to hold their religious services. Posted lookouts would warn of approaching police. This stone altar is typical of those used during that era. The large slab of rock might be from an ancient dolmen. The white quartz stone is also a symbol of pre-Christian practices marking a sacred spot.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Path of Desperation

by irishvisions

Story
This haunting image with its ominous, brooding clouds evokes the tragic local tale of the Famine Walk from Louisburgh to Delphi Lodge where the unsympathetic Famine relief officer was visiting. On a cold winter morning in March 1849, hundreds of impoverished, starving, Irish tenant farmers and their families struggled along this desolate road beside Doolough Lake. They arrived in time for their appointed 7.a.m. meeting with the relief official to seek confirmation that they could remain on the outdoor relief roll. The tenants were refused aid. Desperate farmers attempted the tortuous 16-mile journey home. Some of the starving people died en route. The Native American Choctaw tribe had heard of Ireland’s Great Hunger. Just 16 years after the start of the brutal Trail of Tears, members of the Choctaw tribe sacrificed to send financial aid to the Irish people. There is still a deep allegiance between the Irish and Native American peoples. The Irish are honored that members of the Choctaw Nation join in the annual Doolough Famine Walk to commemorate both peoples’ ancestors and reaffirm the Nations’ abiding bond.
Location
Doolough, Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Freshly Cut Bog

by irishvisions

Story
This image depicts several stages of the cutting of turf from a bog face where the spade or slean marks can be seen. The slimy, limp, heavy sods are thrown on the ground above to begin to dry. When firm enough, they are built. In the distance, two farmers are seen “footing” the turf. Ultimately, the turf is stacked into long reeks. These are later transferred to the farmer’s home by donkey or horse and cart.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Focused, Ernie O’Malley at a Wedge Tomb

by irishvisions

Story
When Helen and Ernie O’Malley moved to Louisburgh, Co. Mayo in the summer of 1938, they continued to take photographs of their surroundings. Both were particularly interested in archaeological and religious sites. Helen captured this rare image of Ernie as he concentrates on taking a photograph of a wedge tomb near their new home.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Turf Embankment

by irishvisions

Story
This image clearly shows the herringbone pattern remaining on the face of the turf bank after four layers of turf have been cut by the spade or slean. Once a sod is cut, it is placed on the ground to dry. After a few days when the turf is firm, four or five sods are stood on end in small triangles to allow the wind and air to freely flow through to continue the drying process. Several more stages ensue before the sods are carried out to a large turf reek on the side of a bog path. Later the dry turf is transported home.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Turf Reeks and Mountain Range

by pquick

Story
Rural Ireland, particularly Mayo, is populated with numerous bogs from which the local farmers cut turf sods in the summer to heat their homes during winter months and to cook their food year-round. There are many stages in the ”harvesting” process from preparing the surface of the bog for cutting to carrying the turf home. In the final stages, the farmers stack the turf in long high reeks ready for transport. The sods on the top are arranged to protect the turf below from rain.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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Monuments of Time

by pquick

Story
This standing stone, cairn and sacred site may no longer exist. No one has yet been able to identify it. However, the standing stone is atop a cairn that rests above another hallowed site, possibly a holy well. Standing stones are frequently of astro-archaeological significance. They may indicate burial sites, mark ceremonial grounds or even serve as navigational aids.
Location
Co. Mayo
Date
1938
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