The recently renovated Gazebo, in the grounds of Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland. is considered to be the finest of all Irish gazebos, harking back to the formal baroque gardens of earlier days. Built on a man-made mound and currently guarded by a flock of fierce sheep, it was thought to be used by the owner, Sir Edward O’Brien, to watch horse races. This image appears on the inside hard cover of “Irish Follies and Whimsical Architecture” by George Munday and published by O’Brien Press in Dublin.
“Irish Follies and Whimsical Architecture” is a tour of the eccentric, bizarre and eye-catching follies decorating the island of Ireland. From temples, mock castles, gateways, towers, obelisks to columns, with maps illustrated in full colour in the 190 page hardback book available from Irish and international book sellers. The story behind the book, can be found on O’Brien Press’s blog by clicking on the book cover.
The Sunday Independent wrote “From a pyramid in Mayo to the tomb of a man buried standing: the secret meanings behind Ireland’s follies – a captivating book…”
“Flights of Fantasy” is literary nonfiction. A memoir featuring a fascination for history and art, and a lost treasure trove of paintings, sketches and cartoons. It follows the life of the author’s father from Ramsgate, the most heavily bombed city in WW1, to Liverpool, which ironically became the second most bombed city in WW2 and the fascinating people he met along the way – and how they fit into this fascinating memoir. Published in 2020, the real life tale in a beautifully illustrated paperback book is available from Amazon and World of Creative Dreams, by clicking on the book cover.
One lady reader wrote “I’m really not into anything to do with wars…but the illustrations in this book pulled me in and then I couldn’t stop…it’s a lovely read and George Snr was obviously a very talented artist. I’m glad George Jr put it all together for us to enjoy…”
“Waterford, A County Revealed”: with its foreword by the renown travel writer, the late Dervla Murphy, is a comprehensive collection of over 130 stunning colour photographs illustrating the fascinating history and intriguing myths of extraordinarily beautiful County. The circular journey wanders over heather-covered mountains, along seaside cliffs that created Ireland’s first Geopark, visits ancient villages and towns and delights in the historic Viking and Norman heritage of Waterford City. Self-published by the author it can be purchased by clicking on the book cover.
Dervla Murphy wrote: ”George Munday presents County Waterford as it is and we must be grateful that so much of my home territory remains as it was when first I explored it on my bicycle”...
In conclusion, it’s been said writing is part of the human condition, a willingness to share things through opinions, memories, thoughts, ideas and as a photographer, images. I’ve never thought of myself as literally prolific, but in later years the urge to write became stronger – and when creativity flowed, I just went with it.
Many thanks for taking time out to look at my website, if you have any observations or queries, please get in touch, no need for snail mail or pigeon post, email is just fine…
George Munday Creative 