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Illustrating Ireland – A Picture Story

What began as a windy and rainy day in Galway, Ireland, became a day full of mystery and intrigue as students in Professor Darlene Campbell’s class got the unique opportunity to explore local, and often remote, castles. These off-the-beaten-path sites involved muddy treks through damp fields, but the rewards were well worth the effort as students spent the day sketching the incredible scenery.

Students from Professor Darlene Campbell’s Drawing at Sea class at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara, Ireland. The restored Dunguaire tower house was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan. Legend has it that if you stand at the gate of the castle and ask a question about your life, the ghost of generous King Guaire will give you an answer by the end of the day.
After a 15 minute trek through damp pastures and over stone walls, the students of Professor Darlene Campbell’s class arrive at the crumbling remains of Fiddaum Castle. A mid-16th century tower house, Fiddaum is situated on private lands and rarely visited. Prof. Campbell’s Semester at Sea class was fortunate that they were able to gain special access to this historic site.
Suzanna Gutierrez of Western Illinois University gazes through a window near the top of the tower house (top left). Victoria Jennings of College of Charleston stands amongst ruins of the outer wall (top right). Victoria Jennings, Josie Murray, Brooke Weston, and Kelly Fisher sit on the steps of the ancient outer wall, and area that would have been once occupied by archers defending the tower house from invading forces (bottom).
Yadhu Dhital of University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (top) and Gregory Austring of Vanguard University (bottom) study the various designs and forms that comprise these ancient Celtic ruins.
Josie Murray of New York University spends the last minutes of her trip to Fiddaun Castle under a tree sketching a few final forms.
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  • Education

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