Robert M Chapple, Archaeologist

The monastery of Kilmacduagh, Co. Galway, is believed to have been founded in the 7th century by St Colman. None of the surviving buildings date to that early period, but many fine examples of medieval architecture survive here. I've broken this tour down into several segments, the first one being a visit to the 13th century remains of the O'Heyne's Church [ Irish Stones ]. I’ve compiled the tour into a consecutive YouTube playlist [ here ] , or you can access each video clip individually here: Part I: Outside, to the NE [0:23] Part II:  Outside the East Window   [1:35] Part III: External, to the S [1:03] Part IV: Internal, by the Chancel Arch [0:24] You can view this 360-degree video on an ordinary browser or on the dedicated YouTube app for your smartphone. However, for best results we recommend the more immersive experience that comes with an Oculus/Google Cardboard headset. Please feel free to  Like  and  Share  the video and  Subscribe ...

[** If you like this post, please make a donation to the IR&DD project using the secure button at the right. If you think it is interesting or useful, please re-share via Facebook, Google+, Twitter etc. To help keep the site in operation, please use the amazon search portal at the right - each purchase earns a small amount of advertising revenue **] 3D images > In a recent discussion of ‘where will we go today?’ with my family, l gamely suggested a trip to Holywood, Co. Down, to see the old Priory and graveyard. When this failed to elicit the desired response from the Chapples Minor, the plans were revised to include a visit to one of the local playgrounds. To cut a long story short, the eventual compromise we reached was that they’d go to the ‘ Johnny the Jig ’ playground in Holywood and I’d proceed alone to the graveyard! All things considered, I reckon I got the better of the deal … if only because the other parents give me nasty looks when I go on the swings and s...

< Back to main post Once again, I present a selection of my 3D (anaglyph) images. Information on glasses and other 3D images in this blog may be found here . Click for larger images. < Back to main post

Clonmacnoise Summer School | Press Release Location: Cluain Ciarán, Clonmacnoise Time: Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th August 2014 Programme FRIDAY AUGUST 22nd 1.15 REGISTRATION at Cluain Ciarán Centre. Tea/Coffee 1.55 Introduction to Summer School 2.00 ‘The spirit of the early Irish Monks’. Reverend Ray Simpson , Founding Guardian of the International Community of Ss Aidan and Hilda , Lindisfarne, Northumberland, UK 2.45 Questions and Comments 3.00 ‘ Excavation at Clonmacnoise ’ Heather King, Archaeologist, National Monuments Service . Introduction followed by Walk and Talk on site at Clonmacnoise. 3.45 Questions and Comments 4.15 Haunting music of days of yore on site in Clonmacnoise Noel Carberry, Uileann Pipes; Kirsty Naughten, Flute; Aideen Egan, Fiddle; Surprise guests Tea / Coffee A social get-together will be organized later this evening in Shannonbridge SATURDAY AUGUST 23rd 10.00 Tea/Coffee 10.30 St Columban – Christian Missionary and Fi...

[** If you like this post, please make a donation to the IR&DD project using the secure button at the right. If you think it is interesting or useful, please re-share via Facebook, Google+, Twitter etc. To help keep the site in operation, please use the amazon search portal at the right - each purchase earns a small amount of advertising revenue **] Part II | Part III >   Prof. Etienne Rynne leading a UCG Arch Soc group on Scattery Island , Co. Clare, in 1996 (© Chapple Collection) Prof. Etienne Rynne passed away on the 22nd of June 2012. Since that time I’ve wanted to write something about him for this blog. And herein lies the difficulty: Etienne and I had – to put it mildly – a tempestuous relationship … at times we were the best of friends … and at other times … less so. In the aftermath of his death I thought about putting pen to paper … but what could I write? The appreciation that appeared, from Terry Barry , in Antiquity is fine insofar as it ...