The 'Hermitage' Tollymore Forest Park

MaryAlice, on July 13, said:

Oh my gosh, I don't even know what to say.

What is this place? I am completely intrigued.

This is Wonderful. So beautiful.

Tell me it's history.

Beautiful photograph, by the way! =)

Greetings,

Mary Alice

Madidi, on July 13, said:

Hi Mary Alice, this is an extract from the tourist information pack which is available for the park:

'Built into the edge of a gorge on the Shimna River this stone structure was built in the 1770s by James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil. When the lady gentry of the day needed shelter they would sit inside the Hermitage while the gentlemen fished for salmon in the Shimna below'.

Quite a unique structure: the walkways and fencing you see were built to allow safe access to the site for visitors to the park.

Glad you enjoyed the photo :~)

Very best regards,

Séan.

© Tom Lussier, on July 14, said:

What a cool place. Really top notch image of it Séan. And thanks for the history.

All the best, Tom

Madidi, on July 14, said:

Many thanks again Tom: I really appreciate your opinions on these shots. This estate must have been a dream place to own and live on: the river below this was until recently teeming with trout and salmon and there are still deer roaming in the forest. At least the public now have access, it's one of our premier attractions in the area.

Very best regards,

Séan.

MaryAlice, on July 15, said:

Indeed, Sean, it is a truly wonderful place, and thank you for sharing all of that interesting information with me!

You BET I enjoyed the photo! What was not to enjoy?

You certainly did it proud!

Thank you again, and I hope you have a beautiful Wednesday! We're half-way through the week already, can you believe it?

Best regards,

Mary Alice

AXOTA, on July 17, said:

How extravagant were these people Sean. Enormous wealth expended on the fairer sex to keep their locks dry. Oh well, at least the legacy is this fascinating little folly.

Nice job. Thanks for the info.

Jim

Madidi, on July 18, said:

Vast wealth is exactly right Jim: they did though employ a lot of people on this estate. They had a number of water-powered sawmills along the riverbanks and of course there was the 'downstairs' staff, horsemen, grooms, etc etc

Still 250 years later this is still around...

Séan.