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The Dwyer Castles
Just before the pandemic, I stopped off in Ireland while travelling home from the US to do a tour of the Dwyer Castles. My family heritage is from Ireland; my ancestors built these castles to defend their land from the invasion of the English lead by Oliver Cromwell. They were unsuccessful, the castles were confiscated and many were destroyed.
Because of the pandemic it’s taken me over a year to do this post (homeschooling!). I’ve enjoying looking at the photos again; it’s a small taste of the travel we’re all missing.
Ballysheeda Castle
The best preserved of the castles I visited (Killenure was closed). I was very lucky with the timing of the sunrise. I had spent the night wide awake on an aeroplane…
The Cell Of The Monks
Not a Dwyer castle, but kind of interesting. I’m not really sure what it is. It’s just down the road from Ballysheeda Castle
Ballagh Castle
Not much left of this one. There’s also a memorial to Eamonn O’Duibhir just next to it, and the Clonoulty memorial up the road.
Graigorne Castle
Another ruin. There’s another possible castle on the hill opposite and a church yard with some Dwyers in it:
Drumbrane Castle
Only a stump of this one left, but it’s in an amazing location.
Clonyharp Castle
This one is part of a farm but the farmer was very friendly and let me take a few pictures:
Ballymore Castle
This foundation is all that remains of Ballymore Castle – there is now a barn inside. The owner very kindly let me look around:
Moyaliffe Castle
I never found this one, I think the house might be on top of it:
Millborne Castle
Not much left of this one either. It was a long walk from the road in the mud!
Signs
I also saw my name on a few signs:
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Have you had your medicine?
It is well documented that being outside, taking exercise and enjoying nature are helpful to combat depression. Speaking personally, I know that getting outside makes me feel better about life. Seeing the world outside the four walls of my room puts my own problems in perspective. Doing exercise gives makes me a sense of achievement, which can often be the first step in achieving more.
When we are given medicine for a health condition we are suffering from, it is important to take our medicine so that we can recover from the illness.
I have found it helpful to think about daily exercise like a daily dose of medicine. I don’t always want to take it, but I know if I do I will end up feeling better. In the same way that taking that medicine from the doctor is a priority, so is getting outside.
I am by no means suggesting the exercise is a cure for mental health issues, simply that it can help to lift your mood and sense of well being, for anyone.
If you’re feeling down ask yourself, have I had my medicine?
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Freedom paradox
It is a curious feature of this pandemic that the “liberal” left are voicing support of imposing restrictions and the “conservative” right are speaking out for the removal of restrictions.
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Isolated
The world’s first vocoppella (vocoder only) album. It’s about isolation, snow scenes, old books, viruses, loneliness, self-doubt, werewolves, getting old, moths, that darkness which lies within us — being human. Today I wrote my 2020th haiku. Many of the words in this album came from these haiku. It’s also an album about 2020.
If you download the album on Bandcamp you get an extra 11 tracks of extended versions and demos.
You can listen on Spotify if you prefer:
It’s also on all the other music places.
I recorded a long rambling monologue about why I decided to do this project and how it came about:
I made some alternative album art. These stones are hidden around the UK. I hope someone finds one!
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Motion Picture Soundtrack – Vocoppella cover
One of my favourite songs ever, vocoderized:
Motion Picture Soundtrack – Originally performed by Radiohead If you like it, presave my new album. If you don’t like it, presave my new album anyway!
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In Bloom – Vocoppella cover
Today’s cover version is a little different:
In Bloom as performed by Nirvana My new album of vocopella only songs is coming out on Saturday 12th September 2020. Presave it now!
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… Baby One More Time – Vocoppella version
Something more well known today:
… Baby One More Time – Performed by Brittney Spears This song was written by Max Martin, the most famous songwriter you’ve never heard of!
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Maps – Vocoppella version
Here’s another vocoder cover that I wasn’t allowed to put on the new album; Maps by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Maps – originally by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs I’ve been thinking about what name this type of music could have. My first idea was Folkoder, but I think I prefer Vocopella. What do you think?
scruffian 