"Saturday Night at The Turks Head"... Dublin, Ireland

"Saturday Night at The Turks Head", Dublin, Ireland... 22x28" Oil on stretched canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2009.

The Temple Bar District in Dublin is a HAPPENING place! The local Public Meeting Establishments (Pubs) are a way of life... good friends, good music, good brew, and good craic can be found at every turn. The Turks Head (est. 1760) is one such place!

"Before the Seisiún"

"Before the Seisiún"... 20x16" oil on Canvas Board by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2009.

A painting collection of Ireland would not be complete without something to represent their love of music. Music is as important to the Irish as St Patrick and Guinness! This fiddle was painted from life as my tribute to traditional Irish music. Note I said fiddle although there are no features that distinguishes a fiddle from a violin. I personally can tolerate violin music but a fiddle soothes my soul.

Traditional Irish music today is frequently encountered in the "session" ("seisiún" in Irish, pronounced se-shoon), a gathering of (usually) amateur musicians where tunes are played in unison by all the musicians who know the tune. Such events usually occur at regularly scheduled times, and usually take place in a establishment where dark foamy beverages are easily procured. The participants are generally not paid, except sometimes with free pints of dark foamy beverages, and for that reason they typically huddle in a dark corner rather than sitting on a stage.

The folk music of Ireland (also known as Irish traditional music, Irish trad, Irish folk music, and other variants) is the generic term for music that has been created in various genres on the entire island of Ireland.

Check out these videos of Irish seisiúns...

Irish Traditional Music Session

The Brazen Head Dublin - Irish Music Live


Instruments used in traditional Irish music...
Fiddle
Flute and whistle
Uilleann pipes
Harp
Accordion and concertina
Banjo
Guitar
Bouzouki
Bodhrán
Harmonica

Links of interest...

Music of Ireland

Folk music of Ireland

Most-Recorded Tunes
The Top 100 Tunes of the Century

irishtune.info

"Enchanting Ireland" Exhibit Coming Soon... Save the Date... August 2, 2009.

An artistic journey to the Emerald Isle as seen through the eyes and palette of American Artist, Bernie Rosage Jr. The entire "Enchanting Ireland" collection (40 paintings) can be seen on exhibit at the Baysden Gallery, Council for the Arts, Jacksonville, NC, August 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2gDeWcZOSo

Mark your calendar for the artist reception and the opening of "Enchanting Ireland" on Sunday, August 2, 2009 from 2:3o-4:00 PM at the Council for the Arts.

The Council is located at 826 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC 28546.

The exhibit will run from August 2 -28, 2009.

Save the Date... August 2, 2009 and meet Bernie at the artist's reception.

Hope to see you there...

"The Love Birds and the Legend of the Claddagh"

"The Love Birds and the Legend of the Claddagh"... 12x24" Oil on wood, Finished work by Bernie Rosage Jr. for the Enchanting Ireland Collection, 6-2009.

Click on image to enlarge...


The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring, given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the old walls of the city of Galway.
~
Our special trip to Ireland was in celebration of our 20th Wedding Anniversary. We were united in marriage May 22, 1988 at Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland. This trip was the honeymoon we never had twenty years ago.
~
In recognition of this special event we renewed our wedding vows and exchanged Claddagh rings in the small village of Claddagh on the Galway Bay.
~
Níl aon leigheas ar an ngrá ach pósadh.
(The only cure for love is marriage.)




We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. ~ T. S. Eliot quote that was part of our original vows then and now...




Our view from the special spot we renewed our vows. Just as we (the love birds) finished... these two beautiful love birds showed up...



The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols in the giving of the ring was: "With my hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love."
~
Thomas Dillon's in Galway City is the home to the original Claddagh ring and is still in business. These photos were taken of the signs on the building.



Some of thier famous clients...
John Wayne
Bing Crosby
Walt Disney
Princess Grace Kelly
Prince Rainear of Monaco
Gabriel Byrne
Mia Farrow
Barry Fitzgerald
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Director John Huston
Athlete Sonia O'Sullivan
Queen Victoria
George Kellogg
King George V
King Edward
Lady Dudley
Queen Alexandria
Actress Maureen O'Hara
Winston Churchill



The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer's romantic availability, or lack thereof. Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the design facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship. When worn on the right hand but with the design facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that "someone has captured their heart". A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger, facing outward away from the body, generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married.
~


Check out this video of an Irish singer with a beautiful voice singing about the legend of the Claddagh Ring...

"The Old Homeplace... The Western Shore, Ireland" by Bernie Rosage Jr.

"The Old Homeplace... The Western Shore, Ireland"... 18x24" Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr.

"St Mary's Lane, Kilkenny, Ireland" by Bernie Rosage Jr.

"St Mary's Lane, Kilkenny, Ireland"... 30x15" Oil on wood by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2009.

Tami and I thoroughly loved the old city of Kilkenny... it's old world charm was enchanting. The architectural treats like this one seemed to lurk down every alley and around every corner. We would have loved to have had more time to explore this medieval city in detail. Check out the links below for virtual tours...

St. Mary's Cathedral

Kilkenny: Ireland's Medieval City

A Kilkenny, Ireland Photographic Tour

Erin Grá Mo Chroí (Ireland Of My Heart)... Vale of Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland.

Erin Grá Mo Chroí (Ireland Of My Heart)... Vale of Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland... 18x24" Oil on gallery wrapped canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2009.

What would a painting series of Ireland be without Celtic Crosses? This scene is set in Glendalough, County Wicklow, near the monastic Church of St Kevin. Glendalough (Gleann Dá Loch, “Valley of the Two Lakes”) is a fascinating monastic settlement in a spectacular natural setting just an hour south of Dublin. The monastery was founded by St. Kevin, a hermit monk who died about 618 AD. The extensive ruins of Glendalough include several early churches, a graceful round tower, and various sites associated with the life of St. Kevin.

The title for this piece was inspired by a verse in the song Erin Gra' Mo Chroi (pronounced Erin Grah Ma Cree and translated... Ireland of my Heart). A fitting title since the small island did exactly that... captured our hearts!

Song verse from Erin Gra' Mo Chroi that inspired this painting...

On the day that I did part, well it broke my mother’s heart, Will I ever see my dear ones anymore? Not until my bones are laid in that cold and silent grave, In my own native land so far away..

Chorus: Erin gra mo chroi, you’re the dear old land to me, You’re the fairest that my eyes have ever seen, And if ever I go home, it’s from you I never will roam, My own native land far away.

Interesting links:

St. Kevin - founder of Glendalough

Kevin of Glendalough

History of Glendalough

Youtube video of Shannon Lambert-Ryan & Runa performing Erin, Grá Mo Chroí...

"A view of Kilkenny Castle from the River Nore"... County Kilkenny, Ireland

"A view of Kilkenny Castle from the River Nore"... County Kilkenny, Ireland... 16x12" oil on gallery wrapped canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2009.

Kilkenny: Ireland's Medieval City

Suzanne Barrett's

Ireland for Visitors

YouTube video... Global Treasures KILKENNY Gill Chainnigh Ireland


Kilkenny Castle Shoot, Patrick Barron, cameraman

Ha' penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

Ha' penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland.. 16x20" Oil on stretched canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2009.

This is the best known of Dublin's bridges. It was built in 1816 and was the first iron bridge in Ireland. It is a single span structure with cast iron railings and decorative lamps and crosses the River Liffey. It was originally named the Liffey Bridge but is now called the Ha'penny because until 1919 to cross it there was a half-penny charge.

Tami and I must have crossed this Dublin landmark a hundred times (for FREE) in our three day stay there. It was so strange to see it finally get dark around 11 o'clock at night... this was painted from a photo I took... proof that we really stayed out LATE that night.

As you cross the Ha'penny bridge you enter the Temple Bar district through the Merchant's Arch which can be seen in this painting. The Merchant's Arch is a formal entry point to the area and dates from the days when ships sailed up the River Liffey to dock here and trade with local merchants.

Video of HA'PENNY BRIDGE Dublin Ireland set to U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday"


Video... Ha Penny Bridge on St. Paddy's Day

"Ross Castle"... Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland

"Ross Castle"... Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland... 14x18" Oil on gallery wrapped canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr. 2009.

This was our view of Ross Castle as we were enjoying our jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park. It rained on and off that day... you get a sense of those ominous rain clouds rolling in in this painting.

Ross Castle sits on the edge of Killarney's lower lake and was built by O'Donoghue Mór in the 15th century. It was the last stronghold in Munster to hold out against Cromwell. It was eventually taken by General Ludlow in 1652.

"Ladies View"... Ring of Kerry, County Kerry, Ireland

"Ladies View"... Ring of Kerry, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland 14x18" Oil of gallery wrapped canvas by Bernie Rosage Jr., 2009.

Ladies View is a scenic point along of the Ring of Kerry, in Killarney National Park, Ireland. The name comes from admiration of the view given by Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting during their 1861 visit. Ladies View is the most famous and photographed view of Killarney and is approximately 11 miles from Killarney town, on the N71 to Kenmare.

Short YouTube video of "Ladies View" on the Ring of Kerry...

Thatched Roof Cottage #3, County Clare, Ireland

Thatched Roof Cottage #3, County Clare, Ireland by Bernie Rosage Jr... 8x8x1.75" Oil on wood, 2009.

The Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

The Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland by Bernie Rosage Jr. 11x14" Oil on Gallery Wrapped canvas. 2009.

Blarney Castle, County Cork, Ireland

Blarney Castle, County Cork, Ireland... by Bernie Rosage Jr.

6x8" Oil on Panel, 2009.

"Off to Kiss the Blarney Stone"... Our Quest for the Gift of Gab!

"Galway Hooker"

I realize this title sounds a bit provocative... especially to an American becoming acquainted with a Galway Hooker for the first time. Before our trip to Ireland a friend told me to be sure to take photos of the Galway Hookers when we visited the Western Shore knowing I would love to paint them as a subject... my jaw dropped as I seemed perplexed... she then told me to go home and google "Galway Hooker"... the joke was on me! I've had a fascination with Galway Hookers ever since!

"Galway Hooker" by Bernie Rosage Jr. 10x8" Oil on Panel, 3-2009.
Click on image to enlarge.

Check out these videos to see some real Galway Hookers in action...
Interview from Sailing Documentary by Joleen Cronin


Seoltóireacht Ghéar TG4
Promotional video about a new Galway Hooker Series on TG4