Set of four high quality cork backed placemats.
Code Cas-PL-TI 5391435005117

• Heat resistant • Durable • Wipe clean •

The Irish Castles set of placemats feature images of 30 castles from around the island of Ireland.

Blarney, Waterford, Bunratty, Kilkenny, Dunguaire…….

Set of four high quality cork backed coasters presented in a colouful gift box. Code CAS-CO-TI 5391435001119

High quality coasters • Heat resistant • Durable • Wipe clean

The Irish Castles set of placemats feature images of 19 castles from around the island of Ireland.

Blarney, Waterford, Bunratty, Kilkenny, Dunguaire…….

High quality playing cards suitable for most card games. Code GC-PC 5390534051209

This pack of playing cards features an image of the mystical Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The image is reproduced from original artistic work bt renowned Irish Photographer Liam Blake.

Plastic case included

High quality playing cards suitable for most card games. Code CL-52-PC

This pack of playing cards features an image of World famous Cliffs of Moher, County Clare. The image is reproduced from original artistic work bt renowned Irish Photographer Liam Blake.

Ireland is a feast for the eyes and for the spirit. For more than six thousand years, this island set like a jewel at the edge of the Atlantic has been inhabited by people who appreciated its special qualities, both physical and spiritual. Here is a land where the past is more than palpable. The past is to be seen, touched, climbed, explored, experienced. Glen and mountain and valley are peopled with memories that will not die, and spirits that are not extinguished. In a world which seems constantly in flux, some aspects of Ireland are changeless. Dublin is a modern European city, yet only a few miles away, the wind blows across Tara hill as it has done since before the dawn of history, and sheep graze on the grass where once walked the magic people, the Tuatha De Danann.

Haunted Ireland -  Haunting Tales from an Ancient Land

The dead are always with us. Banshees, witches, haunted castles and much more from the ‘world beyond’ form part of the everyday existence for some in Ireland in the 21st century. Tales of hauntings of many of the best known dwellings, both urban and rural, of the Irish landscape are still told on dark evenings by cosy firesides. For some, evidence of a further existence after the present one is reassuring. For others, however, paranormal experiences bring little relief and indeed may induce an occasional sleepless night but at least provide a thrill. It has yet to be satisfactorily explained why Ireland should have such a rich history of tales from beyond the grave. One possible explanation may involve the long tradition of storytelling for which the natives are renowned and the enjoyment from telling and hearing a good ghost story. Whatever one’s reason for perusing the topic, few books currently available will give a more comprehensive retelling of the best of these stories.

One might think that the number of people to have encountered a spirit from the other world would be quite low. In fact many hundreds have been recorded and as we will see in the following pages, almost fifty of the most engaging accounts are presented here. Close to half of these involve castles from all parts of the island. From Dunluce Castle in the north to Charles Fort in the south and from Gormanston in the east to the Cliffs of Moher in the west, no corner of the country is safe from a visitation or from those willing to tell of the same.

Also, if you expect hauntings to have originated in times long past, think again. I offer the example of the poltergeist activity witnessed in Glin Castle, Co Limerick as the result of a tragic incident in the 1960s. Indeed, it has been reported within the past year that an apparition was witnessed watching television at three o’clock in the morning in the home of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Mansion House!

However, this publication is not intended to frighten the reader. It is rather intended as a joyous travel companion to highlight the many and varied aspects of our rich Irish history, geography, literature and storytelling culture that awaits the open minded traveller to this ancient land of myths and legends.

So, as your travels take you to the varied parts of this land, have a look inside to see if you are close to one of the featured haunted locations but just don’t read it at night!

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

Pack of six themed postcards.

Keep as a set or tear out and post as normal postcards.

The Republic of Ireland’s 2,600 kilometre long Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest coastal route, incorporating magnificent coastal views, remote islands, quaint villages and numerous historical monuments. It follows the shores of nine western Irish counties, crossing mountain passes and wild expanses of bog to visit bays, strands and rugged headlands. With over fifty Blue Flag Beaches, seventeen “Scenic Points of Interest” of exceptional scenic interest and such activities as golf, surfing, hill walking and fishing, the Wild Atlantic Way has rapidly become one of Europe’s paramount travel destinations.

 This guide offers an overview of the entire Wild Atlantic Way from Derry in the north to Kinsale in the south. The text covers natural wonders, human settlements and historical sites, with background information on the culture and history of coastal Atlantic Ireland; it also suggest detours to nearby off-route tourist attractions. Illustrated by the renowned landscape photographer Liam Blake, this Real Ireland Guide both introduces and celebrates the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Irish Pub is a unique institution, without any real equivalent elsewhere. Some may speak of Irish Christianity or literature as being the great contribution of our wet little island to the greater world beyond these shores. The true connoisseur of Irish culture knows, however, that these are pale shadows compared to the worldwide influence of our public houses and alcoholic beverages.

“Those who don’t know Irish pubs, and the interesting people who frequent them, will always possess only a superficial knowledge of Irish life and culture. The Irish pub is not only an excellent guide to many attractive centres of celebration; it is also a helpful and civilised introduction to higher education in a convivial atmosphere. This is a necessary text for all those in search of enlightenment and laughter.”

„Irland ist ein Fest für die Augen und den Geist. Seit mehr als sechstausend Jahren liegt diese Insel wie ein Juwel am Rand des Atlantiks und ist von Menschen bewohnt, die seine besonderen Qualitäten wertzuschätzen wissen, sowohl körperlich als auch spirituell. Es ist ein Land, in der die Vergangenheit mehr als greifbar ist. Die Vergangenheit kann erblickt, angefasst, erklommen, entdecket und durchlebt werden. Schluchten, Berge und Täler sind bevölkert mit Erinnerungen, die nicht aussterben werden, und Geistern, die nicht ausgelöscht werden. In einer Welt, die in konstanter Veränderung zu leben scheint, sind einige Aspekte Irlands unveränderlich. Dublin ist eine moderne europäische Stadt und dennoch weht der Wind einige Kilometer weiter über den Tara-Hügel, wie er es schon seit Anbeginn der Zeit tut. Schafe weiden auf dem Gras, über das einst das Volk der Danu, das Tuatha De Danann, wandelte.“

« L’Irlande est un régal pour les yeux et l’esprit. Pendant plus de six mille ans, cette île posée comme un bijou au bord de l’Atlantique a été habitée par des peuples qui appréciaient ses qualités physiques et spirituelles particulières. Voici une terre ou le passé est plus que palpable. Ce passé s’offre à être touché, remonté, examiné, et vécu. Glens, vallées et montagnes sont non seulement peuplées par des souvenirs qui ne mourront pas, mais aussi par des esprits qui ne sont pas oubliés. Dans un monde qui semble être en situation de flux constant, quelques aspects de l’Irlande ne changent jamais. Dublin est une ville européenne moderne, mais seulement à quelques kilomètres, le vent souffle sur Tara comme cela s’est fait au début de l’histoire, et des moutons broutent l’herbe sur lequel le peuple magique marchait, le Tuatha De Danann. »

Handcrafted Mounted Print

To fit frame size  8” x 10”

This product has been produced using a high end printing process which results in excellent print colour reproduction. 

Traditional thatched cottage near Doolin, County Clare with the Wild Atlantic Ocean in the background, Ireland.

Photography © Liam Blake

Liam Blake was born in Dublin and developed a keen interest in photography at an early age. An award winning photographer, Liam works almost exclusively in Ireland and his work for Real Ireland Design was responsible for ushering in a new worldwide appreciation of the beauty of Ireland through its ranges of postcards, calendars, books and posters. 

He is the author of several photographic books and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Ireland. 

«Irlanda es un festival para los sentidos y para el espíritu. Durante más de seis mil años, esta isla, una joya en el extremo del Atlántico, ha sido habitada por pueblos que apreciaban sus cualidades especiales, tanto físicas como espirituales. En esta tierra, el pasado es más que tangible; el pasado tiene que ser visto, tocado, escalado, explorado, experimentado. Los glen, las montañas y los valles están plagados de recuerdos que no morirán y espíritus que no se extinguirán. En un mundo que parece estar en constante movimiento, algunos aspectos de Irlanda permanecen sin cambios. Dublín es una ciudad europea moderna y, sin embargo, a tan solo unos kilómetros, el viento sopla a través de la colina de Tara como lo ha hecho desde los albores de las historia y las ovejas pastan en el césped en el que en otros tiempos caminaron los seres mágicos, los Tuatha De Danann».

Las fotografías de Liam Blake ofrecen un archivo visual inigualable de las maravillas de Irlanda y de la vida cotidiana de su gente. A lo largo de los años, su trabajo para la colección de postales de Real Ireland ha su puesto un logro artístico significativo y ha influido en la imagen que tienen del país tanto el público como otros fotógrafos. En este libro, sus fotografías muestran una amplia variedad de  experiencias que se pueden disfrutar en Irlanda y que abarcan desde pequeños detalles de la vida diaria hasta paisajes panorámicos espectaculares. Su visión y su entendimiento del paisaje de Irlanda y de su gente son el principal motor de este libro.

Handcrafted Mounted Print

To fit frame size  8” x 10”

This product has been produced using a high end printing process which results in excellent print colour reproduction. 

Coumeenoole Beach, County Kerry, Ireland.

Photography © Liam Blake

Liam Blake was born in Dublin and developed a keen interest in photography at an early age. An award winning photographer, Liam works almost exclusively in Ireland and his work for Real Ireland Design was responsible for ushering in a new worldwide appreciation of the beauty of Ireland through its ranges of postcards, calendars, books and posters. 

He is the author of several photographic books and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Ireland. 

Handcrafted Mounted Print

To fit frame size  8” x 10”

This product has been produced using a high end printing process which results in excellent print colour reproduction. 

Eye of the Storm, Dunmore East, County Waterford, Ireland.

Photography © Liam Blake

Liam Blake was born in Dublin and developed a keen interest in photography at an early age. An award winning photographer, Liam works almost exclusively in Ireland and his work for Real Ireland Design was responsible for ushering in a new worldwide appreciation of the beauty of Ireland through its ranges of postcards, calendars, books and posters. 

He is the author of several photographic books and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Ireland. 

Handcrafted Mounted Print

To fit frame size  8” x 10”

This product has been produced using a high end printing process which results in excellent print colour reproduction. 

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Ireland.

Photography © Liam Blake

Liam Blake was born in Dublin and developed a keen interest in photography at an early age. An award winning photographer, Liam works almost exclusively in Ireland and his work for Real Ireland Design was responsible for ushering in a new worldwide appreciation of the beauty of Ireland through its ranges of postcards, calendars, books and posters. 

He is the author of several photographic books and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Ireland. 

Handcrafted Mounted Print

To fit frame size  8” x 10”

This product has been produced using a high end printing process which results in excellent print colour reproduction. 

O'Brien's Tower, Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland.

Photography © Liam Blake

Liam Blake was born in Dublin and developed a keen interest in photography at an early age. An award winning photographer, Liam works almost exclusively in Ireland and his work for Real Ireland Design was responsible for ushering in a new worldwide appreciation of the beauty of Ireland through its ranges of postcards, calendars, books and posters. 

He is the author of several photographic books and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Ireland. 

Handcrafted Mounted Print

To fit frame size  8” x 10”

This product has been produced using a high end printing process which results in excellent print colour reproduction. 

The Ring of Kerry from Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland.

Photography © Liam Blake

Liam Blake was born in Dublin and developed a keen interest in photography at an early age. An award winning photographer, Liam works almost exclusively in Ireland and his work for Real Ireland Design was responsible for ushering in a new worldwide appreciation of the beauty of Ireland through its ranges of postcards, calendars, books and posters. 

He is the author of several photographic books and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Ireland. 

Handcrafted Mounted Print

To fit frame size  8” x 10”

This product has been produced using a high end printing process which results in excellent print colour reproduction. 

Blarney Castle, Blarney, County Cork, Ireland.

Photography © Liam Blake

Liam Blake was born in Dublin and developed a keen interest in photography at an early age. An award winning photographer, Liam works almost exclusively in Ireland and his work for Real Ireland Design was responsible for ushering in a new worldwide appreciation of the beauty of Ireland through its ranges of postcards, calendars, books and posters. 

He is the author of several photographic books and has exhibited his work in galleries throughout Ireland. 

This Poster-Print celebrates the eighteenth and nineteenth century doors of Dublin, perhaps the most iconic images of the city’s architectural Golden Age. Many theories have been put forward to explain why they are so brightly painted and ornamented, none unfortunately likely to be true. It has been suggested, for instance, that the practice originated at the time of Elizabeth 1, when a Puritan administrator decreed that all the city’s door and window frames should be the same drab brown colour. In an act of the defiance, the artistic and expressive population responded by painting them in the brightest hues they could find. A similar story dates from reign of Queen Victoria in the late 1800’s. Some claim that after the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert, the grieving monarch ordered all the doors in Dublin painted black in his memory. Once again the rebellious Dubliners refused and turned their front doors into a riot of colour.

Poster-Prints© are produced on high quality 200gm art silk paper suitable for framing in a standard A2 size frame. The print itself and the six sided gift box are fully recyclable.

Photography © Liam Blake Design Brian Murphy

This Poster-Print celebrates Ireland's rich ancient heritage.

Featuring a collection of some of Ireland's wild ancient landscapes, medieval and religious sites this print captures the mystical and timeless character of Ireland.

Poster-Prints© are produced on high quality 200gm art silk paper suitable for framing in a standard A2 size frame. The print itself and the six sided gift box are fully recyclable.

Photography © Liam Blake Design Brian Murphy

This Poster-Print celebrates Irelands west coast driving route.

The Wild Atlantic Way is the World's longest coastal driving route. It stretches from County Donegal in the north all along the wild and rugged west coast of Ireland to County Cork in the south. Taking in seven Irish counties the route offers spectacular views of the Irish Atlantic coast taking in many of the unique features of Ireland such as the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, colourful and vibrant towns, traditional Irish Pubs and many other fantastic attractions. 

Poster-Prints© are produced on high quality 200gm art silk paper suitable for framing in a standard A2 size frame. The print itself and the six sided gift box are fully recyclable.

Photography © Liam Blake Design Brian Murphy

This Poster-Print celebrates the sheep that roam the Irish landscape.

There are over 5 million sheep in Ireland, more sheep than people.

 Poster-Prints© are produced on high quality 200gm art silk paper suitable for framing in a standard A2 size frame. The print itself and the six sided gift box are fully recyclable.

Photography © Liam Blake Design Brian Murphy

This Poster-Print celebrates the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top Visitor attractions and are a designated UNESCO Geopark. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 10 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maumturk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland.

Poster-Prints© are produced on high quality 200gm art silk paper suitable for framing in a standard A2 size frame. The print itself and the six sided gift box are fully recyclable.

Photography © Liam Blake Design Brian Murphy

This Poster-Print celebrates the wild and rugged nature of Ireland.

This beautifully produced print contains scenes of Ireland at its wildest from crashing waves on wild coastal landscapes to remote unspoilt countryside. 

Poster-Prints© are produced on high quality 200gm art silk paper suitable for framing in a standard A2 size frame. The print itself and the six sided gift box are fully recyclable.

Photography © Liam Blake Design Brian Murphy

Bottle opener with illustrated map of Ireland showing activities from around the island.

High quality magnetic metal and resin bottle opener on backing card.

This magnetic bottle opener will always be to hand when stuck on your fridge door.

Bottle opener with image of a lonely lamb on a hillside.

High quality magnetic metal and resin bottle opener on backing card.

This magnetic bottle opener will always be to hand when stuck on your fridge door.

Bottle opener with images of Ireland inside IRELAND text.

High quality magnetic metal and resin bottle opener on backing card.

This magnetic bottle opener will always be to hand when stuck on your fridge door.

Bottle opener with image of a sea storm on the west coast of Ireland

High quality magnetic metal and resin bottle opener on backing card.

This magnetic bottle opener will always be to hand when stuck on your fridge door.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Embossed on back with Ireland logo

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

A collection of seven greeting cards with photography by Liam Blake.

Complete with envelopes.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.

High Quality Cork Backed Drinks Coaster

Size 11 x 9.5 cm

This product has been produced to a very high standard with an embossed cork base and is heat resistant to 100°F

The Leprechaun's Made Me Do It!

Mix and match with other coasters from this range for an interesting table setting.