Castle Demesne, Newcastle West,
Co. Limerick, Éire

During the trying years of 2013 and 2014 when my father was in a nursing home, the Castle Demesne provided an especially relished escape whenever one was sought. In fact, I have managed to visit the place sometime during nearly every year since then too. There is more to this place that the wooded area pictured above since there are games fields and fitness installations in place too. It is very much an amenity for the local community though the name suggests associations with Desmond Castle that were very real. Saying that, many places change their feel through the ages and this one is no different.