Keshcorran

A linear series of ancient caves stretch like a necklace along Keshcorran Mountain in County Sligo, Ireland. The site, while rich with storytelling, is scant on archaeological detail. Any evidence of human occupancy commences with the medieval era and centres around the entrances. Their principal role within culture appears to be mythological, as thresholds, with tales of wolves, cailleachs and kings, of powerful women and magic, of entrances to other worlds, they are central to the Lughnasa events held there since antiquity.

In geological terms the caves were once physically much longer. Over time their entrances have steadily sheared away, as signs continue to warn the daily stream of visitors.  I found myself looking up at the entrance to the caves as I entered and left each one.  

The book is a partnership with Julianna Holland, a writer in Sligo, there are nine poems and nine photographs, mirroring the eighteen caves.  Her words, each one potent and full, pop in the mind like a grape in your mouth, sensual and rich.  I wanted to counterpoint these with photographs which were dry, austere but somehow sinuous in response. I photographed the upper arch of each entrance, coming and going, finding it to animate the rock as it seemingly twists and turns.

This book forms just one of the outcomes of the Tread Softly Festival in Sligo 2021, where a group of artists and a writer were invited to respond to the caves at Keshcorran Mountain. A guided walk by archaeologist Dr. Marion Dowd commenced a number of visits by the group, culminating with an exhibition at the Factory Performance Space in Sligo.   

The book is available to purchase here.

Book concept and photography by Tommy Weir
Poetry by Julianna Holland
Design and production Tommy Weir and John Power
Printing by Artes Gráficas Palermo