Full title: Machnaimh don Charghas: turas chun na Cásca
Creator / Author: Caoimhín de Líon (1932-2022)
Item Type / Page count: Book / 110p
When Published: 2005
Publisher / Place of Publication: Foilseacháin Ábhair Spioradálta / Baile Átha Cliath.
About: As today is Ash Wednesday it is, perhaps, appropriate to reference this Irish-language book, written by the late and much-loved former Parish Priest of Blessington, Caoimhín de Líon (1932-2022). It is a book of meditations and prayers for each day of the Lenten season from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The author also ministered in Dunlavin and Donard.
ID number(s): 0954724836
Contents: Céadaoin an Luaithrigh — An Chéad Seachtain den Charghas — An Dara Seachtain den Charghas — An Tríú Seachtain den Charghas — An Ceathrú Seachtain den Charghas — An Cúigiú Seachtain den Charghas — An tSeachtain Mhór — Domhnach Cásca.
Full title: Co. Wicklow’s Way With Words: writings from students of Co. Wicklow V.E.C. Adult Education Service
Creator / Author: Co. Wicklow V.E.C. Adult Education Service
Item Type / Page count: Book / 101pp
When Published: 2004
Publisher / Place of Publication: Co. Wicklow V.E.C. Adult Education Service / Co. Wicklow
About: This first collection of writings by adult students from all over County Wicklow highlights the talents of people taking their first steps in creative writing and self-expression. The many short and ultra-short pieces included here feature a diversity of subject matter and opinions. Overall, the pieces provide a good snapshot of West Wicklow and its people.
ID number(s): None
Contents: [NOTE: Only West Wicklow authors are listed here] — Introduction
[Section One – All Kinds of Everything] Spring / Kathleen Jordan, Blessington — Summer Scenes / Michael O’Hara, Baltinglass — Autumn / Adeline Driver, Rathdangan — Wildlife Ponds / Bernard Byrne, Blessington — Embracing Change / Baltinglass Hospital Patients — My Home / Seamus Lennon, Baltinglass— Our Group Observations / The A Team, Baltinglass — My Walk in the Country / Mary O’Brien, Baltinglass
[Section Two – Reaching the Heights] Learning to Drive / Margaret Hewson, Blessington — The Mouse / Cynthia Steacy, Carnew — My Daughter, Katie and I / Sheila Doyle, Blessington — The Course / Elizabeth Moore, Blessington— How the Computer Revolutionised my Life / Betty Rawson, Carnew— A Little Change / Mary Manley, Blessington — The Expert Shows How it is Done!!! / James Haberlin, Baltinglass
[Section Three – Family Tales] Deep Thoughts / Alan Thomas, Donard — Summer 2003 / Margaret Hewson, Blessington — One Camera, Two Cameras, Three Cameras / Josephine Murphy, Rathdangan — The Wedding / Pamela Hanrahan, Blessington— Love at First Sight / Pamela Hanrahan, Blessington— A Christmas Past / Róisín, Blessington
[Section Four – Memories of Rural Ireland] The Threshing / Rosie Dunne, Blessington — Killing of the Pig / Betty Eager, Baltinglass — The Butter Making / Mary, Baltinglass — The Shop / Geraldine Rooney, Baltinglass— Summer Work / Anthony Mullen, Baltinglass— Childhood Memories of the Annual Sheep Shearing / Betty Byrne, Blessington
[Section Five – Animals Antics] The Feisty Sheep (poem) / Mary Osborne, Baltinglass — The Constipated Goldfish / Maureen Wilson, Rahtdangan — Jan / Bridget Birchall, Blessington
[Section Six – People] Trapped in my Mind! (poem) / Jason Wilson, Baltinglass — Remembering Danny / Catherine Noctor, Baltinglass — My Mother (poem) / Patricia Hosey, Grangecon— The Movie Director David Lean / Thomas Kehoe, Baltinglass— Nancy’s Dresser / Kathleen Osbourne, Blessington — Helen Parker / Ann Cullen, Grangecon— The Poncho / Brigid Brophy, Rathdangan— My Life / Teresa McCarrick, Carnew — Sonia O’Sullivan / Damien, Baltinglass— My Niece Ayla / Fiona Healy, Carnew— A Mother’s Love / Sheila Doyle, Blessington — My Grandmother / Phyllis Hamilton, Blessington
[Section 7 – Days to Remember] My Trip to Paris / Libby Hendrick, Carnew — Lighting the Flame / Eileen Moran, Carnew — Westlife / Michael Connolly, Carnew— Family Outing / James Byrne, Carnew— Going North / Paul Dollard, Carnew — Westlife 2004 / Robert Farrelly, Carnew— My Trip to Fatima / Paul Galvin, Baltinglass— My Favourite Holiday / Kathleen Moran, Carnew — My Trip to Cork / Bernie Redmond, Carnew— A Day at School / P. Coogan, Carnew— Winning is Good Too! / Claire Hayes & Shauna Bradley, Baltinglass — A Weekend Away / Enda Lawler, Baltinglass— A Family Holiday / Sean Kelly, Carnew— Opening my School / Joey Gilbert, Carnew
[Section 8 – Life as We Know It] My Life / Robert Ely, Baltinglasss — The In-between Years / Rosaleen McGrath, Baltinglass — My Retirement / Seamus Hunt, Baltinglass— Why I Returned to Learning / Patrick, Baltinglass— The Answering Machine (poem) / Maureen, Baltinglass — My Luck / Sheila Cullen, Baltinglass— Life (poem) / Rose O’Toole, Baltinglass— Vote Early! Vote Often / Esther Curry et al, Baltinglass Hospital
Creator / Author: Diarmuid Ó Muimhneacháin, ar n-a gcur in eagar ag Risteárd Ó Foghludha (“Fiaċra Éilgeaċ”)
Item Type / Page count: Book / 169pp
When Published: 1946
Publisher / Place of Publication: Oifig an tSoláthair / Dublin
About: “Dhá Chích Dhanann” was one of the pen-names used by Jeremiah Moynihan (Diarmuid Ó Muimhneacháin). He lived from 1866 to 1934 and served in the Royal Irish Constabularly between 1890 and 1920. He was born in the parish of Ballyvourney in Cork into a family of well-known Irish poets. He retained this interest throughout his life and published pieces in various Irish-language publications. This book is a selection of his poetry and ballads and also contains a 12-page introductory essay and full-page photograph. The subject matter of his verse is Ireland, Irish history and culture, Irish patriots and Irish places including some West Wicklow locations. After retiring he continued his love of Irish culture by teaching classes in the West Dublin area. He is buried in Baltinglass Cemetery.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Réamhrádh — Bith-scéal an fhile 1866-1934 — A Éire, mo thír bhocht go hEág! — An áit is cuibhe — Tír bheag na Banban — Oileáinín na féile — Clanna Mumhan — Síothcháin — A Bhanba, dúisigh — Seo díl-chlann na séimh-fhear — Sruthán sléibhe — A Ghaedhala na cruinne — An Ghaedhilg in san ollscoil nua — Filleadh an deoraidhe — Tá mo chroidhe go dubhach — Feall Dhún Laimhin in “Ocht gcéad déag ach do” — I gCríochaibh Naomh-Mhantán — Aililiú! mo bhrónsa — Máire — Ag teacht abhaile ón aonach dom — An Ghlé-bhruinneal chóir — Cois na leamhna — Ag taisteal trasna Glinn Dom — Ó mhuise, a leinbh — An Fánaidhe — An tSealg san, “COMPULSION” — “WENTWORTH HOUSE” — A nDubhairt “WEST BRITONISM” — An rinnceóir taistil — Is suairceas ‘s is aiteas — Don Athair Peadar Ó Laoghaire — Druid liom, a leinbh — Do Chonchubhar Ó Muimhneacháin — An nóinín bán — Guidhe um pósadh — Guidhe do charaid — Guidhe do lánamhain — Guidhe do shagart — Freagra ar chuireadh: ó Thorna is ó Cháit, a dheirbhshiúr — Cead do Thorna chun dhá amhrán dá chuid do chlóbhualadh — Dán buidheachais ag admhughadh duaise ar Oireachtas 1907 — Le fáinne geal an lae — Crúdh na ngabhar tar laoi — Caoineadh na nDíleacht — Filleadh an Chraoibhín — Ár Mairbh (ar bás an Athar Eóghan Ó Gramhnaigh is Liam Ó Maol Ruanaidh) — An fear fáin — Aisling ar bháthadh Eibhlín Nic Niocaill — Gura fada é cródha — Dobrón bhainmhéara Chorcaighe .1. Bhean Thoirdhealbhaigh Mhic Suibhne (dá fear agus é i gcarcair Bhrixton — Éagcaoineadh Chathail Bhrugha-Aisling — Fáilte bhrónach (ar n-a thabhairt thar ais go hÉire do chorp an Athar Eóghan Ó Gramhnaigh do cailleadh in Aimeirice) — Do mhac giolla Brighde — An crann cárthainn — Corran Tuathail — Poll a’ Phúca — Cill Áirne — Ár mairbh tréigthe — Cómhrac abhann (tionntódh) — Mo mhaidirín “Trae” (tionntódh ar “My poor dog Tray”) — Tionntódh ar uathrádh Alastair Sailciorc ar an oileán San Juan Fernandez, ag cúpaeir — Gluais, notaí etc — Clár na línte tosaigh.
WW Connection #1: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC constable and later as a sergeant in Baltinglass.
WW Connection #2: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC head constable in Kiltegan.
WW Connection #3: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC sergeant in Blessington
WW Connection #4: On retirement in 1920, Jeremiah Moynihan took on a small farm in Manor Kilbride.
Extra #1: Browse the 1901 Census entry for Moynihan Family in Baltinglass.
Extra #2: Browse the 1911 Census entry for Moynihan Family in Baltinglass.
Full title: 8th Dunlavin Festival of Arts from Friday 15th June – Sunday 17th June 1990 Programme
Creator / Author: [Dunlavin Festival of Arts Committee and contributors]
Item Type / Page count: Magazine / Various pagings
When Published: 1983 – current
Publisher / Place of Publication: Dunlavin Festival of Arts Committtee / Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow.
About: Since its inauguration in 1983, the Dunlavin Arts Festival publishes a programme each year. Based on this one sample issue (June 1990), the programmes include a timetable of arts-related events, local history articles, local news and a selection of local business advertisements.
ID number(s): None
Contents: [June 1990 sample issue] Introduction / Aideen Coleborn – Dunlavin / Mary Norton — Dunlavin Tidy Towns — Dunlavin I.C.A. Twenty Five Years On / Ellen Gleeson (Founder Member) — “Full Many a Flower……” / Humphrey Thompson — Dunlavin Flower Club Open Show — Firmount Orchestra – Dorly’s Orchestra / Dorly O’Sullivan – The Milltown Singers / Mary Deering – Carlow Choral Society – Sunday Night Classical Evening – [General Programme] 15th – 17th June – 1990 Festival of Arts Committee – The Bulkeley, Worth, Tynte Connection / John Lynott – I Love Teacher because… / Various Contributors – Dunlavin’s Patron / Fr. Kevin Lyon – Poetry Competition Winners – The Tullow Line / Liam Kenny – Crumlin Hospital Fund Raising Campaign / Vincent Cronin – Hollywood Film Society – Dunlavin Majorettes / Leona Donohoe – Acknowledgements.
Extra #1: The cover of this particular issue features an illustration of St. Nicholas’ Church by Paul Myers.
Full title: A beautiful obsession: Jimi Blake’s world of plants at Hunting Brook Gardens
Creator / Author: Jimi Blake and Noel Kingsbury
Item Type / Page count: Book / 224pp
When Published: 2019
Publisher / Place of Publication: Filbert Press / Bath, United Kingdom
About: A handsome full-colour hardbacked book which tells the story of Jimi Blake and his famous gardens at Hunting Brook, Lamb Hill, Blessington in West Wicklow. Apart from a tour of the gardens there is valuable additional information about plants and planting schemes. This is a book that will inspire a visit to the gardens or be a keepsake for those who have already done so.
ID number(s): 9781999734527
Contents: Foreword / Fergus Garrett — [Part 1 Early Beginnings] Welcome to Hunting Brook — A Beautiful Obsession — [Part 2 A Walk Around The Garden] First Impressions — Ashley’s Garden — Fred’s Garden — The House and the Woodland Garden — The Valley and Meadow — [Part 3 Plants And Planting] Practical Work – Jimi’s Plant Directory — Nurseries & Gardens — Index — Acknowledgements — About the Authors.
Extra #1: Illustrated throughout with colour photographs.
Full title: Woggins For Supper (and other tasty tales): travel and adventure outside the comfort zone’
Creator / Author: Dermot J. Douglas
Item Type / Page count: Book / 377p
When Published: 2018
Publisher / Place of Publication: Orla Kelly Publishing / 27 Kilbrody, Mount Oval, Rochestown, Cork, Ireland
About: This is another collection of stories that recount some of the adventures of Dermot Douglas and his wife, Mary, on their journeys to remote and inhospitable places far away and to similar places closer to home. Each chapter is an adventure in itself as the couple immerse themselves in different cultures and environments.
ID number(s): 9781912328185
Contents: Acknowledgements — Kinetosis, Truth Drugs and the Devil’s Breath — Woggins for Supper — Cachalots, Humpbacks, Razorbacks, Pikeheads and Sea Canaries – Wingless Midges and Swimming Elephants — Crispy Critters, Lemon Ants and Mopane Worms: a brief descent into Entomophagy — Bamboo Pipes, Big Horns and Fire Dragons — Asleep with the Fishes – What is the difference between a dog and a fox? – The Third Amnesty — When we were Ophiophagus — Vodun, Santeria and Candomblé — St. John the Baptist, Evil Spirits and Coca-Cola – Hewn from the Rock — [Photographs] — The Two-headed Snakes in the Land Below the Wind — I’ll Take Socks — The Oil and the Coffee are Crap! — The Dutchman and the Man of the Forest – Frankenrat – The Wraith of the Rainforest — The Transmogrification of Aotearoa — Australia is Interesting — Isla de la Mala Genta the Island of Bad People — Big Hair, Bilum Bags and Betel Nuts — The Shamwari and Sanbona Safaris.
WW Connection #1: The author is a resident of Blessington in West Wicklow.
Extra #1: Includes twenty-two full pages of colour photographs.
Full title: Boobies, Baobabs and Bot flies: experiences of a ‘foreigner’
Creator / Author: Dermot J. Douglas
Item Type / Page count: Book / 273p
When Published: 2013
Publisher / Place of Publication: PubliBook Ireland / Kells, County Meath, Ireland
About: This is a collection of stories that recount some of the adventures of Dermot Douglas and his wife, Mary, on their journeys near and far throughout the world. Each chapter is an adventure in itself as the couple immerse themselves in different cultures and environments. The author conveys a sense of wonder and curiosity that will delight ‘armchair travellers’.
ID number(s): 9781909774018
Contents: Destinations Map — Preface — The dance of the Blue-footed booby — How to wash knickers in the Jade Sea – On Kali, Killing and Kumari — In search of the Painted Wolf — ‘Litografia’ Leonardo — Kathakali in Kochi, Kerala – Gasping for breath (while caressing a ‘sexy woman’) – Say Hello to Madam! — Getting high on grass (caves, bats, swiftlets and assorted creepy crawlies) — Miserable in Mopti — Misguides management and the Maharajah’s marshes – Moai Kavakava at the navel of the world — Corpse flowers, desert onions and the Tree of Life — Mud and wood (building to last) — Photo Album — The cormorant fishermen of the Lí Jiang – Terror stalks the red carpet – The Dogon, the dog star and bed bugs — The travel tango ( so slow, so slick, quick, slow) — The adventures of Darwin and the sea lizards — Depilation:Nile style — Hitchiking in the jungle — Devouring the King and the Queen – Dance of the spirits — The island of eagles: a 7000 year daytrip — Postscript: The Zerzura Syndrome – Notes and references.
WW Connection #1: The author is a resident of Blessington in West Wicklow.
Extra #1: Contains twenty-four full pages of colour photographs, as well as in-text monochrome pictures.
Full title: The Making of a Choreographer: Ninette de Valois and Bar aux Folies-Bergére
Creator / Author: Beth Genné
Item Type / Page count: Book / 139p
When Published: 1996
Publisher / Place of Publication: Society of Dance History Scholars / U.S.A.
About: The ballet ‘Bar aux Folies-Bergére’ took inspiration from and was based around a famous painting of the same name by Édouard Manet. The choreography for the ballet was executed by Ninette de Valois. This book looks at her formative years as a choreographer with specific reference to this ballet. De Valois’s handwritten notebook for the production provides an invaluable insight into her artistic vision and this notebook is reproduced in facsimile with a transcription.
ID number(s): 0965351912
Contents: List of illustrations — “Will be Valuable Someday”: Preface — Acknowlegdements — “Wonder Child” in the School of Hard Knocks: De Valois’s Early Years — “Everything of Value”: De Valois and Diaghilev — “The Future of the Ballet”: De Valois and Modern Choreography — “A Strange, Noble, Unforgettable Figure: De Valois, Yeats, Baylis, and Rambert — Bar aux Folies-Bergére — The Notebook: Introduction, Facsimile and Transcription — Notes — Index.
WW Connection #1: Ninette de Valois (née Edris Stannus) was born at Baltyboys, Blessington, Co. Wicklow in 1898. The family moved to England in 1905.
Extra #1: includes twenty-six black & white photographs
Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #3: For information, Ninette de Valois was awarded the Erasmus Prize in 1974 for her contribution to European culture.
Extra #4: Browse the 1901 Census entry for Ninette de Valois (née Edris Stannus) in Boystown Lower, Co.Wicklow
Extra #5: Link to the website of the Dance Studies Association (formerly The Society of Dance History Scholars)
Creator / Author: Ninette de Valois, edited by David Gayle
Item Type / Page count: Book / 61p
When Published: 2011
Publisher / Place of Publication: Oberon Books Ltd. / 522 Caledonian Road, London N7 9RH
About: This is a small collection of pieces either by Dame Ninette de Valois or about her. It includes the first publication of the text of a speech she gave in 1981 during the fiftieth anniversary of the Royal Ballet. Also included is the text of an address given in her memory at a function in Westminster Abbey in 2001.
ID number(s): 9781849431071
Contents: Acknowlegdements — Foreword / David Gayle — De Valois’ Address to the Yorkshire Ballet Seminars / Ninette de Valois — Madam and the Yorkshire Ballet Seminars (now known as the Yorkshire Ballet Summer School) / David Gayle — Some Problems of Ballet Today / Ninette de Valois — Sir Peter Wright’s Memorial Address at Westminster Abbey 28th September, 2001 / Sir Peter Wright.
WW Connection #1: Ninette de Valois (née Edris Stannus) was born at Baltyboys, Blessington, Co.Wicklow in 1898. The family moved to England in 1905.
Extra #1: includes several photographs
Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #3: For information, the author was awarded the Erasmus Prize in 1974 for her contribution to European culture.
Extra #4: Browse the 1901 Census entry for Ninette de Valois (née Edris Stannus) in Boystown Lower, Co.Wicklow
Full title: Michael Dwyer [and] Battle of Doire Na Muc
Creator / Author: Elaine Hoxey and Caoimhín de Líon (1932-2022)
Item Type / Page count: Booklet / [16p]
When Published: 1988
Publisher / Place of Publication: [Unknown] / Knockanarrigan, Co. Wicklow [?]
About: This booklet mainly consists of a reprint of a chapter on Michael Dwyer which was published in the book: ‘The Croghan Valley’ in the late 1960’s. Included within the main piece is a short account of the battle of Doire na Muc (Derrynamuck) when Dwyer made his escape from the Crown Forces. It is likely that this booklet was sold as a souvenir to visitors to the Dwyer McAllister Cottage in Derrynamuck, Knockanarrigan, Co. Wicklow.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Preface / Graeme Cooke — Michael Dwyer (from ‘The Croghan Valley’ by Caoimhín de Líon, by kind permission of Kamac Publications) — Doire na Muc – Michael Dwyer escapes capture at Doire na Muc [artist’s impression].
Extra #1: Includes 2 maps and some other illustrations.
West Wicklow Bookshelf 
