Stonechat

STONECHAT, EGG TEMPERA ON TRUE GESSO PANEL, 43 x 61 cms

© Fergus A Ryan, 2023

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Two stonechats enjoy their wild mountain countryside unaware of its historic and scientific significance. These stone cairns in the almost unique limestone karst region of The Burren in County Clare and County Galway date from around the sixth century AD to the mediaeval period. Some were built as penitential sites, others as burial or cemetery cairns. The Burren has a UNESCO Geopark status, with an area of 530 km2, and is of interest to geologists, botanists and other naturalists, as well as visitors to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Because of the deep 'grikes' in the limestone sheets there is only one overground river; most water falls into deep caves. One of Cromwell's soldiers infamously said of the Burren that there was no tree to hang a man, no water to drown him, and no soil to bury him. Setting that aside, enjoy the splendid and distinctive landscape.


Framed painting available from the studio.

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