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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Old Head, Kinsale, Ireland

Painting in progress by Helen Tilston at Old Head Golf Course
Old Head Golf Course in Kinsale is unique.  It was ranked #1 by Links Magazine as the most beautiful golf course on earth.


Old Head is reached by a land bridge from the mainland.


 We spent a most memorable weekend here. My husband, Mike golfed and enjoyed the challenge and was pleased to not lose any balls.  I took the opportunity to paint and I have received a commission.

View from space of Old Head which sticks out like a little finger

Daniel Tani astronaut from Illinois completed five space walks in his career with NASA. During his 130 days in space, Daniel said he often found his eyes and mind wandering to Kinsale, Co. Cork.  Daniel met his wife at Old Head Golf Course and is a regular guest.
Mike Tilston stands by Stone of Accord at Old Head Golf Course
The Stone of Accord was used in Ireland to seal important deals and make up arguments.  Wedding vows were for one year only and were renewed by joining hands through the hole in the stone.
Mike Tilston 18th hold - a birdie!

 The service, food, scenery and atmosphere were exceptional.


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46 comments:

  1. MrsLittleJeansApril 27, 2016 at 3:29 PM

    Incredible scenery...so nice to visit you. xo

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    1. helen tilstonApril 27, 2016 at 4:27 PM

      Hello Mona, I have missed you and your family. Thanks for stopping by.
      Fond wishes
      Helen xx

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  2. Salty Pumpkin StudioApril 27, 2016 at 4:01 PM

    What a beautiful post! Lovely place to visit whether or not one golfs. Congratulations on the commission. Your painting is lovely.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 27, 2016 at 4:32 PM

      It is indeed breathtaking scenery at Old Head and we did get beautiful weather. The light was perfect. My painting is going to the USA. Fun, fun
      Hope you have a great week
      Helen xx

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  3. PatriciaApril 27, 2016 at 4:21 PM

    This is a stunning place, and your painting captures it perfectly Helen. The Stone of Accord looks interesting and fun; maybe I will get to see it. Only four months until we go to Ireland :) xx

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  4. helen tilstonApril 27, 2016 at 4:35 PM

    Hello Patricia,
    It is spectacular and scenery that I have not seen before. The height of the cliffs and depth is not depicted in photography. Check out their website prior to visiting. It is gated and you will likely need to make a reservation.
    If you wish go to You Tube and google Old Head Golf Course. There are some fabulous videos. I hope your trips brings you close to Youghal. Helen

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  5. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and AcornsApril 27, 2016 at 6:26 PM

    Helen, this sounds like a perfect weekend for you and your husband! I am in awe at its beauty. How wonderful o receive a commission while you were there as well.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:37 PM

      Hello Elizabeth, You would love the scenery and the food was excellent too. It was just what we needed.
      Hope you have a super weekend

      Helen xx

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  6. Dumbwit TellherApril 27, 2016 at 8:10 PM

    Helen, I cannot even imagine how amazing it'd be to visit Old Head Golf Course (or Kinsale). What a memory. Mike lost no balls and you gained a commission! I quite like history of the Stone of Accord. I know many people that would love the idea of a marriage commitment being one year with option to renew.

    Loved this post so much. Thank you.

    xxx Deb

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    1. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:40 PM

      Hello Deborah,
      It was my Christmas present to Mike. I felt he did not need another pair of socks! I had to get his golf handicap without telling why, a requirement with the reservation. You are right The Stone of Accord should be a requirement. We did renew our vows.
      Have a great weekend and hugs to Sofia
      Helenxx

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  7. RosemaryApril 28, 2016 at 12:09 AM

    Dear Helen - what a wonderful and magical location, it all looks very beautiful.
    Well done Mike on getting a birdie! and did you join hands through the Stone of Accord.
    Your painting captures the dramatic location perfectly.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:43 PM

      Hello Rosemary,
      You would enjoy the scenery Rosemary. There are fifteen guest rooms which are architecturally fitting and elegant and all have ocean views. It is a golfer's dream.
      Hope you have a wonderful weekend
      Helenx

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  8. Hilary Melton-ButcherApril 28, 2016 at 1:33 AM

    Hi Helen - how lovely to have had that trip to Kinsale ... but I think it's fairly close to your Irish home? Still it's so interesting see the Stone of Accord .. and to learning a little about the area ...

    Great news re the Commission too ... and to hubby for some windy-challenging golf ... cheers Hilary

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    1. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:46 PM

      Hello Hilary
      You are right, Kinsale is only one hour's drive from Youghal. We had a delicious lunch at Kinsale before travelling on to Old Head which is about 8 miles from Kinsale. I am getting ready to start the commission and it excites me.
      Hope all is great with you
      Helenxx

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  9. KukkaiselämääApril 28, 2016 at 2:15 AM

    Hi, Helen! You had a lovely trip! My new blog address is: http://www.kukkaiselamaa.fi

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    1. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:47 PM

      It was indeed a wonderful trip.

      I will visit your blog shortly

      Helen xx

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  10. CatherineApril 28, 2016 at 5:14 AM

    I have just received a brochure this morning from the Irish Tourist Board and busy planning a trip to the land of my fathers. Looks amazing! Looking forward to seeing the finished picture, Helen.

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    1. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:48 PM

      Hello Marianne,
      I hope you have a wonderful time when you visit Ireland. Should you have any questions I will be happy to assist.
      Helenxx

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    2. CatherineApril 29, 2016 at 7:24 AM

      Do you actually live in Ireland, Helen? Perhaps we can meet up when we come over?

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  11. Jeanne HenriquesApril 28, 2016 at 8:22 AM

    Wonderful Helen, your painting, commission, trip and the tradition of the Stone of Accord. We have a well cap at a Tahilla Farm that looks just like it. I often wondered where and how to display it...I have my answer! Lovely post..as always. xx

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    1. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:52 PM

      Hello Jeanne,
      It was a wonderful get away and we enjoyed every minute. The Stone of Accord makes sense. How exciting that you have a well cap similar. I will be happy to see it installed at Tahilla Farm and what a wonderful conversation piece it will be. Perhaps you can become a free-range organic lawyer and have weddings at Tahilla Farm.

      Helen xx

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  12. LoreeApril 28, 2016 at 1:28 PM

    What a wonderful place. The greenery is so soothing to my eyes after the harshness of our landscape.

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  13. helen tilstonApril 28, 2016 at 1:53 PM

    Hello Loree,

    You are right when you say it is a soothing green. Thanks for stopping in
    Helen xx

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  14. donna bakerApril 28, 2016 at 7:11 PM

    Well Helen, I'd say you deserve the 'Wife Of The Year Award'. So sweet. My husband would love that, but probably not renewing our vows part, but I think that is so sweet. I've always wanted to visit Ireland. Maybe one day.

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  15. A Super DilettanteApril 28, 2016 at 10:54 PM

    My dear Helen, I am so glad to see your new blog post here again. The beauty of Ireland is absolutely stunning. It is full of rituals and folklores. We should have the Stone of Accord in every town. It would save a lot of paperwork. You just have to go there and shake hands instead of signing it on the paper!

    The colour of the sea around Kinsale would seduce you to pain a picture. I love your picture with the lighthouse and the deep blue sea. It sounds like you both had a wonderful time in Ireland. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

    Best wishes, ASD xxx

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2016 at 4:07 AM

      Dearest ASD,
      Lovely to have you visit. You are so right about the Stone of Accord being in every town and I might add village and home. Our lawyers would have to find a new career.

      It is a beautiful spot and as you know the ocean is always changing and never disappoints.

      Have a glorious Sunday

      Helen xx

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  16. Woodside ParkApril 29, 2016 at 1:36 PM

    What a stunning place!! Your painting is lovely, Helen. The lighthouse and sea remind me of Maine. I'm so looking forward to returning to our summer home.
    Cheers from DC,
    L

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2016 at 4:09 AM

      DEar Loi,

      You would love this place and I can imagine the wonderful images you would take.
      I can see the similarity to Maine. I always love your stories and posts from Maine. Enjoy today
      Helen xx

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  17. PondsideApril 29, 2016 at 4:39 PM

    That must have been a lovely trip. Any holiday by the sea is a good one, in my opinion. Rain or shine, wind rain or sea fog - I love it all, and I'd love to experience the coast of Ireland.

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2016 at 4:10 AM

      We certainly had both rain and sunshine during our visit to Old Head.
      I hope you manage to come to Ireland one day
      Helen xx

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  18. JenMay 2, 2016 at 5:39 PM

    Oh it's stunning--I'd love to visit one day. Your painting is lovely.

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2016 at 4:12 AM

      Hello Jen,
      I do hope you visit one day. It would be a joy to meet you.
      Thank you for your compliment on my painting. It is almost completed.

      Helen xx

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  19. Pura VidaMay 4, 2016 at 2:03 PM

    This spot looks amazing. I love lighthouses and used to be on a quest to see them all

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    1. helen tilstonMay 8, 2016 at 4:13 AM

      It is an incredible spot and I do not think my post did justice to this corner of paradise. I agree that Lighthouses hold a certain magnetism.
      Helen xx

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  20. Casa MariposaMay 7, 2016 at 12:06 PM

    Beautiful! I've never been to Ireland and would love to go.

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  21. helen tilstonMay 8, 2016 at 4:14 AM

    Good Morning,

    Thanks you for your comment. I do hope your wish to come to Ireland one day is realized.

    Helenxx

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  22. Jenny WoolfMay 11, 2016 at 8:47 AM

    I'm glad you had a good trip, and got a commission, and the aerial photo is stunning! Parts of Ireland are so beautiful. I've never managed to get into playing golf, though I'd guess it's very good for you.

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  23. MadeliefMay 12, 2016 at 10:06 AM

    Dear Helen,

    What a spectacular location for a golfcourse. I think I would constantly miss the ball, because of the spectacular scenery! Hope you had a lovely time in your homeland.

    Madelief x

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  24. Optimistic ExistentialistJune 27, 2016 at 12:01 AM

    I really want to visit this place someday :)

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  25. PoppyJuly 1, 2016 at 11:04 AM

    Dear Helen,

    What lovely snippets of Old Head, Kinsale's past (and present!) you have shared with us today. Your own perception of the landscape immortalized in your beautiful painting makes for yet another piece of this land's hiSTORY!

    Hope you are well on this Friday, July 1, 2016.

    Happy Canada Day, my friend!

    xx
    Poppy

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  26. Things and ThoughtsJuly 5, 2016 at 4:08 AM

    Unique indeed!Oh Helen, Ireland must be an enchanting land and I have a longing to visit it.This breathtaking landscape must be very challenging for an artist like you.
    Thanks for sharing, what a treat!
    Wish I could be there.
    Happy summer days ahead
    Olympia

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  27. Half-heard in the StillnessJuly 5, 2016 at 8:09 AM

    What a lovely idea to renew wedding-vows by hands through the opening! And fancy actually being able to talk to a real astronaut...crikey!!!

    Hope you are well Helen?

    Hugs Jane

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  28. Half-heard in the StillnessJuly 9, 2016 at 4:59 AM

    Hello Helen...thank you so much for your words, I felt really buoyed-up when I read them. Seems to be be taking a lon....g time to recover this time, it's been one niggling thing after another, but it's lovely to receive a message on my blog from my lovely friends form all over the world!

    Hugs to you Helen,
    Janexx

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  29. SeawashedJuly 27, 2016 at 4:20 PM

    I just stumbled upon your blog and I remember you from a long long time ago. We have both been blogging for so many years and somehow I lost you along the way. Though I have gone through my seasons of unplugging and now I am more on Instagram than my blog. But blogging will always be home. You are such a beautiful artist. I admire your paintings and artist lifestyle. How wonderful for you to be able to travel and paint such beauty.

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  30. Jane the BookladyAugust 2, 2016 at 11:55 PM

    What a beautiful place. I a holiday where both partners can enjoy things they love is a special treat. I'm so glad you got a commission too! Jane xx

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  31. Half-heard in the StillnessAugust 14, 2016 at 4:06 AM

    OOh! Helen thank you so much for those encouraging words, they make me want to write more!
    I wonder how that Commission is coming along?

    Enjoy your Sunday,
    Hugs to you,
    Jane x

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