Images of Ireland feature in this beautiful, high-quality,wall calendar for 2021, which showcases the magnificent scenery and wildlife of Doneraile Park in County Cork.
Once again, Maureen O'Hanlon, an avid photographer and nature enthusiast from County Cork, has spent the past year collecting spectacular images of her local park in the village of Doneraile.
How lucky is Maureen to have such an amazing amenity on her doorstep, especially during 2020 when traveling far afield was out of the question for everyone.
Maureen has graciously sponsored this giveaway post and three lucky readers will win a copy of her 2021 calendar. Before I share details of the giveaway, let's first take a look at the glories of Doneraile Park throughout the past 12 months.
Table of Contents
Doneraile Park Through The Seasons
Located in the northern part of County Cork at the foot of the Ballyhoura Mountains, Doneraile Park is truly one of Ireland's hidden gems.
A beautifully restored old house was once the center piece of this demesne or landed estate. The landscaped park was first created in the 18th century around the banks of the Awbeg river.
Wildlife is everywhere in the 166 hectare park now run by the Irish Office of Public Works or OPW. Deer, swans, robins, squirrels, and ducks await around every corner.
The forest pathways boast mature groves of deciduous trees that turn beautiful shades of golds, yellows and browns in the autumn months.
Nature Photography From County Cork
The calendar was created by Maureen O'Hanlon from Doneraile.
Maureen's daily walks in Doneraile Park have been very fruitful from a photography perspective this year.
The swans were more than happy to cooperate for their photo shoots this year. Look at this spectacular capture.
I love this heart shaped swan pose for February's entry.
What a keen eye you have, Maureen.
Make Time For Nature is a Facebook Page run by Maureen where she shares her amazing photos with all her fans.
Maureen has a lovely sense of perspective when shooting nature photographs. She knows how to set a scene so that it looks its very best.
The animals and wildlife of Doneraile Park must be so accustomed to Maureen that they pay no attention to her when she points her camera their way.
Maureen's photos of Doneraile Park in snow were featured on one of our blog posts a few years back.
Doneraile Park Calendars 2021
Maureen once again has created a lovely calendar featuring Doneraile Park's finest scenery and wildlife, especially for 2021.
You can take a look at her 2020 calendar here.
Each month showcases the park in the glory of Ireland's changing seasons.
Doneraile Wildlife Park is free to the public and before the crazy year that was 2020 it attracted visitors from far and wide.
Hopefully in 2021 we can once again take a stroll around this lovely place with its many acres of rolling fields and meadows, and woodland trails.
In the meantime, Maureen's gorgeous photographs and quaint scenes of this 18th century park, are a perfect way to celebrate Ireland throughout the coming year.
If we cannot travel in person, then at least we can enjoy images of Ireland on our walls.
Thank you Maureen for all your wonderful work.
The Giveaway
Maureen has graciously offered three calendars for Irish American Mom readers to win.
To enter simply leave a comment on this blog post by noon Eastern Time on Saturday, December 4th, 2020.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you have a favorite park, where you like to wander and recharge your batteries.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, December 4th, 2020, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
Many thanks to everyone for stopping by to check out Maureen's lovely photos and calendars, and a big thank you to Maureen for sharing them with us and for sponsoring this Irish American Mom giveaway.
If you're interested in these calendars you can reach Maureen through her Facebook Page, Make Time for Nature.
Update: Winners Chosen
Our winners have been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky readers are ….
Colleen
Molly
Margaret Mary McGowan
I’ll send them an email to arrange mailing of their calendars. A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every comment.
If Molly could please contact me at mom@irishamericanmom.com to arrange prize delivery, that would be wonderful. I think my emails may be going to your spam folder.
And thanks again to Maureen for sponsoring this giveaway. You can check out her other calendars for 2022 and 2020 if you wish.
Stay tuned for many more stories and giveaways over the coming weeks and months.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Disclosure: Irish American Mom LLC does not have a business relationship with Maureen O'Hanlon and did not receive any payment for this guest post. I simply like to help small Irish and Irish American businesses and entrepreneurs spread the word about their work
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C. Galligan
How pleasant it is to see the nature photos of Cork, where my maternal grandmother comes from.
Brenda Wittchow
Have never been to Ireland . Always wished I could visit . Really enjoy your blog and the recipes . My Mom use to cook very similar food. She was a great cook and could really stretch a dollar . Thank you for being there and sharing . I appreciate you. Happy Holidays to you and yours !!! Stay safe.☺
Irish American Mom
Hi Brenda - Lovely to hear you were raised on good Irish food. It's simple and nutritious fare. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Darla Beeson
I truly enjoy your heartfelt emails. It must be a dream to travel and chronicle that journey so beautifully. Darla From Southern California
Irish American Mom
Hi Darla - I'm delighted to learn you enjoy my emails. thanks for stopping by and checking out this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi there - Lovely to hear your family also hails from County Cork. It's a beautiful part of the world. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Sheila Madden
Irish American Mom just warms my Irish heart ! A blessing during this stressful period in US history ! Thank you for being there ❤️
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - Thank you for your kind words about my recipes and ramblings. Thanks for being such a loyal follower.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Thank You for this giveaway. It is lovely.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Celeste
Beautiful pictures of Cork, where my grandfather came from. I hope Ireland always preserves its natural beauty and landscapes.
Tina and Ed
Ireland’s on our “bucket list”! We want to trace our ancestry there.
Irish American Mom
Hi Tina and Ed - I hope you make it to Ireland someday very soon. Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Celeste - Like most countries all over the world, Ireland has some work to do to protect our natural resources, but I 'm hopeful that awareness of the threats to our beautiful natural environment is increasing. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Jean Mac Coy
Such beautiful photographs!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jean - Thanks for being such a loyal reader.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jean Mac Coy
Such beautiful photographs! I love nature photography!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jean - I'm so glad you like these photographs. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
eoin
You can't beat Cork-Boy!
Irish American Mom
Well said, Eoin! Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Peggy
So many wonderful pictures!! I hope to see in person one day.
Irish American Mom
Hi Peggy - I hope you make it to Ireland someday soon. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Gary Cook
Absolutely beautiful! My heart is Looking forward to the day we can freely travel without worry. Cork is definitely on the itinerary. Cheers☘️
Irish American Mom
Hi Gary - I hope that day isn't too far away.
Take care,
Mairéad
Ruth K Hawkins
Beautiful Calendar.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ruth - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
PATRICK COLVIN
very magical Tree framed by the bushes 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Patrick - That tree truly is magical. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Carolyn Pierce
Love the photos. I will make it to Ireland someday...both my parents' families are from there. (Also going to make the "crepe paper" Christmas cards! Thanks!
Irish American Mom
Hi Carolyn - I hope your trip to Ireland won't be too far off. Thanks for checking out my vintage Irish Christmas card craft. And thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Rebecca Mills
Such lovely pictures! What a nice way to bring back thoughts of my trip on May 2019!
Irish American Mom
Hi Rebecca - I'm so glad this calendar brings back good memories of Ireland for you. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Marcia Mazuryk
Such beautiful photographs! Photos are the closest I will ever get to Ireland. Thanks so much for posting them!
Irish American Mom
Hi Marcia - I'm so happy by blog can bring Ireland to you through photographs. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Michael
Magnificent photographs, beautiful. Wonderful prize. I would love to be included to be included in the draw please.
Irish American Mom
Hi Michael - Your comment puts your name in the virtual hat. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Barbara Karr
As a little girl, my grandmother would talk about her life in Ireland. I would cuddle next to her as she would describe the beauty of the land she loved. She never got to go back but carried it all inside. Your blog gives me those precious moments back every month. Isn't it odd that those of us who have never stepped foot in Ireland have this mysterious bond with the country, legends, foods, and all that goes with being Irish? Your blog sends me comfort, wonderful memories, and a bond with this wonderful country! Thank you for all you do!
Irish American Mom
Hi Barbara - Thank you for sharing your precious memories of your Irish grandmother, and for your kind words about my blog. I'm so happy my recipes and ramblings help you feel connected to Ireland. I truly believe you don't have to see Ireland, to love Ireland in your heart. Many thanks joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Margaret-Mary McGowan (Belostock)
The photos taken by the gifted Maureen O’Hanlon of the animals and wildlife of Doneraile Park felt like a close-up of some small natural miracle that I've never noticed before. Her work tells a visual story through her lens of a tiny slice of Ireland as only Ms. O'Hanlon can bring us. In a way, she could be called Ireland's ultimate astonishing storyteller. Thank you Ms. O’Hanlon for bringing back enchanted memories of Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Margaret-Mary - As the old saying goes " a picture paints a thousand words." Thank you for sharing your praise of Maureen's work here, so that she'll know how much her photos are appreciated. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Denise Brooks
What lovely pictures from County Cork. I hope to visit someday as that is where my ancestors hailed from. I have been nostalgic also. I guess it is the wish for innocent simple times with family. I love the tissue paper Christmas trees. Thanks for your lovely newsletters Mairéad.
Irish American Mom
Hi Denise - Lovely to hear your family also hail from County Cork, and I do hope you get to visit someday soon. There's something about 2020 that's making me all nostalgic. Even my teenage kiddos are talking about the Christmases of their childhood. Thanks for checking out my Irish style Christmas craft. And thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Elizabeth
There is a peace and a joy that an animal can impart.
Thank you for such beautiful photos.
Irish American Mom
So true, Elizabeth. I believe pets bring us a sense of peace and comfort, while wildlife brings us a sense of wonder. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Cathleen
Thank you for this giveaway.
Irish American Mom
Hi Cathleen - Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Colleen
Missing Ireland. Dreaming of a getaway after Covid, when it's safe for all.
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - I hope these longed for getaways are not too far away. 2021 will be a better year, please God. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Patti Kelly Miller
My sister just introduced me to your blog and I love it. All 4 of our grandparents were born and raised in Ireland. We made a trip there in 2013 and can't wait to get back, it truly felt like home to us. We were born and raised in Butte Montana so much Irish history in Butte as well. Thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas!
Irish American Mom
Hi Patti - I'm so glad your sister introduced you to our Irish American community in this little corner of the internet. Butte, Montana has deep connections with Ireland, and a long Irish American history. The links between Butte, Montana and Ireland would be a great topic for a future blog post. I know that many people from Allihies in West Cork went to Butte. There were copper mines in Allihies and their skills were in demand in Butte. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words about my blog.
All the best,
Mairéad
MOLLY
What a wonderful photographer Maureen is. The Swan photo with the little cygnets is precious and like any great photographer those moments took great patience to capture.
I remember visiting Killarney near the lakes and spied a magnificent old tree back lit by the sun begging to be photographed and just as I stood near a small crowd of tourist photographers gathered around that tree too- amazing how nature beckons us. Thanks for the visuals MOLLY
Irish American Mom
Hi Molly - I too love that photo of the swan with her cygnets. Thanks for sharing your story of your trip to Killarney. Nature does beckon and amaze us. Killarney National Park is definitely a place where the trees, the mountains and the lakes call to us. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Ann Blasen
Hello,
Always such a joy to see you in my inbox! I would love to hang one of these beautiful calendars on my kitchen wall. Call me old fashioned but I love to have a calendar gracing my kitchen wall.
I hope you and yours are well.
God bless you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - I too love an old-fashioned calendar gracing my kitchen wall. A nice photo is a great pick-me-up to start each day on the right foot. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sharon O Flynn
Beautiful pictures it’s wonderful to have this on our doorstep here in Cork, kids love visiting Doneraile Park fabulous walks and learning about nature 😀😀
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - You're so lucky to live close to Doneraile Park. It's a wonderful asset in North Cork. I love to visit whenever I make it to Kildorrery.
All the best,
Mairéad
CLARK K POWER
Simply beautiful.
Irish American Mom
Hi Clark - Thanks for stopping by to support our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Paula McBurney
The photos are absolutely beautiful. My grandfather was born in Cork, I never had the chance to meet him as he passed before i was born. It would be amazing to have a calendar from his homeland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Paula - This calendar would be perfect for you - a lovely reminder of your roots in County Cork, and a lovely reminder of your grandfather.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Beth
Can’t wait to visit the beauty of this island again. Pictures are amazing. I have found any type of weather enhances the beauty of the isle.
Irish American Mom
Hi Beth - Rain, hail or shine, Ireland is beautiful. Once visitors are prepared for the fact that the sun may not cooperate and appreciate the many shades of greens and grays of a rainy landscape, then they won't be disappointed.
Thanks for supporting this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Barbara MacHale
Am originally from Cork, and these photos are a wonderful reminder of home!
Irish American Mom
Hi Barbara - It's lovely to hear this lovely calendar reminds you of your home county of Cork. My parents are both from Cork so I spent a lot of time there as a child. My children love Cork too.
All the best,
Mairéad
Colleen Parenteau
What a lovely idea, Maureen is truly a gifted, talented photographer. Thank her
for sharing the beautiful nature pictures of Doneraile Park. I've been to Ireland
three times and I always see beautiful scenery and people. Also love, love the
musice.
Blessings to you all.
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - How wonderful to have been able to visit Ireland three times. There's something about Ireland that it calls us back over and over. So glad you enjoyed your time there, and really appreciate our music.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sharon Larsen
Good evening. I’m sitting here with an ice-pack on my back catching up on reading your blog. I especially enjoyed reading about Thin Places. It must be the Irish blood in me because, of course, I immediately understood what you were referring to. I do think we have some here in the American Southwest too, Native American places. I’m wishing our Ireland trip planned for May doesn’t get a COVID cancelled again. Take care all
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - I hope your back heals quickly. Thanks for checking out my post about Thin Places. I agree with you about there being thin places in the US too, especially in the southwest. I believe some Native American tribes also talk of thin places. I remember visiting Mesa Verde many years ago, and thinking to myself that it was a thin place. I also think that Telluride in Colorado has many thin places.
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
KATHY BRANGWYNNE
Thank You Mairead for the Calendar Contest!! My late Mom Bridie was from Galway!!We were over for a wedding 20 years ago but did not visit Doneraile Park!!Hoping to visit my first cousins in the next couple of years or ask them to come over the pond!!!Have a Merry Christmas!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathy - I hope you'll have a wonderful trip reconnecting with family in Ireland sometime very soon.
I hope you too have a lovely Christmas.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Jan Williams
Love your site. Have enjoyed the photographs from different places .
Irish American Mom
Hi Jan - I'm glad you like the photos on my site. It's a great way to take readers on an armchair tour of Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
aaron williams
give me calender
Irish American Mom
Hi Aaron - Sorry you missed the deadline for entries. Better luck next time.
Take care,
Mairéad