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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Dale
Love these photos of nature and Ireland. My ancestors came from County Cork.
Sandra Newman
Such beautiful photos. Lovely calender
Irish American Mom
Hi Sandra - I'm so glad you like these wonderful nature photographs. Maureen has a keen eye and is a talented photographer.
All the best,
Mairéad
Suzanne
Such beautiful photos! It looks like park I’d love to visit the next time I get to Ireland.
Sue
Irish American Mom
Hi Suzanne - I hope you get to visit this park someday. The old house has been restored by the Office of Public Works and will again be open to the public for tours someday soon. It's well worth a visit.
All the best,
Mairéad
Susan Rasmussen
Gorgeous!
Irish American Mom
Hi Dale - Nice to hear your ancestors hail from County Cork, where Doneraile Park is located. Many thanks for stopping by to check out this post.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
Hello,
Beautiful! Wouldn’t that calendar beautifully grace my kitchen wall. Call me old fashioned, still like a calendar in the kitchen.
As always a joyful heart when I see you in my inbox.
Blessings on this first day of Advent.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - I too am old fashioned and like a real calendar on my wall each year. I like to see a photo of the month to help make my heart sing as I make my morning cuppa tea.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lori Self
Simply gorgeous!
Irish American Mom
Hi Lori - Thanks for stopping by to support this little giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Ginger Veach
Lovely photos. Thank you for all you do to keep us connected to Ireland, especially now.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ginger - I'm delighted to do all I can to keep people feeling connected to Ireland, especially this year. And I need to thank people, like Maureen, who contact me to help provide prizes for these little giveaways. Their generosity is much appreciated.
All the best,
Mairéad
Pierce C Parker
This is such an incredible nature calendar, and we would love to have one. Please put my name into the draw! Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Pierce - Your comment here will add you to the virtual raffle hat - I use a website tool called a plug-in to randomly pick the name of one commenter. Thanks for stopping by and checking out this calendar and its lovely photos of nature.
All the best, and have a lovely weekend.
Mairéad
Karen B O'Brien
The photography is absolutely beautiful. Makes the passage of time exciting.
Emer
What a really beautiful calendar, such lovely images! That would be so very lovely to have in our kitchen next year 💕🥰 Please pop me in the hat and fingers crossed 🤞🤞
Irish American Mom
Hi Emer - By leaving a comment your name is automatically placed in our virtual hat. Thanks so much for supporting this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - A calendar with nice photographs is a boost for the soul we miss when we only use digital calendars.
Thanks for stopping by,
All the best,
Mairéad
Tricia Powers
When we visited Co Cork last year, the furthest north we got was Blarney, but next time we will have to check out this park--gorgeous! One of my great-grandmothers was from Cork and came to New England as a young woman; it must have been very difficult to leave such a beautiful place.
Irish American Mom
Hi Tricia - I hope you get to explore all of County Cork on your next trip to Ireland. It's Ireland's largest county and it's full of wonderful sites and places to visit.
All the best,
Mairéad
Áine Beth
Lovely calendar. I hope to visit Ireland in 2021. Our travel plans for 2020 were cancelled. 😞
Irish American Mom
Hi Áine Beth - I hope you get to Ireland very soon. Have a wonderful trip when it's safe to travel again.
All the best,
Mairéad
Carla Cooper-Hicks
We visited County Cork while on a tour May 2018. Wish we could have stopped at this beautiful park. I fell in love with the port town of Youghal while there and the Blarney Castle, of course!
Irish American Mom
Hi Carla - Lovely to hear you got to visit County Cork in 2018. Youghal and Blarney are wonderful places to visit. I also enjoyed seeing the town of Cobh, also known as the "tear drop of Ireland" since it was the last port of call for so many immigrants heading to America. I hope you get to visit Ireland again someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Geraldine McGovern
Gorgeous!
Irish American Mom
Hi Geraldine - thanks for stopping by to check out this little giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Patrick Murphy
Since I am from County Cork, this would be great to have. Thank you for running this competition.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patrick - This calendar would be perfect for your wall for 2021. Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Ellen
Beautiful
Irish American Mom
Hi Ellen,
Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Cynthia J Scroggins
Maureen's photos remind me of what I miss about Ireland and the many hours spent looking at flora and fauna, lakes and rivers, mountains and valleys. Ireland lives within me.
Irish American Mom
Hi Cynthia - County Cork is one of the most spectacular counties on the island of Ireland, best known for its rugged coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way. But the inland part of this county is also simply breathtaking. It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. This calendar would be perfect for you to provide daily reminders about the beauty of Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen Koebel
Beautiful photography. Also, I forwarded your tissue paper craft instructions to my daughter-in-law to try with our two young grandchildren. Thanks.
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - Thanks for sharing my tissue paper craft. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but a simple and inexpensive craft for today's children to still enjoy.
All the best,
Mairéad
Christi Caughey
How wonderful! The calendar looks so lovely!
Irish American Mom
Hi Christi,
Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lou
Looks wonderful! Last year we had kitties, next year Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Lou -
Ireland on your wall for 2021 is a perfect plan. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathryn Dunne-Walter
Love all these pictures on the calendar ❤️
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathryn - These photos of nature are just lovely, thanks to Maureen's keen eye. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Susan
Peaceful and serene
Just what is needed to follow up a turbulent 2020.
Irish American Mom
So true, Susan. Looking at a nice calendar with peaceful pictures of nature is a great way to start the day. Here's to a better 2021.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Power
The beauty of nature is a tonic for these turbulent times.
Irish American Mom
Beautifully said, Mary. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
ED O DONOVAN
A Blessed Advent to you nostalgic Mairead you are great!
God Bless Maureen O Hanlon for her gift of capturing the beauty of life.
Our pe-historic ancestors the Sumerians would be proud of her.
Hope someone deserving a soul lift will get a copy.
Seasons joy to all
ED
Irish American Mom
Hi Ed - These photos definitely give the soul a little lift. Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mardell
Gorgeous! I would love to visit the area some day. My grandfather's family hailed from County Cork. Thank you for the lovely glimpse into it's beauty.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mardell - I do hope you get to visit County Cork someday soon. I'm so glad these photos could give you a little glimpse of its beauty and serenity.
All the best,
Mairéad
JUDITH L JAMISON
Beautiful photos from Maureen. I live across the street from a gorgeous 400+ acre park that also has a fantastic zoo. Anyone who is interested can go to rwpconservancy.org. click on 'zoo' & see photos of the huge assortment of animals there. This zoo works on conservation of species. Also try googling photos of this amazing park. Beautiful architecture, rolling hills, amazing types of trees & monuments. If any of your readers are passing through RI, they should make it a point to see the park. Park is free, zoo has fee.
Irish American Mom
Hi Judith - It's lovely to know you too have a lovely park nearby where you can wander and refresh your soul. Thanks for providing the information about your wonderful park in Rhode Island. Many thanks for following my ramblings and for joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Tim O'Gara
Thank you for the glimpses of nature in Cork. I’d love a calendar.
Tim O’Gara
Irish American Mom
Hi Time - Thanks for your kind words about this calendar. And thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Denise Clemente
The calendar is beautiful. I love Ireland and hope to go back for a visit again soon.
Irish American Mom
Hi Denise - I hope you get to visit Ireland again someday soon. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Anita Carol Gambrell
They are beautiful and such a great gift for those of us not able to travel
Irish American Mom
Hi Anita Carol -
These calendars are a lovely way to be reminded of the beauty of Ireland when travel is not possible. Many thanks also for following my ramblings and joining in our discussions about all things Irish. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Dave Bresnahan
What a beautiful calendar. Best wishes and thanks for providing your wonderful blog. The emails are always appreciated.
All the best,
Dave Bresnahan
Irish American Mom
Hi Dave - It's lovely to know my emails are appreciated. Thanks for being such a loyal reader. And thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Pamela Pugh
A magical place, would love to visit one day! Thank you for sharing!
Irish American Mom
Hi Pamela - This park is truly magical. I have visited it often, since my father was born in this area. Many thanks for supporting our giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Brigid Johnson
Our trip to Ireland in 2017 was magical! I hope to come again some day!
Irish American Mom
Hi Brigid - Lovely to hear you had a wonderful time in Ireland, I hope you make it back someday soon.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Carolyn
It looks lovely! Can’t wait to turn the page on 2020.
Irish American Mom
Hi Carolyn - I'm looking forward to 2021 too. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Sullivan
Beautiful photos of a very beautiful place.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Doneraile Park is definitely a beautiful hidden gem in Ireland. And thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Catherine Farrell
Lovely calendar.
I think with Covid we are spending as much time outside as we can. I know I am much more observant of the nature and wildlife while I am on my daily walks!
Irish American Mom
Hi Catherine - Our increased awareness and appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors truly is the silver lining in this crazy year. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Lauryn R
This is such a beautiful calendar, what an amazing place! I love nature and spend every free moment I have in it. My kids and I take nature walk every day!
Irish American Mom
Hi Lauryn - How wonderful to walk with your children every day. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Coleen Burrows
Since we can't come to Ireland this year, would love to have a bit of it to look at.
Irish American Mom
Hi Coleen - This calendar is a great way to have a daily reminder of Ireland's beauty on your wall. Thanks for being such a loyal reader.
All the best,
Mairéad
Audrey Stewart
I would love to win. This is so nice of you to give us a chance. I love all things Irish.
Irish American Mom
Hi Audrey - Lovely to hear you like all things Irish. Many thanks also for following my ramblings and joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Jaima
I'd love to visit County Cork. Until then, I'd love to look at these photos on a calendar in 2021
Irish American Mom
Hi Jaima - I hope you make it to Ireland and County Cork sometime in the not too distant future. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Patricia
Would love to see County Cork on my wall all year to encourage my return.
Irish American Mom
Hi Patricia - These photos would be wonderful inspiration for planning a return trip to Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sylvia Harper Nelson
I love this blog and have been trying to use all the recipes posted. My Irish roots happened a long time ago when my ancestor came to Boston in the early 1600s and have been watered down, but they do show up in my DNA. Keep up the wonderful presentations.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sylvia - Thanks for sharing your family connections to Ireland. No matter how watered down your Irish genes may be, that DNA will always help you feel connected to Ireland. Thanks for joining our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kim
I can live vicariously in Ireland and especially County Cork where my family originally hails! I live in our nation’s capital and therefore enjoy many parks but Mount Vernon, Theodore Roosevelt Island & Great Falls rank at my top!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kim - What wonderful places you've chosen amongst your favorite parks. Thanks for checking out this calendar and for adding to our discussion about parks and Ireland.
Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Karen Spencer
Beautiful photos! I hope that I will be able to reschedule my trip to Ireland for sometime next year (I was supposed to go this past March.) Here's hoping that 2021 will be a better year for everyone! 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - I hope your trip can be rescheduled sometime soon. This year turned so many plans upside down. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Sue
I love her photos. I walk almost every day on the same route where I live. Since I live in a rural area I too see lots of wildlife and plant life but love seeing what there is to see in Ireland. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - Great to hear you're a daily walker - a wonderful habit to promote wellbeing. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maurice
Beautiful pictures.
Irish American Mom
Hi Maurice - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
K Estes
What a lovely calendar! My hope is to visit Ireland as soon as safely possible, and in the meantime photos like these do help!
Irish American Mom
Hi K - I hope you get to visit Ireland someday soon. In the meantime these photos can bring a little glimpse of Ireland to you. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Sarah Melcher
The photos are rich with color and texture as well as subject. Thank you for sharing.
Irish American Mom
So glad you like this calendar, Sarah and can appreciate these wonderful photos. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jennifer
The calendar is beautiful. I cant wait to try the bread pudding recipe. I will have to flag this one.
Have a lovely Day!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jennifer - I hope you enjoy the bread pudding. Thanks for reading my ramblings,
All the best,
Mairéad
Joan
A beautiful calendar you are giving away. Thank You for the chance to win.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway. I'm glad you like these photos.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lois
Thanks for entering me for a chance to win.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lois - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Marie
Send me one, please.
Irish American Mom
Hi Marie - Best of luck in this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sue
The beauty that is Ireland is always in our hearts.
Your calendar and photography are stunning.☘☘☘☘
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - I'm so glad you like this calendar. Thanks for supporting our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
DOMINIQUE FIELD
I started reading your post as a way to learn more about my family's
heritage. Each time, I read your post, I am pleasantly surprised. I have thoroughly enjoyed what you write and post. Thank you for all your hard work.
Irish American Mom
Hi Dominique - Thanks for your kind words about my recipes and ramblings. It's lovely to know you enjoy reading my writings. And thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Marion
Thank You for the chance to win this lovely calendar.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - Thanks for being such a loyal reader and for supporting this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Margaret
I love your site.
Irish American Mom
Hi Margaret - Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathleen
I'm hoping to go back to County Cork early next year.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathleen - I hope you get to see County Cork again sometime very soon. Stay safe and well and thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Barbara
We are Irish descent and have visited Ireland….thoroughly enjoy the trip
Irish American Mom
That's wonderful to hear, Barbara. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Nell
These nature photos are beautiful , My family was lucky enough to visit Ireland in 2015 and we were in awe of the beauty this country has ! One special memory we all share was after a particularly magical day of sightseeing upon returning to our hotel a family was gathered around the lobby piano singing ‘The Song for Ireland’. The feeling that gave us we will never forget and still talk about that years later ,
Thank you for keeping me connected with my Irish roots with your blog.
- Nell
Irish American Mom
Hi Nell - Lovely to hear you had such a wonderful trip to Ireland. What a fantastic memory of a family singing "Song for Ireland" in the lobby of your hotel. Many thanks for following my ramblings and joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad