Metal farm gates are found dotted around Ireland’s countryside. Whether separating fields, or protecting the entrance to verdant green pastures these functional entryways are part of my Irish memories.
These gates are so widespread around Ireland I am going to venture so far as to say, I consider them a symbol of Ireland. I know, you probably think I’ve lost my marbles, when I decide to write a blog post all about gates.
But by the end of today’s ramblings I hope you’ll understand why many of my Irish memories are framed by iron or steel farm gates.
And as you all know, my Irish inspired blog posts are definitely not found anywhere else on the world wide web. Who else, in their right mind, would try to convince you the utilitarian farm gate should be considered a symbol of Ireland?
Except me of course, Irish American Crackpot (that’s the new name for my blog around our house).
But let’s get back to the gates. Here’s my rational for calling them “Ireland’s Picture Frames.”
When driving in Ireland many of the roads are bordered by dense hedgerows, which unfortunately block the view of the surrounding landscape. To catch a glimpse of the magnificent Irish scenery drivers must watch carefully for a gap in the tree line and pray the view will open up.
Most of these openings occur only where a farm gate has been strategically placed for cattle or tractor entry.
But for those of us, who love to stop our cars to truly appreciate the grandeur of God’s creation, these gate openings are sometimes our only chance to catch a little glimpse of heaven.
As you peer through your car window at a spectacular mountain, or a windswept beach, the scene is often framed by a metal gate.
And so I bestow upon these metal gates, the honorary title of ‘Ireland’s picture frames’.
I have lovely childhood memories of driving around Ireland with my grandaunt or great aunt as we say in America.
My sisters and cousins would climb in to the back of her mini cooper, all packed in like sardines. I grew up in the 70’s when we all squashed in with little regard for seat belts, booster seats, or modern day safety rules.
As we drove around the beautiful Irish countryside, my great aunt would pull over at a farm gate, whenever she thought we should stop to take in the beauty of the world around us. These childhood memories of Ireland are framed by metal gates.
Some gates are sturdy and utilitarian. Some are old and rusty but appear to be portals to another world completely.
How about these tall pillars which probably supported a more elaborate gate in days gone by?
I love this photo of a snowy field framed by a farm gate in County Tipperary.
And always remember, no matter how alluring the view may be, heed those “No Trespassing” signs.
And how about the focal point of this wonderful gate? My father told me, when he was a young boy in the 1930’s in County Cork, he remembers gates being made out of old wheel rims. Truly ingenious.
I hope you enjoyed this collection of Irish gate photos. You can’t beat a little bit of nostalgia – even if just talking about gates. Let us know if your Irish memories are framed by metal gates.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Hey there, Irish American Crackpot! Ha! Leave it to dearly loved family members to come up with nicknames like that for us, huh? I loved your gate post, Mairead. I have some metal farm gates in my memories, too, since both sets of my grandparents farmed. Their farms were here in the U.S., but we did have Irish ancestors 🙂
Hi Cheryl – Family and loved ones do have a way of summing things up in a nutshell. Glad to hear you too have some metal farm gate memories.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
I loved all your gates, however I think you left one out. The rock gate that can be opened by
taking down the rocks and built back up again. I tried to paste a photo but it didn’t let me.
Hi Alice – What a great suggestion for this post about gates. Thanks for sending me your photo. I’m going to add it here for other readers to enjoy….
I also thought of another idea – a post all about stiles and gateways designed to keep cattle and animals out.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my gates.
All the best,
Mairéad
Hi Mairead, long time no reply. Nice idea, very creative. Are the first photos yours? I love when you hit the iconic Irish nail on the head.
Cheers, Oh and by the way daughter Number one is studying this year in Dublin, I’m jealous.
Hi Brian – Yes, those top photos are all mine. So glad you liked this little idea about our rustic rural Irish gates. But let’s face it, they’re everywhere around the country.
I hope your daughter has a wonderful time in Dublin – what a fantastic opportunity to experience Ireland. You have every reason to be jealous, but maybe you’ll get a chance to visit her at least one during the year.
All the best,
Mairéad
haha, Mairead*…you are no crackpot! Loved your pictures and your thoughts about the all prevalent Irish metal gates. I did particularly love the wheel one!
God bless you!
Hi Irishannie – I really liked that wheel one too – it so ingenious.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
I loved this post! It is so true! I remember driving through Ireland trying to anticipate when the gate “window” would appear so I could catch a breathtaking view of the other side! Some roads were just impossible to stop on to take it in, and the driver always missed out. Many times as a passenger I would tell my husband “slow down as much as you can, I want to take a picture!” and I would roll down the window and try to capture the beauty so I could share it with him, and savor it later.
This was a stroll down memory lane for me! Thank you for your perspective, and for your post!
Hi Cathy – I’m so glad this post brought back good memories of your trip to Ireland and that you too appreciated my perspective about these metal gates. When driving in Ireland I am always looking for the gap in the hedges to drink in the view.
Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad