Richard Fitzgerald is one of Ireland’s outstanding photographers; his carefully composed photographs are a beautiful portrayal of a way of life that has almost vanished forever. His haunting images of rural scenes form a narrative thread with the not-so-distant past. His camera focuses on the back roads of the countryside and records intimate moments of people in their cottages and farms. Nuns, rosary nights, confessions, coffins, and currachs are captured along with horse-fairs and peat harvesting.

The dimly lit rooms of Ireland prior to the arrival of electricity are eloquently remembered in his first hand account of his childhood years. His early experiences observing light and shadow illuminated by candlelight and oil lamps are poignantly recalled in exquisite detail.

The result is a unique album that is both compelling and graceful; a fond tribute to an earthier time and place.

About the Author

Richard Fitzgerald is a Waterford-born professional photographer. His previous books include Vanishing Ireland with text by Irish writer Edna O’Brien, followed by Ireland: The Parting Glass.

He is also an award-winning filmmaker and his highly acclaimed documentary The Brothers was nominated for an Irish Film and Television Award.

Richard passed away in November, 2018.

Additional Information

Reviewed in The Times (2018)

Photographs of rural life capture dying arts and simple traditions

Reviewed in Irish Central (2019)

Stunning images reveal “the dark underbelly of rural Irish life”

Reviewed in Irish Examiner (2018)

Life through a lens: Images of lost Ireland caught on camera

Reviewed in The Irish Post (2018)

Six pictures of people and life in old Ireland that are just pure Irish

Reviewed in The Munster Express (2018)

Photographing an Unyielding Ireland

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