36 Views of Croghan Hill is a series of photographs inspired by 36 Views of Mount Fuji by 19th century Japanese artist Hokusai. Croghan Hill, an extinct volcano, is seen by many as a sacred mountain, and, as the surrounding landscape is so flat, it can be seen for miles. The view from the top is extensive, and has played an important role in Ireland for thousands of years as a burial place and place of pilgrimage. Today, hundreds of people still climb the hill on 17th March as St Patrick was said to have stuck a holy well there with his horse.
Exhibition launch by Pauline McNamee, Poet
“From the signature image of the graveyard, all thirty-six photographs illustrate the aesthetic allure, mystery and noble nature of this primeval hill. Their images portray the lived experiences of those who are lucky enough to live on or in townlands close to the hill. Most importantly they capture Veronica’s expertise in finding the split-second necessary to use light and shadow to compose and frame the perfect shots. Shots that illustrate the ever-changing colours and hues of this prehistoric hill, the facial expressions and body language of its current inhabitants, and the ancient enchantment of this majestic mound, whom legend informs us played a pivotal role in Gaelic and early Christian traditions, mythology and folklore.
For now, let us express our gratitude that she had the desire, the insight and the perseverance to recognise the importance of immortalising Croghan Hill through her series of photographs. Let us express our appreciation to Veronica for preserving, in her 36 prints, this place of pilgrimage that has played a pivotal role in the formation of our cultural and social heritage. In creating this series of photographs, Veronica has contributed to the collection of written stories and visual images of Croghan Hill some of which date back to The Book of Armagh in the 9th century.
To celebrate National Poetry Day, I have compiled a small selection of poems about Croghan Hill. The first poem is an excerpt from A Legend of Croghan Hill by Padraig O’Kennedy The Weekly Freeman, Saint Patrick’s Day, This narrative poem describes, among other things, crowds assembling on Croghan Hill to attend mass – most likely during the time of the penal laws.
A Legend of Croghan Hill
Old Croghan rears its towering crest
High o’er the land that sleeps below,
Its rugged heights, its massive breast
All covered with the virgin snow,
Like some stern sentinel of yore
It guards the plains with watchful eyes
And sees the glorious sunshine pour
Its blessings from the eastern skies.
God keeps the world from crime today
And stainless as the pure white snow
God send all darksome things away
From working evil here below.
And as the sunbeams, gliding all
The white robed peaceful scenes around
So may God’s blessing gently fall,
And in each heart today be found.
What forms are those that dot the plain
On every side the watching hill?
They come from Croghan’s fair demesne,
They pour from peaceful Cannakill;
From Ballybeg and Aghamore,
Bunsallgh, Coole and Toher, too,
From Barrysbrook and Ballyfore,
Fresh forms are gliding into view.
The second excerpt is taken from Annala Riochta Eireann – Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters – The earliest period to 1616. The annals were compiled between 1632 and 1636 in a Franciscan Friary near the Drowes River in County Leitrim. An excerpt from a poem by the bard and historian O’Heerin who died in 1420, refers to O’Conor Faly, frequently referred to as The Chief of Croghan, who, with his tribe, resided in his castle at Togher just south-east of Croghan Hill.
“Lord of Offaly of the cattle abounding land,
A fact not unknown to poets,
Is O’Conor, hero of the plain.
On the green smooth hill of Croghan,”
Haikus
Carboniferous
gasses disgorged from your core
Now, your presence soothes.
Pilgrims plot their route
from Scully’s Lane, well, old school
To breathe your essence.
The exhibition is funded by Offaly County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme 2019 and Exhibition Programme 2019.
Veronica Nicholson Photographic Artist 
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