Turrock Cottage

27/04/2026

Native Tree planting now completed next to the Donkey field.Our local deer won't be happy with the tree protection 😄

26/04/2026

Pluto enjoying the morning sun ☀️😊

03/11/2025

Afternoon stroll......it's a family affair 🤗

03/07/2025

That time of year again. Where would you be without neighbours. Meitheal 🙏

17/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BWotXipy3/ p

Just over the hill from Turrock Cottage.... fancy a pint ?

The Slaughtered Lamb pub in Swords is, alas, no longer with us under that name, but there are still strong signs of life in the Bleeding Horse on Dublin’s Camden Street.

Despite the name, the Dying Cow near Tinahely, Co Wicklow, has somehow survived – and has won awards and accolades.

For most of its long history, the Dying Cow was known officially as Tallon’s.

It passed through generations of Tallons to Lil Dolan (née Tallon), now the 88-year-old matriarch of the family, who can still be seen behind the bar serving pints.

Although it was officially known as Tallon’s when she was growing up, Lil says that locals used to call it the Dying Cow under their breath.

So where did the nickname come from?

Lil’s son Eamonn, who has taken over the management of the pub, says that it may have started in the 1920s when serving alcohol was heavily restricted at certain times on Sundays; drink could only be served to “bona fide” travellers who were three miles away from their homes.

The owner at that time, Elizabeth Tallon, was found to be serving locals a few drinks out of hours when all of a sudden the pub was raided by gardaí.

Mrs Tallon had a ready excuse when the zealous law enforcement officers entered her premises: “Sure you wouldn’t summons an old woman – these men were only helping me with a dying cow.” (As well as running a pub, the Tallons have run a cattle and sheep farm for over a century.)

It was only natural, she argued, that she was obliged to serve them refreshment.

📸: Steve Humphreys

23/04/2025

Sad news from Monahullen. Our beloved George Clooney, AKA Notorious G, has left us. He was loved by a few (The Sloan Starrs) and feared by many. He travelled far and wide, visited Drumshanbo when a gosling and enjoyed taking part in the shenanigans of the Joe Mooney Music Week. And he took part in the annual 'dress up as your favorite tune ' event in Tinahely Comhaltas when he played an important role in 'The geese in the bog' tune with me. He was well known for biting the hand that fed him, and was particularly partial to having a go at anyone wearing brightly coloured leggings. We will miss him, as will Alice Alice where the f...and Napoleon Solo, our one remaining duck. We hope the fox who invited him out has completed his task and will leave us alone. So long George Clooney.

05/01/2025

Guests on their way from Dublin Airport .....safe travels ❄️🌨️

25/12/2024

An oldie, but a goodie....
Our donkeys, Alex and Brayden, as they gaze upon the baby cheeses lying in the straw.

To our dear friends, near and far....
Wishing you all a wonderful and peaceful Christmas time.

02/12/2024

Grey day in December....

02/12/2024

Heading Home.......