A wonderful location that I’ve photographed many times over the last 25 years, Molly’s Cottage is found near the end of the Black Valley in the townland of Drumluska. This “bearded” single track lane turns into a rugged mountain path, forming part of the Kerry Way as it leaves Killarney and crosses a ridge into the Bridia Valley to the west, and on towards Glencar.

Molly’s Cottage is located at the base of Carrauntoohil Mountain in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, in a steep glacial valley, one of the remotest places in Ireland. The Black Valley was among the last areas to be connected to the electricity grid during the 1950s. I rarely get to visit when it’s anything but overcast, drizzly or raining cats and dogs, due to its mountainous surroundings, so blue skies and puffy white clouds are welcome any time I'm here!

This iconic and charismatic ruin is probably the most photographed abandoned house in Ireland. During my photo and sightseeing tours, I’m often asked why it’s called Molly’s Cottage. I can only answer “it’s a cottage and Molly lived there at some point in history”.