Fodor's Expert Review Casey's Bogwood Sculptures

A lovely spot near Longford Town is Newtowncashel, on the banks of Lough Ree, where you can visit Casey's Bogwood Sculptures, a fascinating workshop and showroom run by sculptors Michael and Kevin Casey. The center displays sculptures and keepsakes made from bog oak and bog yew, which is hewn from the 5,000-year-old trees submerged and ultimately preserved by the area's ancient peatlands. Their handiwork includes birds and fish, while other pieces furnish churches and sanctuaries. The owners will tell you the story of how they re-created froglike creatures called the lucht na fathi (the swamp people), inspired by a mix of local tales and Celtic mysticism.