Playful Artwork at the Carrickmacross Bypass on the N2

Ireland has quite a few roadside sculptures throughout the country.  I love seeing them and how they relate to the locality.  I pass this very fun sculpture about eight times a week. It is along the N2 Dublin to Derry road, at the Carrickmacross bypass.  It is easy to see, especially since the people are on stilts!

The work was commissioned by the Monaghan County Council. This location is very near Inniskeen which is the homeplace of the famous and well respected poet Patrick Kavanagh (1904-1967).  The inspiration for the sculpture comes from a line in one of his poems “Come Dance with Kitty Stobling” which reads: Cavorting on mile-high stilts”.   There is a wonderful website about the life and works of Patrick Kavanagh. I’d recommend a visit! https://www.tcd.ie/English/patrickkavanagh/comedancewithkittystobling.html

Inspired by Patrick Kavanagh’s poem Come Dance with Kitty Stobling

The artist is David Annand (http://www.davidannand.com/).  His work is throughout Ireland and the U.K. and is simply amazing.  There were engineers involved with this project too, so they must get a mention as well: CS Pringle.  It is initially through their website that I was able to find information about what the sculpture meant.  Sure, here’s one more link!  http://www.cspringle.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=78

David Annand sculpture from Patrick Kavanagh’s poem Come Dance with Kitty Stobling

An official marker.

It is wonderful how the works of a local poet can be remembered and thought upon through such a fun piece of (roadside) art.

Enjoy the art in your life 🙂
Dana