Carved into a dead Oak overlooking the shores of Lough Derravaragh, Co. Westmeath this sculpture depicts Lir and his children – Fionnula, Fiachra Aodh and Conn who were cursed to spend 300 years as swans on the lake by their stepmother Aoife. You can find this carving on the outskirts…
![The Children of Lír Bench The Children of Lír Bench](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/centre-parcs-bench.jpg)
The Children of Lír Bench
Carved for Centre Parcs Longford Forest resort near Ballymahon in Co. Longford, the bench depicts the malevolent Aoife to the right and a sad Lír to the left. Aoife cursed her stepchildren and transformed them into swans.
![Ériu’s Throne Ériu’s Throne](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/eriu-2.jpg)
Ériu’s Throne
This reclaimed Oak stump was found in a bog at Fore, Co. Westmeath and I’ve carved it to represent the three queens of the Tuatha Dé Danann – Banba, wife of Mac Cuill, Fodla, wife of Mac Cecht and Eriu, wife of Mac Greine. It can be found on a…
![Harmony Harmony](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/harmony-1.jpg)
Harmony
A sculpture I carved from a lime stump adjacent to the walking trails of Lough Ennell at Tudenham, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. It represents both the male and female energies of the natural world and how our environment is reliant on this balance. The female is a Dryad on one side,…
![The monks of Monksland The monks of Monksland](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/monksland.jpg)
The monks of Monksland
Onsite stump carving in Cedar. The Monksland Town Team in Athlone asked me to design and carve these Monks which are a big part of the local history of the area.
![The Spirit of Malahide Castle The Spirit of Malahide Castle](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Spirit-of-Malahide.jpg)
The Spirit of Malahide Castle
A dead Ash transformed into a wood spirit at Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin, Ireland
![Squirrel Squirrel](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/squirrel.jpg)
Squirrel
A squirrel I carved from wood at Tyrellstown , Blanchardstown Co. Dublin.
![The Phoenix The Phoenix](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/The-Phoenix-2.jpg)
The Phoenix
Carved in Ash and can be found on the grounds of Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin.
![Irish Red Deer Stag Irish Red Deer Stag](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Irish-stag-2.jpg)
Irish Red Deer Stag
The noble and brave Red Deer Stag carved in Cedar.
![Barn Owls Barn Owls](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Owls.jpg)
Barn Owls
Parent and child owls
![Táin Bó Cúailnge Táin Bó Cúailnge](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Meave.jpg)
Táin Bó Cúailnge
Four famous characters from the Irish legend – King Felim O’Conor, his son Aedh O’Conor, Queen Meave and Cuchulainn. All 4 busts are carved in Cedar and can be found at Roscommon’s Loughnanane Park.
![Nature Chair Nature Chair](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nature-Chair.jpg)
Nature Chair
The Nature Chair can be found at Loughnanane Park, Roscommon Town. It reflects the wildfowl and animals that are native to the turlough and natural wetlands surrounding the area and is carved of Cedar.
![Animals Everywhere Animals Everywhere](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Carved-Animals-Belfast.jpg)
Animals Everywhere
Lots of animals carved into a multi-stemmed Lime for a private client in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
![The Dagda – a work in progress The Dagda – a work in progress](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Dagda.jpg)
The Dagda – a work in progress
An important God of the Tuatha de Danann…who is portrayed as a father figure, a king and druid. He is being carved from Sycamore and yet to be finished!
![Pooka Pooka](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Pooka-3.jpg)
Pooka
From the old Gaelic, Púca ….meaning goblin. The origin of the word Pooka is Scandinavian and translates as tree spirit. The Pooka is also known for shapeshifting into such forms as a rabbit, goat, goblin and an old man. This one is carved in Oak and resides at Castletown House…
![The Old Man of the Sea The Old Man of the Sea](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Old-Man.jpg)
The Old Man of the Sea
The “Old Man” is my take on an elderly fisherman repairing one of his nets and taking in the sights, sounds and smells all around him. A commission for Fingal Co. Council in Howth, Co. Dublin. Carved from Cedar of Lebanon.
![Family of Owls Family of Owls](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Owls-Kinsale-1.jpg)
Family of Owls
Log carving in Beech for private client depicting a family of owls in Kinsale, Co. Cork.
![Chinese Dragon Chinese Dragon](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Dragon-2.jpg)
Chinese Dragon
Twin – Headed Chinese Dragon seat carved in Sycamore at Malahide Castle & Gardens, Dublin.
![Hope Hope](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hope.jpg)
Hope
A carving in chestnut for private clients depicts the human hand gently interacting with a cluster of butterflies.
![Welcome! Welcome!](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/welcome.jpg)
Welcome!
Douglas Fir stump carving – Private commission in Belfast
![The Deities The Deities](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/deities.jpg)
The Deities
Five Celtic Deities along the N81
![The Nature Goddess The Nature Goddess](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/nature-goddess.gif)
The Nature Goddess
The Nature Goddess at Millennium Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin
![Norman Soldier Norman Soldier](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/norman-sentrys-either-side-of-door.jpg)
Norman Soldier
Norman soldiers guarding Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin
![At work….. At work…..](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/At-work1.jpg)
At work…..
At work in Belvedere House and Gardens, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
![Finn, Diarmuid and Grainne Finn, Diarmuid and Grainne](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Diarmuid-Grainne-Fionn.jpg)
Finn, Diarmuid and Grainne
Horse chestnut woodcarving of Celtic legends
![A Barn Owl and her chicks A Barn Owl and her chicks](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Barn-Owl-Chicks.jpg)
A Barn Owl and her chicks
A Barn Owl carving in Maple
![Norman sentry at Malahide Norman sentry at Malahide](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/norman-sentry-malahide.jpg)
Norman sentry at Malahide
Log carving in Cedar
![The Greenman of Malahide Castle The Greenman of Malahide Castle](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/greenman-malahide.jpg)
The Greenman of Malahide Castle
A Greenman in Scots Pine
![The Wishing Chair The Wishing Chair](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/iron-throne.jpg)
The Wishing Chair
Ancient chair carved in Bog Oak
![From Little Acorns From Little Acorns](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/The-Hand2.jpg)
From Little Acorns
From Little Acorns in Cedar and Oak. Father Flanagan Memorial Garden, Ballymoe, Co Roscommon.
![Neptune Neptune](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Neptune21.jpg)
Neptune
Demo carving for National Forestry Show.
![St Thomas the Apostle St Thomas the Apostle](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/St-Thomas-the-Apostle-12.jpg)
St Thomas the Apostle
St Thomas the Apostle in Cedar. Rosemount Church, Co. Westmeath.
![The Druid and the Apprentice The Druid and the Apprentice](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/The-Druid-and-the-Apprentice-21.jpg)
The Druid and the Apprentice
Ash onsite carving. Private residence Dublin.
![Fairy Village Fairy Village](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Fairy-Houses.jpg)
Fairy Village
Fairy Village in Ash. Carved on site in Ballinahown, Co Westmeath.
![The Friendly Wizard The Friendly Wizard](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/The-Wizard-21.jpg)
The Friendly Wizard
The Friendly Wizard. Private commission. Carved on site.
![The Baron of Balrothery The Baron of Balrothery](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Baron-of-Balrothery-3.jpg)
The Baron of Balrothery
The Baron of Balrothery in Beech. Carved on site at Balrothery, Co. Dublin.
![The Hare, The Fox and The Owl The Hare, The Fox and The Owl](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/The-Hare-the-Fox-and-the-Owl-DSC_9996.jpg)
The Hare, The Fox and The Owl
The Hare, The Fox and The Owl in Ash
![Salmon of Knowledge Salmon of Knowledge](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Salmon-of-Knowledge-DSC_8935.jpg)
Salmon of Knowledge
Salmon of Knowledge in Sycamore
![Mohawk Girl Mohawk Girl](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mohawk2.jpg)
Mohawk Girl
Mohawk Girl carved in Cedar with paint and accessories applied
![Cedar mythological carvings Cedar mythological carvings](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shop.jpg)
Cedar mythological carvings
Three mythological characters carved in Cedar
![Owl seat Owl seat](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/seat.jpg)
Owl seat
Owl pod seat in Spanish Chestnut
![Eagle Eagle](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/eagle.jpg)
Eagle
American Bald Headed Eagle carved in Cedar with paint applied
![Owls Owls](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/owl4.jpg)
Owls
A selection of Cedar owls with some colour applied.
![The Young Scholar The Young Scholar](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/scholar.jpg)
The Young Scholar
The Young Scholar carved in Sequia (Californian Redwood)
![Ploughing Championships 2015 Ploughing Championships 2015](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/The-Morrigan1.jpg)
Ploughing Championships 2015
Carving for Husqvarna at Ploughing Championships 2015
![Mullingar Town Park Carving Mullingar Town Park Carving](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMAG34013.jpg)
Mullingar Town Park Carving
The Norse & The Gael
![Dublin Zoo Totems Dublin Zoo Totems](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Cover-Haida-Totems.jpg)
Dublin Zoo Totems
Haida Totems for Sea Lion Cove, Dublin Zoo
![Golden Eagle in Flight Golden Eagle in Flight](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Eagle.jpg)
Golden Eagle in Flight
Eagle in flight carved in Cedar.
![Caricature Carving Caricature Carving](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/M-Savage.jpg)
Caricature Carving
Having a bit of fun! Carved in Cedar.
![The Salmon of Knowledge The Salmon of Knowledge](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Salmon-of-Knowledge.jpg)
The Salmon of Knowledge
Carved in Cedar.
![The Green Man of Sylvan Park The Green Man of Sylvan Park](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_20140712_152327.jpg)
The Green Man of Sylvan Park
Beech wood stump carved on site in to a huge Green Man with descriptive lettering.
![The Wizard The Wizard](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wizard-completed.jpg)
The Wizard
9’ tall wizard carved from a Monterey Pine log, carved during the 2013 National Ploughing Championships as part of the Husqvarna arena.
![The Legacy Flame The Legacy Flame](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Legacy-Flame.jpg)
The Legacy Flame
This 8’ Lawson Cypress log carving was commissioned by the National Animal Rescue Centre for their Memorial/Legacy Garden in Co Longford
![Spirit of Nature Spirit of Nature](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Spirit-of-Nature-007.jpg)
Spirit of Nature
This was a fork from a lovely old Ash tree which was unfortunately diseased and had to be felled. We salvaged this section of the tree and sited it in a shady spot. The idea of the design is to depict the “Nature Spirit” that runs through all of nature. Included in the design are an owl, squirrel, horse, dog, cat and some oak and ash leaves.
![Kona Signage Kona Signage](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/iphone-discontinued-2.12.13-101.jpg)
Kona Signage
This log sign was commissioned for a client to display the Kona bicycle brand name in an imposing and physical way. It was carved from an 8’ Lime log.
![Danu the Mother and the Watcher Danu the Mother and the Watcher](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Danu.jpg)
Danu the Mother and the Watcher
This sculpture is of Danu, the Mother Goddess and was carved from Horse Chestnut. It was commissioned by Caravantasia in Tipperary as a point of interest for their campsite.
![Maoi Heads Maoi Heads](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/maoiheads.jpg)
Maoi Heads
Two Macracarpa Cedar Maoi heads being roughed out for the Greencrafts field at Electric Picnic 2012.
![Spirit Pole Spirit Pole](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/body-and-soul-002.jpg)
Spirit Pole
A nice piece of Lawson Cypress that will hold several Tree Spirits when completed.
![Log Rough Out Log Rough Out](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1.jpg)
Log Rough Out
Ash log being prepared for work. It eventually became Amergin the Druid.
![The Rings in the Wood The Rings in the Wood](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/video.jpg)
The Rings in the Wood
The Sons of Tuireann carving process, directed by film maker John Shiel
![The Oak King The Oak King](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Oak-King-1.jpg)
The Oak King
This Oak log became the Oak King and was carved for Belvedere House and Gardens, Co. Westmeath in 2010.
![Sons of Tuireann Sons of Tuireann](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Sons-4.jpg)
Sons of Tuireann
These Lime logs were carved to become the three brothers Brian, Iuchar and Iucharba. The documentary in the “About Richie” section tells the story of their creation.
![Wizard and Me Wizard and Me](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wizard-with-me.jpg)
Wizard and Me
Me with the Wizard having just been completed. Thanks to Husqvarna for the lovely work clothes!
![Lugh of the Sun Lugh of the Sun](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Lugh-of-the-Sun.jpg)
Lugh of the Sun
This is Lugh, one of the legendary leaders of the Tuatha de Danann. It was carved from Ash and lives on the Hill of Uisneach, Co Westmeath.
![Amergin the Druid Amergin the Druid](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/9-copy.jpg)
Amergin the Druid
The finished sculpture of Amergin just having been sealed with oil.
![Green Man of Uisneach Green Man of Uisneach](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Green-Man-of-Uisneach.jpg)
Green Man of Uisneach
The biggest Green Man I have ever carved! Carved for the Festival of the Fires 2012 from an Ash log with some nice Celtic knotwork and incised uncial lettering.
Image ©Copyright John Dix
![Easter Island Maoi Head Easter Island Maoi Head](https://www.rcwoodcarving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/easterisland.jpg)
Easter Island Maoi Head
A nice piece of Beech log carved for a client approx. 3’ high.