A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Tour of the ten (10) dinosaur exhibits, including movements and sounds, from Dinosaurs Around the World. I included scans of the brochure with map and details.
Use this map to follow dinosaurs around the park.
Background information on exhibit
Memories…..
An enormous body of moving water emerges from underground passages
Colorful railings highlight the county border, the centerline of River Cong. To the left is the Cong Salmon Hatchery of County Galway to the right the bridge enters Abby Street of Cong Village, County Mayo. Ahead is where this river, this enormous body of moving water emerges from underground passages through limestone.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Protoceratops was a very common, small, herbivorous dinosaur first discovered in Mongolia.
It had a parrot-like beak, and a bony frill over its neck that was probably used for display to other Protoceratops, much like the crests of chameleon lizards today.
There appear to be two forms of the frill, suggesting there were differences between males and females.
Recently a Protoceratops nest was found containing hatchlings, leading some scientists to believe this successful species cared for its young.
Head toward the Ashford Castle Old School House and you will come upon it.
A location from the 1952 film “The Quiet Man”. The house appears on no maps, located on the Ashford Castle grounds. Head toward the Ashford Castle Old School House and you will come upon it. County Mayo, near the Village Cong, Connemara, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.
I recall there are scenes from “The Quiet Man” featuring characters using this Dutch door, seen to the left in the above photograph and below in a closer shot.
In this photograph the glass etching on entrance, identifying the home, is clearer. Also note the plaque: “Quiet Man House 1951.” Is the plaque wrong? No, while 1952 was the world-wide film release year, filming commenced on June 7, 1951.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Triceratops was one of the last dinosaurs to walk the Earth. It is known for its large skull with a neck frill and three horns. Its head could grow to be over 8 feet long, almost a third of its body length. It was an extremely common dinosaur, and hundreds of specimens have been recovered. When first discovered, it was mistaken for a giant extinct bison. Wounds on the head of these animals indicated they commonly engaged in head-to-head fighting. Bite marks also indicate they were often eaten by Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Triceratops emerges from the jungle
Head and neck
Discover the charm of Cong, Ireland, through a stunning sculpture celebrating The Quiet Man. Join me as I explore the town’s cinematic legacy and reflect on the enduring magic of film.
During a May 2014 exploration of the village Cong in County Mayo, Ireland, we encountered this remarkable sculpture that transported me back to one of my favorite classic films, “The Quiet Man.” The bronze statue, depicting John Wayne’s character, Sean Thornton, carrying Maureen O’Hara’s Mary Kate Danaher, stands against the backdrop of the town, a visual homage to the cinematic legacy that has become intertwined with Cong’s identity.
As I stood before the sculpture, memories of watching The Quiet Man flooded back. The Quiet Man, with its vibrant depiction of Irish culture and scenery, had always held a special place in my heart. It’s a story of love, cultural clashes, and the journey of a man returning to his roots, themes that resonate deeply within the lush landscapes of County Mayo. Cong served as the primary filming location, and the town has embraced this legacy wholeheartedly, turning the film into a cornerstone of its identity.
The sculpture, created by Mark Rode, who has a foundry an hour away in Swinford, was installed the year before, 2013, yet it felt as though it had always been there, seamlessly blending with the surroundings. Rode’s work captures the essence of the characters with remarkable detail. In The Quiet Man, the scene where Sean carries Mary Kate in his arms takes place after he retrieves her from the train station. This moment symbolizes their reconciliation and is a pivotal scene in the film, capturing their renewed bond and Sean’s determination to stand up for their relationship. The piece celebrates not just the film, but also the spirit of the town and its connection to cinematic history.
Mark Rode, known for his ability to bring characters to life through sculpture, has a unique talent for capturing the essence of his subjects. His works often reflect a deep understanding of human emotion and storytelling, qualities that shine through in this particular piece. The installation of the sculpture was met with excitement from both locals and visitors, further cementing Cong’s status as a beloved tourist destination.
Reflecting on our visit, I realized how much this small town had embraced its role in cinematic history. The streets of Cong are dotted with nods to The Quiet Man—from themed shops to plaques marking filming locations. Each element serves as a reminder of the film’s impact on the town and its people. The statue stands as a centerpiece, inviting fans of the film to relive its magic while introducing new generations to its charm.
I couldn’t help but meditate on the lasting impact of art and film on a community. The installation of this sculpture not only celebrates a beloved movie but also invigorates the town’s economy through tourism, drawing visitors eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend time, connecting people across generations and cultures.
The statue of Sean and Mary Kate in Cong is a symbol of the town’s vibrant history and its enduring connection to the film. Mark Rode’s creation captures this essence beautifully, inviting all who visit to pause, reminisce, and celebrate the intertwining of art and life in this picturesque Irish village.
Here presented are two versions of the same image. One cropped. Please leave a comment stating which you prefer and why. Thank You
Use this slide show, flip back and forth to compare the images, reach a conclusion on which you prefer.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Iguanodon was able to walk on all fours or stand on its hind legs to reach higher plants. It has hooves like horses. Its hands had an opposable digit, like a human thumb, used to grasp branches. This digit had a spike used for fighting other Iguanodons, in defense and feeding, as a tool to open fruits for example.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Oviraptor was a small, carnivorous, toothless dinosaur from Mongolia. It had a bony crest on its head and a beak like a bird. Based on its close relatives, it had feathered, wind-like structure on its arms, and a broad, feathered tail. When it was first discovered in 1932 in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, it was found on top of a nest of eggs. Paleontologists initially thought the Oviraptor died feeding upon the eggs and thus named it “egg stealer.” However, a recent discovery revealed these were Oviraptor eggs — it was merely protecting its own nest! Stomach contents show it actually ate lizards.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Minmi was a small, quadrupedal, armored, herbivorous dinosaur from Australia. Its head, neck and body were covered by bony armor, very much like today’s armadillos. Although it was slow and small brained, its armor protected it from predators. Only one specimen has been found, but it included stomach contents that show it ate leaves, fruit and seeds, and that it chewed up the plants before it swallowed them. Minmi is the location in Roma, Queensland, Australia where this dinosaur was discovered.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Baellynasaura was a small, bipedal, herbivorous dinosaur from Australia. Unlike today’s reptiles, its top and bottom teeth touch when chewing, allowing it to consume plants. It had a remarkably long tail, which contained over 70 vertebrae, as much as 75% of its total bodyt length. It is believed Leaellynasaura’s large eyes were used to see during the long nights that Australia experienced. Recent studies, however, show that these specimens discovered are juveniles; hence, like puppies and kittens, their eyes are large regardless of where they are found in the world.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 