Swans that aren’t even hungry crowd around a gentleman emptying a carrier bag full of foosty bread into the already murky (mostly from being full of soggy bread bits) waters of the lough in Cork city. Taken back when the sky was bluer, the weather was nicer and the days were hotter and t-shirts were entirely possible. Just to remind you…
Caught while strolling around the outside of the castle at the now annual boards.ie photography forum Charleville meetup. Don’t forget, ladder cat is always watching!
That rule being, “Always keep a foreground rock handy”. Rocks and their commonplace use in the foregrounds of photos has been a staple foodstuff in my photographic recipe book for a long time. It never fails to draw oooh’s and aaaaah’s from all those who recognise a piece of quality photographic work. Rocks in the foreground. I love them. (I’m going to hold a ‘rocking up your foreground’ weekend course in 2009. Those interested should apply within.)
Back to Inishmore for one. On a cycle around (part of) the island, we came across this dock area for fishing boats. Who can resist fishing nets and piles of worn rope? Not me anyway. Taken back in August. Seems like so much has happened since then. Well, so much has happened since then!
One of the fine examples of Japanese Maple in Fota Gardens, the leaves of which are varying in amazing colours from bright reds to fiery oranges and yellows. Bit different than when I last visited the gardens some time ago. Well, possibly over a year ago. I did neglect Fota Gardens somewhat when I got wind that charges for entry had been increased significantly. Thankfully, that seems to be complete rubbish. Possibly the best visit ever to this wonderful spot!
Further evidence, as if the cold and darker evenings weren’t proof enough, that the seasons are changing. Depths of winter are closing in fast and hey, there are only (insert ever decreasing number here) more shopping days left until Christmas! We were last along this road when everything was lush and green and it’s fantastic to see it again in various shades of browns, coppers and golds. If you’re in the area, I’d strongly suggest a drive down there.
Back! Spent much of the last week working in London sans photos and therefore the photoblog was sans update. However, I’m back now! This is another of the botanic gardens macros, and one I’m quite happy with. Back to Cork tomorrow, first time being so far south in over a week. That’s a bit mad…
Another wonderful couple of hours spent at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin. The place seems to change every time we go there and yet again, I saw something I hadn’t seen before. And that’s not even taking into account the new looking ‘vegetable garden’ they\’re building. I was going to put up something Halloweeny today, but meh, this’ll have to do!
Dressed to kill and resting calmly in the library in Charleville Castle. It’s the little things in life…
Possibly one of the most photographed staircases in all of Ireland, the slightly rickety and massively eerie stairs at Charleville Castle in Tullamore. Many have photographed this before, most with amazing results.
Charleville Castle in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Recently spent a night here as part of the now annual boards.ie event. Possibly not one of the most haunted buildings in the country, but definitely holds the record for the loudest snorers. Next time, bring ear plugs and duck tape. The ear plugs are for me. More to come over the next few days/weeks/months/years.
A pint of Dublin sitting on a bar in a hotel in Dublin. No, the Guinness wasn’t great. It rarely is. Taken after packing up the gear at the first Irish Web Awards, another hugely successful event organised by Damien. Hit a wall of tiredness after not too long and had to retire for the evening. but the night was a huge success. Well done to all those involved. On a somewhat more disturbing note, I’ve grown rather attached toRead More
Natural (as in not squirted or dropped by one in our company) water drops on a plant at the botanic gardens in Dublin. First time in a long time that I’ve used my macro lens. A refreshing change.
An enjoyable afternoon spent at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin. Simon made the mistake of ‘loaning’ me his Canon 24mm f3.5L tilt shift lens. I very much doubt he’ll be getting it back. It’s my first attempt at anything tilty, having become an expert in all things slightly shifty some years ago. It’s a new experience… But then, lots of things are proving to be new experiences these days. Hmmm..
A bee (possibly of the mixed variety) takes flight off some lavender (thanks) as the sun shone brilliantly for once. Proof that at least we had one weekend of sunshine this summer/autumn. Now, as we’re into Q4 expect dark evenings, wind, rain and all kindsa other marvellous goings on. Super.
Pizza, made from scratch on Saturday night, with all the mess that comes along with it. There have been more good weekends lately than bad ones. Similarly, there have been more fantastic ones than good ones. This was such a weekend.
…taking the rough with the smooth. In sharp contrast to the coarse, gritty sand. Sitting on a beach on Inishmore island, enjoying the sunshine.
Valentia Island in county Kerry. Was there back in August 2007 after being invited down by a boards member who is also a regular visitor to the island. I can see why. Need to get down there again soon. Having spent the last few hours cleaning up my lightroom catalog, I dug into the archives for this one. It’s here both in anticipation of an upcoming trip to Kerry (first in a long time) and to remind Danny that we’reRead More
Just about as close as I’m willing to get to the edge to photograph the sheer cliff face on Inishmore island. Some people were far braver, dangling various body parts over the edge. I’d rather not leave it to chance (and a strong gust of wind) to decide if I live or die. Thanks all the same. I’ll save myself from a severely gravitational death and back away to peruse other things in the immediate vicinity that are clearly allRead More
Rusted cogs, part of a long ago abandoned piece of machinery on the copper coast in Waterford. Impossible to get started, or so you’d think. With a little work and enough determination, anything can be made to work.