THE 2024 PHOTO BLOG

VISITING DUBLIN FOR ST PATRICK’S WEEKEND

March 10, 2024 by infomatique

IS TEMPLE BAR AS GOOD AS MANY CLAIM IT TO BE?

St. Patrick’s Day is next Sunday but it is now more than a day as the festival is from the 15th to the 18th and Monday the 18th is a holiday in Ireland.

Temple Bar is definitely a unique and exciting place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but whether it’s the best location for your weekend depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Why Temple Bar Is worth considering:

The Heart of the Action: Temple Bar is the iconic centre of Dublin’s nightlife and the epicentre of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. You’ll find traditional pubs bursting with energy, live music, and crowds of people celebrating.

Iconic Pubs: Temple Bar is home to some of Dublin’s most famous pubs, like The Temple Bar itself. There’s something special about having a pint in a spot steeped in history.
The Atmosphere: The sheer buzz and excitement in Temple Bar during St. Patrick’s Day are unmatched. It’s great if you want to dive into the most boisterous celebrations the city has to offer.

Why you might want other options:

Crowds: Temple Bar will be exceptionally crowded during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. It can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
Prices: Expect prices to be inflated during this popular time. Pubs and accommodation will be charging a premium.
Authenticity: While still full of Irish charm, the Temple Bar area has become quite touristy. If you want a more local, less crowded experience, you might find it elsewhere in Dublin.

Worthwhile Alternatives:

Capel Street: Features some excellent Pubs and Restaurants be should be less expensive than Temple Bar but I am aware that some restaurants will not accept walk-in customers on the 17th.

Smithfield/Stoneybatter Area: These slightly less touristic neighbourhoods still boast fantastic pubs and a great atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds you might find in Temple Bar.

Portobello/Camden Street: This hip area has a mix of modern bars and classic pubs and a fun, vibrant crowd.

Howth: If you want a complete change of pace from the city buzz, consider a day trip to Howth, a charming coastal fishing village just outside Dublin. Explore the harbour filled with bobbing boats, savour some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste in a waterfront restaurant, or take a cliff walk along the Howth Head peninsula for stunning views of Dublin Bay. Howth is a great way to experience the beauty of the Irish coast and its fresh seafood bounty, all within easy reach of the city.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference! Do you want to be in the absolute thick of things, or do you want a great experience with perhaps a slightly more manageable crowd?

IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHS THAT I ALREADY POSTED

March 10, 2024 by infomatique

SOME CLAIMED THAT PART OF THIS BUILDING WAS A PROTECTED STRUCTURE

This was Twilfit House. It appears the redevelopment is going ahead, and despite claims that at least one element of the site was a protected structure, everything has been demolished. My main concern now is that we, in the city centre, will end up with another “void” site.

The stalling of hotel construction projects in Dublin City Centre is a complex issue with several contributing factors:

Economic Downturn and Uncertainty:

COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic had a significant impact on the hospitality industry, leading to a sharp decline in tourism. This created uncertainty for investors, causing many projects to be put on hold or canceled.
Economic Uncertainty: Rising inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and the wider economic instability due to global conflicts have made investors more cautious, impacting hotel development.

Rising Construction Costs:

Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and other factors have led to increased material prices.
Labor Shortages: The construction industry is facing labor shortages, contributing to higher costs and delays.

Oversaturation Concerns:

Pre-Pandemic Boom: Dublin witnessed a significant surge in hotel development before the pandemic. Some analysts believe the market was approaching saturation, even before the downturn.

Planning and Regulatory Hurdles:

Strict Planning Regulations: Dublin has strict planning regulations aimed at preserving the city’s architectural heritage, which can sometimes cause delays or complications in development projects.
Community Opposition: Some hotel developments have faced opposition from local communities concerning issues like overdevelopment and potential disruptions.

Shift in Tourism Trends:

Change in Preferences: There may be a shift in tourist preferences towards alternative types of accommodation like short-term rental properties (e.g., Airbnb), potentially impacting the demand for traditional hotels.

The Future:

The outlook for hotel construction in Dublin remains uncertain in the short term. However, as tourism eventually recovers and economic stability returns, projects may gradually resume. The construction industry may also need to adapt to changing demands and explore new development models.

Twilfit House History

Twilfit House, a three-story, early 20th-century building, was completed around 1930. Named after the popular “Twilfit” corset brand, it was the Irish headquarters for Leethems. The building featured spacious, well-lit factory floors, representing a shift in Irish industry towards larger workspaces. Architecturally, it showcased a late Art Deco style, with geometric lines, curved accents, and large windows.

The New Development At The Site Shown In My Photographs

UK-based Premier Inn developers, Whitebread, purchased Twilfit House and adjacent buildings with the intent to demolish them for a new hotel. This sparked debate about preserving Dublin’s historic buildings. Whitebread received planning permission for a 7-story, 180-bedroom hotel, intending to follow the original design by The O’Toole Partnership. While initial projections suggested a 2022 opening, the project has likely faced delays.

Fact-Checking

Protected Structure? I couldn’t find specific evidence that Twilfit House itself was a Protected Structure. However, it’s possible certain elements within the site might have had
Delay? Without a current status on the construction, it’s safe to assume a delay.

Void Sites

In Ireland, a “void site” refers to a piece of land or a property that is vacant and unused. Here’s a breakdown of why these are a concern:

Types of Void Sites:

Brownfield Sites: Former industrial or commercial land potentially contaminated and needing remediation before reuse.
Derelict Sites: Buildings that are abandoned, dilapidated, and in a state of disrepair.
Vacant Lots: Pieces of land within urban areas, usually intended for development but remaining unused.

Why Void Sites are an Issue:

Urban Blight: They can detract from the visual appeal and safety of neighbourhoods.
Housing Shortages: They highlight missed opportunities to increase much-needed housing supply, especially in city centres.
Economic Impact: Unused sites can depress property values in the area and discourage investment.
Potential for Crime: Void sites can sometimes become targets for vandalism, squatting, or illegal dumping.

What’s Being Done About Void Sites

Government Initiatives: The Irish government has programs to identify, register, and encourage the redevelopment of void sites. These can include financial incentives for developers.

Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs): In some cases, local authorities can use CPOs to acquire void sites and facilitate their redevelopment.

Community Engagement: Local community groups often push for the revitalisation of void sites, turning them into public spaces or amenities.

THE BLACK CHURCH IS WHERE IT BEGINS

March 9, 2024 by infomatique

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 2024

Dublin boasts a fascinating landmark – St. Mary’s Chapel of Ease, affectionately known as the Black Church. Its unique appearance and historic connection to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade makes it a must-know spot for visitors.

The Black Church: A Unique Landmark

The Name’s Origin: Don’t be fooled by the name! The Black Church earns its nickname from dark-colored local limestone used in its construction. This stone takes on a dramatically deeper hue when wet.

Architectural Style: Built in 1830, the Black Church showcases Gothic Revival architecture. Its striking curved interior walls and decorative exterior elements create a one-of-a-kind design.

Today: While no longer a functioning church, the Black Church remains an intriguing part of Dublin’s cityscape. Though not widely open to the public, keep an eye out – you might catch a glimpse inside.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Connection

Each year, the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day Parade assembles in the area surrounding the Black Church, transforming it into a bustling hub of anticipation.

The Magic of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

A Global Celebration: Immerse yourself in the heart of Ireland’s cultural extravaganza! Join half a million spectators as the parade takes over Dublin’s streets with its global cast of marching bands, costumed performers, and dazzling floats.

Spirit of Ireland: Witness the creativity, joy, and community spirit that make Irish culture renowned worldwide. The parade fosters values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, showcasing Ireland’s best through dynamic pageantry.

Exciting Collaborations: Don’t miss this year’s incredible additions, including a pageant celebrating Dublin’s North East Inner City community and a preview of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games alongside Ireland’s own Olympic legacy.

2024 Parade Participants

Clondalkin Youth Band
From: Dublin
Director: Mr Neal Christopher
Numbers: 77

Homewood High School Patriot Band
From: Alabama, USA
Director: Chris Cooper
Numbers: 307

The Pride of Clover Marching Band
From: Clover, South Carolina, USA
Director: Rick Langdale Jnr
Numbers: 155

University of Missouri – Marching Mizzou
From: Colombia, Missouri, USA
Director: Dr. Amy Knopps
Numbers: 300

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish Marching Band
From: Ohio USA
Director: Brian Campbell
Numbers: 71

Science Hill High School Hilltopper Marching Band
From: Tennessee,USA
Director: Dr. Carson Vermillion
Numbers: 100

Youngsville High School Marching Eagles
From: Pennsylvania, USA
Director: Cynthia Scheid
Numbers: 23

John F. Kennedy High School Shamrock Regiment
From: California, USA
Director: Dr. Joshua Parsons
Numbers: 67

Bagad Kemper
From: Brittany, France
Director: Gwendal Poder
Numbers: 35

Olentangy Orange High School Marching Pioneers
From: Ohio
Director: Josh Boyer
Numbers: 175

Flute Band Association of Northern Ireland
From: Northern Ireland
Director: Gillian Bryson
Numbers: 30

Lakeville South Marching Cougars
From: Minnesota, USA
Director: Chad Bienik & Nick Castonguay
Numbers: 110

Noblesville High School Marching Millers
From: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Director: Eric Thornbury
Numbers: 110

Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Marching Band
From: North Carolina, USA
Director: Dr. Jack A. Eaddy, Jr
Numbers: 265

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ORGANISER

Here’s where it gets exciting:

The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade really is the centre of the world on St. Patrick’s Day – a genuinely bucket-list worthy adventure in Ireland’s capital city, which lies at the heart of the global celebration of our Irish culture, heritage and people.

Join half a million spectators who gather each March to witness over 4,000 Parade participants including marching bands from all across the globe in a thunderous display of music and pageantry, extravagantly dressed performers, troupes of colourful, cascading dancers and a spectacular display of extravagant floats as they wind their way through the historic streets of Dublin.

With a bursting sense of raucous celebration firmly at its core, the Parade proudly showcases the spark of creativity, imagination, laughter and joy that our wonderful people are so widely known for.

Driven by the values of community, diversity and inclusion, joy and sustainability, the Festival continues to work with Ireland’s foremost creative pageant companies including Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, and Artastic.

A fantastic new pageant has been commissioned featuring a collaboration between the St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin City Council and the North East Inner City Initiative. With over 180 participants putting their best foot forward , the pageant will honour and celebrate the energy, resilience and talent that make up the community of the NEIC, shining a light of positivity on the Talent, Strength, Hope, Diversity and Joy in this community

Bui Bolg once again partners with Kia for an exciting new pageant exploring the link between Spréach, electric vehicle technology, and the circular economy; while the Olympic Federation of Ireland will look forward to Paris 2024, while also celebrating 100 years of Irish participation in the Olympic Games. With half a million spectators expected to line this year’s route, the Parade will feature 6 large scale pageants, 11 showpieces and 14 marching bands from across Ireland, North America and France and over 4,000 participants in what is shaping up to be the largest ever National St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The theme of this year’s Festival and Parade is ‘Spréach’, the Irish word for Spark, which represents the unique essence of Ireland and of Irish People. It’s what sets us apart and what brings us together, and oftentimes it’s the reason that people from all over the world have a special place in their hearts for Irish people, place and culture.

The Festival has worked with pageant companies and partners to explore the different interpretations of Spréach – whether that’s the glint of craic in the eye that is so familiar to Irish people, or whether that’s the light of innovation and discovery so present throughout our history. Whether that’s the fire in our bellies, so evident in our sporting heritage, or about the flame of creativity that is so rightly celebrated throughout the world through our writers, poets, musicians, artists, actors and all our amazing creatives. Spréach is about celebrating that uniquely Irish spark of life.

SONY FULL-FRAME 24mm f/1.5 G MASTER

March 8, 2024 by infomatique

MY EQUIPMENT WISH LIST

SONY FULL-FRAME 24mm f/1.5 G MASTER [About Euro 1600.00]

This is not at the top of my list as I will most likely purchase the new 24-70mm [discussed below] but I will not have the cash until mid 2025 and it could be very expensive.

The Sony Full-frame 24mm f/1.4 G Master is a premium wide-angle prime lens designed for Sony’s E-mount mirrorless cameras. It’s part of Sony’s prestigious G Master series, known for exceptional optical performance and build quality.

Key Features

Wide Aperture: The f/1.4 maximum aperture allows for incredibly shallow depth of field, beautiful bokeh (background blur), and excellent low-light performance.
Optical Design: Incorporates 13 elements in 10 groups, including two XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to minimize distortion, chromatic aberration, and deliver outstanding sharpness even wide open.
Nano AR Coating: Reduces flare and ghosting for improved contrast in challenging lighting.
Fast, Quiet Autofocus: Uses Sony’s Direct Drive Super Sonic Motor (DDSSM) for fast and accurate autofocus, ideal for both photography and video work.
Physical Controls: Features a dedicated aperture ring (can be de-clicked for smooth operation during video), focus hold button, and AF/MF switch.
Weather Sealing: Dust and moisture-resistant for use in inclement conditions.

Strengths

Image Quality: Produces incredibly sharp images with corner-to-corner clarity, minimal distortion, and well-controlled aberrations.
Beautiful Bokeh: The 11-blade rounded aperture diaphragm creates smooth and pleasing out-of-focus rendering.
Low-light Capability: The f/1.4 aperture excels in low light and allows for creative use of shallow depth of field even in darker settings.
Build Quality: Feels solid and robust, with the level of quality expected from a G Master lens.

Common Uses

Landscape Photography: The wide view and excellent sharpness make it great for capturing vast landscapes.
Astrophotography: The fast aperture allows for gathering lots of light, making it suitable for capturing starscapes and the Milky Way.
Environmental Portraits: The wide view and shallow depth of field allow you to include context while beautifully isolating your subject.
Street photography: Offers a versatile field of view and the fast aperture makes it easy to work discreetly in low light.
Videography: Smooth autofocus and the option to de-click the aperture ring make it a great choice for video shooters.

Overall

The Sony Full-frame 24mm f/1.4 G Master is a top-of-the-line lens that offers a desirable combination of image quality, speed, and handling. While expensive, it’s a popular choice for professional photographers and demanding enthusiasts who want the very best in a wide-angle prime.

The rumoured Sony 24-70mm f/1.2 lens is a topic generating a lot of buzz in photography circles. Here’s a breakdown of what we know and what the potential implications could be:

The Rumours

Constant f/1.2 Aperture: The most striking aspect is the rumoured constant f/1.2 maximum aperture across the entire zoom range. This would be unprecedented in a zoom lens of this type.

G Master Designation: Likely to be part of Sony’s G Master series, indicating premium optical quality and build.

Target Market Probably aimed at professional photographers and videographers who demand the best low-light performance and shallow depth of field control.

Potential Pros

Shallow Depth of Field: Incredible subject isolation and beautiful bokeh, even compared to existing f/2.8 zooms at similar focal lengths.
Extreme Low Light Performance: Ability to shoot in extremely dim conditions without sacrificing image quality or resorting to extremely high ISOs.
Video Advantages: Superb for cinematic effects and low-light videography with smooth focus transitions.

Potential Cons

Size and Weight: An f/1.2 aperture in this zoom range would necessitate a very large and heavy lens design.
Cost: A lens with these specs would be exceptionally expensive and likely only accessible to those with large budgets.
Focus Speed: Larger, heavier lens elements might make autofocus slower, potentially a drawback for certain types of photography.

Why the Excitement?

Should Sony create such a lens, it would be a technical marvel. It would represent a huge leap in what’s possible for zoom lenses, offering creative flexibility and light-gathering abilities currently only found in prime lenses.

Important Considerations

Rumour vs Reality: Important to remember these are still rumours. Even if the lens exists, technical limitations or production costs may significantly influence its final form.
Practicality: While exciting, photographers must consider if the lens’s size, weight, and cost align with their shooting needs.

The Verdict

The rumoured Sony 24-70mm f/1.2 is a tantalising prospect. However, it remains to be seen if the rumours will materialise, and whether the benefits outweigh the likely drawbacks for a majority of photographers.

A QUICK VISIT TO FRANCIS STREET

March 7, 2024 by infomatique

WOULD YOU RECOMMENDED IT TO AN AMERICAN VISITOR WITH FOUR YOUNG CHILDREN

Someone asked the following question online

[Question] I am an American and I plan to attend the Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin I am bringing four young children, and my husband. Some friends recommended that I stay at a hotel on Francis Street but others told me that it is not safe at night. What is your recommendation

Here is the response: While Francis Street in Dublin has a rich history and is known for its antique shops, there are some valid concerns about staying in the area with young children, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. [Note: I am not sure about some of the alternatives that were suggested]

Concerns about Francis Street:

Reputation: Parts of Francis Street and the surrounding Liberties area have a historical reputation for social problems like drug use and petty crime. While the area has undergone changes, these elements can still be present.

Nighttime activity: The area can get lively at night, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day, which may not be the most suitable atmosphere for young children.

Limited amenities: Depending on the specific hotel, you may find fewer child-friendly amenities and attractions in the immediate vicinity.

Why you might consider staying elsewhere for St. Patrick’s Day

Crowds and noise: The parade route passes through the city centre, and areas surrounding it will be extremely crowded and noisy, which can be difficult to manage with young children.

Safety concerns: While direct risk may be low, large crowds and celebrations can increase the chance of minor issues like getting separated from children.

Alternative Areas to Consider:

Here are some more family-friendly areas of Dublin, still within a reasonable distance of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:

Temple Bar: Lively, but with lots of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. A bit closer to the parade route.
Ballsbridge: A more upscale area with parks and a calmer atmosphere. Good public transport connections to the city center.
Smithfield/Stoneybatter: These neighborhoods on the north side of the River Liffey offer a mix of historic charm and trendy spots, with a bit more space than the city center.

About Francis Street:

Francis Street is a historic street in the Liberties area of Dublin. It’s known for its antique shops and its proximity to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While it’s an interesting area to visit during the daytime, it may not be the most suitable for a family stay during a major festival.

Overall Recommendation

For a comfortable and safe family experience during St. Patrick’s Day, I’d recommend opting for a hotel in one of the alternative areas mentioned above. This gives you better access to the festivities while providing a more suitable environment for your young children.