EXCELLENT STREET IMAGES

DUBLIN CASTLE – 229876-1

March 18, 2024 by infomatique

THE DAY AFTER THE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful spaces, Dublin Castle should be on your Dublin itinerary.

Dublin Castle: A Witness to Irish History

After the vibrant celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day, I found a moment of serenity at the historic Dublin Castle. This magnificent complex sits in the heart of the city, its grand buildings a testament to Ireland’s rich and often turbulent past.

A Fortress Evolves

The castle’s story began in 1204 when King John of England ordered the construction of a mighty fortress. Built on the site of an older Viking settlement, it served for centuries as the formidable seat of British rule in Ireland. Fires and renovations reshaped it over time, and today it’s a captivating blend of architectural styles.

Walking Through Time

My camera lens, a Voigtlander 65mm, captured intricate details as I explored. From the imposing Record Tower, the castle’s oldest surviving structure, to the stately elegance of the State Apartments, I marveled at the craftsmanship across different eras. The contrast between medieval stonework and Georgian splendour offers a fascinating visual journey.

Why You Should Visit

Dublin Castle isn’t just a picturesque relic. It’s a place where history whispers through the halls. Imagine the political machinations, the grand banquets, and the countless moments that shaped Ireland’s destiny. You can almost feel their echoes as you wander through the rooms or step into the tranquil Dubh Linn Gardens, built on the site of the ‘Black Pool’ that gave Dublin its name.

A Professional Photographer Gave Me the Following Tips:

Play with Light: The high ceilings and period windows of the State Apartments offer beautiful natural light.
Look for Details: Capture textures – ornate ceilings, weathered stonework, the glint of old silverware. These tell smaller stories within the larger one.
Experiment with Angles: The castle boasts varied architecture, making it a great subject for perspective play.

IN MERRION SQUARE THERE IS A WONDERFUL MEMORIAL TO OSCAR WILDE

March 17, 2024 by infomatique

IT IS BY DANNY OSBORNE AND THERE ARE THREE DISTINCT ELEMENTS

As it was St Patrick’s Day I decided to wander around the city centre but I was constrained by security restrictions and eventually ended up at Merrion Square which was relaxing and peaceful compared to the rest of the city centre. As I was in the square I took the opportunity to photograph Oscar Wilde on the rock – I like the resulting photographs but I did have problems with lens flare which is discussed in detail below.

The Three Statues

The central figure is a larger-than-life statue of Oscar Wilde himself. He’s portrayed in a relaxed, lounging pose atop a large quartz boulder. The sculpture is notable for its use of vibrantly coloured stones – Oscar’s jacket is carved from green jade, his collar and cuffs from pink thulite, and his trousers a shimmering blue pearl granite.

Wilde is flanked by two smaller bronze statues. One is a nude male torso representing Dionysus, the Greek god of revelry and festivity. The other is a female torso, symbolising Constance, Wilde’s wife.

Symbolism Behind The Materials Used

Quartz Boulder: The large quartz boulder beneath Wilde serves several purposes:

Elevation: It lifts Wilde off the ground, showcasing him in a position of prominence.
Natural Element: Quartz offers a contrast to the highly polished stones of the sculptures, perhaps hinting at the rough, untamed aspects of Wilde’s life and the natural world.
Irish Connection: Quartz is found in Ireland, adding a subtle connection to the country.
Colourful Stones: The vibrant materials used for Wilde’s sculpture hold meaning:

Green Nephrite Jade (Jacket): Jade is associated with wisdom, serenity, and good luck – perhaps a wish for Wilde’s afterlife or an acknowledgement of his artistic wisdom.
Pink Thulite (Collar & Cuffs): Thulite is linked to passion, creativity, and expressiveness, all qualities Wilde possessed.
Blue Pearl Granite (Trousers): This suggests stability and strength, qualities he might have wished for amidst his life’s turmoil.
Bronze: The bronze figures of Dionysus and his wife Constance offer different interpretations:

Classical Association: Bronze links the figures to the artistic traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, a world Wilde admired.
Durability: Bronze is enduring and can weather the elements, mirroring the lasting legacy of both Wilde and his wife.

Overall Intent

Artist Danny Osborne aimed to create a sense of duality within the memorial. The colourful stones reflect Wilde’s flamboyant and witty personality, while the bronze and boulder hint at the complexities, struggles, and enduring impact of his life and work.

The Location Is Significant

Merrion Square is a significant Georgian Square in Dublin, but its connection to Wilde goes deeper. The installation is positioned directly across from Wilde’s childhood home, adding a layer of personal resonance to the memorial.

Danny Osborne

The sculptor responsible for this unique installation is Danny Osborne. He’s known for his use of semi-precious stones and his emphasis on creating accessible public art.

There Is Much Symbolism

Wilde’s Persona: The colourful materials and relaxed pose reflect Wilde’s flamboyant personality, his wit, and his appreciation for beauty.
Personal Struggles: The inclusion of Dionysus and the female torso hint at the duality of Wilde’s life – the public persona of wit and pleasure contrasted with the private struggles of his sexuality and societal pressures.
Return Home: The memorial’s placement across from Wilde’s childhood residence can be interpreted as a symbolic homecoming, a return to the city of his birth.

It Is A Major Tourist Attraction

The installation draws visitors with:

Wilde’s Legacy: Oscar Wilde is celebrated as one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures, known for his plays, essays, and the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Unique Artistry: The combination of coloured stones and bronze figures is unusual and visually striking.
Accessibility: The memorial’s position in a public park makes it easily accessible to tourists exploring Dublin.
Photo Opportunity: The sculpture’s playful nature encourages visitors to pose and interact with it.

My Wide-Angle Lens And Lens Flare

The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is the world’s first 1.8 prime lens at the 14mm focal length. However, when I use it for street photography I have lots of problems with lens flare.

Lens flare is a common challenge with wide-angle lenses, and the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is not immune to this. Here’s a breakdown of the issue and how to manage it:

Why Wide Angle Lenses are Prone to Flare

Wide Field of View: Wide-angle lenses capture a large amount of the scene, increasing the likelihood of strong light sources entering the frame at oblique angles.
Complex Optics: The large, bulbous front elements of wide-angle lenses are necessary for the wide view but make lens design more complex. This can lead to internal reflections and light scattering causing flare.

Is it Specific to the Sigma 14mm f/1.8?

While the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 is generally a well-regarded lens, flare can be an issue. Here’s why:

Fast Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture lets in more light, making it more susceptible to flare artifacts.
Lens Design: Even with advanced coatings, complex lens designs (like the Sigma’s aspherical front element) can contribute to flare.

Ways to Mitigate Lens Flare

Lens Hood: Always use the dedicated lens hood. It helps block stray light from entering the lens from oblique angles.
Composition: Be aware of strong light sources (sun, streetlights) in your frame. Adjust your position or angle slightly to minimise direct light hitting the front of the lens.
Hand Shielding: In a pinch, use your hand to shield the lens from direct sunlight.
Post-Processing: You can often reduce or remove flare in editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. However, severe cases might be difficult to fix completely.

To Edit or Not to Edit

This is a subjective choice:

Authenticity: Some photographers prefer to leave flare in for a more “natural” feel.
Artistic Effect: Flare can sometimes be used creatively for a specific look or atmosphere in the image.
Perfection: If you’re striving for a highly polished and technically perfect photo, removing flare is often the way to go.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your preference and the specific image. Experiment and see what works best for you!

A VERY BRIEF VISIT TO PARNELL SQUARE

March 16, 2024 by infomatique

A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 2024

A follower contacted me to enquire about The Dublin Writers Museum has but unfortunately permanently closed. The museum closed its doors in 2022, after initially shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. A combination of factors seems to have contributed, including staffing issues and an assessment suggesting the museum was no longer meeting the expectations of modern visitors. Note: This fascinating museum celebrates the rich literary heritage of Ireland, showcasing the lives and works of greats like Joyce, Yeats, and Beckett but to be honest I found it to be uninteresting mainly because of the way it was organised.

While the museum itself is closed, Fáilte Ireland, the organisation that owned and operated it, still possesses the artefacts. There’s hope these might be displayed again in another venue.

It seems information about its closure hasn’t been widely updated online.

Parnell Square is one of Dublin’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. The elegant townhouses lining the square transport you back to the city’s prosperous 18th-century era.

The Rotunda Rink, where the Irish Volunteers were founded in 1913, was located on the square. This makes it a symbolic site pivotal to Ireland’s fight for independence.

The Garden of Remembrance, located at the north end of the square, honours those who died in pursuit of Irish freedom.

The Hugh Lane Gallery gallery houses a renowned collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring both Irish and international artists. It boasts a reconstructed studio of the famed artist Francis Bacon.

The iconic Gate theatre plays a significant role in the Dublin arts scene, staging Irish and international productions.

Chapter One is a Michelin-starred restaurant located beside the Dublin Writers Museum [now closed], perfect for special occasions and fine dining experiences.

Parnell Square is within walking distance of O’Connell Street (Dublin’s main thoroughfare), the Spire, and the GPO (General Post Office – a pivotal location in the 1916 Easter Rising).

Many bus routes pass through Parnell Square, and it’s close to the Luas tram lines, making it simple to access from other areas of the city.

THE BINMEN WHO LIKE SOFT TOYS

March 16, 2024 by infomatique

EXPLORING WASTE COLLECTION IN IRELAND IN 2024

You might not expect to see a garbage truck covered in soft toys, but that’s exactly what inspired me to take a closer look at waste collection in Ireland.

Discarded Items Given New Life:

A Touch of Joy: Stuffed animals are often associated with childhood and happy memories. By adorning their truck with these items, the workers might be salvaging not just the physical toy but also the sense of warmth it represents.

Second Chances: Similar to how waste is sorted for recycling, the toys are ‘rescued’ from the trash and given a new purpose. This could symbolise hope and the potential for transformation, even within a job focused on discarding things.

Playfulness in Hard Work: Waste collection can be a dirty, physically demanding job. The toys might inject a sense of lightness and playfulness, reminding the workers that even within the practicalities of life, there’s room for fun.

Comfort for Sanitation Workers

Personalised Workspace: Garbage trucks can feel utilitarian. The toys may be a way for workers to personalise their space and make it feel slightly more welcoming on long routes.
Reminding Themselves of Why They Work: Sanitation work is essential to public health and safety. The toys, with their associations with innocence and childhood, could be a subconscious reminder of the positive impact their job has on the community, especially with the protection of vulnerable groups.
Humanising Connection: The toys can humanise sanitation workers in the eyes of the public. It creates a touchpoint and can potentially break down stereotypes of gruff or impersonal workers.

Additional Symbolism

The Journey of Objects: As toys ride along on a garbage truck, they could symbolise the journey our discarded items take. It’s a visual reminder of consumption and waste patterns.
Environmental Warning: Depending on the condition of the toys (tattered, dirty), it could serve as a subtle commentary on wastefulness and the environmental impact of our discarded items.

Ireland’s waste collection system is primarily handled by private companies. This means there can be slight variations in collection schedules and practices depending on your location. Households generally choose a private company to collect waste using a system of colour-coded wheelie bins. Ireland is committed to recycling and waste reduction initiatives, with separate bins for organic waste, recyclables, and general waste.

Households must choose a private company for the collection and disposal of their rubbish bins. Waste is collected every week or two, depending on the type of waste. Some companies collect different types of rubbish on different days. If you live in a rural area with a low population, you may not have a collection service. In this case, you must bring your domestic waste to an approved waste facility in your area.

As already mentioned waste collection companies use colour-coded bins for separating household waste, for example: brown bins for organic waste, green bins for recyclable waste, and black bins are for general waste. Some companies may also offer a glass recycling collection.

As for the future plans, Ireland is moving towards a circular economy model where resources are reused or recycled as much as possible and the generation of waste is minimised. The transition to a circular economy requires a collaborative national response across all sectors of the economy through the lifecycle of products and materials.

The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy is Ireland’s new roadmap for waste planning and management. This Plan shifts focus away from waste disposal and looks instead to how we can preserve resources by creating a circular economy. The Plan outlines the contribution of the sector to the achievement of a number of other national plans and policies including the Climate Action Plan.

The key targets under the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy are: households and businesses recycling targets for waste collectors, standardised bin colours across the State: green for recycling, brown for organic waste and black for residual. Environmental levies for waste recovery and single-use coffee cups to encourage recycling and reuse. A nationwide deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles and aluminium cans. An education and awareness campaign to improve waste segregation. The halving of food waste by 2030. Waste segregation infrastructure for apartment dwellers.

What About The Waste Collection Trucks?

While regular garbage or refuse trucks are used in Ireland, there aren’t any special types unique or specific to the country.

Types of Waste Trucks:

Rear-loader trucks: These are the most common type of garbage truck globally, and Ireland is no exception. They have a rear mechanism that lifts and empties waste bins into a hopper.

Side-loader trucks: These are also used in Ireland. They have a mechanical arm on the side that grabs and empties bins. They’re often seen in residential areas.

Front-loader trucks: Less common in Ireland than the previous two, these are used for large commercial dumpsters.

Truck Features:

Compaction: Modern waste trucks compact trash to maximise space.
Split Hoppers: Some trucks might have separate compartments to collect different types of waste during a single route.

Additional Notes

While Ireland doesn’t have a uniquely designed waste truck, there might be trends towards:

Electric or Hybrid Trucks: Like many countries, there’s a push for more environmentally friendly waste collection vehicles.
Specialised Trucks: Smaller vehicles might be used in areas with narrow streets or access limitations.

GRANBY ROW ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO VIEW THE PARADE

March 16, 2024 by infomatique

THE DUBLIN ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE BEGINS HERE TOMORROW AT ABOUT NOON

As it will be St Patrick’s Day tomorrow I have taken some liberties with my description of Granby Row. While the security measures have increased over the years to ensure everyone’s safety, it’s still one of the best places to view the parade. Also, you can leave after a while and quickly walk via Capel street and across the River Liffey to where the parade terminates near St Patrick’s and/or Christ Church Cathedral this is a good approach id you wish to video or photograph the parade.

Increased Security and Barriers

Understandable Necessity: With large crowds and a heightened focus on safety, increased security measures are inevitable. After all, event organisers have a duty to protect the well-being of both spectators and participants.
Crowd Control: Barriers serve to channel crowds, create designated viewing areas, and establish clear routes for the parade itself.
Potential Frustrations: While necessary, these barriers can significantly obstruct views, especially for those not at the very front of the designated areas.

The Step Ladder Trend

It should be stressed that the use of step ladders is not officially endorsed or encouraged by the event organisers.

Seeking a Better View: It’s understandable that people want the best possible view of the parade. Step ladders offer an elevated vantage point, especially for children or shorter individuals.
Unfair Advantage: The problem arises when step ladders create an unfair visual barrier for those behind. Suddenly, it’s not just about who arrives early, but about who has the tallest equipment.
Possible Safety Hazard: In crowded areas, step ladders could become tripping hazards, potentially leading to injuries.

Potential Solutions

Designated Elevated Viewing Areas: Organisers might consider having official, raised platforms (with proper safety measures) in specific locations. This could help spread out the crowd and ensure better visibility for more people.
Gentle Reminders: Leading up to the parade, public messaging could discourage the use of step ladders, emphasising fairness and safety for all spectators.
Ticketed Grandstands: While altering the free nature of the event, setting up limited ticketed seating along prime parade routes could offer a guaranteed view for those willing to pay. [This may already be available so you should check the official event website for details.]

Livestreaming the Parade: Enhancing online streaming and potentially setting up large screens in certain areas would give those less keen on huge crowds a different way to enjoy the spectacle.
It’s important to note that there’s no perfect solution. Balancing security, crowd enjoyment, and fairness is a difficult task for parade organisers. Ideally, a combination of solutions with a strong focus on public awareness could make the experience better for everyone.

Granby Row: A Georgian Street with a Festive Spirit

Granby Row is a charming Georgian street located in the heart of Dublin, just off the historic Parnell Square. Its elegant townhouses, with their classic brick facades and tall windows, stand as a testament to Dublin’s 18th-century architectural heritage. Though a beautiful street year-round, Granby Row takes on a special significance during Dublin’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The Parade’s Starting Line

Granby Row has long been a focal point for the start of the St. Patrick’s Day parade. In the hours before the official start, the street bustles with excitement as colourful floats, marching bands, dancers, and performers from all over the world assemble. The atmosphere transforms into a vibrant tapestry of costumes, music, and anticipation.

From Granby Row, this explosion of Irish spirit flows southward, winding through Dublin’s iconic streets. Locals and visitors alike line the parade route, cheering on the spectacle and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

A Historical Gem

Beyond its role in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Granby Row itself is rich in history. It was developed in the late 18th century as part of Dublin’s northward expansion and was once home to prominent figures in Irish society. The street retains much of its original Georgian charm, offering visitors a glimpse into Dublin’s elegant past.

How to Experience Granby Row

Parade Day: If you’re lucky enough to be in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, experiencing the parade assembly on Granby Row is an unforgettable way to kick off the celebrations. Arrive early to secure a good spot!

Explore the Area: Parnell Square, the Garden of Remembrance, and the Dublin Writers Museum are all located nearby, making it ideal for a historical walking tour.

Appreciate the Architecture: Even on a quiet day, a stroll down Granby Row offers a chance to admire the Georgian architecture and sense the history of the street.

Granby Row embodies the perfect blend of Irish tradition and modern celebration. Its role as a starting point for the St. Patrick’s Day parade makes it a unique symbol of Ireland’s vibrant culture.