Dublin

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!

CATHEDRAL STREET WAS ONCE NAMED ELEPHANT LANE

March 13, 2024 by infomatique

AT ONE STAGE IT WAS TYRONE PLACE

Fiction Or Fact: Some 330 years ago, Dublin’s very first Elephant lived on then Elephant Lane, now known as Cathedral Street. The animal used to be brought across the River Liffey to nearby Parliament Street where people would pay to see the animal in a viewing booth. Unfortunately on the 17th of June 1681, the poor beast died when the viewing booth caught fire causing the Elephant to perish.

Cathedral Street is a thoroughfare located in central Dublin, running from O’Connell Street Upper to Marlborough Street.

Formerly known as Elephant Lane and Tyrone Place, this street has a rich history that intertwines with Dublin’s architectural heritage and religious institutions.

Historical Origins

Elephant Lane: On 18th-century maps of Dublin, this street was named Elephant Lane.
The origin of this name is attributed to various theories:
A corruption of Mellifont Lane or Menagerie Lane.
The presence of a tavern with a sign featuring an elephant.

Occupants of Elephant Lane included a plumber, locksmith, job coach establishment, ivory turner, booksellers, and vintners1.

Tyrone Place: In 1870, the street was renamed Tyrone Place due to its proximity to Tyrone House. Tyrone House was a significant landmark, and the street led to it.

Cathedral Street: In 1900, the street was officially renamed Cathedral Street. The historic house Drogheda House, dating from 1751, once stood on the corner of Cathedral Street and O’Connell Street.
The eastern side of the street unfortunately suffered damage during the Easter Rising (1916) and the Irish Civil War (1922).

Religious Significance:

St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral: Situated on the corner of Cathedral and Marlborough Streets, St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. Although Dublin does not possess a Catholic cathedral, St. Mary’s fulfills this role as the pro-cathedral (acting cathedral) for the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin.

Why Two Church of Ireland Cathedrals?

The presence of two Church of Ireland cathedrals in Dublin (Christ Church and St. Patrick’s) is a legacy of Ireland’s complex religious history. Following the English Reformation in the 16th century, the Church of Ireland, aligned with the Protestant Church of England, took over existing Catholic churches. Christ Church thus became the Anglican cathedral, while St. Patrick’s, founded in the 13th century, also became a Church of Ireland cathedral.

The Catholic Church, on the other hand, faced restrictions under British rule. St. Mary’s, initially intended as a temporary solution, became the de facto “pro-cathedral” – a substitute for a true cathedral.

The Legend of Dublin’s First Elephant

Once upon a time, some 330 years ago, in the vibrant city of Dublin, an exotic and majestic creature graced the cobbled lanes. This magnificent being was none other than Dublin’s very first elephant. Let us step back in time to witness this captivating story:

Elephant Lane: Our tale begins on a narrow lane known as Elephant Lane, which later transformed into Cathedral Street. The air buzzed with excitement as curious Dubliners flocked to see this wondrous beast.

The River Liffey Crossing: The elephant was a star attraction, drawing crowds from all walks of life. Its daily routine involved crossing the River Liffey, making its way to Parliament Street on the other side. People eagerly paid to catch a glimpse of this exotic marvel in a specially constructed viewing booth.

Tragedy Strikes: But fate can be cruel. On that fateful day, June 17, 1681, disaster struck. The viewing booth, where the elephant stood, caught fire. Panic ensued as flames engulfed the structure, and the poor beast was trapped. Despite desperate efforts to save it, the elephant succumbed to the inferno.

A Legacy Remembered; The memory of Dublin’s first elephant lives on, etched into the annals of the city’s history. The tragedy of that fiery day remains a poignant reminder of both wonder and loss.

This tale of Dublin’s gentle giant continues to echo through time, a testament to the extraordinary encounters that shape our urban legends.

KING SKEWER

March 13, 2024 by infomatique

NUMBER 8 CATHEDRAL STREET

I had intended to visit the Vintage Teapot “a world of relaxing Chinese tea and stimulating coffee, delicious cake, desserts and treats that will widen your eyes and tickle your tongue with slow-paced life”.

Today I decided to visit only to discover that it had replaced by King Skewer.

Unfortunately, it’s common for smaller restaurants to close without major announcements, especially during challenging economic times.

But here’s some good news if you’re craving a tea experience in Dublin: Their sister restaurants: The Vintage Teapot owners also run M&L Restaurant and Kitchen 85. M&L, an excellent restaurant, is located on Cathedral Street and specialising in Chinese cuisine. You can check those out for a different but potentially exciting dining experience. Note: Kitchen 85 is at Marlborough Place and I know nothing about it.

MARY STREET IN DUBLIN WILL BE PEDESTRIAN ONLY

March 11, 2024 by infomatique

STARTING 27 MARCH 2024

This caught me by surprise but when I checked my catalogue of photographs I discovered that Dublin City Council conducted a a trial which started 27 March 2023.

On March 27th, Mary Street in Dublin is set to undergo a significant transformation—it will become pedestrianised. This move aims to enhance the urban experience, promote sustainable mobility, and create a more vibrant and people-friendly environment in the heart of the city.

THE FOLLOWING IMAGES DATE FROM MARCH 2023 AND WERE PUBLISHED MARCH 2024

Here are some key points about the pedestrianisation of Mary Street:

Pedestrian Zone: Mary Street will be designated as a pedestrian zone, meaning that vehicular traffic will no longer be allowed on this street. Instead, it will be exclusively accessible to pedestrians.

Traffic-Free: By eliminating cars and other vehicles, Mary Street will become a safer and more pleasant space for residents, visitors, and shoppers. People can stroll freely, explore shops, and enjoy the surroundings without the noise and pollution associated with traffic.

Outdoor Activities: The pedestrianisation opens up opportunities for outdoor activities, such as street performances, pop-up markets, and al fresco dining. Cafés and restaurants can extend their seating areas onto the street, creating a lively atmosphere.

Business Impact: Local businesses along Mary Street are likely to benefit from increased foot traffic. With more people walking by, there’s potential for higher visibility and customer engagement. It’s essential for businesses to adapt and make the most of this change.

Feedback and Consultation: The decision to pedestrianise Mary Street is based on trials and consultations. Dublin City Council previously trialled pedestrianisation on several streets in the Grafton Street area, including South William Street, Dame Court, and Drury Street. Feedback from residents, businesses, and the public played a crucial role in shaping this initiative1.

Now, let’s address the broader context:

Wider Plan: The pedestrianisation of Mary Street is not an isolated event. It’s part of a broader plan by Dublin City Council to create a more sustainable, accessible, and attractive city centre. This plan likely includes other streets, public spaces, and transportation improvements.

2022-2028 Development Plan: Dublin City Council has set ambitious goals for the city’s development. Reducing traffic congestion, enhancing public spaces, and prioritising pedestrians and cyclists are key components of this plan.

Public Support: The success of pedestrianisation relies on public support and cooperation. As seen in the case of Mary Street, consultations and feedback are essential. The positive response from 97% of respondents during previous consultations indicates that people value these changes. [Note: There was indeed a very positive response to consultations, but the 97% figure refers to businesses specifically supporting the scheme, not the public at large.]

In summary, Mary Street’s pedestrianisation is both a standalone initiative and part of a broader vision for Dublin’s urban transformation. As we look forward to March 27th, let’s celebrate this step toward a more people-centric and sustainable cityscape!