CONTENTS PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS

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2009 VISIT TO KILDARE

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ANNIE LEE BRIDGEConstructed in 1839 by Benjamin Lee Guinness to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Annie Lee, this mock ruin of a bridge and tower stands as a symbol of…
ANNIE LEE BRIDGEConstructed in 1839 by Benjamin Lee Guinness to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Annie Lee, this mock ruin of a bridge and tower stands as a symbol of…
ANNIE LEE BRIDGEConstructed in 1839 by Benjamin Lee Guinness to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Annie Lee, this mock ruin of a bridge and tower stands as a symbol of…
AN OLD TREESt. Anne's Park boasts a diverse and fascinating collection of trees, many of which were planted by the Guinness family who once owned the estate.
ART FOR DOG LOVERSRebecca Low, a 27-year-old doctor working at the Mater Hospital, finds solace and creativity in painting during her spare time. With a background in art up to…
ASHINGTON PARKAshington Park is a small green space located in Cabra, Dublin. It's a relatively simple park with open grassland and a perimeter path. There are no playgrounds…
ATTRACTIVE MOORHENMoorhens, the most territorial birds in the garden, are a common sight. Males and females, both referred to as moorhens, are fiercely protective of their young,…
AUGUST 2023 VISITBuilt around 1838-1868 by the Guinness family, the bridge and hermitage are unique features of St. Anne's Park, adding to its charm and intrigue.
AUGUST 2023 VISITDuring Queen Victoria's final state visit to Ireland in 1900, her carriage passed under the archway of the Annie Lee Bridge,

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Beautiful Pink DressThe rain was so heavy that it made it very difficult to photograph performance and despite the rain my camera decided to shut-down because of overheating. Of…
BELL TOWERThe Clock Tower in St. Anne's Park is more accurately referred to as a bell tower, constructed in 1850 as part of the Guinness family estate.
BEST NIGHT EVERTwo figures, seemingly women, walking arm in arm with a sense of joy and ease. It captures a moment of simple happiness and connection.
BIRD OF PARADISE PLANTThe Strelitzia reginae, also known as the Bird of Paradise flower, is a striking and unique plant that is native to South Africa.
BIRD OF PARADISE PLANTThe Strelitzia reginae, also known as the Bird of Paradise flower, is a striking and unique plant that is native to South Africa.
BOTANIC GARDENS 2013The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Ireland, is a tranquil oasis featuring diverse plant collections, historic glasshouses, and serene landscapes, offering…
BOTANIC GARDENS 2013The National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Ireland, is a tranquil oasis featuring diverse plant collections, historic glasshouses, and serene landscapes, offering…
BOTANIC GARDENS BELFASTBoth Belfast and Dublin's Botanic Gardens offer stunning escapes into the natural world, right in the heart of their respective cities. While they share a…
BOTANIC GARDENS IN GLASNEVINThe National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, are a tranquil oasis just three kilometers from Dublin City Centre. Founded in 1795, the gardens are a…
BUSHY PARK
BUSHY PARK BANDSTANDThe covered bandstand in Bushy Park, Dublin, is a notable feature near the duck pond. It's designed like a natural amphitheater, nestled into the park's…
BUSHY PARK BANDSTAND 2013The covered bandstand in Bushy Park, Dublin, is a notable feature near the duck pond. It's designed like a natural amphitheater, nestled into the park's…

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COAST WALK BY EILIS NOLANIn this piece, a dog is enjoying one of the many beautiful walks we have along the east coast of Ireland. I've based it on my dog, Scout, who is always excited…
CONCERTWolfe Tone Park, also referred to as Wolfe Tone Square, is a public space nestled in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. It is bordered by Mary Street to the north,…
CROPPIES ACRE MEMORIAL PARKPUBLISHED JANUARY 2024
CROPPIES MEMORIAL PARKPUBLISHED 2024

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Dancing TwinsMusic and dance are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Nepal, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic groups and geographical regions. Nepalese music is…
Different StyleThe Nepal Ireland Day on the 7th of July 2024 was a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, showcasing the rich heritage of Nepal and fostering friendship…
DNA SCULPTUREThe sculpture is a large, double-helix structure made of stainless steel. It stands over 20 feet tall and is located near the entrance to the gardens.
DNA SCULPTUREThe sculpture is a large, double-helix structure made of stainless steel. It stands over 20 feet tall and is located near the entrance to the gardens.
DODDER WALKDogs are indeed welcome on the Dodder Walk/Trail, but it's important to keep them on a leash at all times. This helps to ensure the safety of both your dog and…
DONNYBROOK GREENWAYThe Donnybrook Greenway is a 480-meter section of the Dodder Greenway, a walking and cycling path along the River Dodder in Dublin. It runs between Herbert Park…

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EXPLORING BLACKROCK PARKBlackrock Park, a beloved public park in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, stretches along the coast from Booterstown Train Station to Blackrock Train Station. Its…

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FRANK CORISH MEMORIALThe memorial sculpture honouring Patrick Corish in the college gardens of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, is a unique and evocative tribute to his legacy as a…
FR COLLINS PARKThe windmills in Father Collins Park have indeed been decommissioned, but not due to typical maintenance reasons. News reports from December 2023 indicate that…
FRIENDLY GREY SQUIRRELThe National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, are currently home to a thriving population of grey squirrels.

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GOTHIC BRIDGE 2023Built around 1838-1868 by the Guinness family, the bridge and hermitage are unique features of St. Anne's Park, adding to its charm and intrigue.
GRACE O'DONNELL PARKWithin the Grace O'Donnell Memorial Park section of Dartry Park, 1 Milltown Road, Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland

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HERBERT PARKa 32-acre public park located in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The park is divided into two halves by Herbert Park Road.
HERBERT PARK MAY 2024Herbert Park remains a cherished green space in the heart of Dublin, providing a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle while offering opportunities…
HERMITS CAVEThe Hermit's Cave, located within St. Anne's Park, presents a unique photographic challenge due to its dimly lit interior. Capturing the intricate…

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INTENSE RAIN STORMWhile total annual rainfall may not have changed dramatically, there's evidence that individual rain events have become more intense.
IRISHTOWN NATURE PARKIrishtown Nature Park, situated along the Poolbeg Peninsula, is a man-made haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a surprising contrast to the urban landscape…
IVEAGH GARDENS 2022The gardens were privately owned for much of their history. They were created in the 1860s by the Guinness family as part of their estate.

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JULY 2009

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Lady In PinkTraditional Instruments: The sounds of the madal (a hand drum), bansuri (a bamboo flute), and sarangi (a bowed string instrument) often fill the air during…
LAMPOST COLLECTIONMerrion Square Park in Dublin once housed a unique collection of antique lampposts, showcasing the city's rich history of street lighting. These lampposts,…
Let's DanceBy fostering understanding and appreciation for different cultural traditions, events like the Nepal Ireland Day celebration contribute to a richer, more…
LIFFEY LINEAR PARKThe section of the Liffey Linear Park at Newbridge offers a delightful escape into nature, right on the doorstep of the town.
LIFFEY LINEAR PARK NEWBRIDGE…I used a Sony NEX-7 and it had difficulty capturing the colours along the Liffey River and there was a tendency towards blue.
Lost In The ParkAn hour later, I was soaked, lost, and thoroughly miserable in the middle of a boggy wasteland

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MALAHIDE CASTLEMalahide Castle in 2013 stood as a testament to centuries of history, a majestic fortress nestled amidst lush parklands and overlooking the picturesque…
MERRION SQUARE PARKToday, Merrion Square Park is a popular destination for relaxation, recreation, and cultural events. The park's well-maintained lawns, colorful flower beds, and…

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NEAR THE OLD KIOSKThe area near the old derelict structure in Blackrock Public Park, including the historic Kiosk, is undergoing redevelopment.
Nepal Ireland DayThe Nepal Ireland Day on the 7th of July 2024 was a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, showcasing the rich heritage of Nepal and fostering friendship…
New To MeToday I entered via the gate at the end of the North Circular Road and I followed the path that runs parallel to Infirmary Road section that I have not visited…

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OCTOBER 2024 VISITAutumn is a truly magical time to visit botanic gardens. As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, the gardens transform into a spectacle of colour. The…
OUR LADY'S PARKBefore becoming a public park, the triangular section of land opposite Fagan's public house was occupied by a row of single-storey dwellings known as Tolka…

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PAINT-A-BOXWhile Herbert Park in Dublin is not known for extensive street art like some other areas of the city, there are a couple of examples you might find
PARKS AND GARDENS 2013Dublin boasts an impressive array of public parks for a city of its size, offering diverse green spaces throughout its urban landscape. This abundance stems…
Peoples Flower GardenThe People's Flower Gardens are a beautiful and historic part of Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland.
Performing In The RaimMusic and dance are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Nepal, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic groups and geographical regions. Nepalese music is…
PHOENIX PARKThe camera and lens that I had with me was not suitable for fast moving squirrels, especially this who who actually climbed into my pocket. The National Botanic…
Phoenix Park 2024
POND AREA BLACKROCK PARKBlackrock Park's pond, with its distinctive "Roman Temple" pumping station and natural amphitheatre, has indeed played host to a vibrant history of public…

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RANDOM IMAGESThe National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are located in Glasnevin, just three kilometres from Dublin City Centre, and are famous for the exquisitely restored…
RANDOM IMAGESThe National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are located in Glasnevin, just three kilometres from Dublin City Centre, and are famous for the exquisitely restored…
Random ViewThe Nepal Ireland Day on the 7th of July 2024 was a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, showcasing the rich heritage of Nepal and fostering friendship…
RECONFIGURED YEW CIRCLEThe central circular basin, which once held a fountain and was stocked with fish, has been filled in and planted. This significantly alters the original design…
RUBBER DUCK PONDThere has been a transformation of the area at the junction of Ryder's Row and Parnell Street in recent years. The former "bike yard," which occupied the space…

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SHELL HOUSE FOLLYFollies were often designed to resemble ancient ruins, exotic temples, or picturesque cottages. They served as focal points within the landscape, inviting…
SPOT THE HERONHerons have long been a familiar sight along the River Dodder, their elegant forms often spotted wading in the shallows or perched on branches overhanging the…
ST ANNES PARK RAHENYThe park, the second largest municipal park in Dublin, is formed from part of a former 202 hectares (500 acres) estate assembled by members of the Guinness…
ST LUKE'S AVENUEIn recent years, Dublin City Council has undertaken a number of improvements to the public realm around the former St. Luke’s Church (Thomas Burgh House).
STONE ARCHWAYIn the heart of St Anne's Park, near the enchanting Yew Circle, stands a weathered stone archway.
STONE BRIDGEWhile specific information on this particular bridge is limited, it's likely a functional bridge built to provide access to the walled garden area. I

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TEMPLE OR TEA ROOMThe Herculanean Temple, a particular favourite of mine, has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the years. My first encounter with it over a decade ago…
THE ACTUAL CASTLEAmong the castle's spectral residents, the most renowned was Puck, a mischievous court jester said to haunt the castle's turret. Other ghostly figures included…
THE GLASSHOUSESThe National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are home to a collection of historically and architecturally significant glasshouses. In 2013, these glasshouses were a…
THE GLASSHOUSESThe National Botanic Gardens in Dublin are home to a collection of historically and architecturally significant glasshouses. In 2013, these glasshouses were a…
THE GOTHIC BRIDGE JULY 2024
THE JAPANESE GARDENSThe Japanese Gardens, within the grounds of the Irish National Stud just outside Kildare town, are a captivating testament to the enduring appeal of Japanese…
THE POND AREAThe pond at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, is not only known for its beautiful water lilies but also for its resident turtles. These…
THE RIVER LIFFEY AND NEWBRIDGENewbridge and the River Liffey share a deep-rooted connection that has shaped the town's history, identity, and development.
THE STONE BRIDGESThese bridges serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, allowing pedestrians to cross over the park's waterways while enhancing the overall landscape…
THE STONE BRIDGES 2013These bridges serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, allowing pedestrians to cross over the park's waterways while enhancing the overall landscape…
THE WOODED AREASThe dense canopy of trees filters sunlight, creating a complex interplay of dappled light and deep shadows. This makes achieving proper exposure and managing…

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VICTORIA WATERLILY HOUSEWhen I photographed this building in July in 2009 it was in very poor condition and was closed to the public.
VIDEO OF OSCAR WILDE STATUEThe Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture in Merrion Square is a vibrant and thought-provoking tribute to the iconic Irish poet and playwright. Unveiled in 1997, it…
Visitor CentreThe Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, adjoining the castle, contains an entertaining exhibition on the park’s history from 3500 BC right through to the present day.…

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WALLED GARDENThe walled garden and clock tower at St. Anne's Park are fascinating historical remnants of the Guinness family estate, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and…
WALLED GARDEN IN AUTUMNHistorically, the garden served both aesthetic and functional purposes. It provided a sheltered space for cultivating delicate plants and exotic fruits,…
WATER FOR DOGSI noticed that most dogs visiting appeared to be very much aware of this water fountain.
WATER LILLIESThe water lilies in the pond are a sight to behold, especially during their peak blooming season. They come in various colours, including white, pink, and…
WATERSTOWN PARKWaterstown Park is a lovely park located in Palmerstown, Dublin. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of activities and…
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ADDISON…I recently discovered, at a conference, that my personal observations about changes in rainfall patterns in Ireland over the last few decades is not just due to…
WHAT IS LIFENestled within the serene landscape of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Ireland, lies a thought-provoking sculpture entitled "What is Life?" by renowned…
WHAT IS THIS YELLOW STRUCTUREhave uploaded these images to see if the yellow growth could be identified and it was suggested that it could be Laetiporus sulphureus which is a species of…
WHO WAS THE SCULPTOR?It's understandable how the misinformation about Imogen Stuart's involvement arose, given her prominence as an Irish sculptor and her work with religious…
WISHING WELLSt. Ann's Well in Raheny, Dublin, Ireland was once a popular holy well, and gave its name (with a slightly different spelling) to the well-known St. Anne's…
WOODS AND TREESSt. Anne's Park boasts a diverse and mature collection of trees, many of which were planted in the 19th century by the Guinness family. This gives the park's…

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Younger Performers