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The Hermit's Cave at St. Anne's Park: A Photographic Challenge and Geological Curiosity
[Photographed using a Sony FX30 and a Samyang 12mm F2 lens]
The Hermit's Cave, located within St. Anne's Park, presents a unique photographic challenge due to its dimly lit interior. Capturing the intricate microstructures that initially drew my attention proved difficult, despite utilising a Sony FX30 and Samyang 12mm F2 lens.
While some follies in the park exhibit a rough, porous texture reminiscent of pumice, this volcanic rock is not native to Ireland. Instead, a local limestone known as "calp" is the likely culprit. This dark, finely grained limestone, formed in the depths of the ocean, is characteristic of the Dublin area.
Though similar limestones exist elsewhere in Ireland, "calp" is distinctly Dublinesque. Despite its brittle nature and unsuitability for high-quality construction, it has been used in some of Dublin's iconic buildings, typically hidden within foundations or beneath more aesthetically pleasing stones like granite.
Ornamental Bridge & Hermit's Cave:
Description: A stone bridge adorned with a small, cave-like structure.
Symbolism: The cave embodies a hermit's dwelling, a Romantic motif representing solitude and contemplation.
History: Built around 1838-1868 and meticulously restored in 2016-2018.
Current Condition: The structure remains in good condition and is open for exploration.
[Photographed using a Sony FX30 and a Samyang 12mm F2 lens]
The Hermit's Cave, located within St. Anne's Park, presents a unique photographic challenge due to its dimly lit interior. Capturing the intricate microstructures that initially drew my attention proved difficult, despite utilising a Sony FX30 and Samyang 12mm F2 lens.
While some follies in the park exhibit a rough, porous texture reminiscent of pumice, this volcanic rock is not native to Ireland. Instead, a local limestone known as "calp" is the likely culprit. This dark, finely grained limestone, formed in the depths of the ocean, is characteristic of the Dublin area.
Though similar limestones exist elsewhere in Ireland, "calp" is distinctly Dublinesque. Despite its brittle nature and unsuitability for high-quality construction, it has been used in some of Dublin's iconic buildings, typically hidden within foundations or beneath more aesthetically pleasing stones like granite.
Ornamental Bridge & Hermit's Cave:
Description: A stone bridge adorned with a small, cave-like structure.
Symbolism: The cave embodies a hermit's dwelling, a Romantic motif representing solitude and contemplation.
History: Built around 1838-1868 and meticulously restored in 2016-2018.
Current Condition: The structure remains in good condition and is open for exploration.
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