MUSTACHE COTTAGE

THE MOVEMBER COTTAGE ON UPPER GRANGEGORMAN [MY SECOND DAY USING THE FUJIFILM X100VI]

A Movember Marvel in Dublin not far from the Hungry Tree at Kings Inns.

November is here, and with it comes the annual tradition of Movember. It's a month where men around the world embrace the glorious, sometimes questionable, art of the moustache to raise vital awareness and funds for men's health—specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

But this year, I discovered a participant in the movement that wasn't a man, but a cottage!

On my second day out with the new Fujifilm X100VI — a camera I'm already falling in love with for its street photography capabilities — I stumbled upon an absolute gem on Upper Grangegorman that I've christened "The Moustache Cottage."

The House That Wears a Mo

This particular cottage, a lovely example of Dublin's red-brick architecture, has been taken over by a spectacularly ambitious climbing plant. This is no ordinary vine; it has grown perfectly over the two front windows and above the bright blue door, forming a dense, bushy canopy that, from a certain angle, gives the entire facade the unmistakable appearance of a giant, verdant moustache!

It’s completely accidental, of course, but the timing in November, and the cottage's proximity to the famous "Hungry Tree" (a local landmark known for 'eating' a metal bench), adds a wonderful layer of local folklore to the spot. It's a house that is not only 'plant-eating' in its own right but is also participating in Movember with more enthusiasm than most of us!

The X100VI was the perfect companion for capturing this scene. The camera’s compact size and phenomenal color rendering—especially the deep greens of the 'mo' against the warm red brick and the striking blue door—made for some truly captivating shots. The way the golden light from the porch lamp illuminates the gnarly, intertwined woody stems supporting the growth, emphasizing their 'root-like' trunks, gives the whole scene a magical, slightly unusual feel.

More Than Just a Photo Op

As quirky and charming as the Moustache Cottage is, it’s a perfect visual reminder of what Movember is all about: starting a conversation.

Just as a unique moustache can spark a question, this house is a delightful trigger to remind us of the serious issues men face. It encourages us to check in with the men in our lives, talk openly about mental health, and support the Movember Foundation in their global efforts.

So, next time you're near Upper Grangegorman, keep an eye out for this unusual, plant-wearing landmark. It’s an accidental, but perfect, ambassador for the month.