TODAY I USED A LEICA Q3
PHOTOGRAPHING ST ANNE'S PARK AT RANDOM USING A LEICA Q3 [22 JULY 2026]
Seeking Shade and Solace: A Photography Escape to St Anne’s Park, Raheny
After months of meteorological frustration—starting with a soaked trip to Belfast during Storm Bram last December and followed by an endlessly rainy spring—I had high hopes for the second half of 2026. However, summer has brought its own set of photography challenges.
While southern and central Europe buckle under severe heatwaves and devastating wildfires, Ireland has been experiencing an unusually warm spell of its own. Though nowhere near as catastrophic as the blazes sweeping across Mediterranean landscapes, the stagnant heat here has proven surprisingly restrictive. During a week in Belfast earlier this month, the relentless sun caused my cameras to overheat mid-shoot. Back in Dublin, sticky, overcrowded public transport and packed streets have made candid street photography almost impractical.
Seeking a quieter spot to shoot last Wednesday, I took a detour to St Anne’s Park in Raheny. To my relief, the grounds were surprisingly tranquil despite the heat. I spent around an hour wandering at random with my Leica Q3—which, thankfully, handled the warm ambient temperatures without a single thermal glitch.
What to See in St Anne’s Park
Spanning over 240 acres between Raheny and Clontarf, St Anne’s was originally the grand estate of the Guinness family (built by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness in the 19th century). Today, it offers a distinct mix of formal landscape design, wild woodlands, and architectural curiosities:
The World-Famous Rose Garden: As a former host of international rose trials, the formal Rose Garden features thousands of vibrant bushes arranged in hedged compartments. Peak bloom runs throughout mid-to-late summer, filling the air with fragrance.
Romantic Follies & Naniken River Walk: Scattered along the banks of the small Naniken River are several 19th-century artificial ruins ("follies") designed to mimic classical antiquities—including a Roman Temple, Herculaneum House, a Shell House, and miniature stone bridges.
The Walled Garden & Clock Tower: A beautifully preserved Victorian walled garden area anchored by a distinctive clock tower. (Note: the old stone fountain pool nearby is no longer an active water feature).
Millennium Arboretum & Shaded Trails: Canopy-covered walkways containing over 1,000 species of trees—an ideal sanctuary when direct sunlight becomes too harsh for photography.
Facilities Available
The Red Stables Art Centre & Café: Located in the restored 19th-century mock-Tudor stable block, hosting local artist studios, exhibition spaces, and Olive's Room café for refreshments.
Saturday Farmers’ Market: A popular weekend event held around the Red Stables courtyard, featuring artisan foods, bakery goods, and coffee.
Sports & Recreation: Multiple football and rugby pitches, a 12-court tennis complex, a pitch and putt course, and a dedicated dog park.
Playgrounds & Amenities: A large modern children's playground, public toilets, and seating throughout the grounds.
A Note on the Water Features: Like many quiet bodies of water across Dublin during warm spells, the main artificial duck pond and water channels in the park currently suffer from stagnant summer conditions, leaving much of the water surface covered in thick green algae.
Looking Ahead to Waterford
Finding peace amongst the shady avenues of St Anne's was just the reset I needed. It has allowed me to recalibrate my summer street photography plans before heading to Waterford next week for the Waterford Walls street art festival—where I’m keeping my fingers crossed for manageable temperatures. I have already pushed the rest of my major city photography visits into September and October, when autumn's cooler light should make for far better conditions.
Seeking Shade and Solace: A Photography Escape to St Anne’s Park, Raheny
After months of meteorological frustration—starting with a soaked trip to Belfast during Storm Bram last December and followed by an endlessly rainy spring—I had high hopes for the second half of 2026. However, summer has brought its own set of photography challenges.
While southern and central Europe buckle under severe heatwaves and devastating wildfires, Ireland has been experiencing an unusually warm spell of its own. Though nowhere near as catastrophic as the blazes sweeping across Mediterranean landscapes, the stagnant heat here has proven surprisingly restrictive. During a week in Belfast earlier this month, the relentless sun caused my cameras to overheat mid-shoot. Back in Dublin, sticky, overcrowded public transport and packed streets have made candid street photography almost impractical.
Seeking a quieter spot to shoot last Wednesday, I took a detour to St Anne’s Park in Raheny. To my relief, the grounds were surprisingly tranquil despite the heat. I spent around an hour wandering at random with my Leica Q3—which, thankfully, handled the warm ambient temperatures without a single thermal glitch.
What to See in St Anne’s Park
Spanning over 240 acres between Raheny and Clontarf, St Anne’s was originally the grand estate of the Guinness family (built by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness in the 19th century). Today, it offers a distinct mix of formal landscape design, wild woodlands, and architectural curiosities:
The World-Famous Rose Garden: As a former host of international rose trials, the formal Rose Garden features thousands of vibrant bushes arranged in hedged compartments. Peak bloom runs throughout mid-to-late summer, filling the air with fragrance.
Romantic Follies & Naniken River Walk: Scattered along the banks of the small Naniken River are several 19th-century artificial ruins ("follies") designed to mimic classical antiquities—including a Roman Temple, Herculaneum House, a Shell House, and miniature stone bridges.
The Walled Garden & Clock Tower: A beautifully preserved Victorian walled garden area anchored by a distinctive clock tower. (Note: the old stone fountain pool nearby is no longer an active water feature).
Millennium Arboretum & Shaded Trails: Canopy-covered walkways containing over 1,000 species of trees—an ideal sanctuary when direct sunlight becomes too harsh for photography.
Facilities Available
The Red Stables Art Centre & Café: Located in the restored 19th-century mock-Tudor stable block, hosting local artist studios, exhibition spaces, and Olive's Room café for refreshments.
Saturday Farmers’ Market: A popular weekend event held around the Red Stables courtyard, featuring artisan foods, bakery goods, and coffee.
Sports & Recreation: Multiple football and rugby pitches, a 12-court tennis complex, a pitch and putt course, and a dedicated dog park.
Playgrounds & Amenities: A large modern children's playground, public toilets, and seating throughout the grounds.
A Note on the Water Features: Like many quiet bodies of water across Dublin during warm spells, the main artificial duck pond and water channels in the park currently suffer from stagnant summer conditions, leaving much of the water surface covered in thick green algae.
Looking Ahead to Waterford
Finding peace amongst the shady avenues of St Anne's was just the reset I needed. It has allowed me to recalibrate my summer street photography plans before heading to Waterford next week for the Waterford Walls street art festival—where I’m keeping my fingers crossed for manageable temperatures. I have already pushed the rest of my major city photography visits into September and October, when autumn's cooler light should make for far better conditions.
PHOTOGRAPHING ST ANNE'S PARK IN JULY 2026