Infomatique

ABBEY STREET AND NEARBY – UPPER, MIDDLE AND LOWER

September 25, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING THE HALIDE APP

There seems to be a LR bug or a problem with the Halide Camera App – I say this because all of my recent iPhone photographs have a pink tint that is difficult to correct.

The Three Sections of Abbey Street in Dublin

Abbey Street, a prominent thoroughfare on Dublin’s Northside, stretches approximately 1 km from the Customs House in the east to Capel Street in the west, where it continues as Mary’s Abbey. The street is divided into three distinct sections:

Abbey Street Lower (East End)

Beginning at the Customs House and Beresford Place, Abbey Street Lower features a mix of historic and modern buildings. It’s home to the iconic Abbey Theatre, a cultural landmark central to Ireland’s theatrical heritage. The street’s lower end is also marked by a vibrant commercial scene, with shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to locals and visitors alike.

Abbey Street Middle

The middle section of Abbey Street connects the lower and upper parts, characterised by a bustling atmosphere. The Luas Red Line stop at Jervis Street adds to the dynamism, making it a convenient access point for exploring the city. Several notable establishments, including the Irish Life Mall and Arnotts department store, lie within this section.

Abbey Street Upper (West End)

Transitioning towards Capel Street, Abbey Street Upper retains its lively character with a blend of commercial and residential buildings. It leads to the Jervis Street Shopping Centre, a popular retail destination. This section also encompasses the historic St. Mary’s Abbey site, lending a touch of historical significance to the area.

PREMIER INN AT SHERIFF STREET AND THE FREIGHT BUILDING BESIDE IT

September 25, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 24 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Premier Inn at Sheriff Street (officially called the Premier Inn Dublin City Centre (North Docklands) hotel) is operational. It opened its doors to guests on March 22, 2022.

New Premier Inn at Sheriff Street in Dublin Docklands

The Premier Inn at Sheriff Street is a new hotel in the revitalised Dublin Docklands area. This hotel boasts 262 bedrooms and ranges from 7 to 10 stories high. The building is designed around a landscaped central courtyard, partially accessible to the public, contributing to the area’s urban renewal.

Originally at the site: The specific previous use of the site isn’t readily available information. However, the broader Docklands area has undergone extensive transformation from its industrial past.
Construction start: Construction for this Premier Inn began around September 2021.
Other Premier Inn hotels in Dublin:
Premier Inn Dublin Airport: Located close to Dublin Airport, this hotel offers convenient access for travellers. It features comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Premier Inn Dublin City Centre (Dame Street): Situated in the heart of Dublin, this hotel is ideal for exploring the city’s attractions. It offers stylish rooms, a restaurant and bar, and is within walking distance of Trinity College, Grafton Street, and Temple Bar.
Premier Inn Dublin City Centre (Gloucester Street): Also centrally located, this hotel provides easy access to O’Connell Street and the Spire. It features comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and is close to popular shopping and dining areas.
Premier Inn Dublin City Centre (South Great George’s Street): This hotel is in a vibrant area, close to St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. It offers modern rooms, a restaurant, and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Premier Inn Dublin City Centre (North Docklands): Located near the 3Arena and the Convention Centre Dublin, this hotel is perfect for attending events. It offers stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant, and is within walking distance of the River Liffey and the EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

The Freight Building is a new office building in Dublin’s Docklands. With a gross floor area of 10,250 sq. m over nine storeys plus basement, it is at the centre of the overall Castleforbes Masterplan.

Here are some more details that I found:

It is located at 63 Sheriff Street Upper, North Wall, Dublin, D01 EV83, Ireland.
It is a new office building in Dublin’s Docklands.
It has a gross floor area of 10,250 sq. m over nine storeys plus basement.
It is part of the Castleforbes Masterplan.
It is designed to be a sustainable and energy-efficient building.
It is expected to be completed in 2024.

Castleforbes Masterplan

The Castleforbes Masterplan is a large-scale urban regeneration project that aims to transform a 3.3-hectare site in Dublin’s Docklands into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. The plan, developed by Glenveagh Properties and designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects, seeks to revitalise the area by creating a new community with a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.

Key Elements

Residential: The plan includes the construction of 1,256 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, catering to a diverse population.
Commercial: The Freight Building is a significant part of the commercial component, offering modern office space to attract businesses to the area. Other commercial spaces are planned for retail and dining establishments, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Cultural: The masterplan incorporates a cultural building to host various events, exhibitions, and performances, fostering a vibrant cultural scene within the community.
Community Amenities: The development also includes two creches, Men’s Sheds, co-working spaces, and tenant amenity areas, prioritising the needs and well-being of residents and visitors.
Public Spaces: An essential aspect of the plan is the creation of a new public square and the extension of a pedestrian route from the Quays through Dublin Landings and Coopers Cross, enhancing connectivity and promoting walkability.
Overall Vision

The Castleforbes Masterplan envisions a sustainable and inclusive community where residents can live, work, and play in a dynamic environment. The plan emphasizes high-quality design, sustainability, and the integration of public spaces to create a thriving neighborhood that contributes to the ongoing revitalization of Dublin’s Docklands.

EXPLORING THE TOLKA ESTUARY GREENWAY – SECTION THREE

September 25, 2024 by infomatique

SONY FX30 PLUS ZEISS BATIS 85MM LENS

As there was no relevant signage on Alfie Byrne road I had difficulty finding the Tolka Estuary Greenway. I started by crossing the Eastpoint Causeway that crosses the Tolka River and then follow a waterfront path that leads to Bond Road where the entrance to the new Dublin Port Greenway. There is a second entrance beside the New Custom House on Promenade Road and the final entrance is at Terminal Road South/North. I met a number of people who were unaware of the waterfront walkway and therefore failed to find the Tolka Estuary Greenway – it is not at all obvious.

The Dublin Port Greenway, specifically the Tolka Estuary Greenway section, has recently opened to the public and is generating quite a buzz. This new greenway offers:

Stunning Views: It provides access to previously unseen vistas of the Clontarf seafront, Bull Island, and Howth, showcasing the beauty of Dublin’s coastline.
Improved Access: The greenway significantly enhances access to Dublin Port’s ferry terminal, offering a safer and more continuous route for cyclists and pedestrians, especially those traveling to and from the ferries.
Environmental Sensitivity: The project was designed with the environment in mind, featuring low-level lighting to minimise disturbance to wildlife and incorporating landscaping with native trees.
Connectivity: The greenway connects to the Royal Canal Greenway, providing access to the city centre and the Southside of Dublin, furthering the network of cycling and walking paths in the city.
The opening of this greenway is a significant step forward for Dublin. It not only offers a scenic route for recreation and commuting but also promotes sustainable transport and improves access to key areas of the city.
As Dublin continues to develop its cycling infrastructure, the Dublin Port Greenway stands as a prime example of how such projects can enhance the city’s liveability and connectivity.

The Tolka Estuary Greenway is actually a part of the larger Dublin Port Greenway project.

Dublin Port Greenway is a broader initiative aimed at improving cycling and pedestrian access throughout the Dublin Port area. It will eventually include multiple routes and connections, creating a network of greenways within the port.

Tolka Estuary Greenway is a specific section of the Dublin Port Greenway, running along the northern edge of the port, offering views of the Tolka Estuary and Clontarf. It’s the first phase of the Dublin Port Greenway to be completed and opened to the public.

So, while they are related, the Tolka Estuary Greenway is a specific completed section of the larger and still developing Dublin Port Greenway project.

THE NEW SECTION OF THE ROYAL CANAL GREEN WAY

September 12, 2024 by infomatique

PHIBSBORO TO DRUMCONDRA

New Bridge on the Royal Canal Greenway: Progress and Challenges

The recent installation of a new walking and cycling bridge between Phibsborough and Drumcondra marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3. This bridge, part of a larger €30.8 million project, will allow users to seamlessly switch from the south to the north bank of the canal, enhancing connectivity and accessibility along the 2.1km route.

History and Delays of the Royal Canal Project

The Royal Canal, completed in 1817, was initially intended for commercial transport but fell into decline with the advent of railways. The vision to transform it into a greenway emerged in the early 2000s, aiming to create a continuous off-road route for cyclists and pedestrians.

However, the project has faced numerous delays due to various factors, including:

Land acquisition and legal complexities: Securing necessary land rights and navigating legal challenges have been time-consuming.
Environmental concerns: Mitigating the project’s impact on the canal’s delicate ecosystem and addressing concerns about potential flooding have required careful planning and adjustments.
Funding constraints: Securing adequate funding for such a large-scale infrastructure project has been an ongoing challenge.
Utility diversions: The need to relocate or accommodate existing utilities, such as gas and electricity lines, has caused unforeseen delays and additional costs.

Current Status and Future Outlook

Despite these challenges, the Royal Canal Greenway project has made substantial progress in recent years. Phase 1 and 2, covering sections from Maynooth to Blanchardstown and Ashtown to Sheriff Street, are already open to the public.

Phase 3, currently under construction, is set to connect North Strand Road to Phibsborough Road. While initial completion was targeted for Q2 2025, recent updates suggest potential delays pushing the completion date back to at least Q3 2025 due to unforeseen issues with the canal quay wall and utility diversions.

Once completed, the Royal Canal Greenway will provide a vital link for active travel across Dublin, encouraging sustainable transport and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Design Choices: Path Switching and Width Variations

The decision to switch the greenway cycle path from one side of the canal to the other at the new bridge is likely driven by a combination of factors:

Optimal route: The switch might offer a more direct or efficient route, avoiding obstacles or challenging terrain on one side.
Land ownership and access: The availability of land or existing infrastructure on each side could influence the path’s alignment.
User experience: The switch might provide better views or a more varied experience for users.

Width variations along the cycle path can be attributed to several factors:

Existing constraints: Space limitations due to bridges, buildings, or other structures might necessitate narrower sections in certain areas.
Cost considerations: Widening the path in all sections might be prohibitively expensive.
User volumes: Sections with lower anticipated user volumes might be designed with narrower paths to optimise space and resources.
While these variations might pose minor inconveniences, they are often unavoidable in such complex infrastructure projects. Overall, the benefits of the completed Royal Canal Greenway are expected to far outweigh these minor drawbacks.

I FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO PROPERLY PHOTOGRAPH THE WOODED AREAS

July 28, 2024 by infomatique

ST ANNE’S PARK JULY 2024

Woodland photography presents unique challenges due to several factors:

Light and Shadow: The dense canopy of trees filters sunlight, creating a complex interplay of dappled light and deep shadows. This makes achieving proper exposure and managing contrast difficult, as the dynamic range within the scene can be vast.

Composition: Woodlands are teeming with visual elements, from towering trees to intricate undergrowth. Creating compelling compositions amidst this complexity requires a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. The abundance of elements can easily lead to clutter and confusion in the photograph.

Changing Conditions: Light conditions in woodlands can change rapidly, especially during the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. The photographer must be quick to adapt to these changes and adjust settings accordingly.

Weather: Rain, fog, and mist can create unique opportunities for woodland photography, but they also present challenges. Moisture can cause lens flare, and fog can reduce visibility and make focusing difficult.

Technical Challenges: Achieving sharp focus in low light conditions can be tricky. The photographer may need to use a tripod and slower shutter speeds, increasing the risk of camera shake. Additionally, capturing the intricate details of the forest floor may require a macro lens.

However, these challenges also make woodland photography rewarding. With careful planning, technical skill, and a creative eye, it’s possible to capture stunning images that showcase the beauty and mystery of the forest.

Here are some tips for overcoming the challenges of woodland photography:

Scout Locations: Visit the location at different times of day and in different weather conditions to find the best light and compositions.
Simplify Your Composition: Look for simple, uncluttered scenes that focus on a single subject or element. Use leading lines and natural framing to guide the viewer’s eye.

Experiment with Exposure: Bracket your shots to ensure you capture the full dynamic range of the scene. Use exposure compensation to brighten shadows or darken highlights.

Use a Tripod: A tripod will help you achieve sharp images in low light and allow you to use slower shutter speeds for creative effects.
Edit Your Photos: Post-processing can help you enhance the mood and atmosphere of your woodland photos. Adjust contrast, clarity, and colour to bring out the best in your images.

The landscape design of St. Anne’s Park began when the Guinness family acquired the Thornhill House estate. In subsequent years, the estate was renamed St. Anne’s and expanded to encompass nearly 500 acres.

In 1838, Benjamin Lee Guinness established his family home at St. Anne’s and oversaw the construction of decorative follies throughout the estate. His son, Arthur (Lord Ardilaun), inherited the property in 1868 and, along with his wife, Lady Olive Ardilaun, further developed the house and gardens. Their work was carried out by a team of skilled gardeners who also tended to other Guinness estates, including Ashford Castle and Muckross House (now Killarney National Park).

The park is renowned for its grand avenues of mature trees, originally designed to frame the main house. The impressive East/West Avenue is lined with Holm oaks (Quercus ilex), Monterey pines (Pinus radiata), and Austrian pines (Pinus nigra). Other avenues feature yews (Taxus baccata), horse chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum), and additional Holm oaks and Monterey pines. The extensive planting of Holm oak, chosen for its resistance to the harsh coastal winds, serves as a protective barrier along the park’s boundaries and was a particular favourite of Lord Ardilaun.

The Naniken River winds through the park, its banks adorned with mature beech trees (Fagus sylvatica). Adjacent woodlands boast a mix of Holm oak, Monterey cypress, yew, and horse chestnut, alongside self-seeded wych elm (Ulmus glabra), ash, and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus).

During springtime, the woodland floor is carpeted with wild garlic (Allium ursinum), Hart’s-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium), lords and ladies (Arum maculatum), lesser celandines (Ficaria verna), and primroses (Primula vulgaris).

The Chestnut Meadow showcases a diverse array of wildflowers, including lesser knapweed (Centaurea nigra), field scabious (Knautia arvensis), oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), bee orchid (Ophrys apifera), and the rare pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis).

The park’s pond even harbours aquatic species seldom found in Dublin, such as the broad-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans) and horned pondweed (Zannichellia palustrus).