PARKS AND GARDENS

A MUCH FASTER SITE AS IT IS HEADLESS

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MY SHOES GOT STUCK IT THE MUD [MISTER MUDDY BOOTS]

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I USED AN AI TO WRITE A STORY BASED ON THIS EVENT

On Easter Sunday, I decided to visit Tully Park. The park was bustling with activity, families enjoying the holiday, children laughing and playing.

I was taking in the scene, looking for interesting photo opportunities for my series on Dublin’s public spaces.

As I was walking, my boot suddenly sank into the mud. It wasn’t just a small puddle, but a deep, thick patch of mud that seemed to swallow my boot whole. I tried to pull my foot free, but the mud had a firm grip. In my struggle, my other boot also got stuck.

Feeling a bit panicked and embarrassed, I looked around, hoping no one had noticed my predicament. That’s when I saw a boy from a nearby bench walking towards me. He offered to help and, setting aside my pride, I gratefully accepted. With a coordinated effort, we managed to free my boots from the mud’s grip.

Afterwards, we shared a moment of camaraderie, both of us a bit amused by the situation. I noticed then that he was holding a sketchbook. Seeing an opportunity for a unique photo, I asked if I could take his picture. He agreed, remarking that the muddy incident had indeed provided an interesting angle for my photo series.

Note: In reality it was a old man, walking a small over excited dog, who assisted me and there was no way that I would have asked to photograph him.

THE FORMAL GARDENS

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AT THE IRISH MUSEUM FOR MODERN ART

What is a Formal Garden?

Formal gardens are characterised by:

Geometric design: They feature precisely laid out paths, flower beds, and hedges with an emphasis on symmetry and order.
Controlled environment: Plants are carefully selected and manicured, reflecting human intervention over nature.
Architectural elements: Formal gardens often incorporate hard landscaping elements like fountains, statues, and terraces.
Historical lineage: They draw inspiration from Renaissance and Baroque garden styles.

The Gardens at IMMA

The formal gardens at IMMA sit in front of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, a 17th-century building housing the museum. Here’s what is known:

Not fully original: The gardens as they exist today are not entirely original to the site. They were redesigned in the 1980s, incorporating elements of the historical gardens while reflecting modern sensibilities.
Meeting the criteria: While not a purely traditional example, the IMMA gardens retain many formal elements. They feature geometric layouts, manicured hedges, and focal points like the central fountain and statues.
Reformatting: There have likely been changes and updates to the gardens since their initial redesign to ensure they remain vibrant and align with the museum’s aesthetic.

The IMMA’s formal gardens offer a reinterpretation of the traditional model. They create a sense of order and harmony, complementing the historical building while providing a space for visitors to relax and contemplate alongside the contemporary art exhibited within.

TODAY I VISITED THE IRISH NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL GARDENS

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ON THE SOUTH BANK OF THE RIVER LIFFEY

The ‘Memorial Garden’ is not a Park – it is a Garden of Remembrance in the centre of a larger Parkland. The gardens were designed along a strong north-south axis, leading from the entrance at Con Colbert Road down to the Great Cross and the War Stone, and to the Temple on the terrace above the River Liffey.

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens hold a quiet power that lingers long after you pass their gates. Here, nature itself stands as a poignant testament. The sunken rose gardens, designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens, aren’t simply beautiful; they carry the symbolism of soldiers forever within the embrace of the earth. The meticulously arranged herbaceous borders speak to order amidst the chaos of war. The sweeping lawns and avenues lined with majestic trees seem to whisper both grief and resilience.

But perhaps the most striking element is the intimate sorrow housed within the granite bookrooms. The names of all 49,400 Irish soldiers fallen in the Great War are enshrined in volumes adorned with Harry Clarke’s hauntingly beautiful illustrations. Each page, awash with Celtic symbolism and vibrant colours, tells not just a tale of loss, but of lives lived and cultures entwined.

Within this park, remembrance flourishes, not as a grand spectacle, but as a deeply personal and contemplative experience.

THE PARKLAND ALONG THE LIFFEY PHOTOGRAPHED USING A VOIGTLANDER 15MM LENS

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AT ISLANDBRIDGE ACROSS FROM THE ROWING CLUBS

I visited because I had been advised that there was a new pedestrian/cycle bridge across the River Liffey and I will discuss this below.

The parkland at Islandbridge in Dublin is a significant and historical area. It’s located on the South Circular Road, spanning the River Liffey and joining to Conyngham Road at the Phoenix Park.
The parkland is home to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. These gardens are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. The gardens were designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and are of great architectural interest and beauty.

The parkland was created as part of the development of the city and has seen various changes over the years. Notably, a pedestrian bridge was planned to cross the River Liffey, linking the Irish National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge with Phoenix Park. This bridge was part of the original design for the gardens but was never built. However, it was to be finally constructed almost a century later.

The parkland and the Memorial Gardens are managed by different organisations. The Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National War Memorial Committee are responsible for the maintenance and management of the Memorial Gardens. The parkland itself falls under the jurisdiction of the Dublin City Council.

While the pedestrian/cycle bridge for the Irish National War Memorial Gardens has been proposed and funds have been allocated for planning, it has not yet been built. Here’s why:

Planning Phase: The project is still in the planning and design phases. Funding has been secured for planning permission, and the Office of Public Works (OPW) is working with architects on the final design.
Tendering: Construction can only begin after the planning permission is secured and the project goes out to tender for construction companies to bid on.
Estimated Timeline: The OPW anticipates tendering the construction works later in 2024.

In 2018, the Royal Institute Architects Ireland (RIAI) and OPW hosted a competition for the bridge. The winning design by London-based Ian Ritchie Architects, was described by judges as an “elegant way of stepping from one side of the Liffey to the other” on a “slender blade of stainless steel.”

Voigtlander 15mm F 4.5 Super Wide Heliar Aspherical Lens: A Sharp Gem for Patient Photographers

Voigtlander’s 15mm F 4.5 Super Wide Heliar Aspherical Lens is a unique offering for Sony E-mount shooters drawn to its compact size and ultra-wide field of view. This little lens packs a surprising optical punch, but be warned – mastering it demands patience and a love for old-school manual photography.

Pros:

Stunningly Sharp: Once you nail focus, this lens delivers images with incredible sharpness across the frame. Center sharpness is excellent even wide open, with corners catching up nicely when stopped down.
Minimal Distortion: This lens handles architectural and landscape photography with minimal barrel distortion, keeping your lines surprisingly straight.
Beautiful Sunstars: The 10-bladed aperture produces gorgeous sunstars, adding a touch of character to your images.
Compact and Well-Built: The all-metal construction feels solid and premium. It’s a joy to use on smaller Sony bodies.

Cons:

Manual Everything: Focusing and aperture settings are entirely manual, requiring patience and practice to get right on modern mirrorless cameras.
Focus Throw Challenge: The short focus throw can make precise focusing difficult, especially at wider apertures.
Noticeable Vignetting: Vignetting is quite pronounced, especially wide open. You will likely need to correct this in post-processing.
Potential for Color Shift: Some users report a colour shift towards the edges of the frame, particularly on full-frame sensors.

Who is this for?

Landscape and architecture photographers who prioritise sharpness and minimal distortion.
Street photographers who enjoy the deliberate pace of manual focus and love an ultra-wide perspective.
Enthusiasts of vintage lenses and the tactile experience they offer.

Not recommended for:

Fast-paced shooting where autofocus is essential (sports, events, etc.).
Videographers who rely on smooth aperture adjustments.
Those who dislike heavy vignetting.

Conclusion:

The Voigtlander 15mm F 4.5 Super Wide Heliar Aspherical is a niche lens offering superb image quality in a compact package. If you’re willing to embrace its manual nature and workflow limitations, it can be a rewarding addition to your Sony E-mount kit.

BLESSINGTON STREET BASIN KNOWN LOCALLY AS THE DUCK POND

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A SECRET RETREAT WITHIN A VERY BUSY PART OF THE CITY

Here’s a description of this little park in Dublin’s Northside known as Blessington Street Basin:

Setting and History

Location: Nestled within a residential area, Blessington Street Basin is bordered by Blessington Street, Berkeley Street, and Royal Canal Bank (Phibsborough).
Former Reservoir: Built starting in 1810, it provided drinking water to the northside of Dublin for a significant period. It later served distilleries in the area.
Transformation: Dublin Corporation turned it into a public park around 1891, and it underwent a major refurbishment in 1994.

Park Features

Central Water Feature: The basin itself is the park’s heart, making up about 80% of the area. It’s home to swans, ducks, and other water birds.
Walled Oasis: High stone walls surround the park providing a sense of seclusion and a unique “secret garden” atmosphere.
Greenery & Seating: Landscaping includes grassy areas, mature trees, and plenty of benches to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Recreational Amenities: Children’s playground, outdoor gym equipment, and a multi-use games area.
Artistic Touch: Bronze sculptures and beehives add visual interest and a touch of whimsy to the space.
Tudor Gate Lodge: A charming touch – the park entrance features a restored Tudor-style gate lodge dating from 1811.

The Vibe

Blessington Street Basin offers a charming blend of:

Quiet Refuge: Perfect for escaping city bustle, reading, picnicking, or a leisurely stroll alongside the water.
Community Hub: The amenities attract families, fitness enthusiasts, and locals of all ages.
Historical Charm: The basin’s past and the preserved gate lodge offer a glimpse into Dublin’s history.

How to Find It

From Dublin’s city center, you can reach Blessington Street Basin by:

Bus: Several routes serve the nearby Phibsborough Road.
Luas: The green line Luas stops at either Phibsborough or Broadstone, both within walking distance.
Walking: A pleasant walk along the Royal Canal is possible from the city centre.

Additional Notes

Locals often call it “the duck pond” because of the resident waterfowl population.

While beautiful, it’s a small park, so don’t expect a sprawling, all-day experience.

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