URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

THIS IS THE SEPTEMBER 2025 PHOTO DIARY

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THE VIDEOPRESS TRAP VIDEO: THE ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 8 SEPTEMBER QUICK SELECTION: PHOTO COLLECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2025 VISIT TO CORK JULY 2016 VISIT TO CORK AUGUST 2016 VISIT TO GALWAY HISTORY OF SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT

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OCTOBER 2025 INDEX SEPTEMBER 2025 INDEX

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Urban_Cartographer_s_Diary.mp4

THE OCTOBER DIARY IS NOW ACTIVE

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OCTOBER DIARY

EXPLORE THE OCTOBER DIARY

A New Breed of Telephoto Zoom

The SEL70200G2 is significantly shorter and lighter than its predecessor, making it an excellent travel and landscape companion. This was achieved by using an external zoom mechanism, a deliberate choice to allow the rear optics to accommodate the protruding front element of Sony’s teleconverters. This highlights Sony's intent for the lens to function as part of a modular system. Unlike competitors such as the Canon RF 70-200mm F4L, which lacks teleconverter compatibility, this Sony lens offers a distinct advantage. It's praised for its outstanding sharpness, fast autofocus driven by four XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, and a class-leading native 0.5x (1:2) macro capability across the zoom range.



THE MAIN EVENT WAS MY VISIT TO CORK

I USED A SONY A7RV WITH A 28-70MM F2 GM LENS AND A LEICA Q3.

MY VISIT TO CORK CITY AND COUNTY

A WEEK IN SEPTEMBER

VISIT THE PHOTO CATALOG

Affectionately known as 'The Rebel County', Cork is Ireland's largest county, located in the province of Munster in the southwest. It is a region of immense contrasts, blending a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a vast and breathtakingly beautiful coastline and countryside.

Cork City is a dynamic and youthful hub built on an island in the River Lee. Its compact city centre, crisscrossed by channels and historic bridges, is best explored on foot. The city is renowned for its thriving culinary scene, famously centred around the historic English Market, a Victorian covered market brimming with artisanal produce. With a rich maritime history, a lively arts and music culture, and landmarks like the iconic Shandon Bells and the neo-Gothic St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork offers a distinctly proud and welcoming atmosphere.



Beyond the city, County Cork unfolds into a spectacular landscape. It boasts one of Ireland's most dramatic coastlines, forming a major part of the Wild Atlantic Way. This includes rugged peninsulas like the Beara, Sheep's Head, and Mizen Head, offering world-class hiking and stunning sea views. The county is dotted with colourful and picturesque towns, from the gourmet capital of Kinsale to the historic harbour of Cobh, the final port of call for the Titanic. With its gentle green pastures, wild coastlines, and charming villages, County Cork provides an unforgettable taste of Ireland's natural beauty and heritage.


AWAITING THE NEW SONY 100MM GM MACRO LENS

WE HAVE PRE-ORDERED THE NEW SONY 100MM F2.8 MACRO BUT IT MAY NOT ARRIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER

HAS BEEN PRE-ORDERED

DUE IN NOVEMBER

WHY GET THIS LENS?

The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS Full-Frame Lens is a new G Master Macro lens for photographers and filmmakers seeking unparalleled image quality and versatility. With its F2.8 aperture, this lens delivers stunning results in any lighting condition. Capture breathtaking 1.4x macro shots and even 2.8x macro when paired with the Sony 2X teleconverter. Experience the power of exceptional optics. The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS features advanced elements, including XA and ED elements, ensuring unparalleled resolution and clarity. Plus, its 11-blade circular aperture creates beautiful background defocus, adding a touch of artistry to your shots.

ANA DUNCAN AND HER ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Duncan's artistic style is deeply influenced by the great masters of modern sculpture. Her work resonates with the abstraction of Henry Moore, the voluminous figures of Fernando Botero, and the modernist principles of Barbara Hepworth. The simplicity of form seen in the work of Constantin Brancusi is another palpable influence on her practice. This amalgamation of influences results in sculptures that are both contemporary and rooted in a rich artistic tradition.

CONAL O’CAOIMH AND HIS ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY PHOTOGRAPHED USING A FUJI GFX100RF ABOUT THE ARTIST

n the contemporary landscape of Irish art, Conall O'Caoimh stands as a distinctive figure. He is a sculptor whose practice is not confined to the studio but extends into the very earth of his garden and the complex sphere of global politics. Based in Howth, the rugged peninsula flanking Dublin Bay, O'Caoimh has cultivated a creative life that weaves together his deepest commitments: a passion for global justice, an intimate connection with horticulture, and a profound dedication to sculpture.

FREEDOM’S DAWN OR THE PIKEMAN

I first photographed this in 2016. When I visited again in 2019 I could not find sculpture this so I decided that I must have been confused or visited the wrong location. Later, I discovered that the statue had been removed for repair as it had been vandalised not long before my 2019 visit to the town of Midleton. Apparently the scroll had been stolen. My most recent visit was September and noticed that the sculpture is now on a plinth making it difficult to reach the scroll.

THIS IS LOCATED IN MIDLETON

THE PIKEMAN

PHOTOGRAPHED 2016 HISTORY PHOTOGRAPHED 2025

Theft, Repair, and Reinstallation

In a lamentable act of vandalism, the bronze scroll held in the pikeman's left hand was stolen from the sculpture. This necessitated the removal of the entire statue for repair in 2019. The theft of the scroll, an integral part of the sculpture's narrative representing the ideals and proclamations of the United Irishmen, was a significant loss.







EMMA RUSHWORTH

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

In the landscape of contemporary Irish sculpture, Emma Jane Rushworth occupies a unique and vital space. Working from her studio in the verdant surroundings of County Wicklow, she creates sculptures that capture the vital essence and spirit of wildlife through the unlikely medium of metal. Her work presents a compelling paradox: from hard, unyielding materials such as stainless steel and bronze, she coaxes forms that are fluid, animate, and imbued with a palpable sense of life. Her creations, which populate private gardens and public spaces across Ireland and the globe, are not static representations but dynamic portraits of character, movement, and emotion.  

BLESSING SANYANGA AND HIS ART

Today I used a Sony A1 II combined with a Sony FE 70-200mm Macro GII lens and it was my first time to use this combination.

INFORMATION

8 SEPTEMBER 2025

VISIT THE GALLERY ABOUT THE ARTIST

Blessing Sanyanga is a distinguished sculptor whose work offers a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the intricate connections between humanity and the natural world. Originally from Zimbabwe and now based in Ireland, Sanyanga's artistic practice is deeply rooted in his dual cultural experience, creating a unique visual language that resonates with universal themes of belonging and displacement.

THERE WAS A REASON WHY I STAYED AT THE MOXY

To understand the message, you first have to understand the wall. In 2014, the derelict building on Pine Street was far from forgotten; it was a recognised and dynamic hub for street art, a living gallery in the heart of Cork. Placing a fundraising appeal here was a deliberate and strategic act of communication, targeting a specific audience in a space laden with cultural meaning.

STREET ART FROM 2014

WHO WAS NAN?

VISIT THE GALLERY HISTORY SEPTEMBER 2025 VISIT TO CORK THE STORY OF NAN AND STREET ART


This year, I spent a week at the Moxy Hotel on Camden Quay in Cork. I chose it partly because it replaced a derelict building while thoughtfully restoring some historical elements of the site. While working through my back catalogue of images from a previous visit to the area in 2016, I found a photograph of a wall on Pine Street that no longer exists. What caught my eye was a simple, hand-painted piece of graffiti from two years prior that read: "This Is Nan She Has E.D.S A Rare Disease" 2014.

The use of "Nan" immediately stood out. Was it a given name, or was this, as is so common in Ireland and the UK, a plea for a beloved grandmother? This photograph, an act of documenting a changing urban landscape, serves as a unique piece of archival evidence. It sparked a series of questions: Was this a genuine appeal for help? Was there a fundraising campaign for someone's Nan, suffering from a rare disease that required treatment in the United States? And what was life in Cork like at that moment, that such a desperate, public plea would be written on the wall of a derelict building?

This is the story of that investigation. It’s a search not just for an individual, but for the social, cultural, and medical realities of the time that made this message both possible and necessary. While the identity of Nan remains a mystery, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests the graffiti was an authentic and poignant reflection of a documented crisis.

So, when you browse through these photos, know that each one is a small victory. It's a victory over the breeze, a search for the right light, and a deep dive into the physics of focus and magnification. My hope is that they don’t just show you what I saw, but that they encourage you to take a moment to look a little closer at the incredible, tiny details of the natural world all around us.

FIRST ATTEMPT AT CLOSE UP PHOTOGRAPHY THE SECOND TIME I USED A LEICA Q3 DISCUSSING THE ISSUES

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2025

IN CONTEXT 2025

Sculpture in Context is the largest dedicated sculpture exhibition in Ireland. This unique exhibition will show a diverse range of sculptures by renowned and emerging contemporary artists, each of whom brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to their work. Set against the backdrop of vibrant plant life and breathtaking natural scenery, Sculpture in Context will offer an immersive experience for visitors in the historic surroundings of the National Botanic Gardens.

SEPTEMBER 2025 PHOTO GALLERIES SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT

Sculpture in Context returns to the National Botanic Gardens and will celebrate its 40th Anniversary this September Thursday 4th September to Friday 10th October 2025

 

MY VISIT TO CORK CITY AND COUNTY

A WEEK IN SEPTEMBER

VISIT THE PHOTO CATALOG

Affectionately known as 'The Rebel County', Cork is Ireland's largest county, located in the province of Munster in the southwest. It is a region of immense contrasts, blending a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a vast and breathtakingly beautiful coastline and countryside.

Cork City is a dynamic and youthful hub built on an island in the River Lee. Its compact city centre, crisscrossed by channels and historic bridges, is best explored on foot. The city is renowned for its thriving culinary scene, famously centred around the historic English Market, a Victorian covered market brimming with artisanal produce. With a rich maritime history, a lively arts and music culture, and landmarks like the iconic Shandon Bells and the neo-Gothic St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork offers a distinctly proud and welcoming atmosphere.



Beyond the city, County Cork unfolds into a spectacular landscape. It boasts one of Ireland's most dramatic coastlines, forming a major part of the Wild Atlantic Way. This includes rugged peninsulas like the Beara, Sheep's Head, and Mizen Head, offering world-class hiking and stunning sea views. The county is dotted with colourful and picturesque towns, from the gourmet capital of Kinsale to the historic harbour of Cobh, the final port of call for the Titanic. With its gentle green pastures, wild coastlines, and charming villages, County Cork provides an unforgettable taste of Ireland's natural beauty and heritage.


VISIT THE LEGACY SITES

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MANY UPDATES ON THE WAY

THE ORMOND HOTEL SITE

IT IS NOT FOR SALE AS CLAIMED BY SOME

THE ORMOND HOTEL SITE

Ultimately, the Ormond Hotel serves as a perfect microcosm of the forces shaping modern Dublin. It encapsulates the city's constant, often fraught, negotiation between protecting its rich heritage and accommodating commercial development. It highlights how literary culture can bestow a sacred status upon a physical place, complicating and enriching the debate over its future. It demonstrates the arduous and multi-layered nature of the Irish planning and legal systems, and it stands as a testament to the resilience of long-term development projects in the face of unforeseen global shocks. After years of silence on the Liffey, the evidence strongly suggests that the Sirens of Ormond Quay are, at last, preparing to sing again.



SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2013

AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2023

In 2023, the committee made the tough call to hold one final exhibition and then take a break to secure a new funding source. They launched a petition and reapplied for funding from organizations like the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. The hope was that by taking a step back, they could secure the necessary financial support to ensure the long-term future and continued success of the exhibition. The break in 2024 was a strategic move to address this fundamental issue and allow the organization to regroup and find a more stable financial footing.

DUBLIN CITY

INFORMATION

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DUBLIN CITY ABOUT JOHN’S LANE WEST

Today, Dublin is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that serves as Ireland's economic, political, and cultural heart. It is globally renowned for its rich literary heritage, having been designated a UNESCO City of Literature and the hometown of iconic writers such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and W.B. Yeats.



FORTY SHILLINGS FOR AN OPEN GATE

PHOTOGRAPHED IN GLASNEVIN

VICTORIAN ERA SIGN

THE PHOTOGRAPHS THE HISTORY

These heavy, durable notices were once a common sight across the railway network, typically placed at level crossings or entrances to goods yards. Leaving a gate open could allow livestock to wander onto the tracks or grant unauthorised access, posing a serious danger. The threat of a hefty fine was the primary way of ensuring public compliance.

FITZ ON UPPER ABBEY STREET HAS CLOSED

PHOTOGRAPHED 13 SEPTEMBER

FITZ HAS CLOSED

THE PHOTOGRAPHS THE HISTORY

For more than a decade, Fitz Alterations was a fixture in the heart of Dublin, a trusted destination for those seeking to mend, tailor, or restore cherished garments. Its premises at 8-9 Abbey Street Upper served as a workshop where skilled craftspeople breathed new life into clothing, earning a reputation for quality and reliability. However, the shop now stands as a silent testament to a business that has ceased trading. The phone line rings unanswered, and the digital storefront, while still visible online, is a ghost of a former enterprise.


A VISIT TO ST MOBHI’S CHURCH ON CHURCH AVENUE

I USED A SONY A7RV

CHURCH AND GRAVE

THE PHOTOGRAPHS THE HISTORY

While walking along Church Avenue, I discovered the gates open and a gentleman with a strimmer preparing the grounds. He explained that the church was being readied for Open House Dublin, a free annual festival by the Irish Architecture Foundation. This event, held each October, explores the city's built environment and offers a unique opportunity to discover Dublin's architectural and cultural landscape. He also mentioned that I should be aware of the bees as there was hive at the side of the church.

LET’S EXPLORE GRIFFITH PARK

I USED A FUJI GFX100RF

GRIFFITH PARK

THE PHOTOGRAPHS THE HISTORY PARKS AND GARDENS PHOTO BLOG

Prior to its redevelopment, the area was simply known as the local landfill or dump. There is no evidence to suggest it held a formal, more poetic name before being reclaimed and christened in tribute to the influential political leader. The development of the park was a gradual process, with initial work commencing on the eastern section in the 1930s. Over the following decades, the park was expanded and enhanced, with the addition of amenities and landscaping that have matured into the verdant public space enjoyed by the community today.

FRANCE-IRELAND WAR MEMORIAL

I USED A FUJI GFX100RF

MEMORIAL

THE PHOTOGRAPHS THE HISTORY

The French War Memorial in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, is officially known as the France-Ireland Memorial. It was unveiled in 2016 to recognise the sacrifice of Irish men and women who fought for the freedom and defence of France during World War I, World War II, and other conflicts. The monument was a gift from France to Ireland and incorporates elements, including a replica of a wooden cross from Ginchy, France, where many Irish soldiers died during the Battle of the Somme.

THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES MEMORIAL

I USED A FUJI GFX100RF

WAR MEMORIAL

THE PHOTOGRAPHS THE HISTORY

The primary memorial to the Commonwealth war dead in Glasnevin Cemetery is the Cross of Sacrifice. This is not a unique, site-specific design but a standard, iconic feature used by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) in its cemeteries and plots around the world.


SECONDARY CIRCLE OF BURIAL VAULTS

I USED A FUJI GFX100RF

GLASNEVIN CEMETERY

THE PHOTOGRAPHS THE HISTORY

The vaults at Glasnevin are primarily subterranean. As a guide at the cemetery recently clarified, burial within them was not considered "above ground" as the chambers are built beneath the earth's surface. This distinction is crucial in understanding the funerary requirements of the time.

THE KILKENNY PHOTO BLOG

I TRY TO VISIT EVERY YEAR

KILKENNY CITY

KILKENNY PHOTO BLOG 2016 PHOTO COLLECTION 2017 PHOTO COLLECTION 2018 PHOTO COLLECTION 2021 PHOTO COLLECTION 2022 PHOTO COLLECTION

Kilkenny, a vibrant inland city in the southeast of Ireland, is a captivating blend of rich history, artistic flair, and lively culture. Often referred to as the "Marble City" due to the distinctive black limestone quarried in the area, Kilkenny is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture.



EXPLORING TEMPLE BAR

I VISIT EVERY DAY AS I LIVE NEARBY

TEMPLE BAR AREA

TEMPLE BAR ABOUT TEMPLE BAR PARLIAMENT STREET AREA ABOUT PARLIAMENT STREET

The section of Dublin's renowned Temple Bar district centered around Parliament Street and the historic Grattan Bridge is a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and social activity. This area, which has recently undergone a significant transformation with the pedestrianisation of Parliament Street, serves as a crucial link between the north and south of the city, channelling footfall across the River Liffey and into the heart of Temple Bar's cobbled laneways.




VIDEO: DART APPROACHING PEARSE STATION

WE MAY HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE VIDEO PROBLEM

DART ARRIVING

VIDEO OF DART ARRIVING AT STATION THE VIDEOPRESS TRAP

VIDEOS ARE SERVED FROM A DIFFERENT SERVER AND MAY NOT FUNCTION AS EXPECTED

Pearse Station: A Historic Dublin Landmark and Commuter Hub

Located on Westland Row in the heart of Dublin's south inner city, Pearse Station stands as a testament to Ireland's rich railway history and serves as a vital artery in the capital's contemporary public transport network. As the busiest commuter station in the country, it is a daily point of transit for thousands, blending its significant architectural heritage with the bustling demands of a modern European city.





THERE WAS A REASON WHY I STAYED AT THE MOXY

To understand the message, you first have to understand the wall. In 2014, the derelict building on Pine Street was far from forgotten; it was a recognised and dynamic hub for street art, a living gallery in the heart of Cork. Placing a fundraising appeal here was a deliberate and strategic act of communication, targeting a specific audience in a space laden with cultural meaning.

STREET ART FROM 2014

WHO WAS NAN?

VISIT THE GALLERY HISTORY SEPTEMBER 2025 VISIT TO CORK THE STORY OF NAN AND STREET ART


This year, I spent a week at the Moxy Hotel on Camden Quay in Cork. I chose it partly because it replaced a derelict building while thoughtfully restoring some historical elements of the site. While working through my back catalogue of images from a previous visit to the area in 2016, I found a photograph of a wall on Pine Street that no longer exists. What caught my eye was a simple, hand-painted piece of graffiti from two years prior that read: "This Is Nan She Has E.D.S A Rare Disease" 2014.

The use of "Nan" immediately stood out. Was it a given name, or was this, as is so common in Ireland and the UK, a plea for a beloved grandmother? This photograph, an act of documenting a changing urban landscape, serves as a unique piece of archival evidence. It sparked a series of questions: Was this a genuine appeal for help? Was there a fundraising campaign for someone's Nan, suffering from a rare disease that required treatment in the United States? And what was life in Cork like at that moment, that such a desperate, public plea would be written on the wall of a derelict building?

This is the story of that investigation. It’s a search not just for an individual, but for the social, cultural, and medical realities of the time that made this message both possible and necessary. While the identity of Nan remains a mystery, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests the graffiti was an authentic and poignant reflection of a documented crisis.

IS THE NIKON ZR REALLY BETTER THAN THE SONY FX3

I DECIDED THAT I DID NOT NEED THE FX3

I HAVE THE FX30

WHICH IS BEST

While the term "killer" is often hyperbolic, the Nikon ZR has unequivocally killed the uncontested dominance of the Sony FX3. It has fundamentally redefined the value proposition in the compact cinema camera market, forcing a re-evaluation of what filmmakers should expect for their investment.




A New Chapter: Our Approach to Reviews

For a while now, you've been asking for more detailed information on the equipment we discuss. Today, we're launching our new Technical Reviews section.

We know that when it comes to investing in new gear, getting the facts straight is crucial. While many reviews focus on personal experience—which can be incredibly helpful—we've chosen a different path.

Our reviews are designed to be a comprehensive resource, built on a foundation of deep research. We dig into the data, analyze specifications, and summarize the general consensus from professional publications and the wider user community.

What You Will Find:

 

Data-Driven Insights: We'll break down performance metrics, technical specifications, and key features.

Curated Information: We'll distill the vast amount of information available on a product into a clear and concise summary.

Objective Analysis: Our focus is on the facts and the overall professional and user reactions, providing you with a non-biased perspective.

While we personally own and use much of the equipment we review, our goal here is not to tell you what to think. Instead, we want to provide you with a powerful, fact-based toolkit so you can decide for yourself if a product is right for your needs.

 

 

REVIEWS

TECHNICAL REVIEWS AND DISCUSSIONS

Visit The Technical Reviews Section

Review Section Status:

Development: The implementation has been more complex than originally estimated.

Current State: The preferred solution is operational on most devices.

Known Issue: Some interactive features perform inconsistently depending on the user's device.

Next Steps: We are actively developing a more robust and universally compatible solution.

Discussing Our Software Plans

SONY FE35MM

REVIEW
Our Four Flagship Cameras

SONY FE24MM

REVIEW
Our Computer Network

FE 28-70 F2

REVIEW
AUDIO
Expensive But Effective

LEXAR HUB

REVIEW

AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS

SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2023

In 2023, the committee made the tough call to hold one final exhibition and then take a break to secure a new funding source. They launched a petition and reapplied for funding from organizations like the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. The hope was that by taking a step back, they could secure the necessary financial support to ensure the long-term future and continued success of the exhibition. The break in 2024 was a strategic move to address this fundamental issue and allow the organization to regroup and find a more stable financial footing.

EXPLORING SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2025

THE HUNGRY MEXICAN HAS CLOSED

REPLACED BY TUCANO+

The businesses that are now thriving and expanding are those that offer a resilient and compelling value proposition. Dublin’s culinary landscape is increasingly defined by a preference for "experiential dining" with unique concepts and a fusion of global flavours. Tucano's business model, with its lively ambiance and strategic adaptation, aligns perfectly with this trend. It's a new type of business, one that leverages the void left by its predecessors.

The seemingly paradoxical closures are therefore not simply stories of failure, but of a dynamic market in flux. They represent an ecosystem in transition, where some businesses retreat and others strategically emerge to fill the new spaces they leave behind.


I was testing Excire Foto 2025, two week trial version, and used it to locate some old photographs that I was asked to supply to a person planning to publish a book. It found the files and exported them but the requester rejected them as they were screen shots which they are not. As this was a serious issue I had to research the issue immediately as i was about to decided if I should purchase Excire Foto or forget about it and consider an alternative solution. To make a long story short the trial version as limitations which caused the problem.

Excire Photo Management

EXCIRE

REVIEW
UNXPECTED PROBLEM

The brand-new Excire Foto 2025 includes a slew of powerful tools so you can get your photo collection under control—while the intuitive navigation and ultra-fast rendering offer a more efficient, more enjoyable, better way to access your images.

 

 

Our Four Flagship Cameras

LOVE LANE

PHOTO GALLERY
MORE INFORMATION

I came across the following comment in January 2025: "Sadly, the tiles are being stolen and defaced with graffiti-style signatures and comments. Is this the new target for such activity, replacing the once famous "U2 Graffiti Wall" or the recently popular, though arguably damaging, practice of attaching padlocks to the nearby Halfpenny Bridge?"

Herbert Simms And Chancery Street

HERBERT SIMMS

PHOTO GALLERY
ABOUT HERBERT SIMMS
PODCAST

The appointment of Herbert George Simms as Dublin Corporation’s first dedicated Housing Architect in 1932 was no routine administrative decision. It was a profound response to a multi-generational crisis that had reached a critical breaking point.

 

Expensive But Effective

IN CONTEXT 2007

PHOTO GALLERY

I've just started testing Excire Foto 2025, and it’s already a game-changer. For my very first test, I challenged it to find photos from "Sculpture In Context 2007" anywhere on my network, and it found them instantly. I was blown away.

 

To understand Love Lane, one must first appreciate the urban conditions that inspired its creation. In the early 2010s, many of Temple Bar’s historic back lanes, including Crampton Court, were in a state of neglect. Official reports noted that "over the years these lanes have fallen into disuse and have become magnets for anti-social behaviour," rendering them intimidating for pedestrians.

WATERFORD WALLS

MURAL BY OMIN

The artist behind the Thomas Street mural, Omin, is a significant figure in the Irish urban art scene. Born in 1982 and a graduate of Visual Communications from DIT, he is a graphic artist and muralist with over two decades of experience rooted in graffiti. His career began in his early teens, where he was part of a group that evolved into the highly regarded FOES crew. This background is crucial for understanding the authenticity and foundation of his work.

Excire Photo Management

FEGAN'S

WHAT'S THE STORY

A few weeks ago someone asked me was there ever a night club on Chancery street known as Chancers and while I have noticed a doorway with "CHANCERS OF FEGANS ST" above the door I am fairly sure that there was never a night club at this location but there might have been a media business and "Chancers" may well refer to Chancery Street as part of an earlier street art installation

Our Four Flagship Cameras

HENRIETTA PLACE

PHOTO GALLERY
MORE INFORMATION

I came across the following comment in January 2025: "Sadly, the tiles are being stolen and defaced with graffiti-style signatures and comments. Is this the new target for such activity, replacing the once famous "U2 Graffiti Wall" or the recently popular, though arguably damaging, practice of attaching padlocks to the nearby Halfpenny Bridge?"

Herbert Simms And Chancery Street

HERBERT SIMMS

PHOTO GALLERY
ABOUT HERBERT SIMMS
PODCAST

The appointment of Herbert George Simms as Dublin Corporation’s first dedicated Housing Architect in 1932 was no routine administrative decision. It was a profound response to a multi-generational crisis that had reached a critical breaking point.

 

Expensive But Effective

IN CONTEXT 2007

PHOTO GALLERY

I've just started testing Excire Foto 2025, and it’s already a game-changer. For my very first test, I challenged it to find photos from "Sculpture In Context 2007" anywhere on my network, and it found them instantly. I was blown away.

SLIDE SHOWS HAVE PROVED DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT AND MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS

SLIDE SHOWS

Now Beta Testing

OF THE HOOK

New Slide Show

JUNE 2025 GALLERY

Different Presentation

THE WAY FINDER

The Wayfinder is your visual compass through a vast world of images. Use this global menu to navigate my collection and chart your own course of discovery

CITY VISIT

WATERFORD

Every August, local and international artists descend on the city to transform its urban landscape with vibrant and imaginative murals.

LIMERICK

Historically, Limerick has a rich past dating back to its founding by Vikings in 812. This history is visible in its medieval architecture, most notably at King John's Castle, a formidable 13th-century fortress.

BELFAST

Historically, Belfast was a global leader in shipbuilding and linen production, earning the nickname "Linenopolis." Its most famous maritime legacy is the RMS Titanic,

THE PLAN

THE PLAN IS NOW AVAILABLE

Discussing Our Software Plans

SOFTWARE

READ ABOUT IT
Our Four Flagship Cameras

CAMERAS

PLEASE VISIT
Our Computer Network

COMPUTE

Apple
How We Presend Photographs

COLLECTIONS

USE THE WAYFINDER
SO WHAT IS THE PLAN
WHY IS A PLAN NEEDED

SLIDE SHOWS HAVE PROVED DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT AND MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS

SLIDE SHOWS

Now Beta Testing

OF THE HOOK

New Slide Show

JUNE 2025 GALLERY

Different Presentation

WATERFORD WALLS

DON’T LOOK UP

The highlight of the festival was Rooble's mural, "Don't Look Up", a powerful piece that now stands as a permanent fixture in Waterford's extensive collection of large-scale artworks. This work is a defining statement, as it's the only mural he has produced for the Waterford Walls festival. By examining the confluence of his personal philosophy and the sociopolitical message of the mural, a deeper appreciation for its context and impact can be achieved.


2017 Snap Shot Photo Collection

SNAP SHOT 2017

A major political event was the election of Leo Varadkar as the new Taoiseach (prime minister) in June, succeeding Enda Kenny. At 38 years old, Varadkar became the youngest Taoiseach in the state's history and the first openly gay one.

Learn More
A Snapshot Of 2009

SNAP SHOT 2009

Bailouts and Nationalization: The government's response to the banking crisis of 2008 continued in 2009. The state nationalized Anglo Irish Bank in January 2009, having determined that recapitalization alone would not save it.

Learn More
Street Art In Belfast

BELFAST STREET ART

While Belfast is renowned for its political murals, the city's street art scene has evolved far beyond them, encompassing a diverse range of artistic expressions

Learn More

WATERFORD WALLS

THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT

Zabou is a French street artist who now calls London home. She's a master of large-scale, realistic murals, and her style is instantly recognisable. Her work features striking, black-and-white portraits that seem to pop right off the wall, often set against vibrant, colourful backdrops.

Her journey into street art began after she moved to the UK for her studies. London’s thriving street art scene, especially in areas like Brixton and Shoreditch, inspired her to pick up a spray can herself. What started as a personal passion soon blossomed into a global career. Today, Zabou has created over 250 murals in more than 23 countries, leaving her mark all across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

LEGACY SITES

ARE STILL BEING MAINTAINED

LEGACY SITES

OLD STYLE

PHOTO BLOG

OLD STYLE

GALLERIES

PHOTOS AND INFO

The Town Of Trim In County Meath

THE TOWN OF TRIM

According to legend, St. Patrick founded a church in Trim, leaving it in the care of his nephew, St. Loman. This early monastic settlement laid the groundwork for the town's development.

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THe Year 2008

SNAP SHOT 2008

The Onset of Recession: 2008 was a particularly challenging year for the Irish economy. The country officially entered a recession, becoming the first eurozone state to do so. This was largely due to the collapse of an uncontrolled real estate bubble that had been developing for years, and the subsequent implosion of the domestic financial system

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The Year 2009

SNAP SHOT 2009

Bailouts and Nationalization: The government's response to the banking crisis of 2008 continued in 2009. The state nationalized Anglo Irish Bank in January 2009, having determined that recapitalization alone would not save it.

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Museum.mp4
The Ormond Hotel Site
Photograph Of New Restaurant
An Excellent Mural In Waterford
The Same But Different Mural