In Photos dot Org

Clouds swirl over North Main Street

Whispy cirrus clouds were visible over Cork a few months ago.

The building in the background used to be a Catholic Young Men’s Society hall. These societies were established across Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of a movement to provide educational, social, and recreational facilities for young Catholic men, often serving as alternatives to public houses and promoting temperance alongside community engagement.

Aperture	ƒ/3.5
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/1600s

Chickens at the market

Chickens, and what looks like a duck, in cages at the Bantry market a few years ago.

Aperture	ƒ/3.5
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	50mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/2000s

It’s difficult to TOP West Cork

When the weather is as nice as it is now, there’s nowhere like West Cork. Rolling hills and beautiful countryside, trees heavy with leaves and flowers in bloom, friendly people, and loads of things to do.

One way is Bantry, Ballydehob is the other way. We were headed to Ballydehob when I stopped for a few quick photos.

Aperture	ƒ/6.3
Camera	ILCE-7RM5
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/400s

A Hidden Retreat on Sherkin Island

An old van sits in the driveway of a house on Sherkin Island, Co Cork. The barrier blocking the way is apparently used extensively on the islands off the Irish coast and in other rural areas, but I’m more familiar with seeing them in WWII films or war zones!

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	103mm
ISO	320
Shutter speed	1/125s

McCarthy’s: the pink garage

The derelict McCarthy’s Garage as it was in 2021 in Schull, Co Cork. The building today is very different, but it’s still pink! I have a few photos of the old petrol pumps that stood outside the building somewhere on this site, going further back in time.

The slate roof visible on the McCarthy’s building is typical of traditional Irish architecture. Irish slate was quarried extensively in counties like Valentia Island in Kerry and was prized for its durability and weather resistance, often lasting well over 100 years when properly maintained, which explains why so many original slate roofs still grace Irish buildings today.

Aperture	ƒ/4
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	16mm
ISO	160
Shutter speed	1/500s

Kitte Kat On The Prowl

Kitte Kat stares out from the bushes at us as she contemplates making friends, or enemies. She chose the former and walked out after myself and my dog, Diego. She allowed me to rub her head before wandering off into the garden again at Carbery Guest Lodge on Sheep’s Head, Co Cork.

She was raised by the family dog, Sisken, from an early age and thinks she’s a dog, but sometimes they get confused when she doesn’t run from them!

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7RM5
Focal length	240mm
ISO	1250
Shutter speed	1/250s

West Cork for Palestine in Skibbereen

While enjoying the market in Skibbereen I spotted a march in support of Palestine and got a few photos. It was West Cork for Palestine marching. They were a small group but made up for it in noise and their presence.

Aperture	ƒ/4
Camera	ILCE-7RM5
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/640s

Golden Reflections on the River Lee

An evening walk along the River Lee near the Inniscarra Hydro Station a few years ago and we were rewarded with a lovely sunset shining on the banks of the river.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	65mm
ISO	125
Shutter speed	1/80s

The Wild Beauty of Coumeenoole Beach

Coumeenoole Beach at the end of the Dingle Peninsula is a favourite spot on a drive around that headland. It’s dangerous to swim there, but it’s such a picturesque area we always end up there every time we visit the area.

Coumeenoole Beach gained international fame after being featured in the 1970 film “Ryan’s Daughter,” directed by David Lean, which showcased its dramatic cliffs and sweeping scenery to audiences around the world

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/100s

The Watchful Eye of Sheep’s Head

Several years ago on Sheep’s Head we went for a walk and discovered a lovely horse nearby!

Did you know? Horses have nearly 360-degree vision due to the placement of their eyes on the sides of their heads, allowing them to spot predators from almost any direction without moving their heads.

Aperture	ƒ/1.8
Camera	SM-G998B
Focal length	6.7mm
ISO	50
Shutter speed	1/100s

A Monkey Attraction

A man walks through Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh with a monkey on a chain, looking for tourists who will have their photo taken with his companion.

We humans don’t treat animals well.

Aperture	ƒ/5.6
Camera	Canon EOS 40D
Focal length	179mm
ISO	500
Shutter speed	1/200s

An Urban Tribute to Frederick Douglass

A few years ago, a small mural was painted on a box on Grand Parade, featuring Frederick Douglass. Google Maps shows it was still there in 2024, but I’m not sure about it now.

Frederick Douglass visited Ireland in 1845 and was warmly received, finding a sense of freedom here that contrasted sharply with his experiences in the United States.

Aperture	ƒ/6.3
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	240mm
ISO	400
Shutter speed	1/500s