Street Life with Man’s Best Friend

I love dogs, so when I see one in town I always try to get a photo.


Apertureƒ/2.2
CameraSM-G998B
Focal length2.2mm
ISO50
Shutter speed1/580s

The Social Side of Shopping

When you’ve been to the shops, it’s nice to sit down with a friend for a chat.


Apertureƒ/1.8
CameraSM-G998B
Focal length6.7mm
ISO639
Shutter speed1/500s

Cork’s Social Life Spills Onto the Street

The Long Valley Bar is always busy, and I love seeing interesting characters sitting at the tables outside.

The Long Valley Bar has been serving Cork since 1842 and is famous for its traditional “combination” sandwiches – hence the “Plain Comb” on the menu board. These legendary sandwiches typically contain a hearty mix of meats, cheese, and pickles, and have remained virtually unchanged in recipe for over a century. The pub’s sandwiches have achieved almost mythical status among Cork locals and visitors alike, with many considering them the best pub grub in Ireland. The establishment has retained its original Victorian fittings and atmosphere, making it not just a place to eat, but a living piece of Cork’s social history.


Apertureƒ/3.5
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/500s

Cork’s Bell Tower from the Steepest Street

Shandon Bells as seen from the top of Patrick’s Hill, from the wall surrounding Bells Field.

The eight bells of Shandon Bells were cast in Gloucester, England, in 1750 and shipped to Cork. They’re tuned to play in the key of D major, and each bell has inscriptions including biblical verses and the names of local dignitaries from the time. Read More.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length113mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/160s

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.


Apertureƒ/3.5
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/1600s

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!


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length103mm
ISO320
Shutter speed1/125s

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.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO160
Shutter speed1/500s

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.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length65mm
ISO125
Shutter speed1/80s

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


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/100s

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.


Apertureƒ/1.8
CameraSM-G998B
Focal length6.7mm
ISO50
Shutter speed1/100s