Blue hour is that magical window between sunset and full darkness when the sky becomes this gorgeous gradient from deep blue to warm orange. That’s what I saw on a cold December evening looking across the River Lee at Bachelor’s Quay.

The Millennium Bridge in Cork doesn’t wobble like the Shakey Bridge but it probably sees a lot more foot traffic as it links Pope’s Quay and Kyrl’s Quay and Cornmarket Street. The bridge was built in 2004. I have some photos of that which I may dig up and link from here later.

November in Ireland means darkness by half four in the afternoon, which is properly depressing. I’m glad there’s a grand old stretch now, and the days are slowly getting longer and longer. Pity about the damp weather and cold.

When we arrived at Clogher Strand for a photography session last month I spotted a group of teenagers sitting in the grass. I just realised something. They weren’t looking at their phones!

Burning steel wool reflects in the still waters, tracing arcs of fire through the air.

This seagull had his eye on that man’s lunch. I wonder if he got any crumbs. They have no fear!

I like photographing multi-storey car parks. Usually there’s a good view from the top floor, and I’ll always find something interesting inside too.

The sea retreats in its forever battle with the sand. Clogher Strand in late December. The day was cold but we had fun.

I’ve photographed Sullivan’s Quay plenty of times but this was a little experiment shooting in highlight-priority mode. I brightened it up later but I like the way it came out and love the yellow reflected light on the River Lee. Here’s Sullivan’s Quay at sunset many years ago from much the same view point!

Water becomes mist at Couminole/Coumeenole Beach on the Dingle Peninsula in Co Kerry.

December was surprisingly mild, at times, and allowed people to stand outside pubs in relative comfort. Not like now. It’s so cold, but January is always like that.

The buildings at the end of Shandon Street reflect in the calm waters of the River Lee, Cork.