Tag Archives: Photo

A Sentinel at Sunset

A groyne standing upright by the seashore near Youghal.

The wooden post in this photograph is part of Youghal’s coastal defence system called groynes. They are structures built perpendicular to the shore to prevent beach erosion by trapping sand moved by longshore drift. These timber groynes at Youghal are regularly maintained and replaced as part of ongoing coastal management efforts by Cork County Council. The long exposure technique used in this photograph typically requires exposure times of 30 seconds to several minutes, using neutral density filters to reduce the amount of light entering the camera, which creates the smooth, ethereal water effect by averaging out the motion of waves over time.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length39mm
ISO100
Shutter speed13s

The Rebirth of Páirc Uí Chaoimh

On this day when Tipperary beat Cork in the All Ireland Hurling Final I thought it appropriate to show these old photos of Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 2016 and 2017 when it was being rebuilt. The only time I’ve been to the new stadium was to see Bruce Springsteen play there, which just goes to show you how much interest I have in sports. Since I grew up close by I was always interested in the redevelopment of the place. Above you can see the Blackrock end of the stadium, with the skeleton of the building visible.

Almost a year later, in early 2017, there had been a lot of progress. The main stand is complete, and the Blackrock side is being filled in.

The reconstruction of Páirc Uí Chaoimh was one of the most expensive GAA stadium projects ever undertaken, with costs eventually reaching over €100 million. The new stadium was designed to hold 45,000 spectators, making it the second-largest GAA stadium in Ireland after Croke Park. The rebuild incorporated cutting-edge engineering techniques, including a unique cantilever roof design that allows unobstructed views from every seat. The project faced significant delays and cost overruns, leading to considerable controversy, but when completed in 2017, it featured Ireland’s largest covered terrace and became a flagship venue for Munster GAA, hosting its first All-Ireland semi-final in 2018.

The panorama images are displayed using my new panoramic block plugin for WordPress. It’s still early days yet, and it’s simple, but I’ve wanted a way to display 3-image panoramas for a while. If you’re looking at this post in a feed, click through to the post for the JavaScript powered panorama viewer.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/500s

The Watchtower and Seaside Blooms

The lifeguard tower at the end of the main section of the beach at Youghal. The beach does continue on, but the sand was green with algae and it was obvious it’s not used by humans much.

I love the matching colours in this photo. I spent a good few minutes kneeling in damp sand and dirt trying to get this photo.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO500
Shutter speed1/125s

Warning: Photographers at Work

Some members of Blarney Photography Club as they worked with their cameras just off the beach in Youghal, Co. Cork last night.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length172mm
ISO100
Shutter speed5s

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

A Solitary Figure in Birmingham

Walking along Corporation Street, I was watching out for interesting people to photograph when I saw a man watching people walking past. We’d just come out of Grand Central Shopping Centre, the sun was shining, and I quickly walked over to the shaded part of the street. It was too warm for me. Might have been the same for this gentleman.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO320
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

The Sherkin Island Fishing Boat

A fishing boat with the registration code C353P sits moored in the low-tide mud in Sherkin Island. It sits opposite the island library and has been a feature of the island for as long as I remember. However, it was missing during a visit in 2017, and this gallery of Sherkin Island photos shows an empty space where the boat should be! A blog post here from 2016 shows the boat back in place, so maybe someone took the boat out during my visit in 2017?

Now I would like to know more about this boat. Who owns it? Does anyone take it out for a spin any more?

You’ll also find photos of this boat elsewhere, including this article about a Ukrainian family who settled on the island. It’s also featured in a painting created in 2012, but it’s sitting on a dock somewhere, possibly local.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/250s

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.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/400s

Close

Ad-blocker not detected

Consider installing a browser extension that blocks ads and other malicious scripts in your browser to protect your privacy and security. Here are a few options.

  • uBlock Origin is a free, open source, ad blocker for your browser.
  • Use pi-hole if you have a spare Raspberry Pi on your network.
  • Set the private DNS settings on your phone to dns.adguard.com to block adverts and trackers.