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JUNE 2026 PHOTO DIARY

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MAJOR MILESTONE

We have officially hit a major technical milestone in our web architecture. Moving away from the rigid constraints of traditional web builders to a nimble, self-hosted environment was only the first step. The real challenge lay in displaying massive, high-resolution photographic archives within a flat-file structure without sacrificing loading speeds, visual fidelity, or layout elegance.

 

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LEICA PROJECTOR

Leica expands its home cinema lineup with the Leica Cine Compact 1, a portable 4K triple laser smart projector priced at €1,645 / $1,995. Built in partnership with Hisense, it combines premium German optical engineering with a 25,000-hour solid-state light source, eliminating expensive bulb replacements forever.

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A Diary Update and Random Images of Dublin City Centre

A Diary Update and Random Images of Dublin City Centre

The Urban Cartographer on Friday, 12th June

The Watchers On Middle Abbey Street 2009

The Watchers On Middle Abbey Street 2009

The Urban Cartographer on Friday, 12th June

I Was Very Disappointed By My Rather Expensive Canon 1DsIII

Bolands Mills Complex As It Was In March 2009

The Urban Cartographer on Thursday, 11th June

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VISIT THE JUNE 2026 PHOTO DIARY
VISIT THE MAY 2026 PHOTO DIARY

New: Sculpture In Context 2026 Cancelled

VIEW HI-RES PHOTOGRAPHS
WHY SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2026 WAS CANCELLED

Explore the 40-year history of Sculpture in Context, Ireland’s premier outdoor art exhibition. From its 1985 origins at Fernhill Gardens to its iconic residency at the National Botanic Gardens, discover how this artist-led initiative has revolutionised public engagement with contemporary sculpture. Stay informed on recent leadership changes, the 2026 hiatus, and the organisation’s strategic relaunch planned for 2027.

MAY 2026 PHOTO COLLECTION
SIGMA DP3 QUATTRO COLLECTION
THE REAL CAPITAL

CORK CITY

If you spend more than five minutes in a Cork pub, you’re bound to hear someone claim that Dublin is merely a "temporary administrative convenience" while Cork is the Real Capital.

It’s a mix of historical pride, a fierce independent streak, and a healthy dose of "pure Daycent" Irish wit. Here is the breakdown of why the People's Republic of Cork holds these titles so dearly.

A Diary Update and Random Images of Dublin City Centre

A Diary Update and Random Images of Dublin City Centre

The Urban Cartographer on Friday, 12th June

The Watchers On Middle Abbey Street 2009

The Watchers On Middle Abbey Street 2009

The Urban Cartographer on Friday, 12th June

I Was Very Disappointed By My Rather Expensive Canon 1DsIII

Bolands Mills Complex As It Was In March 2009

The Urban Cartographer on Thursday, 11th June

I Was Very Disappointed By My Rather Expensive Canon 1DsIII

Lansdowne Stadium Under Construction As Seen From North Wall 4 April 2009

The Urban Cartographer on Wednesday, 10th June

The Approaching End Of The U2 Wall And My Sigma Dp1 Camera

Is The Apple 12 Pro Max With IOS 27 Still Useable As A Camera

The Urban Cartographer on Tuesday, 9th June

Back In August 2009 The Docklands Area Was Depressing

Back In August 2009 The Docklands Area Was Depressing

The Urban Cartographer on Monday, 8th June

Intel 27 Inch iMac Is No Longer Supported By Apple

My Intel 27 Inch iMac Is No Longer Supported By Apple Long Live The iMac

The Urban Cartographer on Monday, 8th June

The Underwhelming Reality of Apple’s AI Reconstruction

Apple WWDC 2026

The Urban Cartographer on Monday, 8th June

The Fate of the Lightship Kittiwake and Her Sisters

What Happened To The Three Bears

The Urban Cartographer on Saturday, 6th June

Sand Castles At Dublin Castle 30 August 2021

Sand Castles At Dublin Castle 30 August 2021

The Urban Cartographer on Friday, 5th June

JOIN THE REVOLUTION

BRING YOUR JOHN DEERE

The juxtaposition currently on display in the heart of Dublin is nothing short of remarkable. Just last Sunday, 5 April 2026, O’Connell Street was the stage for the 110th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. In a solemn State ceremony, President Catherine Connolly and the Taoiseach stood before the GPO as the Proclamation was read and the Air Corps performed a flyover to honour the birth of the Republic.

THE BIG EVENT

GALWAY

Only recently did I realise that I had not visited Galway since July 2019 so I planned a week long visit at Easter 2026 and it was a great success even though I was somewhat constrained by bad weather.

The Art of the Aptonym in Galway

Right Name, Right Job: Spotted in Galway

There is a particular kind of joy found in the serendipity of the Irish high street. While wandering through the vibrant, salt-aired streets of Galway last week, I stumbled upon a shopfront that was simply too perfect to pass by: O’Toole’s Tools.

It is a classic example of an aptonym—a name that fits its owner’s profession like a well-tailored glove.

Is it a case of destiny? Or perhaps a bit of West of Ireland wit? Some psychologists call it "nominative determinism," the idea that we are subconsciously drawn to careers that mirror our monikers. Whether the owner was born to sell hammers or simply couldn't resist the pun, it adds a layer of character to the city that a generic "Hardware Hub" never could.

In an age of corporate branding and sterile franchises, seeing "O’Tool’s Tools" reminds us that personality and heritage are still very much alive in Galway’s retail DNA. It’s a small, sharp reminder to keep your eyes open for the puns hidden in plain sight.

 

O’TOOLE'S TOOLS

O'TOOL'S TOOLS
CORK CITY AND COUNTY
GALWAY CITY
STREET ART PHOTO CATALOG
APRIL 2026 PHOTO DIARY
MARCH 2026 PHOTO DIARY
HI-RES PHOTO CATALOGS
KILKENNY VISIT 2026
BELFAST CITY
MARCH 2026 PHOTO DIARY
FEBRUARY 2026 PHOTO DIARY
JANUARY 2026 PHOTO DIARY NOW
An icecream against the sky
PRESENTED BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

THE CITY OF KILKENNY

Discover Kilkenny City, the heart of Ireland's Ancient East. Explore Kilkenny Castle, walk the Medieval Mile, and enjoy world-class craft, food, and festivals.

An icecream against the sky
PRESENTED BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

GALWAY CITY

Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music.

PRESENTED BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

CORK

Cork is Ireland’s largest county, famously known as the "Rebel County" for its history of independence and spirited local pride. It offers a dramatic blend of a bustling, cosmopolitan city and a vast, rugged coastline that marks the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way.

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VIEW THE QUICK AND SIMPLE GALLERY INDEX CHRISTMAS 2025 THE DECEMBER PHOTO DIARY THE DECEMBER PHOTO GALLERIES VISIT THE NOVEMBER PHOTO DIARY VISIT THE NOVEMBER PHOTO CATALOGS VISIT THE OCTOBER 2025 DIARY VISIT THE SEPTEMBER 2025 DIARY CORK CITY QUICK PHOTO GALLERIES EXPLORING WATERFORD CITY 2016-2025 LIMERICK 2025 AND EARLIER

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UPPER GRANVILLE STREET

MURALS IN BELFAST

Lower Granville Street, tucked away in the Smithfield and Union Quarter of Belfast city centre, is one of those curious urban pockets where time seems to have frozen—specifically in the late 20th century. While much of the city has undergone a glossy "Titanic Quarter" style transformation, this particular stretch remains a gritty reminder of Belfast’s industrial and social past.

THE MAIN EVENT WAS A WEEK LONG VISIT TO BELFAST

LET’S EXPLORE BELFAST 2011 - 2025

PUBLIC ART

Public art is artwork created for public spaces, made accessible to the general public and often created in response to a specific location and community.

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JANUARY

This is the current photo diary

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DECEMBER

IOver Christmas I was based in Dun Laoghaire and early in the month I spent a week in Belfast

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BELFAST

I visited Belfast in May 2025 and then in December

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NOVEMBER

This is the current photo diary

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WATERFORD

"Waterford Walls" refers to a large-scale public art project in Waterford, Ireland, that involves creating murals on buildings throughout the city

Learn More

RECENT ADDITIONS

PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Howth Harbour Photographed 9 January 2009 Using A Sigma Dp2 Camera

I cannot forget the classic "Foveon experience" that many photographers from that era will remember well. It was a true love-hate relationship. Those cameras were capable of producing images with a unique, almost three-dimensional quality that was (and still is) stunning, but they made you work for every single shot.

THE FISHING FLEET WAS IN HARBOUR

9 JANUARY 2009

Proprietary Software Was Essential: The Foveon sensor in the DP1 and DP2 was completely different from the Bayer-filter sensors used by Canon, Nikon, and almost everyone else. Mainstream software like Adobe Lightroom or Aperture had no idea how to interpret the X3F files. They would either not open them at all or produce results with bizarre colours and artefacts.

MORE THAN 100 PHOTOGRAPHS ABOUT THE SIGMA Dp2
HOWTH HARBOUR 9 JANUARY 2009

I am not sure why but the fishing fleet appeared to be in port when I visited Howth village early in January 2009

First Time Using The Fujifilm X100 VI

The Urban Cartographer secured a Fujifilm X100VI at a great price yesterday during the annual sale at Berminghams Cameras. Today, November 16, 2025, marked my first day taking it out for a spin. Naturally, I dove in without reading the manual, and while the camera's reputation precedes it, I was a bit underwhelmed by the resulting images straight out of the camera. (My immediate error, however, was in the settings—the date stamp reads the 15th instead of the 16th.)

I WAS A BIT DISAPPOINTED

16 NOVEMBER 2025

I chose the area around Bolton Street and Henrietta Place as my initial proving ground. This Dublin Northside district is an ideal test location because it presents a complex mix of architectural lines, textures, and varied lighting.

Architectural Challenges: Henrietta Street (which Henrietta Place runs perpendicular to) is famed for its early Georgian townhouses, which have endured centuries of neglect and recent restoration. These buildings offer powerful visual material: the long, straight lines of the streetscape, the imposing height of the façades, and the contrast between the rough, weathered brick and the sharp, decorative stonework.

The Wide-Angle Test: These straight, vertical lines are perfect for highlighting potential flaws in a wide-angle lens. The close-quarter, high-contrast environment forces the optics to perform under pressure.

The Best Night Ever Sculpture

My new FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS Sony Lens arrived yesterday, 7 November 2025, and I took it to the National Botanic Gardens to photograph what I consider the best sculpture there: 'Best Night Ever' by Bob Quinn.

THE BOTANIC GARDENS

BY BOB QUINN

Born in 1948, Bob Quinn enjoyed a long career in the Irish advertising business as a commercial artist, designer, and head of a successful design and production company. He now works full-time as a sculptor in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

QUICK AND SIMPLE PHOTO GALLERY ABOUT BOB QUINN

Definition and Development of Cherrywood September 2023

Later analysis reveals that the area photographed in September 2023 is incomparably more defined in November 2025. The spatial and toponymic confusion evident in 2023 was a valid observation of a specific "in-between" phase of large-scale, infrastructure-led development. By November 2025, this ambiguity has been resolved for this specific locality through the maturation of public amenities, the construction of new infrastructure, and the formal assignment of legal addresses.

TULLY PARK WAS ESTABLISHED 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

The three flagship parks for Cherrywood —Tully, Beckett, and Ticknick — were only officially opened in May 2023. In September 2023, just four months later, these parks would have been new, raw, and lacking the mature landscaping, clear signage, and established pathways required to fully integrate them into the surrounding environment.

QUICK AND SIMPLE PHOTO GALLERY MORE ABOUT TULLY PARK

Fountain In Poor Condition At The Ambassador Theatre

DESIGNED BY JOHN ENSOR

I USED A FUJI GFX100RF

The fountain sits at the terminus of the vista looking north up O'Connell Street (formerly Sackville Street). In 18th-century urban planning, such focal points were crucial. The fountain and the sweeping, curved façades of the Ambassador and Gate Theatres behind it were all designed as a single, magnificent architectural set piece.

November 2025 Visit To Tully Park In Cherrywood

TULLY PARK WAS ESTABLISHED 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

The abstract "residential areas" under construction in 2023 are now formally defined residential neighbourhoods with legal addresses. The developer (Quintain, now rebranded as Evara) is marketing the area as "Cherrywood Village". Crucially, new, official street names such as "Tully Park View," "Tully Drive," "Tully Close," and "Tully Green" now exist. Sales for these properties began appearing on the Property Price Register (PPR) in late 2023 and have been assigned unique Eircodes (e.g., D18KV8X), integrating them fully into the national postal system. Developer site plans from 2024 and 2025 clearly delineate the precise spatial layout of these streets, definitively resolving the 2023 boundary questions.

Luas Viaduct At Central Park - Sandyford

CONNECTING CENTRAL PARK AND SANDYFORD

SANDYFORD VIADUCT

The flyover shown in my photographs is a significant piece of engineering on the Luas Green Line. Technically a viaduct, this large bridge structure serves a critical function. Its primary purpose is to create a grade-separated crossing, allowing the tram line to pass safely and efficiently over the multi-lane M50 motorway—Dublin's main orbital route—as well as the nearby Leopardstown Road/Torquay Road.

iMonelli An Authentic Italian Restaurant Located At 1-2 Portobello Road

The name iMonelli (pronounced ee-moh-nelly) is an Italian term. It translates to English as "the rascals," "the scamps," or, more affectionately, "the cheeky boys."

PHOTOGRAPHED USING A SONY FX30

iMONELLI RESTAURANT

iMonelli was not always in its current location. It was previously located in the nearby suburb of Rathgar before moving to its present spot on Portobello Road around 2017. The restaurant has built a strong reputation for its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine, earning accolades such as "Dublin's Most Authentic Italian Restaurant" at the 2019 Love Italian Life awards.

Traders Wharf Off Harbour Road In Dun Laoghaire

Traders' Wharf Dún Laoghaire: History & Current Status Description: Discover the history of Traders' Wharf off Harbour Road, Dún Laoghaire. From its 1855 origins as a coal quay to its current status as a public slipway and boat yard

CHRISTMAS 2025

TRADERS WHARF

Completed around 1855, Traders’ Wharf was constructed to facilitate commerce—specifically the importation of coal and other heavy goods that fuelled the Victorian township of Kingstown (now Dún Laoghaire). It effectively splits the inner harbour area, creating the Coal Harbour on one side and the Old Harbour (a tidal inlet that dates back to the 1760s, predating the main piers) on the other.
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MORE PHOTOGRAPHS
THE HISTORY OF THE AREA

Triple Infinity Is A Large Red Metal Sculpture

The sculpture I photographed in November 2025 is named "Triple Infinity". It is a 4-meter high (approximately 13 feet) steel sculpture designed as a contemporary Celtic triple knot. It serves as an Entrance Statement for the Leopardstown Industrial Estate in Dublin, which aligns with the Central Park location mentioned in some accounts.

PHOTOGRAPHED USING A LEICA Q3

BY JOAN WALSH-SMITH

The artist listed on the plaque, Joan Smith, is Joan Walsh-Smith OAM. She is an Irish-born sculptor who works collaboratively with her husband, Charles Smith OAM, as "Smith Sculptors".

Here are further details about the artists:

Early Life: Joan Walsh-Smith was born in Ireland in 1946 and graduated from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin in 1971, where she met her husband.

Career: They began their careers in Ireland, winning the Irish National Fine Art Sculpture Award in 1978.

Move to Australia: In 1984, the couple and their family emigrated to Western Australia, where they established their studio in Perth.

Major Works: While they have works in Ireland like "Triple Infinity," they are perhaps best known for their large-scale public art and major memorials in Australia, including the National Australian Army Memorial in Canberra and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton.

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DECEMBER 2025 INDEX NOVEMBER 2025 INDEX OCTOBER 2025 INDEX SEPTEMBER 2025 INDEX

LET US TELL YOU ABOUT OUR MISSION

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Urban_Cartographer_s_Diary.mp4

THE DECEMBER 2025 DIARY IS NOW ACTIVE

I HAVE ADDED SOME NEW EQUIPMENT AND RAPIDWEAVER ELEMENTS IS NO LONGER IN BETA

HALLOWEEN IS ON THE WAY

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 OCTOBER DIARY IS NOW ACTIVE

I HAVE ADDED SOME NEW EQUIPMENT AND RAPIDWEAVER ELEMENTS IS NO LONGER IN BETA

HALLOWEEN IS ON THE WAY

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.

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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.

SECOND DAY USING THE FUJI X100VI

MOVEMBER COTTAGE

A Movember Marvel in Dublin not far from the Hungry Tree at Kings Inns.

November is here, and with it comes the annual tradition of Movember. It's a month where men around the world embrace the glorious, sometimes questionable, art of the moustache to raise vital awareness and funds for men's health—specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

But this year, I discovered a participant in the movement that wasn't a man, but a cottage!

On my second day out with the new Fujifilm X100VI — a camera I'm already falling in love with for its street photography capabilities — I stumbled upon an absolute gem on Upper Grangegorman that I've christened "The Moustache Cottage."

The House That Wears a Mo

This particular cottage, a lovely example of Dublin's red-brick architecture, has been taken over by a spectacularly ambitious climbing plant. This is no ordinary vine; it has grown perfectly over the two front windows and above the bright blue door, forming a dense, bushy canopy that, from a certain angle, gives the entire facade the unmistakable appearance of a giant, verdant moustache!

It’s completely accidental, of course, but the timing in November, and the cottage's proximity to the famous "Hungry Tree" (a local landmark known for 'eating' a metal bench), adds a wonderful layer of local folklore to the spot. It's a house that is not only 'plant-eating' in its own right but is also participating in Movember with more enthusiasm than most of us!

The X100VI was the perfect companion for capturing this scene. The camera’s compact size and phenomenal color rendering—especially the deep greens of the 'mo' against the warm red brick and the striking blue door—made for some truly captivating shots. The way the golden light from the porch lamp illuminates the gnarly, intertwined woody stems supporting the growth, emphasizing their 'root-like' trunks, gives the whole scene a magical, slightly unusual feel.

More Than Just a Photo Op

As quirky and charming as the Moustache Cottage is, it’s a perfect visual reminder of what Movember is all about: starting a conversation.

Just as a unique moustache can spark a question, this house is a delightful trigger to remind us of the serious issues men face. It encourages us to check in with the men in our lives, talk openly about mental health, and support the Movember Foundation in their global efforts.

So, next time you're near Upper Grangegorman, keep an eye out for this unusual, plant-wearing landmark. It’s an accidental, but perfect, ambassador for the month.

CHANGES ARE ONGOING

CMS IS THE WAY TO GO

For years, WordPress has been the established platform for countless websites. It is powerful, flexible, and familiar. Yet, in a digital landscape that demands lightning speed, ironclad security, and unparalleled efficiency, familiarity does not always equate to leading edge.

That is why, here at the Urban Cartographer, a significant and exciting change is underway: we are transitioning away from traditional, dynamically hosted sites and moving towards building our new generation of web presences using RapidWeaver Elements.



TESTING CMS PRESENTATION BETA TEST - A WORK IN PROGRESS

THE ONGOING CHANGES

THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED

Moving Beyond the Status Quo: The Elements of Our Future Web

For years, WordPress has been the established platform for countless websites. It is powerful, flexible, and familiar. Yet, in a digital landscape that demands lightning speed, ironclad security, and unparalleled efficiency, familiarity does not always equate to leading edge.

That is why a significant and exciting change is underway: we are transitioning away from traditional, dynamically hosted sites and moving towards building our new generation of web presences using RapidWeaver Elements.

This represents more than a technical adjustment; it is a fundamental shift in our approach to web development, designed to deliver a superior experience for both our clientele and their end-users.

The Dawn of a New Era: Embracing RapidWeaver Elements

Consider the internet as a continually evolving city. WordPress is an established, bustling metropolis, but its infrastructure can sometimes struggle under the weight of its own complexity. RapidWeaver Elements, conversely, is akin to building in a brand new, purpose-built district—one precisely optimised for speed, security, and modern demands.

We are implementing this approach for three core benefits:

Blazing Fast Performance: Leaving Lag Behind

Traditional dynamic sites, especially those with numerous extensions, can suffer from performance slowdowns. Every page load often involves querying a database, running server-side code, and assembling the page on demand, which introduces lag.

RapidWeaver Elements creates static sites. Pages are pre-built, perfectly optimised HTML files delivered instantly to visitors. There are no database queries or complex server-side operations on every click. The result is unrivalled speed that keeps visitors engaged and satisfies search engines. Faster sites lead to better user experience, higher engagement rates, and improved SEO.

Ironclad Security: Fortifying the Digital Presence

The popularity of dynamic platforms makes them a frequent target for malicious threats. Their reliance on databases and dynamic server-side processes creates numerous potential vulnerabilities.

With RapidWeaver Elements, the live website is a collection of static files. There is no database to compromise and no dynamic back-end to exploit. This significantly reduces the "attack surface," making the resulting web presence inherently more secure and robust.

Efficiency and Modern Development Practices

Elements allows us to adopt truly modern web development workflows. It streamlines the creation process, enabling us to build incredibly sophisticated and custom designs with greater precision and maintainability. This means we can focus more on creating stunning, effective sites tailored specifically to requirements, rather than wrestling with legacy system complexities.

Phase One: Implementing Our New CMS

Performance and security must work alongside effective content management. This is where the truly innovative part of our implementation begins.

We are currently in the first stage of implementing a powerful Content Management System (CMS) within our RapidWeaver Elements workflow.

This is not a traditional database-driven CMS. We are leveraging a flat-file, Markdown-based CMS that offers:

Simple, Intuitive Editing: Editing content becomes as straightforward as writing in a document, using easy-to-learn Markdown, moving away from overly complex dashboards.

Seamless Integration: Content seamlessly flows into the custom designs crafted with Elements, without compromising the speed or security benefits outlined above.

Decoupled & Flexible: Content is separate from the design, making the system incredibly flexible, future-proof, and straightforward to maintain or adapt.

This empowers our valued friends to easily update text, images, and other site content, but within a framework that provides superior performance and security.

Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead

As this transition begins, readers and clients can look forward to:

Websites that load in the blink of an eye.

A significantly more secure online presence.

A future-proof foundation built for the long term.

We are not just building websites; we are constructing the future of the web—one incredibly fast, secure, and user-friendly site at a time.

DUBLIN NORTHSIDE

LONELY LETTERBOX

This is only metres away from the "Hungry Tree" at Kings Inns.
Now, it faces the street, a silent, metallic smile. It was no longer a way in. It was just a way of saying, "We were here." A bronze echo, a joke only the wall understood, waiting for a postman who would never come.
It is the Cheshire Cat's grin. The door was gone, the hallway was gone, the life that waited inside for the clatter of the flap was gone. But the grin remained.


DUBLIN NORTHSIDE DUBLIN SOUTHSIDE PHOTOGRAPHED SONY SEL30 MACRO

Welcome to Excellent Street Images, a private, long-term project dedicated to documenting the history and changes of the built environment across the island of Ireland.

This site began as "Infomatique," with the simple goal of creating a comprehensive photographic archive using the best digital equipment available. The first stage involved making these images accessible to the public via Flickr, where our collection has grown to over 250,000 photographs.

After a technical issue led to the loss of our "Streets Of Dublin" domain, we consolidated our catalogues here at excellentstreetimages.com.

Our Purpose & Funding Model

We've received questions about our financial model, so we'd like to be transparent. The explanation is simple: This is a privately funded hobby project. Because we are fortunate to have the private resources to support this expensive hobby, we are not focused on actively generating revenue. This freedom allows us to maintain the project's integrity without commercial pressures or the obligation to deliver services we don't have time for.

Advertisements:

In the past, we've used Google Ads and affiliate links to help offset hosting costs. However, we recognise that ads can be annoying and slow down the site. For this reason, we are phasing them out, and our new "Fast Galleries" are completely ad-free.

Site Interaction:

As this project is managed in our spare time, we do not have the resources to operate interactive features like comment sections or forums. What you see is what you get: a straightforward, free-to-access archive.

How to Use Our Photographs

Our usage policy is designed to be simple and fair.

Non-Commercial Use: All photographs are available for non-commercial use (such as personal blogs, academic research, or social media) free of charge. We simply ask that you provide proper credit (e.g., "Photo: excellentstreetimages.com").

Commercial Use: If you are a commercial organisation, we expect proper credit and appreciate a small donation for your use of our work. We are grateful that many organisations have been very generous in the past. (While it is annoying that thousands of our photographs are used commercially without any acknowledgement, it is not something we actively pursue). Please Note: We do not, and will not, sell exclusive rights to any of our photographs.

How to Browse the Site

We understand our visitors have different interests.

Main Galleries: As our core purpose is historical documentation, our main catalogues feature a significant amount of text to provide context for the images.

Fast Galleries: If you are only interested in browsing the photographs, we have created the Fast Galleries. This section provides a streamlined, text-free, and ad-free viewing experience.

Requesting a Specific Image

If you wish to use a particular photograph, please note the unique reference number that is included in every image's file name. Contact us with this reference number, and we will be happy to help you download the original file or a version suitable for your requirements.

 

EXPLORING DUBLIN SOUTHSIDE

LET’S EXPLORE

EXPLORING DUBLIN SOUTHSIDE EXPLORING DUBLIN NORTHSIDE TULLY CHURCH AND GRAVEYARD

TULLY CHURCH AND GRAVEYARD

⛪ Tully Church and High Crosses, Laughanstown

Located in Laughanstown, near Cabinteely, County Dublin, this important historical site contains the ruins of the medieval Tully Church, an ancient graveyard, and two significant granite high crosses.

History and Architecture

The site's ecclesiastical importance dates back to the 1st Millennium AD, as recorded in early literature by its Irish name, Tulach na nEpscop, which translates to 'the Hill of the Bishops'. This name strongly suggests it was a major diocesan or monastic centre, possibly a place for synods. The church is reputedly dedicated to St. Bridget.

Following the Anglo-Norman invasion, the lands were granted to Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin around 1180 by Sitric Mac Torcaill, a local Hiberno-Norse chieftain. The church remained an active place of worship until the early 17th century, likely falling into disuse during the turmoil of the Reformation.

The remaining ruins consist of a nave and chancel. The nave belongs to an earlier structure, possibly dating to the 9th century. A chancel was added in the late 12th or early 13th century, featuring two notable elements

Cities And Towns

The Built Environment

More For You To Explore

A toggle drop-down menu is a common website element that allows you to click a button or link to show and hide a list of options. It's called a "toggle" because the same action (a click) is used to both open it and close it

VIDEOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

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

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