My Camera Is My Paintbrush: July 2012

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Stephen's Green Hibernian Club, Dublin 2

This was the magnificant setting for our son and beautiful daughter-in-law's wedding reception just a matter of weeks ago. The Stephen's Green Hibernian Club is situated just across from St. Stephen's Green Park, the largest of the parks in Dublin's main Georgian squares. The images below were taken by me on the morning after the brilliant evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Taken June 2012.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Sandymount Strand - Childhood Memories

©Ann Brien

I spent my childhood walking along this beautiful, aptly named, Beach Road, Sandymount, Dublin. If I ever win the lottery I will buy one of those houses facing the sea so as, on long winter nights, I can sit quietly at my bedroom window and gaze out at the Poolbeg Lighthouse, her light hazy yellow in the swirling fog. I will even imagine her eerie cry to the incoming ships warning them of treacherous rocks ahead. (God, I've read too many Enid Blyton stories!). Taken April 2011.

Sandymount Beach with Poolbeg Chimneys in background

©Ann Brien

View from strand up to Beach Road

Old opening once leading to steps

Hope they never remove these steps. I used to smell the seaweed whilst descending them

Monday, July 16, 2012

Dunboy Castle near Castletownbere, West Cork

This hotel, the refurbishment of which was halted in 2011, was renovated from the ruins of Puxley Mansion which was built by Henry and John Puxley in 1739 and burnt to a skeleton by the IRA in 1921. Below images from the castle grounds. Taken October 2010.

This is surely an Alice In Wonderland walkway!

This scene reminds me of a Constable painting

What secrets does this room hold?

Saturday, July 14, 2012

December Snow - 2010

Tymon Park, Dublin

Maybe it's because I'm feeling quite chilly on this mid-July evening that I feel I'd like to share with you these amazing images from December 2010, anyhow, enjoy! Taken December 2010.

Tymon Park, Dublin

Our House

Our Front Garden

Friday, July 13, 2012

A Life On The Ocean Wave - Lambay Island

Last August hubby and I set sail from Malahide Marina, Dublin with our sea-faring friend on his thirty three foot yacht to see, for our first time, not his, the amazing Lambay Island. This is our largest island off the east coast of Ireland and we were very lucky to have had good weather conditions in which to appreciate its splendour.

Always a lover of all things nautical, I was delighted when our friend allowed me to take the helm for a while including allowing me to guide the yacht through two buoys which took every ounce of my concentration. I was so scared I'd crash I wanted him to stay beside me but no, he left me to it alone! The sense of achievement I felt following that great accomplishment defies words! He earlier taught hubby and I how to lower the fenders and also how to make the rope knots to secure the yacht to the wall. A great day was had by all. Taken August 2011.

Stradbally, County Waterford

Hubby and I spent a lovely couple of days here towards the end of January last year. While taking the below images of Stradbally Cove I was totally alone, not even a dog to be seen. I was really scared, firstly as I kept thinking the tide was suddenly going to come in and swallow me up and also I didn't feel too safe at the mouth of the cave as I visualized a huge hairy creature rushing out and dragging me into its lair! Taken January 2011.