Someone asked the following question online on the same day as I visited Francis Street
[Question] I am an American and I plan to attend the Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin I am bringing four young children, and my husband. Some friends recommended that I stay at a hotel on Francis Street but others told me that it is not safe at night. What is your recommendation []
Here is the response: While Francis Street in Dublin has a rich history and is known for its antique shops, there are some valid concerns about staying in the area with young children, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. [Note: I am not sure about some of the alternatives that were suggested]
Concerns about Francis Street:
Reputation: Parts of Francis Street and the surrounding Liberties area have a historical reputation for social problems like drug use and petty crime. While the area has undergone changes, these elements can still be present.
Nighttime activity: The area can get lively at night, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day, which may not be the most suitable atmosphere for young children.
Limited amenities: Depending on the specific hotel, you may find fewer child-friendly amenities and attractions in the immediate vicinity. Why you might consider staying elsewhere for St. Patrick’s Day
Crowds and noise: The parade route passes through the city centre, and areas surrounding it will be extremely crowded and noisy, which can be difficult to manage with young children.
Safety concerns: While direct risk may be low, large crowds and celebrations can increase the chance of minor issues like getting separated from children.
Alternative Areas to Consider:
Here are some more family-friendly areas of Dublin, still within a reasonable distance of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:
Temple Bar: Lively, but with lots of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. A bit closer to the parade route. Ballsbridge: A more upscale area with parks and a calmer atmosphere. Good public transport connections to the city center. Smithfield/Stoneybatter: These neighborhoods on the north side of the River Liffey offer a mix of historic charm and trendy spots, with a bit more space than the city center.
About Francis Street:
Francis Street is a historic street in the Liberties area of Dublin. It’s known for its antique shops and its proximity to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While it’s an interesting area to visit during the daytime, it may not be the most suitable for a family stay during a major festival.
Overall Recommendation
For a comfortable and safe family experience during St. Patrick’s Day, I’d recommend opting for a hotel in one of the alternative areas mentioned above. This gives you better access to the festivities while providing a more suitable environment for your young children.
The Nikon-RED acquisition has potential to significantly impact Sony’s position in the professional cinema camera market. Here’s why:
Increased competition: Sony has enjoyed a strong position in the cinema camera market with its successful VENICE line of cameras. Nikon, now armed with RED’s technology and expertise, becomes a serious competitor. For Sony, this means more pressure to innovate and remain ahead in terms of features and performance.
Potential loss of market share: Filmmakers and production houses always look for the best tools for their projects. If Nikon and RED produce compelling new cinema cameras, they could attract cinematographers who might have previously chosen Sony.
Pricing wars: Increased competition can potentially lead to price adjustments. If Nikon and RED offer competitive pricing for its new camera line, Sony might have to adjust to stay relevant.
Stimulated innovation: Competition is good for the industry. Sony might accelerate its research and development efforts to counter the new Nikon-RED powerhouse, ultimately benefiting filmmakers with new and improved technology across the board.
How significant the impact will be depends on several factors:
The quality and capabilities of Nikon/RED cameras: If they outperform Sony, there could be a marked shift in market dynamics. Market reception: How filmmakers, studios, and rental houses respond to the new products will be crucial. Sony’s response: How quickly and effectively Sony can counter the competition with innovations of its own.
Overall: It’s too early to predict the exact scale, but Nikon’s acquisition of RED is likely to shake up the professional cinema camera landscape. Sony will have to adapt and keep pushing boundaries to maintain its dominance.