Bridge

EVERYONE PHOTOGRAPHS THIS BRIDGE BUT USUALLY NOT WITH AN 85MM LENS

August 20, 2023 by Infomatique

THE HALFPENNY BRIDGE ACROSS THE RIVER LIFFEY

I could no think of anything new to say about this bridge so I asked Google’s BARD AI why do so many people photograph the Halfpenny Bridge and it replied as follows [it made at least one major error]:

There are many reasons why people photograph the Ha’penny Bridge. Here are a few of them:

It is a historic landmark. The bridge was built in 1816 and is one of the oldest bridges in Dublin. It is also the only pedestrian bridge across the River Liffey in the city center [Note: not true].
It is a beautiful structure. The bridge is made of cast iron and has a graceful arch. It is a popular subject for photographers, especially at sunset or sunrise.
It is a popular tourist destination. The bridge is located in the heart of Dublin and is easily accessible. It is a must-see for many visitors to the city.
It is a symbol of Dublin. The bridge is often used to represent Dublin in photographs and paintings. It is a reminder of the city’s history and culture.
It is a romantic spot. The bridge is a popular place for couples to take photos. It is said that if you lock a love lock on the bridge, your love will be eternal.

No matter the reason, the Ha’penny Bridge is a iconic landmark that is sure to capture the attention of any photographer.

Here are some other reasons why people might photograph the Ha’penny Bridge:

To capture the hustle and bustle of city life. The bridge is a busy crossing point and is often full of people, making it a great place to capture the energy of the city.
To create a visual metaphor. The bridge can be used to represent a variety of concepts, such as love, unity, or change.
To simply enjoy the beauty of the bridge. The bridge is a visually striking structure and can be enjoyed simply for its aesthetic qualities.

THE ANNA LIVIA BRIDGE IN CHAPELIZOD

August 15, 2023 by Infomatique

IT WAS BUILT IN THE 1660s AND NAMED THE CHAPELIZOD BRIDGE

The Anna Livia Bridge, formerly Chapelizod Bridge (Irish: Droichead Shéipéal Iosóid, meaning ‘Isolde’s Chapel Bridge’), is a road bridge spanning the River Liffey in Chapelizod, Dublin, which joins the Lucan Road to Chapelizod Road.

As the Liffey flows into the town of Chapelizod, a weir divides the course to form a large mill race. Split by the two bodies of water, the island at Chapelizod has been a base for industry since at least the 18th century. The main flow is crossed by a four-span stone arch bridge, having two large central spans and two much smaller end spans.

This bridge was built in the 1660s, and originally named Chapelizod Bridge. The bridge was renamed in 1982 to mark the centenary of James Joyce’s birth. (The bridge is mentioned in Joyce’s Dubliners, as one of his “Dubliners”, James Duffy, lives in Chapelizod and visits a public house near the bridge. Anna Livia is the name given to the personification of the River Liffey, and was a principal character in Joyce’s Finnegans Wake – her final monologue recalls her life as she walks along the Liffey.)

As the only bridge 8 km past the Strawberry Beds to Chapelizod, and a main thoroughfare for traffic from the western suburbs (e.g.: Clonsilla and Blanchardstown) to Dublin city centre, the volume of road traffic over the bridge and through Chapelizod has increased in recent years.

Dublin City Council planned changes to bridge, as part of a general “Traffic Management Plan for the Chapelizod area”. The changes include the construction of separate footbridge sections outside the parapets of the bridge (to improve pedestrian safety), and the creation of cycle lanes on the bridge. Preparatory works for this initiative commenced in 2010 and the official opening was held in December 2011.

THE SMALL FOOTBRIDGE

June 23, 2023 by Infomatique

ACROSS THE LILY POND AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Poet Thomas Tickell owned a house and small estate in Glasnevin and, in 1795, they were sold to the Irish Parliament and given to the Royal Dublin Society for them to establish Ireland’s first botanic gardens. A double line of yew trees, known as “Addison’s Walk” survives from this period. The original function of the gardens was to advance knowledge of plants for agricultural, medicinal and dyeing purposes. The gardens were the first location in Ireland where the infection responsible for the 1845–1847 Great Famine was identified. Throughout the famine, research to stop the infection was undertaken at the gardens.

Walter Wade and John Underwood, the first Director and Superintendent respectively, executed the layout of the gardens, but, when Wade died in 1825, they declined for some years. From 1834, Director Ninian Nivan brought new life into the gardens, performing some redesign. This programme of change and development continued with the following Directors into the late 1960s.

The gardens were placed into government care in 1877.

In the winter of 1948/9 Ludwig Wittgenstein lived and worked in Ireland. He frequently came to the Palm House to sit and write. There is a plaque commemorating him on the steps he sat on.

SEAN WALSH MEMORIAL PARK AND THE WHITESTOWN STREAM

March 31, 2023 by Infomatique

RED FOOTBRIDGES

I have not visited this park since April 2007 and things did not go well back then as I encountered multiple problems back then. This time the tram journey was unpleasant as the trams were overcrowded but the park had greatly improved since 2007 and it was worth visiting.

I could be wrong but I believe that the Whitestown Stream is also known as the Jobstown Stream.

This park is located in the heart of Tallaght on the N81. Ornamental formal gardens lie side by side with attractive water features such as ponds and waterfalls: extensive tree planting allows shaded areas for relaxation. Pedestrian paths around the ponds allow for a pleasant walks and passive recreation.

The park has horticultural interest all year round with displays of flowering bulbs in the spring, green trees and wildflowers in the Summer, and wonderful display of colour in Autumn. The landscape of Sean Walsh Park contains a range of habitats including stream, woodland, grassland and lake. The grey squirrel, rabbit, common frog and pipistrelle bat can all be found in the park. The launch of the Sean Walsh Tree trail took place on 4th October 2018, on the day the Green Flag was raised in Sean Walsh Park. There are 15 tree species in the tree trail with an information plaque at each point. Tree trail Information sheets giving information about each tree species can be downloaded This downloadable A4 sheet leaves a space for children to carry out a rubbing of the plaques. Tallaght Stadium was officially opened in the park in May 2009 and is a purpose-built, 6,000-seat, state-of-the-art football stadium.