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.
I was asked by a follower why do I use a Canon 5DMKIII considering I am, in general, a Sony user.
A few years ago my local camera dealer, who knew that I had a collection of Canon Lenses, phoned me to ask me if I was interested in an unused Canon 5DIII at a good price. Apparently someone won a 5DIII in a competition but as they had no real interest in photography the stored in on a shelf and forgot about it. I accepted the opportunity to borrow it for a week and really liked it. I indicated that I would purchase it if I could get a GPS unit and as luck would have it there was one available immediately.
Before I continue I should mention that I recently came across the following claim – “Battery life for the 5DMkIII isn’t as good as newer mirrorless cameras”. As my experience is the complete opposite I decided to fact check this claim and I received the following response:
You’re right! Generally, DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras due to their optical viewfinders. The CIPA ratings support this:
Canon 5D Mark III: Approximately 950 shots per charge. Sony a7 III: Approximately 610 shots (viewfinder) or 710 shots (LCD). This demonstrates the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery advantage in this specific comparison. It’s important to note that Sony has made significant advancements in battery technology, and newer Sony mirrorless models might offer CIPA ratings closer to, or even exceeding, DSLRs.
Key Points:
DSLRs often boast longer battery life due to their optical viewfinders. CIPA ratings provide the most reliable comparison for battery lifespan. Always consider your specific shooting habits as heavy live view or video use will reduce battery life regardless of camera type.
While the Canon 5D Mark III is an older camera model (released in 2012), there are still several reasons why it might be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you can find it used at a good price:
Pros
Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality with great dynamic range, good low-light performance, and pleasing colors. Build Quality: It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, ideal for demanding environments. Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for its time. Value: The used market offers significant savings compared to its original price, making it a great value proposition. Battery Life: Battery life is better than many newer mirrorless cameras. Legacy Lens Compatibility: Seamless compatibility with Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses.
Considerations
Before buying a Canon 5D Mark III, here’s what you should consider:
Outdated Features: It lacks modern features like 4K video, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting screen. Lower Resolution: The 22.3-megapixel sensor might be limiting if you need to crop heavily or make large format prints.
Used Market: If buying used, carefully inspect the camera for wear and tear, and check the shutter count (the number of photos it has taken). Who Is it Right For?
The Canon 5D Mark III is a great option if you:
Are budget-conscious: You can find excellent deals in the used market. Need a workhorse camera: It’s robust and reliable for various shooting situations. Value DSLR benefits: It offers great optical viewfinder experience and excellent battery life. Don’t need the latest technology: If you don’t require the newest bells and whistles, the 5D Mark III delivers fantastic image quality at a reasonable price.