Photo albums

Ireland 2009-2010
Holiday with my brother and sister in Ireland around New Year's Eve of 2009.
Ireland
176 photos
Holiday decorations in Henry Street in Dublin.
Holiday decorations in Henry Street in Dublin.
 Christmas tree on O'Connel Street in Dublin.
Christmas tree on O'Connel Street in Dublin.
Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin.
Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin.
 The Temple Bar in Dublin's Temple Bar quarter.
The Temple Bar in Dublin's Temple Bar quarter.
The Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub in Dublin's Temple Bar quarter.
The Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub in Dublin's Temple Bar quarter.
 The Bank of Ireland in Dublin.
The Bank of Ireland in Dublin.
Trinity College in Dublin.
Trinity College in Dublin.
 Trinity College in Dublin.
Trinity College in Dublin.
Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.
Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.
 The Custom House in Dublin.
The Custom House in Dublin.
En route from Dublin to Sallly Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. The road at this point was still fine.
En route from Dublin to Sallly Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. The road at this point was still fine.
 En route from Dublin to Sallly Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. By now, only the southbound lane (left) could still be used without any real problems.
En route from Dublin to Sallly Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. By now, only the southbound lane (left) could still be used without any real problems.
Two more cars (one hidden behind the trees) showed up as the French family was trying to turn around. Our Nissan Micra is waiting patiently for the other cars to head back.
Two more cars (one hidden behind the trees) showed up as the French family was trying to turn around. Our Nissan Micra is waiting patiently for the other cars to head back.
 Further up the mountain, the road was completely glazed over. We carried on further than we should have and eventually found ourselves stuck on a very slippery slope. After we finally managed to turn the car (with great difficulty), we were somewhat relieved to find we weren't the only ones stupid enough to get stuck. Fortunately, this French family also succeeded in turning their car around and driving back down.
Further up the mountain, the road was completely glazed over. We carried on further than we should have and eventually found ourselves stuck on a very slippery slope. After we finally managed to turn the car (with great difficulty), we were somewhat relieved to find we weren't the only ones stupid enough to get stuck. Fortunately, this French family also succeeded in turning their car around and driving back down.
My sister showing how slippery the road was. On the steep part, where we got stuck with the car, it was impossible to cross the road on foot. We had to hold on to the car, or go down on all fours to have enough friction not to slide down the hill. (Picture by Martin)
My sister showing how slippery the road was. On the steep part, where we got stuck with the car, it was impossible to cross the road on foot. We had to hold on to the car, or go down on all fours to have enough friction not to slide down the hill. (Picture by Martin)
 My sister and me. (Picture by Martin)
My sister and me. (Picture by Martin)
The Irish Sea near Mizen Head.
The Irish Sea near Mizen Head.
 Suzanne braving the icy winds near Mizen Head.
Suzanne braving the icy winds near Mizen Head.
My sister and me near Mizen Head. (Picture by Martin)
My sister and me near Mizen Head. (Picture by Martin)
 The River Slaney between Enniscorthy and Wexford. Due to heavy rainfall in the preceding weeks, rivers everywhere were swollen to the point of bursting their banks at some points.
The River Slaney between Enniscorthy and Wexford. Due to heavy rainfall in the preceding weeks, rivers everywhere were swollen to the point of bursting their banks at some points.
A one-lane bridge over the River Slaney.
A one-lane bridge over the River Slaney.
 The River Slaney. It had swollen enough that it flooded parts of the road running along its west bank.
The River Slaney. It had swollen enough that it flooded parts of the road running along its west bank.
The Watch Tower in Waterford on a cold and dreary morning.
The Watch Tower in Waterford on a cold and dreary morning.
 A harbour crane in Waterford.
A harbour crane in Waterford.
A factory across the River Suir in Waterford.
A factory across the River Suir in Waterford.
 Reginald's Tower in Waterford. An Anglo-Normandic structure built in 1185, it is the oldest urban building of Ireland.
Reginald's Tower in Waterford. An Anglo-Normandic structure built in 1185, it is the oldest urban building of Ireland.
A narrow one-lane road near Clonmel en route to the Comeragh and Monavullagh Mountains.
A narrow one-lane road near Clonmel en route to the Comeragh and Monavullagh Mountains.
 No solid sheet of ice covering the road this time, but a mixture of snow and slush. We stopped for a while to admire the scenery, before driving on very carefully into the Comeragh Mountains.
No solid sheet of ice covering the road this time, but a mixture of snow and slush. We stopped for a while to admire the scenery, before driving on very carefully into the Comeragh Mountains.
View of the Comeragh Mountains.
View of the Comeragh Mountains.
 Snow had reduced this two-lane road in the Comeragh Mountains into a single lane, and even that one got harder and harder to negotiate. With yesterday's events still fresh in mind, we stopped here, turned the car around and headed back into the valley.
Snow had reduced this two-lane road in the Comeragh Mountains into a single lane, and even that one got harder and harder to negotiate. With yesterday's events still fresh in mind, we stopped here, turned the car around and headed back into the valley.
This is what the road looked like a hundred meters further on. Not something we wanted to negotiate with our little Nissan Micra. (Picture by Suzanne)
This is what the road looked like a hundred meters further on. Not something we wanted to negotiate with our little Nissan Micra. (Picture by Suzanne)
 Cahir Castle in a very rainy city of Cahir. The weather certainly wasn't in our favour the first two days: it rained almost non-stop, it was cold, and all the pretty mountain roads were blocked by snow or ice.
Cahir Castle in a very rainy city of Cahir. The weather certainly wasn't in our favour the first two days: it rained almost non-stop, it was cold, and all the pretty mountain roads were blocked by snow or ice.
The River Suir in Cahir, carrying a lot more water than it normally does.
The River Suir in Cahir, carrying a lot more water than it normally does.
 The River Aherlow in the Glen of Aherlow.
The River Aherlow in the Glen of Aherlow.
The bridge over the River Blackwater near Ballyduff.
The bridge over the River Blackwater near Ballyduff.
 Lough Cork in Cork.
Lough Cork in Cork.
Birds at Lough Cork.
Birds at Lough Cork.
 A pigeon at Lough Cork.
A pigeon at Lough Cork.
A pigeon at Lough Cork.
A pigeon at Lough Cork.
 A goose at Lough Cork.
A goose at Lough Cork.
Two crows at Lough Cork.
Two crows at Lough Cork.
 A nativity scene on the island in Lough Cork.
A nativity scene on the island in Lough Cork.
A coot at Lough Cork.
A coot at Lough Cork.
 A coot at Lough Cork.
A coot at Lough Cork.
A duck at Lough Cork.
A duck at Lough Cork.
 A duck at Lough Cork.
A duck at Lough Cork.
A goose at Lough Cork.
A goose at Lough Cork.
 A goose at Lough Cork.
A goose at Lough Cork.
Two moorhens at Lough Cork.
Two moorhens at Lough Cork.
 Entrance sign of the University College Cork (UCC), where my sister is doing a six-month Masters project.
Entrance sign of the University College Cork (UCC), where my sister is doing a six-month Masters project.
Rear part of one wing of the UCC quadrangle.
Rear part of one wing of the UCC quadrangle.
 The main gate into the UCC quadrangle.
The main gate into the UCC quadrangle.
Part of the UCC quadrangle.
Part of the UCC quadrangle.
 Part of the UCC quadrangle.
Part of the UCC quadrangle.
Crawford Observatory, part of UCC.
Crawford Observatory, part of UCC.
 A chapel on the UCC grounds. Except that it's fenced off all around, so officially it isn't on the university grounds.
A chapel on the UCC grounds. Except that it's fenced off all around, so officially it isn't on the university grounds.
A modern building at UCC.
A modern building at UCC.
 A modern building at UCC.
A modern building at UCC.
The President's Garden at UCC, located behind one of the wings of the quadrangle.
The President's Garden at UCC, located behind one of the wings of the quadrangle.
 Cork suffered severe floods in November. This low-lying part of the university was one of the affected areas, and the archives located in the cellar of this building were heavily damaged.
Cork suffered severe floods in November. This low-lying part of the university was one of the affected areas, and the archives located in the cellar of this building were heavily damaged.
The South Channel of the River Lee, also visible on the right side of the previous picture. During the flood, the water stood about a metre higher. Even now, the water level was well above normal.
The South Channel of the River Lee, also visible on the right side of the previous picture. During the flood, the water stood about a metre higher. Even now, the water level was well above normal.
 University College Cork.
University College Cork.
St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
 The Grand Parade in Cork with the National Monument.
The Grand Parade in Cork with the National Monument.
The bus station in Cork. The rail network in Ireland is fairly limited, so buses are frequently used for long-distance public travel.
The bus station in Cork. The rail network in Ireland is fairly limited, so buses are frequently used for long-distance public travel.
 St. Patrick's Street in Cork.
St. Patrick's Street in Cork.
During the November flood, the North Channel of the River Lee destroyed part of the quay at Grenville Place in Cork.
During the November flood, the North Channel of the River Lee destroyed part of the quay at Grenville Place in Cork.
 Sandbags were used during the flood to reinforce part of the Grenville Place quay in front of a hospital.
Sandbags were used during the flood to reinforce part of the Grenville Place quay in front of a hospital.
A full moon on December 31st over part of the UCC quadrangle.
A full moon on December 31st over part of the UCC quadrangle.
 The UCC quadrangle.
The UCC quadrangle.
Living room in the guest house where Martin and I stayed in Cork.
Living room in the guest house where Martin and I stayed in Cork.
 2010 started off bright and sunny for us. After a late start and an extended breakfast/lunch, we drove to the coastal town of Cobh.
2010 started off bright and sunny for us. After a late start and an extended breakfast/lunch, we drove to the coastal town of Cobh.
Thanks to the North Atlantic Current, the climate in the southern and western coastal areas of Ireland is warm enough for palm trees.
Thanks to the North Atlantic Current, the climate in the southern and western coastal areas of Ireland is warm enough for palm trees.
 The harbour in Cobh.
The harbour in Cobh.
Clear skies and a low sun (at 2:20pm!) over the harbour in Cobh.
Clear skies and a low sun (at 2:20pm!) over the harbour in Cobh.
 A statue in the harbour of Cobh.
A statue in the harbour of Cobh.
The majestic Cobh Cathedral.
The majestic Cobh Cathedral.
 Cobh Cathedral towering over the rest of the town.
Cobh Cathedral towering over the rest of the town.
Colourful façades along Cobh's harbour.
Colourful façades along Cobh's harbour.
 View towards the Atlantic Ocean from one of the streets above Cobh's harbour.
View towards the Atlantic Ocean from one of the streets above Cobh's harbour.
Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
 A steep street in Cobh.
A steep street in Cobh.
A steep street in Cobh.
A steep street in Cobh.
 A wedding party was just leaving Cobh Cathedral when we arrived.
A wedding party was just leaving Cobh Cathedral when we arrived.
A statue on Cobh Cathedral.
A statue on Cobh Cathedral.
 Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
 Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
 Sunset (at 4pm) over Cobh's harbour.
Sunset (at 4pm) over Cobh's harbour.
Cobh Cathedral.
Cobh Cathedral.
 The City Hall in Cork.
The City Hall in Cork.
Holy Trinity Church in Cork.
Holy Trinity Church in Cork.
 St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
A near-full moon over St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
A near-full moon over St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
 A near-full moon over St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
A near-full moon over St. Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork.
En route from Cork to Kinsale, a winter sun rises over frost-covered fields.
En route from Cork to Kinsale, a winter sun rises over frost-covered fields.
 An architectural model of Charles Fort in Summercove. Built by the English in 1670, its primary function was to guard Kinsale against attacks from sea. It was conquered from the land side by William III in 1690.
An architectural model of Charles Fort in Summercove. Built by the English in 1670, its primary function was to guard Kinsale against attacks from sea. It was conquered from the land side by William III in 1690.
Charles Fort.
Charles Fort.
 Charles Fort.
Charles Fort.
Charles Fort.
Charles Fort.
 Charles Fort.
Charles Fort.
Charles Fort.
Charles Fort.
 Me in Charles Fort. (Picture by Martin)
Me in Charles Fort. (Picture by Martin)
Frosted grass at Charles Fort.
Frosted grass at Charles Fort.
 Courtmacsherry Bay between Kilbrittain and Timoleague.
Courtmacsherry Bay between Kilbrittain and Timoleague.
The Drombeg Stone Circle near Glandore, dating back to c. 150 BC. It consists of 17 stones, one of which (located at the back of the picture) forms an altar of sorts. The two tallest stones, at the front of the picture, serve as a portal. The circle is oriented such that during the midwinter solstice, the setting sun shines through the portal onto the altar.
The Drombeg Stone Circle near Glandore, dating back to c. 150 BC. It consists of 17 stones, one of which (located at the back of the picture) forms an altar of sorts. The two tallest stones, at the front of the picture, serve as a portal. The circle is oriented such that during the midwinter solstice, the setting sun shines through the portal onto the altar.
 The remains of a "fulacht fiadh" (front) and two stone huts (back) are located next to the stone circle. The fulacht fiadh was used for cooking. It contained a fireplace and a water basin. Stones were heated in the fire and then placed in the water to bring it to boil.
The remains of a "fulacht fiadh" (front) and two stone huts (back) are located next to the stone circle. The fulacht fiadh was used for cooking. It contained a fireplace and a water basin. Stones were heated in the fire and then placed in the water to bring it to boil.
View from the Domberg site.
View from the Domberg site.
 The Drombeg site, with the two huts, the stone circle, and the fulacht fiadh.
The Drombeg site, with the two huts, the stone circle, and the fulacht fiadh.
A robin near the Drombeg site.
A robin near the Drombeg site.
 The cliffs near Baltimore.
The cliffs near Baltimore.
The white beacon on the cliffs near Baltimore.
The white beacon on the cliffs near Baltimore.
 The cliffs near Baltimore.
The cliffs near Baltimore.
The cliffs near Baltimore.
The cliffs near Baltimore.
 My brother silhouetted against the low winter sun at the cliffs near Baltimore.
My brother silhouetted against the low winter sun at the cliffs near Baltimore.
View of Bantry Bay and the Caha Mountains.
View of Bantry Bay and the Caha Mountains.
 The Caha Mountains.
The Caha Mountains.
The Caha Mountains.
The Caha Mountains.
 The Caha Mountains.
The Caha Mountains.
The Caha Mountains.
The Caha Mountains.
 The Caha Mountains.
The Caha Mountains.
Panoramic view of the Caha Mountains.
Panoramic view of the Caha Mountains.
 Jupiter shortly after sunset in Kenmare, at the prehistoric Druid's Circle.
Jupiter shortly after sunset in Kenmare, at the prehistoric Druid's Circle.
Condensed breath in the cold air at the Druid's Circle in Kenmare.
Condensed breath in the cold air at the Druid's Circle in Kenmare.
 Me at the Druid's Circle in Kenmare. (Picture by Martin)
Me at the Druid's Circle in Kenmare. (Picture by Martin)
The constellation of Orion and numerous other stars in a slighly cloudy sky over the Druid's Circle in Kenmare. The unsharp appearance of the stars is due to the Earth's rotation during this 30-second exposure.
The constellation of Orion and numerous other stars in a slighly cloudy sky over the Druid's Circle in Kenmare. The unsharp appearance of the stars is due to the Earth's rotation during this 30-second exposure.
 A near full moon and a vapor trail left by a passing airplane over the Druid's Circle in Kenmare.
A near full moon and a vapor trail left by a passing airplane over the Druid's Circle in Kenmare.
The Kenmare River from the Ring of Kerry.
The Kenmare River from the Ring of Kerry.
 The Kenmare River from the Ring of Kerry.
The Kenmare River from the Ring of Kerry.
Snow-topped mountains on the Iveragh Peninsula, seen from Sneem on the Ring of Kerry.
Snow-topped mountains on the Iveragh Peninsula, seen from Sneem on the Ring of Kerry.
 The Kenmare River from the Ring of Kerry.
The Kenmare River from the Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
 Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
 Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
Ice-covered rocks on the Ring of Kerry.
Ice-covered rocks on the Ring of Kerry.
 Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
Ring of Kerry.
 Icicles at the Ring of Kerry.
Icicles at the Ring of Kerry.
Knocknadobar Mountain seen from Caherciveen on the Ring of Kerry.
Knocknadobar Mountain seen from Caherciveen on the Ring of Kerry.
 A piece of art with holiday decorations near Caherciveen on the Ring of Kerry.
A piece of art with holiday decorations near Caherciveen on the Ring of Kerry.
The Ring of Kerry.
The Ring of Kerry.
 Palm trees and snow-topped mountains on the Ring of Kerry.
Palm trees and snow-topped mountains on the Ring of Kerry.
Ross Castle near Killarney, overlooking Lough Leane.
Ross Castle near Killarney, overlooking Lough Leane.
 Lough Leane.
Lough Leane.
Lough Leane.
Lough Leane.
 Moss-covered trees and rocks near Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
Moss-covered trees and rocks near Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
 Icicles near Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
Icicles near Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
Icicles near Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
Icicles near Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.
 Bunratty Castle.
Bunratty Castle.
The Main Guard in Bunratty Castle. Orginally the main living room of the common soldiers, it is now used for banquets.
The Main Guard in Bunratty Castle. Orginally the main living room of the common soldiers, it is now used for banquets.
 The Great Hall in Bunratty Castle, the original banquet hall and audience chamber.
The Great Hall in Bunratty Castle, the original banquet hall and audience chamber.
A tapestry in Bunratty Castle's Great Hall.
A tapestry in Bunratty Castle's Great Hall.
 A tapestry in Bunratty Castle's Great Hall.
A tapestry in Bunratty Castle's Great Hall.
Bunratty Castle.
Bunratty Castle.
 The North Solar in Bunratty Castle, the private appartment of the Earl and his family.
The North Solar in Bunratty Castle, the private appartment of the Earl and his family.
The hearth in Bunratty Castle's North Solar.
The hearth in Bunratty Castle's North Solar.
 River Ratty seen from Bunratty Castle.
River Ratty seen from Bunratty Castle.
Cliffs of Moher.
Cliffs of Moher.
 Cliffs of Moher.
Cliffs of Moher.
Cliffs of Moher.
Cliffs of Moher.
 Cliffs of Moher.
Cliffs of Moher.
The Burren.
The Burren.
 360° panoramic view of the Burren.
360° panoramic view of the Burren.
The Burren.
The Burren.
 The Burren.
The Burren.
The Burren.
The Burren.
 Another icy road on our route, this time between Ballyvaghan and Lisdoonvarna. (Picture by Martin)
Another icy road on our route, this time between Ballyvaghan and Lisdoonvarna. (Picture by Martin)
The road conditions didn't quite allow speeds of 100 km/h. (Picture by Martin)
The road conditions didn't quite allow speeds of 100 km/h. (Picture by Martin)
 Leamaneh Castle in the Burren.
Leamaneh Castle in the Burren.
Sunset over the ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery.
Sunset over the ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery.
 Sunset near Kilmacduagh Monastery.
Sunset near Kilmacduagh Monastery.
Sunrise over Galway Bay.
Sunrise over Galway Bay.
 Panoramic view of the sunrise over Galway Bay.
Panoramic view of the sunrise over Galway Bay.