Ireland

The chapel

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Chapel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made a welcome return to the city of Derry in Northern Ireland, which focused on visiting Dermot’s family.

On the face of it, this photograph merely captures a beautiful piece of architecture.

It is the chapel of St Patrick’s in the Pennyburn area of the city. Built in the 1930s, it is relatively small, neat and without much ostentation. There is a wonderful circular stained glass window at the front of the building and a green bell tower. I love its yellow ceiling and clean symmetry.

St Patrick’s echoes the sentiment of our journey, as it has a strong connection to Dermot’s family. His parents were married there in 1981, and his grandmother regularly worships there. It is more than just a building.

See Divine Light on another of Derry’s buildings of worship

City of Culture

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Congratulations to Derry-Londonderry in Northern Ireland on beginning its year-long tenure as the first UK City of Culture.

A series of events will take place during 2013 to mark the honour, including hosting the Turner Prize for contemporary art, which will be held outside England for the very first time. The party started in blistering style with a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

To get a flavour of what Derry looks like, I hope you enjoy this collection of shots from my visit there in November.

Click first image to launch the gallery
Hands Across The Divide statue
The city and Peace Bridge
Free Derry mural
Shipquay Street
Waterside
Ebrington Square
Bogside from the city walls
View from St Eugene’s Cathedral
Bogside
City walls
Dual struts
St Eugene’s Cathedral
Derry civil rights mural
Prince Street
Peace Bridge detail
Park Bar, Francis Street
St Eugene’s Cathedral
Che Guevara mural
City cemetery
Peace Bridge reflection
View across Derry

 

To find out more about Derry, visit these related posts:

Derry’s striking murals    Across the Peace Bridge

Maiden City views

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Derry, Northern Ireland’s second city after Belfast, is also known as Maiden City. To round off a series of photographs from my first visit there, here are views from around the city, including the iconic Hands Across The Divide sculpture and Derry’s solid and ancient city walls.

Click first image to launch the full size gallery

See other photographs from Derry:

Derry’s striking murals

Across the Peace Bridge

Divine light

Divine light

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Glass majesty

Divine light

Illuminated quartet

St Eugene’s Cathedral in Northern Ireland is the seat of the Bishop of Derry. It’s a commanding building which you can see from around the city, and sits close to the Bogside area, famous for its political murals.

A visit on a Saturday afternoon saw the building empty and hushed. The bright but chilly weather threw beautiful light through the magnificent stained glass and other windows. It was a pleasure to be able to walk around and leisure and take numerous photographs. It’s a place that I recommend visiting if you ever find yourself in Derry.

SEE ALSO:  Ecclesiastical curves

Across the Peace Bridge

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The Peace Bridge was opened in Derry, Northern Ireland in June 2011 and has swiftly become a major feature of the city. It sits astride the River Foyle and is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge is designed to bring together Derry’s divided geography and communities.

This contemporary structure with its graceful pinnacles and curves is a draw to the photographer. The city looks weathered against the bridge, which enjoys a steady stream of human traffic. Reflections of the Peace Bridge in the water it crosses and its own detail make it a joy to capture.

Click the first image to launch the full size gallery

This bridge has been elevated to one of the best I have visited and photographed. The sense that this has brought a new lease of life to the fabric of Derry came across quite palpably.