Eyes Open Ireland

This Eyes Open Ireland comes from Odette of Swan and Smerlin

"Botanic Gardens in the Summer"

"On a rare day when my husband is off from work, we'd venture out into town to discover Dublin's nooks and crannies. We've been here for over two years already but we still haven't seen everything! Initially we planned to hike up to the top of the Wicklow mountain again, but the weather wasn't cooperating that day. So I dragged the husband to the Botanic Gardens before he had the chance to sit down in front of the computer where the entire day can drain out so quickly! Needless to say, we both enjoyed the day out. We had a long wonderful walk in the gardens, the soft weather turned out beautiful photographs for me, and the day was capped with a cup of espresso at the garden's cafe. A few minutes from Dublin city centre, the Botanic Gardens is a refreshing and calming escape from the noise of the city."

"I took loads of photographs of the flowers because they never fail to make me smile. I feel that i have bottled up summer's vibrant colors and beautiful textures in these pictures and for me to enjoy them all year through."

"The Botanic Gardens is located in Glasnevin, Dublin 9. During summer, they're open everyday from 9am - 6pm, and on winter time, from 9am - 4pm. They have great facilities such as ample parking spaces for car and coach, wheelchair access, toilets, and education and visitor centre. It's only 3.5 Km north of Dublin city centre, and you may click this link for directions how to get there, whether by bus or by car. And lastly, entrance to the gardens is for free! "

~Odette
www.littlemsfirefly.blogspot.com
www.swannandsmerlin.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/packagesandstrings

Eyes Open Ireland

It's been a while since the last Eyes Open Ireland posting, this is partly due to me being away at various weddings at the weekends, but also due to the lack of fodder from Etsy Ireland members, so keep those photos of your inspirational homelands coming in! Email them to me at bridgetfarmerprints[at!]hotmail.com.

These photos of Howth, Co. Dublin, were taken by Anne-Marie of byAMOR

"Stuck in the city on a not-so-bright August bank holiday, a friend and I decided to hop on the train to the coast. The fishing village of Howth is a stone’s throw away from the city, about half an hour away on the dart (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). We figured, even if it rained, the fresh seafood washed down with a pint of Guinness in one of the fabulous eateries on the harbour would be worth the trip."

"I’m no photographer, though running an Etsy shop has forced me to do my best. So I brought my camera along to see if I could capture some creative inspiration."

"Even on dull days, vibrant colour can be found."

"A sneak preview of jewellery inspirations for 2011? I think not... I hope not."

"The lighthouse, dating back to 1817 is beautifully maintained. The red against the pale stone got me thinking of possible contrasts for claret garnets and tomato-coloured jaspers."

"Apparently these two critters are regulars at the dock, probably waiting for fish heads and other delicacies from restaurant scrap buckets. Despite an unexpected rush of vertigo, I leaned over the pier with trembling hands to get some sort of a shot. "

"This little fella looked right at me with those soulful eyes.  Or maybe he was just hungry? So were we. Fishcakes and chowder beckoned."