07 Aug 2019
by Roberta McDonnell
in Nature, Photography, Places, Seasons, Walks and Walking, wildflowers, wildlife
Tags: Down, flowers, Ireland, nature, Seahill, walking
A few days ago I had occasion to take a walk along a lovely lane in Seahill, County Down. To say the wildflowers are in their prime fails to do justice to the enchanting display.
Everywhere you turn there’s another beauty to beguile you. Then the sea, lapping along a gentle rocky shore, completes the spell. Before that day, I had not even known about the place and a return home by train via the quaint little station sealed the deal on a remarkable and memorable day trip.
Bangor next, I think.
23 Mar 2019
by Roberta McDonnell
in Inspiration, Mindfulness, Nature, Photography, Places, Seasons, Walks and Walking, winter
Tags: birds, Ireland, light, Trees
A day in December past, Ormeau Park, Belfast. The air was crisp chill, the sunlight pale and hypnotic. One tree had bark of a peculiar orange shade, made more surreal by the way a sun shaft illuminated its branches. A bird puffed its body up against the breeze and sang in muted tones. I walked and breathed the mist and light.
06 Jul 2017
by Roberta McDonnell
in Creativity, Nature, Photography, Places, Seasons
Tags: Belfast, flowers, Ireland, Summer
Hello again from Belfast Botanical Gardens. Several weeks of mid-summer heat, a rare enough treat in these climes, along with intermittent heavy rain, have brought about a magnificent swathe of blooms of all colours and variations. Most striking is the wild flower patch with deep blue cornflowers and lazy daisies. I’m doing the best I can to squeeze in a morning walk around Botanic at least once each week and catching a coffee with Fintan or a daughter into the bargain. While I tend to enjoy each season for it’s unique beauties, for now summer’s where it’s at. Happy Summertime folks!
11 Apr 2017
by Roberta McDonnell
in Nature, Places, Seasons, Walks and Walking
Tags: Belfast, flowers, Museums, Trees
Today in Belfast seemed like the first day of a real Spring season so I took a walk around Botanic Gardens and Stranmillis. Cherry blossoms are everywhere and the bluebells are in full bloom as well, perhaps a little early but I’m not complaining since they’re my favourite flower. Though sunny, the air was chill and I used that as an excuse to do my usual jaunt into the Ulster Museum (so conveniently situated right in the lovely Botanic Gardens). Took a few snaps along the way, hope you enjoy 😊