Thomil's Random Ramblings

I was originally reluctant to add the subject of this article to the Cork Parkscapes series. However, given the sizeable green space occupied by University College Cork, it is only logical to include it, especially given the unquestionably attractive landscaping of the area. So, given that a visit to UCC is probably going to be the closest I’ll ever get to attending university, I’ve decided to write up my thoughts about the UCC grounds, including the Lewis Glucksman Gallery. Once again, the images will be a mix of current images an “archive” images, just to let you know. “Where Finbarr Taught, Let Munster Learn.” The motto of UCC harkens back to the original founding of Cork, and to the monastic traditions of learning that have been a part of Cork all the way back in 606 AD, when the legendary Saint Fin Barre founded his church and monastery on the site of present day St. Fin Barres Cathedral. University College Cork however is substantially younger, being founded in 1845 follow...

"Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car." E.B White has nailed the transport philosophy that has been prevalent throughout most of the western world in the 20th century. The car has traditionally been seen as the ultimate tool in ensuring mobility in our society. It is seen as a symbol of freedom, of social status, and used as a tool to exert authority, whether real or imagined. However, the enormous success of cars has lead to a situation where, over the last two decades of the 20th century, and indeed for the entire first 16 years of the 21st century, infrastructure, especially in large urban centres, has simply been unable to cope with the amount of traffic, with predictable results. Cities have ground to a standstill, and city life has been choked by exhaust gases and noise. Cork, the city that I’ve been calling home since 2012, is a prime example for this, as it indeed is an example for possible solutions and potential pitfalls. So, for the ...