Every step taken leaves a trace — not always on the ground, but often in the memory. This blog begins not with a grand arrival, but with a quiet first step — slow, hesitant, full of the kind of curiosity that makes you linger at unfamiliar doors or turn down a street with no name.... Continue Reading →
Tirano to St. Moritz: Across the Bernina Line
Experience one of the most spectacular railway routes in the Alps, travelling from Tirano in northern Italy to St. Moritz in Switzerland along the legendary Bernina Line. The route climbs through dramatic mountain valleys, past crystal-clear lakes, glaciers and sweeping Alpine peaks, crossing remarkable viaducts and reaching the high point of Ospizio Bernina at 2,253 metres before descending into the Engadin Valley and St. Moritz.
The Cats of York: Watching from the Walls
York has a secret feline population hiding in plain sight. Perched above streets, tucked into old buildings and watching from rooftops, the Cats of York have become one of the city's most unusual traditions. From their origins in the early twentieth century to the later sculptures that expanded the collection, these curious figures have quietly found their place among York's ancient architecture and centuries of history.
Naples Beneath the Streets: Tunnels, Water and the Shelters of War
Beneath the busy streets of Naples lies a hidden world shaped over more than two thousand years. What began with ancient quarrying and the need for groundwater became an intricate network of aqueducts, wells and cisterns. Centuries later, these same underground spaces took on a very different role as air-raid shelters during the Second World War, while purpose-built bunkers formed part of the city's wartime defences. Today, the tunnels reveal a remarkable story of water, engineering, survival and the people who sought refuge beneath Naples when the skies above became dangerous.
Among the Ashes
In the aftermath of a night of violence in East Belfast, burned-out vehicles, damaged homes, shattered windows, and blackened interiors reveal the human cost left behind. Through photographs and reflection, this photo essay examines the impact on ordinary residents whose lives were disrupted, the changing face of East Belfast, and the challenges that remain as the community continues to move forward.
The Bogside Murals: Derry’s Streets of Memory
The Bogside Murals in Derry form one of the most powerful collections of public art in Ireland, closely tied to the events of Bloody Sunday and the wider Civil Rights era. Painted across the walls of residential streets, these works preserve moments of memory, loss, and identity within the very landscape where history unfolded. Today, they remain both a place of reflection and a striking visual record of Derry’s recent past.
The Art of Place: Northern Ireland’s Outdoor Gallery
Beyond the cities and well-known landmarks, Northern Ireland's walls tell stories of the communities around them. From coastal towns and market centres to quiet villages and busy streets, murals and public art celebrate local identity, preserve memories, and reveal the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape life across the region.
A City Painted in Motion: Belfast’s Ever-Changing Canvas
Belfast's street art scene is constantly evolving. Across the city, murals and large-scale artworks appear, disappear, and transform over time, creating a visual landscape that never stands still. Shaped largely by local artists and inspired by influences from home and abroad, Belfast has become a city where every wall has the potential to tell a new story.
Belfast’s Peace Wall: A Canvas of Art, History, and Change
Originally built as a temporary barrier during the Troubles, Belfast's Peace Wall has evolved into one of the city's most distinctive outdoor galleries. While its history remains an important part of its identity, the wall continues to change through layers of murals, public art, and creative expression. From large-scale artworks to community-led projects, it has become a living canvas that reflects both Belfast's past and the creativity that continues to shape its streets today.
Belfast’s Walls of Memory: Street Art in Northern Ireland
Belfast’s walls tell the story of a city in transition. From the political murals that emerged during the Troubles to the vibrant street art, community projects, and large-scale building murals that define many areas today, the city’s public artwork reflects its past, present, and evolving identity. Exploring Belfast through its streets reveals a place where history, creativity, and community continue to shape the urban landscape.
Among the Wildfowl: Exploring Castle Espie Wetlands Resident Birds
A journey through Castle Espie WWT’s wildfowl enclosures reveals ducks from across the globe, each species reshaping what we think we know about these familiar birds. From the precision of Barrow’s goldeneye to the theatrical display of the hooded merganser, this is a brief encounter that lingers, turning observation into something far more attentive.
