Ireland - Go Wild Dublin

Raw Dublin - Behind the photograph­er’s lens

Raw Dublin photograph­er Fred Kelly shares his view of the capital and tells SIOBHÁN BREATNACH why some of the city’s most iconic landmarks will always have a place in his heart

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With over 42,000 Instagram followers, Raw Dublin photograph­er Fred Kelly has captured some of the county’s most iconic and inspiring views and landmarks.

Dublin’s striking architectu­re, coupled with the diversity of people who call it home, are just some of the qualities the commercial photograph­er admires most about his hometown.

A quick scroll through the Raw Dublin social media feed and you’re instantly transporte­d to Dublin at its most beautiful.

Striking sunrise photos of the Poolbeg Lighthouse, a 66ft limestone round tower on the Great South Wall at Dublin Port, are among Kelly’s favourites.

“Dublin is a great place to shoot because there are so many different styles of architectu­re in an area that you can easily explore in one day,” he says.

“From canals and parks to museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone. We have a huge range of nationalit­ies calling Dublin home too, which is awesome as there is a beautiful blend of culture in the city now.”

Heading out to capture the sun’s rise and fall has been a pleasure for the photograph­er during the pandemic.

“My favourite...

ever photo of Dublin is one I took of a sunrise over Poolbeg Lighthouse,” he says. “I planned it to try get the sun to match the size of the top of the tower and it worked so perfectly.

“I’m really enjoying planning sunrise and sunset now and hope we get so clear skies for the next few months.”

Photograph­y aside, Kelly also recently launched a Change.org petition in support of another iconic landmark.

The red and white striped

Poolbeg Chimneys, an instantly recognisab­le part of Dublin’s skyline, have been centre stage in public conversati­on this year after letters in The Irish Times sparked debate over whether they should be demolished or preserved to rival the likes of Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

“They are Dublin. You see them, you feel the city,” says Kelly. “You feel the connection with the past.”

Owned by ESB and part of the Poolbeg Generating Station, which was decommissi­oned in 2010, the 207 metre tall chimneys have always had the marmite factor.

Fred Kelly is firmly in the lovin’ it category.

“They are the symbol of Dublin City and mean so much to most,” he says. “I hope we can make sure we save them and give them a new lease of life for future generation­s.”

For photograph­y inspiratio­n check out @rawdublin. You can also find more details about the Poolbeg Chimneys petition on Change.org - Save The Poolbeg Chimneys 2021.

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