For the next few weeks I’m renting a 14mm (very wide angle) lens, so I thought what better place to test it out than in Ri Ra to get a real flavor of the restaurant and its historic dome. For more info, head over to their site and click the “History” tab, or stop by the building constructed in 1803 and read the plaque that the owners put near the front door.

The folks over at Ri Ra were very friendly and welcoming to me setting up shop with my tripod (which can sort of get in the way in a busy restaurant), thanks for being accommodating!  Hope you enjoy the shot.

I’ve always enjoyed a stop in an irish pub – and I’m glad to have a new addition to the Portsmouth scene.  The architecture and details in the building alone are worth the visit – the beer and the pub food is the icing on the cake.  Above you can see the safe door in the main dining room.  Below – two of my favorite shots I’ve captured of the restored dome.

The newest game in town, Ri Ra, is an irish pub that redeveloped the oldest bank building in the United States.  They did a phenomenal job with the place, it’s gorgeous inside and always ridiculously packed.  The dome is striking to those walking in (especially seeing it for the first time).  The lighting is tough inside, the dome itself is very well lit – but the gorgeous border is very dimly lit so it’s a tricky shot.  Go check it out sometime when you have a chance, you may even have the chance to dine in one of the old bank vaults.

Full size here:  FLICKR