It doesn't seem to work, even Tourism Ireland are posting images of the Deck of Cards houses approximately once per month on their social media channels - of course using the older, more colourful versions. As we photographed here, more than 10 people arrived with cameras pointed in the direction of the houses and Saint Colman's; most unaware that their images won't turn out to be as bright and colourful as the tourist literature suggests.

I think it's a shame, if you're going to go to the bother of painting the whole front of your house, on a street of iconic houses, then why choose these colours.

At least the blue house painted their varnished door to a new shade of blue.

The Deck of Cards, 23 houses each built on their own level and painted different colours (albeit many of them now not very interesting or colourful) on a hill known as West View, were built in the 1850s and it is said they resemble cards set together in an upside down V, also that they would come tumbling down like a deck of cards if the bottom one fell.

So, would I go to photograph the Deck of Cards again? Yes, but only out of curiosity to see if bold colours have returned. Would I go out of my way to photograph the Deck of Cards? I'm not sure, I definitely would while passing but at the moment I don't think the colours visible from the viewing point are interesting. On a dark, grey day indeed these colours almost blend in to the general background atmosphere.

Think about how a rainbow stands out on a rainy day, the colours are bright, vibrant and clashing.

And would I go to Cobh to photograph? Absolutely, the people are amongst the friendliest you will find in Ireland and the town has a strong history, fine buildings and plenty of scenery around to make it a worthy visit.

Join me, to photograph the colourful, and not so colourful parts of Ireland on a Panoramic Ireland photography workshop or tour.