FIRST PLACE
COASTAL HERITAGE
Fisherman's Hut
Connemara, CO Galway
Captured during a day trip to Connemara, this old cottage sits beside one of the many loughs in South Connemara.
The light here shifts constantly, making each photo unique. This ancient cottage, a long-time base for anglers, is a charming example of the traditional Irish architecture of the region.
PHOTOGRAPHER: JOE SILKE
SECOND PLACE
COASTAL HERITAGE
The Secret Fort by the Sea
Portnoo, Co Donegal
Taken in late December, the setting sun lighting up the brown and red shrubs complimented with no wind, this was the most idyllic evening to capture Doon Fort. With Croagh Head and Aranmore Island sitting in the Atlantic behind it, it’s hidden away and not signposted on account of it being surrounds fully by private lands.
PHOTOGRAPHER: GAIL PARK
THIRD PLACE
COASTAL HERITAGE
Fishing for Aurora
Screebe, CO Galway
The Aurora of May 2024, will go down in history books. We were lucky enough to have clear skies all over Ireland. I headed to my favourite location in Connemara to capture this once in a lifetime event, a small fishing hut. I have withnessed some amazing things here over the years from the Milkyway, comet Neowise, colourful sunsets and rainbows but this was the last thing I expected especially looking SW.
PHOTOGRAPHER: FELIX SPROLL
The Lighthouse
Fanad Head, CO Donegal
One of the most memorable spots I visited in Donegal was the Fanad Head lighthouse. I originally aimed for a sunrise, but since the sky was clear, I decided to give it a try at night. The Milky Way rises later at this time of the year, and with a forecast of full overcast by 2 am, a starry sky was all I could capture. Still, it was a refreshing change from the traditional work I usually do. Under the vast, twinkling sky, the lighthouse beams cut through the darkness, creating a stunning contrast against the cosmic backdrop.
PHOTOGRAPHER: PAWEL ZYGMUNT
Banshees Cottage
Keem Beach, Co Mayo
I have photographed Achill on many occasions and Keem Beach is one of my favourite locations. Of course, its now more famous than ever since the The Banshees of Inisherin film used this location and cottage - yet I was the only person there that morning. The low hanging cloud & heavy sky so typical here gave a sense of moodiness - I could nearly visualise Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell filming here.
PHOTOGRAPHER: HELEN BLACK
Storm Fergus
Purteen harbour, Achill island, CO Mayo
I arrived on Achill Island in the middle of Storm Fergus and spotted the waves crashing over the harbour wall at Purteen. I diverted and headed down. While keeping out of harms way and keeping the headland between me and the waves I approached as close as was safe. I shot a number of images but felt this captured the ferocity the best. In keeping with the theme I felt that the harbour walls and the safety offered to the moored boats are a very important part of our heritage.
PHOTOGRAPHER: TERRY CONROY
U Turn
Cobh, Co Cork
For a long time i wanted to get a shot of the row of beautiful, colorful houses in Cobh. When I arrived I took a few shots of the facades with the church in the background, and started looking for another angle of view. From the back side of the street I saw a small ship making a U-turn, and as if about to climb the roofs of the houses as if they were stairs . That was the moment I took the shot.
PHOTOGRAPHER: KRASTYU VALISEV
The Sky's Awake
Skerries, Co Dublin
Seeing the northern lights has been a bucket list item for me for as long as I can remember. Having the opportunity to capture them on camera so close to home was an amazing experience. The sense of community created by the event was amazing to see and be a part of (the full carpark in the lower left background is indicative of the number of people who arrived to view this spectacle). It's a night that will stay with me forever and one I am grateful to have been able to photograph.
PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAEL GOULDING
When the Boat Comes In
Poolbeg, CO Dublin
I had gone to try and photograph the sunrise at Poolbeg but it turned out to be an extremely foggy day. As I got closer to the Lighthouse the fog started to lift and you could see the sky had started to brighten up. I managed to capture a ferry passing by with just a hint of sea fog left
PHOTOGRAPHER: PAUL BEHAN
