Megan Gayda came first in the ‘People and the Coast’ category in the 2023 Clean Coasts Love Your Coast photography competition with this image, ‘The Ocean Flare’. Taken in Co Clare, it displays the great skill of a bodyboarder at a powerful moment.

FIRST PLACE & OVERALL COMPETITION WINNER

PEOPLE & THE COAST

An Fear Marbh Agus An Fear Ag Eitilt

Slea Head Drive, Dingle, co Kerry

This was an opportunistic shot of a Paraglider taking in the sights of the Slea Head drive passing by Inishtooskert ‘An Fear Marbh’ while I waited for the famous Dingle light to appear in late July. The previous evening had little to no visibility due to low cloud and rain so I headed for the Schoolhouse from Ryan’s Daughter to take in sunset in hope of good light there and over Inishtooskert, 2 shots with the one location. What I thought was a photographer heading to the cliffs turned out to be a paraglider who circled the area for a while and allowed the opportunity to capture An Fear Marbh and a flying man, an Fear ag eitilt, in the one shot.

PHOTOGRAPHER: William Murphy

Kevin Doyle came second in the ‘People and the Coast’ category with ‘Rescue 117’, which captures the drama of a sea rescue scene at Tramore, Co Waterford.

SECOND PLACE

PEOPLE & THE COAST

The Old Man and The Sea.

Howth, co Dublin

"Now is no time to think what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.”

When I saw Steve sitting on Howth’s harbour wall in a pensive mood I immediately thought of Hemingway’s novel. I had to try and quickly capture that moment with the boats as a backdrop.

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Stanley

Ryan Murray's image ‘Cahersiveen in Seine Mood’ features the stunning colours of this regatta in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry. This image came third in the ‘People and the Coast’ category in the 2023 Clean Coasts LYC photo competition.

THIRD PLACE

PEOPLE & THE COAST

In Awe of a Rainbow

Bull Wall, Clontarf, Co Dublin

I always enjoy a visit to Bull Island and this St. Patrick's Day sunrise walk didn't disappoint. An opportune moment appeared when a walker conveniently arrived at the end of the rainbow on the Bull Wall. Not sure if they walked away with the gold though!

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ann Bruen

Christine Taylor's image, ‘Flat Out’, shows the majesty of horses at Laytown Beach in Co Meath; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Into the Vortex

Co Donegal

One of those classic winter days in Ireland—cold and crisp, but with just enough sunshine to bring a bit of warmth to the bones. We spent the day searching for waves, trekking through muddy fields, and carefully navigating slippery rocks. It led us to this wave, a spot we all hold dear and have shared many memories at. It’s a day that will stay with me for a long time. Taz, a good friend of mine, is fully immersed in the vortex of the barrel in this shot.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Megan Gayda

Fran Cassidy's image ‘Achill Surfers’ captures the shee joy of outdoor activity; it was taken at Keel Strand in Achill Island, Co Mayo; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Morning Walk at the Cottage

Laytown, Co meath

A serene morning unfolds by River Nanny Cottage in Laytown, Meath, as two people enjoy their morning walk peacefully along the riverbank. Bathed in the soft, warm pastel hues of the rising sun, the scene feels calm and intimate. The gentle light creates a golden-pink glow, across the landscape, while the cottage in the background quietly stands as a reminder of the tranquil countryside. The stillness of the river is achieved by using a long exposure technique, enhancing the quiet beauty of this peaceful moment.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Pawel Zygmunt

Terry Conroy's image ‘Marching to the Pipes’ was taken in Dooagh in Achill Island, Co Mayo; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Drumming in the Rain

POllagh on Achill, CO MAYO

I went to Achill on St Patricks Day to see and hear then many bands that march from various locations on the Island to meet at Pollagh Church. Unfortunately the day started out windy and wet. I spotted these excellent drummers who definitely didn't let the rain dampen their spirts. As usual the day ended with the drummers and pipers from all the bands playing and marching together.

PHOTOGRAPHER: TERRY CONROY

Todor Tilev was shortlisted in the ‘People and the Coast’ category for this image, ‘At the Cave at Boyeeghter Bay’, taken in Boyeeghter Bay, Co Donegal.

Leap of Faith

Southern Clare Coastline, Co clare

I had just purchased a water housing for my camera and was really looking forward to getting it out in the surf. This session arrived pretty quickly and the surf was amazing. The light was even better and I was in dreamland as it was one of my first sessions with the housing. Gearoid took off on this wave with the rest of the surfers watching on and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kevin Doyle

Des Byrne's image ‘Calvin Klein’ captures swimmers in a lighthearted moment at Naylor’s Cove in Bray, Co Wicklow; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Dreaming of Home While Mending the Nets

Union Hall, Co Cork

We were on holiday in Co Cork in the summer and we were exploring Union Hall. I spotted some fishermen repairing the nets and I thought it would make a nice photo. I love the far away look on the fisherman's face and I imagine he is dreaming of his home while he has some time to himself. The background is far away which adds to the feeling in the photo.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Christine Taylor

Peter Vandermeersch's image ‘New Year in Ireland’ features the happiness of two women in great spirits enjoying a beautiful day, taken in Bray, Co Wicklow; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Cast It Into The Sunset

Tramore Beach, Co Waterford

I took this while on a Sunday stroll along Tramore beach. I ended up walking the three miles stretch of sand since it was a rare occasion we could see the sun in the sky. When I got nearer to the end of the beach I noticed this lone fisherman so decided to capture him casting out his bait while the sun was setting behind the town of Tramore.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Higgins

Francisco Romo's image ‘Summer Swimmers’ captures the joy of swimmers at the Vico Baths in Killiney, Co Dublin; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Reading by The Coast

Tullan Strand, Bundoran, Co Donegal

Since I was a boy, I've always enjoyed watching the surfers ride the waves while I ran along the beach with my brother. These days I'm living in Korea and this was my first time back in quite a few years. The combination of beautiful weather, surfers in the distance and a couple reading in the foreground provided the perfect opportunity to capture its beauty.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Aaron Van Haaster