Aerials

The historic clifftop fort of Dun Aengus on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands at sunset.

The Rock of Cashel is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture to be found in Ireland. Set on a limestone outcrop, it was originally the seat of the high kings of Munster, and was donated to the Church in the 12th century. The scaffolding visible in the photograph is from a long-term conservation project to protect and preserve the elaborate wall paintings in Cormac's Chapel. It has been present since 2009.

The massive cliffs at Slieve League peek out behind a Napoleonic watchtower in the foreground at sunset.

A ruined cottage on the uplands of the Burren as a rain shower passes by.

The Rock of Cashel is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture to be found in Ireland. Set on a limestone outcrop, it was originally the seat of the high kings of Munster, and was donated to the Church in the 12th century. The scaffolding visible in the photograph is from a long-term conservation project to protect and preserve the elaborate wall paintings in Cormac's Chapel. It has been present since 2009.

Three Castle Head, the northwestern corner of the Mizen peninsula, from the air.

Banba's Crown, Ireland's most northerly point is seen here from the air at sunset.

A Napoleonic-era watchtower guards the dramatic headland of Black Ball Head.

The sun rises over the North Peak of Skellig Michael with the monastery huddled on its shoulder.

Photographed just after sunrise, this view from the western end of Skellig Michael shows the two lighthouses very effectively. As shafts of sunlight penetrate the clouds and light up the sea, the abandoned northern lighthouse sits high on its ridge in the centre of the frame. The still-operational southern light is very visible with its white painted walls.

Rarely seen, the hermitage clings to the narrow South Peak of Skellig Michael with a 700 foot drop on either side. The main monastery can be seen on the North Peak in the middle distance, and the Small Skellig and the Kerry coast lie beyond.

This view of Skellig from an aircraft overhead reveals the entire island like a map. The eastern side is on the left. The boat landing can be made out as a pale area just above the eastern point, and you can follow the whole path from there to the monastery on the left peak.

An aerial view of the hermitage clinging to the south peak of Skellig Michael.

Inisfallen Island in Lough Leane, one of the Lakes of Killarney, houses an ancient monastic settlement.