Kerry

The Skellig Islands seen at sunset on an autumn day as a gannet flies overhead.

A stormy afternoon at Slea Head. Just above Coumeenole Beach, the characteristic jagged rocks stand defiant against the wild Atlantic swell.

Valentia is a large island just off the north coast of the Iveragh peninsula. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it's a lovely place to visit and has some stunning scenery. This image was made while returning from the abortive attempt to land on Inishteareaght and shows the north coast of the island being battered by a storm.
It's a rare privilege to see this kind of weather in action from the air, so I'm pleased to be able to share it with you.

Welcoming light spills out of some of the beehive huts that make up the Skellig Michael monastery on a calm night.

A night view of the Gap of Dunloe, illuminated by moonlight. Snow sits on the mountains as the winter weather of 2010 retreats at last

The monastery on Skellig Michael dates from the 6th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on a man-made terrace 600 feet above the Atlantic, it's possibly my favourite place in the world. This photograph was made looking into the rising sun - a rare privilege!

Another beloved location for holidaymakers and surfers is the Maharees, a 5 kilometre long peninsula off the north coast of the Dingle peninsula. It’s actually a tombolo, a landform that occurs when an island or islands becomes attached to the shore by a spit of sand.

A ram taking its ease with the backdrop of the Kerry Mountains beyond.

Bray Head looms at the viewer on a beautiful spring evening. The cloudless sky contrasts with the surf pounding against the base of the cliffs.

The Upper Lake, one of the famous Lakes of Killarney, is probably the most scenic. This is a classic view, looking out over the Macgillycuddy's Reeks from a location used by the lake's boatmen to tie up at the end of the day. Snow rests on the mountains on a fresh winter's day.

A fern and bluebells in springtime.

The moon rises over Torc Mountain with the lights of Killarney in the distance.

Puffins are difficult birds to photograph in flight. They are small and fast, a tough combination. After several attempts, I made a few images I was happy with, and this is the best of those. The puffin is coming in to land, with the waves crashing on the rocks in the background.

Ladies' View is one of the iconic viewpoints in the Killarney area. Named for Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, who were apparently much taken by the spot during her visit to the area.
I've always been taken by this tree, which is largely overlooked by the tourists who visit this place in droves during the summer months. I think it sets the view off very nicely, and this image made under starry skies gives the place an otherworldly feel. The lights of Killarney are visible in the bottom left of the frame between Torc Mountain on the right and the Eagle's Nest on the left.