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Gougane Barra is effectively my back garden, and it's also my office as that's where I run my Cork-based workshops.
Always beautiful, every once and a while you're treated to something really special, which is what happened on this beautiful October morning.
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Made during my trip to visit the Bull Rock Lighthouse in early Summer, 2010. This image was made on the way down from the old fog signal station and shows the illuminated lighthouse against the empty sea beyond.
As this is a night image, the exposure was long and thus the waves and clouds are completely smoothed out, creating a timeless look.
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Dún Briste (Broken Fort) is an impressive sea stack at Downpatrick Head on the North Mayo coast. Standing 50 meters (164 feet) high, it was once part of the mainland, connected by a sea arch. It's not known for sure when the arch collapsed, but it seems likely to have been sometime in the 14th century.
Normally viewed from the adjacent cliffs, the most impressive views of the stack are from sea level. This image was made from the base of the cliffs near the entrance to one of the caves that undercut the headland. It should be noted that this an extremely dangerous spot to get to and should only be attempted while in the company of someone who has been there before, and with good knowledge of the local tides and sea conditions. It is possible to become trapped by the incoming tide and a rogue wave could easily sweep you out to sea.
This swirl in the foreground is a result of the long exposure revealing the flow pattern as the waves ebb off the platform. The pool here is about 8 feet deep, and has been carved out of the flat rock platform by countless years of such action. If it wasn't for the danger of being swept away, it would make an excellent jacuzzi!
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Carrigaphooca Castle (Caisleán Carraig a' Phúca - The Castle of the Fairy Rock) is a magnificent 15th century tower house on the banks of the Sullane River near Macroom. The castle is reportedly haunted and is a frequent stop for ghost hunters.
Photographed here on a frosty winter's morning, the rising sun illuminates the castle's east wall. No sign of the pooka was in evidence this morning! Or perhaps it was in a good mood and allowed me this great light.
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A favourite image of mine, this heron was fishing for his breakfast as I was just finishing up a dawn shoot. As I returned to my car, I noticed him, but had already put all my equipment away. I debated whether to haul it all out again, as Murphy's Law would indicate that he would fly away as soon as I had everything ready.
Thankfully, I ignored my misgivings and made the effort. He was most co-operative, hanging around for a few minutes so I could pick my moment precisely!
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Lough Leane is the largest of the Lakes of Killarney, and is seen here looking from Reen Pier near Ross Castle towards the Purple Mountain group (consisting of Tomies, Purple and Shehy mountains).
The Lakes are world famous for their beauty and I've long been looking for an image that conveyed the scale and calmness of this area. It wasn't until fairly recently that the combination of clouds, calm water and warm light made this photograph possible.
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This photograph was made in the evening after the lantern had come on in the lighthouse. The open door is very inviting - lighthouses were always very hospitable places. Unfortunately, since automation more often than not the doors are barred as there's no one present. When work is ongoing, for a brief time some of that old hospitality comes back to life.
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Being mainly famous for its 6th century monastery, the dramatic island of Skellig Michael also boasts two lighthouses built in 1830. This image was made of the lower lighthouse from the road to the upper (which was discontinued and abandoned in 1870).
Made shortly after moonrise, the image shows the light in its new guise. Just a couple of weeks before this image was made, the old fresnel lantern was decommissioned and a modern LED lantern mounted on the balcony. In a large print, this new light can be seen illuminated. It has great advantages in cost of operation, but unfortunately means that the rest of the lighthouse complex is surplus to requirements and will be closed up. The end of an era, but on this trip I was fortunate enough to enjoy the hospitality of the lighthouse for possibly the last time ever.
This is one of my favourite images of recent times. I love the line of the road leading down to the light, and even more the evidence of nature's relentless assault in the cracked and damaged walls, and the overgrown road itself.
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On December 21, 2010 there was a total lunar eclipse which was visible from Ireland as the moon was setting just before sunrise.
That December was a brutally cold one in Ireland with virtually the entire country covered in snow - a rare occurrence. Braving the -15 degree (centigrade) temperatures I made this exposure from the driveway of our house. It pays to live in an area of natural beauty!
In it, the eclipse is nearing totality with only a small sliver of the moon in sunlight. The rest is a red colour as it has passed into the shadow of the earth.
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One of the advantages of living in a remote area is that often you don't need to go much further than your front door to get some wonderful images.
I was working on some projects in my home office when I looked out the window as the sun was setting. A beautiful crescent moon was low in the western sky, so I grabbed my tripod and camera and went outside.
The wonderfully subtle tones in the sky and the gradual transition from bright to dark, combined with the fact that the dark side of the moon is visible (due to earthshine) make this an image I'm very happy with.
I’m delighted with my purchase of the Gearagh. The photo brings a sense of piece and tranquility to me. It’s a magical photo where you can almost feel yourself sitting on that bench enjoying the moment.
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Made on my visit to the Bull Rock lighthouse, the largest of the three offshore islands the Bull, the Cow and the Calf.
In this image, looking back to the mainland you can see the Cow (the largish island in the center of the frame), the Calf (to the right with the broken-off lighthouse) and Dursey Island (the largest island in the center of the frame).
Made with a long exposure, the sea and the clouds have smoothed out completely. I very much like the quiet moodiness of this image.
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Keem Beach is one of the most dramatic in Ireland, situated in a bowl of the cliffs at the western tip of Achill Island. Here, an outcrop of rock stands against the incoming tide.
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Made on a fine morning during my stay on the Bull Rock. On the steps leading up from the Wendy House to the old fog signal station on the island's summit. This is the view looking south-west.
The building in the foreground is the keeper's accommodation and engine room. One of the water tanks is visible as is part of the oil store. You can also get some appreciation of the exposed nature of the helipad, sitting on stilts with steep drops on three sides.