From a landscape photographers perspective:
You should certainly consider visiting the following destinations along what is now called the Wild Atlantic Way if you are looking to experience what is unique about Ireland. The sheer natural beauty of the Irish landscape is found here, and alongside the dramatic weather that not only shapes the coast but also provides a contrast and palette of textures that enhance the experience, plus the unique fresh air off the Atlantic that sharpens all the senses.
Dingle Peninsula:
A drive from Dingle town to Slea Head should be top of every visitor’s list, with epic views towards the Blasket Islands and Skellig Islands. What a great place to see the sun go down and make some black and white pictures if you’re anything like me. As you wind down to Coumeenole Beach for your swim or walk, enjoying the views on every bend, it’s hard to imagine being anywhere else.
Cliffs of Moher:
Located south of the Burren region in Co Clare, these impressive sea cliffs tower above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for about 14 km of coastline. Visited by many, they are a spectacular statement etched into the Irish landscape. As a landscape photographer, this offers an abundance of visual scenery that changes with every season and every beam of sunlight, boasting dramatic views along the cliffs and towards the Aran Islands, which should also be on your list.
The Beara Peninsula:
Located on the westernmost point of West Cork, the Beara area is largely untouched and offers spectacular scenery without the crowds of tourists that more well-known areas have. These ancient landscapes are home to prehistoric stone circles, standing stones, and traditional villages, all of which pay homage to its past. Set amongst the natural landscape with rugged rocky coastlines, beautiful lakes, mountains, and many islands in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a very special place to immerse oneself in what is quintessentially Irish.
Achill Island:
Achill is a black and white landscape photographer’s paradise, not unlike all of the destinations on this list. The manner in which the mountains meet the sea, coupled with expansive beaches and Wild Atlantic scenery, along with changing light and weather, tends to deliver dramatic clouds and shifts of light that highlight this remote yet popular island off the coast of Mayo. It’s one of the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Connemara:
The rolling mountain range of the twelve Bens sets the backdrop of the wilderness that is Connemara. A haven for lovers of the great outdoors, it is one of Ireland’s most impressive landscapes and certainly high on my list as a landscape photographer. A drive from Clifden to Roundstone offers a jaw-dropping feast for the eyes along some of Ireland’s most beautiful coastlines. Or wander through Connemara National Park to experience nature largely untouched by humans. A favourite of mine is a pint and a chowder in a pub in the amazing village of Roundstone post picture-making, usually followed by a swim.
Peace Love Namaste
Patrick
