An Sugan
Clonakilty / Ireland
In Clonakilty, Ireland there is no absence of the element we like to call fantasy. Walking along the streets of the timeless town, it is almost impossible not to pass a colored door or painted front. Whilst walking by this particular shop, you could definitely say that fantasy was not at all lost. You could see the whimsical cherry red framing the windows, creating that fantastical portal to another place. The remainder of the building, however, was clothed in a vibrant green that was in direct contrast with its neighbors, setting it apart from the usually dull world surrounding it. In the windows the books sat in their stands beckoning passerby’s to dive into their pages. It was that thought that led me to think of the town as a book itself, one that draws you in and beckons you to read its pages, to find out what they contain, and this shop, I have to say, was one of the best chapters I could have found.
Promised Land
Last Stop
Clonakilty / Ireland
Down a small, out of the way alley in Clonakilty, Ireland sits this small pub. Small enough to be overlooked by local passerby’s, it presents itself proudly with its stark stone walls and crimson accents. Simple things such as this pub are often missed; you must be really looking to notice these small treasures. The Guinness marque and bicycle in particular drew me in at first, but it was the overall simplicity that made me realize what I had found, a place to pull off for a pint or two; the last stop on a journey home.
The Grove
Dark Hedges / Ireland
On cloudy days like these, no matter what time of day, you can never seem to escape the mysterious dark clouds suspended above you. On this particular road however, the grove of warped and weathered trees offer you an escape from the ever-present clouds. The twisted gray limbs create a halo in the sky that makes them untouchable by the clouds that encase them. Although the gloom looks as though it may overcome you, it is the farthest thing from the truth. Instead you get lost in the mysterious path that leads you to that unexpected destination. You are neither anxious nor nervous because you know that something this fantastical can only lead you somewhere you want to go.
Be Still
County Cork / Ireland
The small chapel of St. Finbar is nestled amongst aged trees and the lush blooms of rhododendron. The lake surrounds the small inlet which emanates solidarity. On a morning such as this, I opted to view the chapel from a different perspective so that I could not only see the sanctuary itself, but the beauty that gives it the grace it so deserves. The pink rays that illuminate the valley behind are perfect accents. Nothing moves, everything is frozen in that perfect moment. As for myself, I breathe in the moment and be still.
Beara
Beara Peninsula / Ireland
The Beara Peninsula in Ireland is anything but ordinary. Sure there is the vibrant green grass of the homeland and there’s the smell of peat in the air, but what isn’t always captured by the naked eye is the rocks that engulf almost every inch of coastline. This stone amphitheater breaks through the ordinary and creates a new wave unique in its existence, separate from the other coastlines of Ireland’s shores. They are waves that never cease to crash upon the shores of our vision, giving us, always, a new perspective.
A Reflective Moment
County Cork / Ireland
It was a typical morning for me on a shoot. I was having breakfast at my Bed & Breakfast wondering which direction to take that day. It was at this same Bed & Breakfast three years earlier that I was given a suggestion of a place I might consider shooting; a small chapel on a lake in the mountains of County Cork. I headed out early to take advantage of calm winds and perfect light. An elderly Irishman, walking along the road, informed me of the quickest route to take. When I arrived, I witnessed the boats, the chapel, the misty mountains fading in the background and my own pondering, all to be a perfect moment of reflection.
Enchanted
The Dark Hedges / Ireland
In County Antrim on the north coast of Ireland, there winds a road that takes you deep into a grove of beech trees with branches reaching out above you on either side. Looking down the road beyond a curve, there is a glow of light and you can’t help but wonder what mystical land lies beyond. Fog adorns the air sending a gentle mist around all those who travel down this enchanted road. Although the air is damp, you seem to be lost in the arch of arms tangling their way through each other, luring you in to the fantastical land that lies beyond.
A Resting Place
Connemara / Ireland
Where better to rest one’s heart than in the heart of Ireland?
After enjoying a mellow Sunday dinner in an Irish pub, we decided to take an evening drive. In the heart of Connemara, near Clifden, we paused - for the surroundings seemed to do the same. Resting in the shadows of the 12 Pins mountains, pine and pond came together to offer a bit of space and a bit of peace.
A Soft Day
County Kerry / Ireland
A hard shot on a soft day. What made a scene perfect made it perfectly difficult to get.
We discovered a setting with all the components of the Irish landscape paradigm: sheep lounging in a gully, a stone bridge spanning a meandering stream, lush grass clinging to a craggy landscape, mist hanging in the background.
But on this day on the isle, other elements were at work. Our tripod hugged the ground to escape the wind, and our camera took refuge under an umbrella to escape the mist on this “soft” day.
A Wave of Color
Kinsale / Ireland
Kinsale, Ireland, on the southern Cork coast, is a generally active village. Fishing occupies the time and interests of many. Good restaurants abound. Bread-and-breakfasts line the colorful streets.
But even in this lively village, one street in particular stood out. It just couldn’t stay still!
Colors - bold purples, excited yellows, and flashy reds - seemed to jump from the walls of the buildings. Flowers burst from windows, sills and containers. Even the sidewalks undulated with dips and rises to escort rain waters away from doorways. And the result? A veritable wave of color.
At Rest
County Galway / Ireland
Whenever we’re in Ireland, we are amazed at how comfortable and at home we feel. On an early June day we were driving in County Galway when we came across an old boat that looked at home in its surroundings as well. Its days at sea were gone, its paint faded by weather and time, but still, it had a presence, a presence that commanded our attention. Though its usefulness had long since passed, it is once again resurrected, only this time as a boat “at rest” in a photograph.
Be Still -- Pano
County Cork / Ireland
The small chapel of St. Finbar is nestled amongst aged trees and the lush blooms of rhododendron. The lake surrounds the small inlet which emanates solidarity. On a morning such as this, I opted to view the chapel from a different perspective so that I could not only see the sanctuary itself, but the beauty that gives it the grace it so deserves. The pink rays that illuminate the valley behind are perfect accents. Nothing moves, everything is frozen in that perfect moment. As for myself, I breathe in the moment and be still.
Cottage Thatch
Although we didn’t know it until afterwards, timing was critical for one of our shots today. Shortly after photographing a thatched-roof cottage, one of the blocks of interconnected homes, a woman appeared from within the house. Moments later, she rode off on the bicycle parked in front, taking it out of the shot!
Enchanted II
The Dark Hedges / Ireland
In County Antrim on the north coast of Ireland, there winds a road that takes you deep into a grove of beech trees with branches reaching out above you on either side. Looking down the road beyond a curve, there is a glow of light and you can’t help but wonder what mystical land lies beyond. Fog adorns the air sending a gentle mist around all those who travel down this enchanted road. Although the air is damp, you seem to be lost in the arch of arms tangling their way through each other, luring you in to the fantastical land that lies beyond.
Dublin / Ireland
DeBarra
Clonakilty / Ireland
The only sign missing from the front window of a pub in Clonakilty was one reading, “Come on in.”
But from the looks of it, no such invitation was necessary. An eclectic collection of fliers, posters, cards and other printed mementos did the trick.
In getting close enough to read the signs, you’d also invariably catch sight of the activity on the other side of the windows. Curiosity would draw you in the door, and the allure of a pint might keep you there.
Northern Sentinel
I had been heading out to the craggy outpost, Fanad Head, every few hours for three days hoping for that unique moment of light. I was contemplating moving on feeling that I had captured the scene in a variety of lighting conditions even though that perfect moment had eluded me thus far. I thought I would try one last time. As I approached the now familiar scene and began to set up my camera, I turned around to find a fast-moving storm encroaching on me. Taking shelter in an abandoned out-building, I waited as the wind and driving rain ensued. Within twenty minutes the rain stopped and the sun revealed that “perfect moment” I had been hoping for.
O'Shea's Pub
County Kerry / Ireland
Just in case visitors to County Kerry, Ireland, forget where they are, O’Shea’s Pub will remind them.
Located in a spot that seems to be on the way to everything, the Irish pub can’t be missed. Other things also can’t be missed: the dozens of old Irish mugs in the front window - in case one wonders about the pub’s longevity; the picture of folks drinking an Irish Guinness - in case one wonders about its fare; the sign touting “Traditional Irish Music” - in case one wonders about its musical offerings; and the name of the place itself, “Kerry’s Vintage Inn” - in case one wonders about its ethnic authenticity.
Rusty Pedals
Serene Escape
Killarney Lakes / Ireland
Killarney Lakes are some of the most famous in Ireland. They sit in a valley surrounded by hills as regal as the slopes and peaks of mountains. Upon pulling off the road, I searched for a way down to the water’s edge. With some searching, I found a hidden path leading to the lake of choice. It was a crisp day and the water made the chill even more evident. Once I saw the calm of the lake and the boat anchored in the ideal spot, I knew I had found the place I was looking for; a serene escape for a tired fisherman to become engulfed in the cessation around him.
St. James' Gate
Dublin / Ireland
The infamous St. James’ Gate is the entrance to a magical place; The Guinness Factory! Known throughout the world, Guinness is a source of laughter, sometimes tears, and a flavor unlike any other. Some say that the black gate represents the black color of a pint, but what many do not know about is the ruby shimmer that can be seen if you look past its dark exterior. Because a pint of Guinness is much more than a dark beer; it’s a gem that anyone who passes through those gates will hold in their heart forever. Slainte!
Temple Bar
Dublin / Ireland
The Temple Bar is the type of place you would call “a statement” mostly because of its brightly colored crimson facade and black trim that traces the outline of the building. It adorns the corner of the street as a definite prominent figure. You could say that its name, The Temple Bar, describes it well. To me it is truly a temple, not the kind dedicated to religion, but one that has housed laughter, friends, and cheers throughout the years. That is truly the only way you can describe this ostentatious bar and in my opinion, the only way it would want to be remembered.
The Climb
County Antrim / Ireland
I was driving along the road in County Antrim, Ireland on a day filled with fog and mist that refused to relent. As I was driving, I saw a red ladder rusted by time climbing out of the sea. It seemed odd that a ladder such as this would be in this rocky cove. For whatever the reason, it intrigued me. I pulled off the road and began making my way to the water’s edge. The gray water left me with an eerie feeling that I could not shake. I couldn’t help but think that it seemed to represent the darkness in everyone’s life, all the troubles and sorrows, and that the ladder is the refuge that is always there; it is always ready to pull us out of those stormy and tumultuous waters. It moved me to think that we all possess our own burdens and it’s not about what awaits us on the other side, but rather the choice to make that climb.
Tried and True
Placed against an old stone building, this black bike had found its home. To my luck, it had resided here for many years allowing the black paint to dull and rust making it even more idyllic against the long-standing cottage. Shadows stretched themselves strategically across the wall making the cherry red paint of the window frame encompass much, but not all, of the quintessential scene. The bike only adds to this moment; a piece of this instant in time.
