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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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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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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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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.
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The Gweebarra River flows into Gweebarra Bay and then into the Atlantic. It meanders through a series of sand banks and has wonderful turquoise waters. Seen here from directly above as the tide is just about to completely cover the last of one of the larger sand banks.
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Made in the Dark Sky Reserve in southwest Kerry, this shows the lunar eclipse of 2015 near totality. The blue glow in the water is bioluminescent plankton.
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The Muglins lie about half a mile northeast of Dalkey Island, and are a danger to shipping. Many ships came to grief on these rocks until a light was established at around the turn of the 20th century.
This image was made on a very fine night, and shows the northeastern extent of Dalkey Island, with the Muglins light beyond. On the horizon, the Kish lighthouse winks at us.
This is one of the images that I'm most happy with. It is simple, but there is plenty for the eye to wander over and appreciate - most notably the line of clouds near the horizon and the fine detail in the Moon's reflection. The sea is slightly smoothed as it was a long exposure - perhaps 15 seconds or so.
This is the second image I've made of this location. Slightly earlier in the night than the first, and in almost identical weather conditions, it adds colour which I felt was lacking in the original.
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Just after sunrise the eastern face of the Bull Rock is lit by the morning light. In this image the lighthouse and associated buildings can be seen, including the steps down to the landing, and the helipad. The unique gasworks building which was constructed right against the eastern cliff can also be made out, just above the natural tunnel that bores through the island.