Capturing The Spirit Of The Mountains, My Hiking Adventures Across Ireland

There’s something magical about reaching the peak of a mountain, a heady combination of well-earned, stunning views and a unique sense of freedom that I rarely find elsewhere. To travel by foot for mile after mile and to not see another person, sometimes for hours at a time, feels so unusual compared to city life and provides a real breath of fresh air. As a photographer, I always aim to capture that wonderful sense of space in wild landscapes, and this provides a great excuse for me to go out and explore. Belfast makes an excellent base for anyone who loves the outdoors, with dramatic coastline and stunning mountains less than hour’s drive away, and with nature reserves with hares, badgers, butterflies and birds right on your doorstep!

The Mourne Mountains are one of my favourite places to go exploring, providing a glorious spot in summer with vantage points over the Irish Sea to the East and the surrounding County Down. In autumn, the mountain peaks are often hidden behind a veil of cloud and in winter they can be capped with snow! While climbing the peaks, you can expect to pass through differing weather layers of cloud or quickly moving rain showers, which can be dispiriting, but battle on and on reaching the summit, you can expect rich rewards. From above, the mountains and valleys are laid out before you like a patchwork quilt, with loughs and reservoirs glinting in the sun. Whatever the weather, it’s always rewarding and the changing seasons always provide new opportunities for photography. Below are a selection of pictures from my travels across the island of Ireland including the majestic Mourne Mountains, the north coast and the hills of Connemara.

If you like these photos please comment below or visit my website for more pictures and prints.

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