Celebrating Ireland’s Coastal Beauty Through Photography
The 2025 national ‘Love Your Coast’ competition has once again highlighted the stunning natural beauty of Ireland’s coastline. This year, two remarkable photographs from County Meath have made it to the finals, showcasing the diverse and breathtaking landscapes that define the Irish coast.
One of the standout entries is a photograph titled ‘What a Wonderful World’ by Dave Stanley. The image captures a man and his dog walking at sunset on Bettystown Beach, evoking a sense of peace and connection with nature. This photo was entered in the ‘Connecting with the Coast’ category, where it received recognition for its emotional and visual impact.
Another finalist from Meath is Lorraine Schilder, whose photograph ‘Sunrise on the Boyne’ was selected for the ‘Source to Sea’ category. The image showcases a frosty morning sunrise over the River Boyne in Slane, capturing the quiet majesty of a winter landscape. The composition highlights the transition from night to day, with the soft light casting an ethereal glow over the water.
In addition to these Meath-based photographers, another local talent, Tom Ormond, took first place in the ‘Wildlife and the Coast’ category with his photo titled ‘Humpback Whale’. This rare capture was taken off Mullaghmore in Donegal Bay, where a humpback whale was seen at sunset. Tom described the moment as magical, recalling how the whale’s tail fluked as the setting sun illuminated the cliffs in the distance.
“While on an afternoon boat trip in Donegal Bay last November I experienced this magical moment when a Humpback Whale tail fluked as the setting sun lit up the cliffs at Sliabh Liag in the distance,” Tom said. His photograph not only celebrates the beauty of marine life but also underscores the importance of preserving these natural habitats.
The ‘Love Your Coast’ competition, organized by An Taisce Clean Coasts, is now in its 16th year and continues to be a platform for photographers to showcase the unique charm of Ireland’s coastal areas. The competition aims to highlight the natural wonders, cultural heritage, and environmental significance of the Irish coastline.
This year’s Photographer of the Year was Maria Quigley from County Dublin, who won with her photograph ‘Embrace the Water’ in the ‘Connecting with the Coast’ category. The image features Bobby, a regular swimmer, enjoying the golden morning light during his daily swim. Maria shared the story behind the shot: “I took this photo on January 9, 2025, when the sea was 7°C and ice covered the slipway. Bobby swims daily in the morning time all year-round, usually at Coliemore Harbour, his favourite spot. He says that missing a swim ruins his day. I was lucky to take the photo as the sun was rising at that time.”
The competition attracted over 560 photographers, who submitted a total of 1,178 entries across five categories. Each participant had the chance to win a share of the €5,000 prize fund and to be named Photographer of the Year. The event not only celebrates the art of photography but also raises awareness about the need to protect and cherish Ireland’s coastal environment.
As the competition continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the importance of preserving these natural treasures for future generations. Whether through a simple walk on the beach or a dramatic encounter with wildlife, the Irish coast offers endless inspiration for photographers and nature lovers alike.
