FIRST PLACE
Coastal Landscape
Stick Man
Salthill Promenade, CO Galway
I had been hoping to get the opportunity to catch a lightning storm for some years and was finally rewarded in late summer on the Salthill Promenade.
The water is frozen by the flash directly over it while the water at the edges near the rocks is smooth from the 30 second exposure.
I was told that the lightning bolt resembled a stick man walking over Galway and out into the bay.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Adrian Nolan
SECOND PLACE (Joint)
Coastal Landscape
Lightning Strikes at Haulbowline
Greenore Shore, CO Louth
My original plan on this evening had been to capture a full moon rise.
The weather had other ideas but I was delighted with this spectacular consolation prize: a 'right place, right time' moment, capturing the raw energy of the storm suspended above Haulbowline Lighthouse on Carlingford Lough.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Ann Bruen
SECOND PLACE (Joint)
Coastal Landscape
Moss & Mist
Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, CO Clare
As an ecologist, I'd like to think I see the world a tad bit differently to others.
For instance, most will see this image as a bunch of rocks and a vertical drop.
I see habitats and the potential for species that rely on them.
The cliffs provide vital nesting areas for seabirds, the sea and shore provide foraging grounds for an array of species, and the limestone potentially provides its own microhabitats for alpine/subarctic flower species.
Go out and wander, rain or shine, there's always something to learn or explore.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamie Quirke
THIRD PLACE
Coastal Landscape
Chasing Rainbows
Tramore, CO Waterford
On this particular morning, the sunrise was already promising something special, with dramatic clouds setting the stage.
But as I continued shooting, a rainbow suddenly appeared.
The light fell perfectly, allowing me to frame the rainbow rising over Tramore’s iconic Metal Man.
It was a true case of being in the right place at the right time, capturing a fleeting moment I’ll never ever forget.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Kevin Doyle
IMPACT AWARD
Coastal Landscape
Bramzilla
Tramore Pier, CO Waterford
I captured this photo at Tramore Pier during Storm Bram in December.
With the orange weather warning in place I knew the pier would be the ideal location to shoot some big waves breaking over the harbour wall.
I wasn’t expecting the conditions to be so spectacular!
For me, the wave resembles a roaring sea monster rising from the depths.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tyrone Power
This year, in line with Clean Coasts' annual theme of "Impact", Tyrone Power, a finalist in the 'Coastal Landscape' category, received the "Impact Award" for his image "Bramzilla". The 'impact' theme serves as a reminder that our every action has an impact, both positive and negative. This photograph perfectly captures how our actions can cause events that negatively impact our coast.
Balbriggan Storms
Balbriggan, CO Dublin
Having gone to this location for many years, I finally managed to get the shot I had tried to before.
I had hoped for waves engulfing the lighthouse as well as waves breaking over the harbour wall and onto the trawlers.
This shot was taken approx. 40 minutes before high tide and within minutes the waves had eased off a bit so I was delighted to get this shot.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Colin Haverty
Dawn at Blackrock Diving Tower
Blackrock, CO Galway
Captured at the end of a long night shoot, this image marks the moment daylight begins to touch the horizon.
The long exposure transforms the sea into a smooth, ethereal blue, providing a perfect canvas for the golden glow of the diving tower.
It is a fleeting transition where night meets day, and land meets sea.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Magnus Huber
Casement Standing Firm
Dún Laoghaire Baths, CO Dublin
On the 6th February 2026, Storm Leonardo unleashed its fury on the coast of Dún Laoghaire.
Towering waves engulfed the Roger Casement statue, yet amid the chaos the solitary figure remained steadfast, creating a powerful image of endurance against the elements.
Having heard reports of exceptional wave heights, I was eager to witness the spectacle and capture this fleeting moment.
Seeing the statue repeatedly battered by the sea was both dramatic and inspiring, and I was thrilled to preserve this remarkable scene in a single photograph.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Maria Quigley
Silhouetted Skelligs
Coomanaspig, CO Kerry
Coomanaspig on the Skellig Ring offers some of the most spectacular views of the Skellig Islands, a part of the Irish coast that I absolutely love.
I could sit there for hours watching the ever-changing scenes unfold. During the winter months, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the Skelligs.
On this particular evening, after a day filled with incredible light and drama, I captured this image about an hour before sunset.
Between passing rain showers, the low sun beautifully backlit the islands, perfectly evoking the mystical mood for which the Skelligs are renowned.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter O'Connor
