FIRST PLACE 

PEOPLE AND THE COAST

In for a Dip

Inch Beach, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry

This shot was taken on blustery October day at Inch Beach, Co Kerry.

We stopped for a walk on the beach and as we arrived a car pulled up on the beach and a couple jumped out.

They quickly ran to the water’s edge and went in for a dip.

The sky was full of drama and I like the way the two figures in the water gave a sense of scale to the scene.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Flynn

SECOND PLACE

PEOPLE AND THE COAST

Working Through the Fog

Killimer, Co. Clare

I travel regularly from Co. Clare to Co. Kerry and on this particular morning the ferry had been delayed due to heavy fog in the estuary.

Rather than wait in my car I decided to walk around with my camera.

I had just purchased a Nikon Z5ii and wanted to test how good the black and white .jpg images straight out of camera were.

I took a number of images that morning and was very pleased with the results but this one with a light edit really stood out for me.

PHOTOGRAPHER: John Mc Elligott

THIRD PLACE

PEOPLE AND THE COAST

Making a Splash

The Point, Enniscrone, Co Sligo

I am lucky enough to call the west coast of Ireland home, and it never fails to inspire and entertain me.

This photograph captures a surfer making his way back to shore after a challenging session in the Atlantic.

It was taken at Enniscrone Pier on a sunny December day during a large swell.

I’ll never tire of returning to this stretch of coast, where no two days are ever the same. 

PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Colleary

Brandon Bay Run

Maharees Beach, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry

Each year in July the Brandon Bay Run, which comprises a half marathon, 10k and 5k runs, takes place.

Organised by the local Castlegregory Celtic FC, it's a nonprofit event and all funds go to the clubs, with some going to special causes.

It is run entirely on sand. I am allowed to take photos of the event which are then given to the organisers free of charge.

It's a great day with lots of fun and energy.

All the contestents are in jolly moods and to capture this feeling and views is an honour. I love being part of the day. 

PHOTOGRAPHER: Bernard Patrick Fitzgerald

Keeping an Eye Out

Keel Beach, Achill Island, Co. Mayo

I was heading from the carpark for a walk on Keel Beach when I spotted the red and yellow of the lifeguards and the flag.

I had not seen the lifeguards in that exact spot before and decided to take the photo. I liked the bright colours and the beach vibe.

I didn't want to draw attention to myself so actually taking the photo was quite rushed.

It was a beautiful June day in lovely Achill - dry, breezy and cool with blue skies.

There was plenty of activity in the water with both swimmers and surfers.

It's always lovely there whatever the weather but the sunshine was a bonus.

Achill is a very special place. 

PHOTOGRAPHER: Eithne O'Shea

Code Green

Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo

This image was captured in Mullaghmore last December, when one of the largest swells in several years drew surfers from across the globe.

I spent hours in the water, and this shot became the standout of the session.

It shows Nic Von Rupp on what he later described as the wave of his life.

The title is a play on the term "Code Red" which has often been used to describe extreme swell events in the surfing world.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kevin Doyle

Murray's Funfair at Westport Quay

The Quay, Westport, Co. Mayo

This photograph was an unexpected bonus from a lovely afternoon spent with my young son, who has a special interest in trucks and loves seeing the vehicles that travel with the funfair.

I was captivated by the contrast between the excitement and energy of the rides and the calm beauty of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick in the background.

Timing the shot carefully allowed me to lead the eye towards Croagh Patrick while creating a composition that aims to bring a sense of order to the chaos.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Linda Mc Nulty

Solstice Swim

Bray Beach, Co. Wicklow

Bright light gave the illusion of warmth — but it was December so any heat was imaginary.

These stoical women, leaning into the spray lifting wind, knew well not to rely on the winter sun.

They found the time on the shortest day of the year for their swim, and knew once out of the sea the rest of their day would be easy.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Niall Meehan

Climbing Dún Briste

Dún Briste, Downpatrick Head, Co. Mayo

One of the things I enjoy most about visiting iconic Irish landscapes is the challenge of finding new perspectives.

So when I heard Ian Miller and colleagues were attempting to climb the Dún Briste sea stack, I jumped in my car straight away and drove to North Mayo.

I took several photos as the climbers attempted to summit the sea stack, but after several hours, they were unable to find a path up and began to descend.

As they waited for their lift back to shore, I noticed the safety boat loop around the sea stack, perfectly framing Dún Briste in the boat's wake.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Shane Casey