FIRST PLACE 

source To Sea

Tidal Rivers

Bull Island, Co Dublin

This photograph was taken during the early spring, when the pale blue channels of thawing water revealed an abstract pattern across the landscape.

I was drawn to the delicate geometry that appears only for a short window each year, a mix of texture, colour and seasonal transition that reads almost like a painting from above.

Captured from the drone in unstable weather, it’s a fleeting moment of clarity that vanished minutes later as the light shifted.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Pawel Zygmunt

SECOND PLACE

source To Sea

Solitude

Killykeen Forest Park, Lough Oughter, Co Cavan

With heavy fog forecast for most of the country on this November day, I drove to Killykeen in Cavan to make the most of the atmosphere.

A man fishing provided the perfect sense of solitude that heavy fog brings, and I used the lone stone in the foreground to anchor the image and provide a sense of depth by letting the focus drop off towards the boat.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goulding

THIRD PLACE

Source To Sea

Dawn At The Boathouse

Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildare

Having never visited Carton House before, I wanted to capture the boathouse pre-sunrise, when there would be a chance of mist along the river.

An extremely early start to get here, but I was delighted when I arrived to see such nice calm conditions, with the mist along the river, and some pink colours in the sky.

The drone captured the scene perfectly. 

PHOTOGRAPHER: Lorraine Schilder

Ireland's Highest Lakes

McGillicuddy's Reeks, CO Kerry

It's not often we get some settled, dry, clear weather.

So when the chance arose mid-April I booked the afternoon off and drove down to Kerry to hike in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks.

Starting off at Cronin's Yard we headed up Cruach Mhór and onto Knocknapeast and from there traversed to Cnoc an Chuillinn with amazing views looking towards Carrauntoohil and the rest of Kerry right down to the sea.

I took this shot looking towards Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain with Lough Callee and Lough Gouragh infront of it, probably some of the highest lakes in Ireland. 

PHOTOGRAPHER: Felix Sproll

Morning Veil on Claddagh Basin

Claddagh Basin, Galway City, CO Galway

As the morning mist drifted across the historic Claddagh Basin, the Galway hooker boats emerged quietly from the haze, creating a scene that felt both timeless and peaceful.

In that moment, I felt connected to Galway’s rich maritime heritage, knowing I was capturing a fleeting blend of history, light and atmosphere that would never appear quite the same again.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Deligan

Abandoned Trawler Sabrina

Milford, CO Donegal

When I visited Mulroy Bay, Milford, Co. Donegal to see the abandoned trawler named Sabrina, I spent a little time absorbing the loneliness and sadness of what was once a beautiful boat in its day.

With the incoming tide gradually sneaking around the boat giving lovely reflections and life all around.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Flanagan

Upside Down... Right Side Up!

Waterfront Marina Lough Key Forest Park, CO Roscommon

I arrived at Lough Key Forest Park at dawn only to discover that the much anticipated hot air balloon event for that day had been cancelled.

The lake lay dormant shrouded in a heavy mist.

As the mist silently dissipated a solitary sailboat was unveiled.

The stillness of the water created a flawless mirror image of this beautiful vessel.

In the distance, the fairytale McDermott's Castle just visible through the mist completed the scene of quiet tranquility.

From disappointment to success... The best shot of the day was the one I never planned to take!

PHOTOGRAPHER: Noreen Martin

Nature Dance

Lough Ennell, CO Westmeath

This image captures one of nature's most extraordinary spectacles: a vast murmuration of starlings twisting and flowing across the evening sky above Lough Ennell.

I was drawn to photograph this scene because of the constantly changing forms created by thousands of birds moving as a single living entity.

Every second presents a new shape, making anticipation and observation as important as the act of photography itself.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Pawel Zygmunt

Like a Tree in the Wind

Ballylongford, CO Kerry

Tidal rivers often reveal interesting channels at low tide, resembling trees seen from the air.

With the right framing, you can create a rather interesting, almost painted image.

I think this section of the estuary is a perfect example of how nature paints its best pictures.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Piotr Machowczyk