Megan Gayda came first in the ‘People and the Coast’ category in the 2023 Clean Coasts Love Your Coast photography competition with this image, ‘The Ocean Flare’. Taken in Co Clare, it displays the great skill of a bodyboarder at a powerful moment.

FIRST PLACE & OVERALL COMPETITION WINNER

CONNECTING WITH THE COAST

Embrace the Water

Coliemore Harbour, Dalkey, Co Dublin

Bobby swims daily all year-round, usually at Coliemore Harbour, his favourite spot.

I took this photo on January 9th 2025, when the sea was 7°c and ice covered the slipway.

Bobby says missing a swim ruins his day.

I was lucky to take the photo as the sun was rising at that time.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Maria Quigley

Kevin Doyle came second in the ‘People and the Coast’ category with ‘Rescue 117’, which captures the drama of a sea rescue scene at Tramore, Co Waterford.

SECOND PLACE

CONNECTING WITH THE COAST

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

White Bay Beach, Co Cork.

White Bay beach in Cork is an extremely popular destination for swimmers and sunbathers during the months of Summer. In the Winter,less so.

On a January day of grey skies and strong surf I noticed this lone swimmer hesitating before she committed to taking the plunge.

A high vantage point and a 200-500mm lens allowed me to capture what I knew was a moment in time which I was unlikely to come across again.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Martin ByRne

Ryan Murray's image ‘Cahersiveen in Seine Mood’ features the stunning colours of this regatta in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry. This image came third in the ‘People and the Coast’ category in the 2023 Clean Coasts LYC photo competition.

THIRD PLACE

CONNECTING WITH THE COAST

Play

Rossnowlagh, CO Donegal

A magical moment during Liquid Therapy’s Open Day at Rossnowlagh Beach last autumn.

A dedicated volunteer and a young surfer exploring the ocean together.

Through a shared experience built on a spirit of play and adventure, confidence was nurtured and meaningful connections began to grow.

Immersed in their environment, they unlocked both the physical and therapeutic benefits of the surf, building a lasting connection with nature and our coastline.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Darragh Gorman

Ryan Murray's image ‘Cahersiveen in Seine Mood’ features the stunning colours of this regatta in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry. This image came third in the ‘People and the Coast’ category in the 2023 Clean Coasts LYC photo competition.

THIRD PLACE

CONNECTING WITH THE COAST

Out of my Depth

Murder Hole Beach, Sheephaven Bay, Co Donegal

This was my first time visiting Murder Hole, and after the steep climb down, I quickly snapped a few photos before heading to the beach.

It was only later, while reviewing the images, that I noticed a lone figure gazing out at the stormy sea — a moment that seemed to echo the weight of the world and the wildness of the water around them.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Sasha Coen

Fran Cassidy's image ‘Achill Surfers’ captures the shee joy of outdoor activity; it was taken at Keel Strand in Achill Island, Co Mayo; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Golden Surge

Tramore Beach, Co Waterford

This particular evening last January had some fantastic light just before sunset.

I was shooting the backwash when, all of a sudden, a group of swimmers decided to go for a very cold, winter dip.

I kept track of them as they waded out and just at the right moment, the backwash exploded behind them—creating a dramatic and perfectly timed backdrop.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kevin Doyle

Terry Conroy's image ‘Marching to the Pipes’ was taken in Dooagh in Achill Island, Co Mayo; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Evening Walk

Sandymount Beach, CO Dublin

I often visit Sandymount beach looking to capture the ever changing seascape.

I was setting up a shot on the tripod of Poolbeg chiminees in the evening sun when I looked behind me to capture this moment.

It was fleeting with the flock of birds over the walker and Dunlaoghaire in the background.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Simpson

Todor Tilev was shortlisted in the ‘People and the Coast’ category for this image, ‘At the Cave at Boyeeghter Bay’, taken in Boyeeghter Bay, Co Donegal.

Kick about at the Beach

Gyles Quay, Co Louth

When out and about I am usually drawn to crashing waves and long exposures on incoming and receding waves.

But on this particular evening during golden hour a group of people enjoying a game of football caught my eye allowing me to capture this brilliant scene.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Seán berry

Des Byrne's image ‘Calvin Klein’ captures swimmers in a lighthearted moment at Naylor’s Cove in Bray, Co Wicklow; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

What a Wonderful World

Bettystown, Co Meath

Every so often we are lucky to witness a spectacular sunrise to start a new day.

The amazing colours and the sound of the sea helps us celebrate life and new beginnings.

On an almost deserted beach I saw a man and his dog greet the morning.

They stop and gaze in amazement as they take in the sheer beauty of the rising sun.

Such a glorious start to the day. We need moments like this to reconnect

PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Stanley

Peter Vandermeersch's image ‘New Year in Ireland’ features the happiness of two women in great spirits enjoying a beautiful day, taken in Bray, Co Wicklow; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Yolanda in the Sea

Mullaghmore, Co Sligo

At the start of summer, our triathlon club—MSC Tri—transitions from the indoor pool to the sea for training, a moment everyone looks forward to.

The amazing athlete pictured is Yolanda, captured just days after winning a triathlon in her category, during one of those first open water sessions.

MSC Tri is a wonderfully supportive community where every effort is celebrated—whether it’s crossing a finish line or simply showing up for the training.

I was delighted to catch this moment of Yolanda in her element, at a time when she had every reason to shine.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Shauna Ward

Francisco Romo's image ‘Summer Swimmers’ captures the joy of swimmers at the Vico Baths in Killiney, Co Dublin; a finalist in the ‘People and the Coast’ category.

Jumping over the Moon

Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill, Co Galway

I've taken a similar picture before but it was a wetter, colder evening as there was no one swimming and the clouds also slightly obstructed the full moon rising.

I headed down to Salthill not far from my home to improve on my previous shot.

It all lined up from a weather perspective and I captured the Harvest full moon rising behind the diving tower while people enjoyed the good weather and jumped off.

PHOTOGRAPHER: felix sproll