Stunning snapshots of the west

ONE of the most encouraging things about modern landscape photography in Ireland is, perhaps, its integrity.

Out are thatched cottages, emerald green fields, cloudless blue skies and pictures of an idyllic Ireland where the sun always shines – phoney picture postcard images so beloved of sentimental Irish-Americans. In are shots of mountain, sea and rugged terrain as they really look in sunshine, snow, or rain. Not a thatched dwelling in sight; only occasional ruins of stone-built houses and other human creations that appear to be just part of the natural landscape.

And, when the photographers are being really honest, they don’t shy away from including modern bungalows and barbed wire fencing in their frames – even when such features look ugly against an otherwise pristine background. They do a service to the nation in that regard, highlighting bad planning among other things. To hand is a new book by a German-born landscape photographer who, clearly, genuinely loves the natural Ireland, something that shines through his magnificent pictures.