Killarney National Park
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland. I don’t know if the notion was first planted when I was a youngster downing endless bowls of Lucky Charms or possibly as a pubescent teenager first gazing upon Kathy Ireland’s cover of Sports Illustrated that burned the country’s namesake into my brain. What I do know as a photographer (and grown up) is that Ireland’s lush and rustic landscape has always been at the top of my list.
Last week’s trip was the definition of a whirlwind that stretched from Dublin to the Dingle Peninsula and back. I insisted on driving, and I would like to say that I saw a good part of the country in the 900+ miles that the car traveled, but that would be a lie. Instead, I spent a good part of my time focusing on staying alive as I’m not accustomed to driving on the opposite side of what felt like bicycle path wrapped around cliffs. (Note to self: when choosing a rental car on the website, if there are subcompact, compact, and economy options, chances are the roads are narrow!) I did eventually get better at the driving, and I’m glad I was able to see so much of the country from rolling green pastures, dotted with old castles, to the harsh yet beautiful southwestern coastline.
While I spent several days photographing in some of the larger cities such as Dublin and Cork, I think what truly made the trip was The Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula (simply spectacular). I totally underestimated the time needed in these regions and when I return this area will be major focus….Anyone up for a 2013 Ireland workshop?
I know I’m getting later and later with my wallpapers, but really don’t want to turn this into a production and would rather share images that I feel good about, so I hope today’s image from The Ring of Kerry region makes up for the delay.
Desktop Wallpaper from the Ring of Kerry
Final words: this trip was thrown together very quickly and a big thanks to all the people on Facebook that helped with suggestions on where to visit. I couldn’t have done it without you. A huge thank you to Staci (my squeeze) for organizing the trip down to the last detail including a night at a castle… 
John, great post and shots. I live in Dublin but travel to the West frequently (family there). If you’re EVER in town agan be sure to drop me a line and I’ll make sure you get to see the parts of Ireland that a photographer simply MUST see before. God’s light for sure… http://gallopinggreen.com/2011/loop-head-sundown/
Go n’éirí an bóthar leat!
Stephen,
Thanks for offer. I really enjoyed Ireland and can’t wait return. Take care, John
p.s. wonderful image!
Wonderfull photos what camera an lens do you use
Gustavo,
The wallpaper image was taken with a Canon 5D Mark III and 16-35mm lens. The shot of the forest was taken with a Phase One and 35mm. Hope that helps…John
John,
Great work. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Rob…
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John,
The image from The Ring of Kerry is spectacular. Really nice motion in the clouds and a great choice of foreground as well. Looks like a beautiful place to visit. Great work!
I love the Ring of Kerry photo! I’ll be in Ireland in two weeks and this definitely makes me even more eager to get there.