Sentinels of the Atlantic: Capturing the Great Lighthouses of Ireland
A Love Affair with the Coast
There is something deeply poetic about a lighthouse. For centuries, they have stood as solitary guardians on Ireland’s most jagged edges, witnessing storms that would dwarf a city. As a photographer, I find myself drawn back to them time and again—not just for the structure itself, but for the way they define the Irish landscape
Hook Lighthouse: The Ancient Guard Co. Wexford
The Story: Mention that it is one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world (over 800 years old).
Hook Head is a masterclass in texture. The medieval limestone walls have a weight to them that you can almost feel through the lens. I find the best shots happen here during the ‘blue hour,’ when the black stripes catch the fading light against a deep navy sky
Fanad Head: The Wild North Co. Donegal
The Story: Voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, it sits at the mouth of Lough Swilly.
Fanad is all about scale. To capture it properly, you have to include the winding access road or the treacherous cliffs below. It’s the quintessential Wild Atlantic Way shot—raw, remote, and breathtaking."
Fastnet Rock: The Teardrop of Ireland, Co. Cork
The Story: Known as the 'Teardrop of Ireland' because it was the last piece of Irish soil emigrants saw as they sailed for America.
The Fastnet is the ultimate challenge. It rises out of the ocean like a cathedral of granite. Photographing it requires patience and a steady hand on a boat, but catching that lone spark of white against a churning grey sea is a career highlight for any landscape artist.
St. John’s Point: The Bumblebee Light Co. Down
Famous for its striking yellow and black stripes—a departure from the traditional white or red.
Most lighthouses aim to blend in or stand out via white light, but St. John's Point demands attention with its 'bumblebee' stripes. It’s a fantastic subject for high-contrast colour photography, especially on a bright, crisp morning.
The Great Lighthouses of Ireland are more than just maritime aids; they are symbols of resilience. Each time I press the shutter, I’m trying to capture a piece of that history. Which lighthouse is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below
The Face of the Irish Pub: A 32-County Journey
A four-year journey across all 32 counties to document the soul of the Irish pub. Every pint was sampled, and every standard was checked. Discover the faces of Ireland's most iconic locals."
There is a specific kind of magic in the facade of a traditional Irish pub. Long before you hear the low hum of conversation or smell the turf fire, it’s the exterior that tells the story. It’s the weathered masonry in Donegal, the vibrant primary colors of a storefront in Cork, and the gold-leaf lettering above a door in Offaly.
For the last four years, I have traveled across all 32 counties with a single mission: to document the most iconic pubs in the land.
Leaving the Rest to the Imagination
People often ask me why I don't show the interior—the creamy pints, the snug, or the session in the corner. My answer is simple: The exterior is the invitation; the interior is the experience.
By focusing on the architecture and the "face" of these establishments, I wanted to capture them as silent witnesses to Irish history. These buildings have stood through generations. They are landmarks of our identity.
I’ve photographed the best of them, but I’ve purposely left the door closed in my images. I want to spark your curiosity—to make you wonder what the light looks like hitting the mahogany bar inside, or who is sitting by the fire. I’m providing the portrait; I’m leaving it to you to go and live the story.
What’s Next?
This project is more than just a collection of photos; it’s a tribute to the "The Pursuit of the Perfect Pint" and the culture that surrounds it. From the smallest rural locals to the famous city icons, this journey has been a labor of love.
Keep an eye on this space as I share more from the 32 counties and provide updates on the upcoming book.
The Mother Road: A Journey of Survival and Hope
Capturing the spirit of the 'Mother Road' from an Irish perspective. A photographic chronicle of the Route 66 Challenge, documented through the lens of the human condition and the open road
After years in the making, I am thrilled to announce my upcoming photography book, Route 66. This isn't just a collection of photos; it’s a raw, cinematic journey across 2,448 miles of American history. From the neon glow of vintage diners to the ghost towns reclaimed by the desert, this book captures the soul of the open road. It is a story of resilience, Americana, and the beauty found in the forgotten.
This project is driven by a cause close to my heart. 100% of the proceeds from this book go directly to Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street. Every copy sold helps provide life-saving equipment and essential care for children across Ireland. By bringing this journey into your home, you are directly helping a child start their own journey toward recovery