I have been pretty busy all over October, which has explained the fairly quiet activity I have had on my journal. Part of this was due to my involvement in the Clare Island Film Festival held over the 3rd - 5th October this year. Being part of the committee luckily gave me the chance to travel home and produce the event with the other committee members, as well as watch a great selection of up and coming Irish film. This year was the 2nd rendition and we were delighted that our turnout was double that of the first year. As part of the festival, we held a small photographic exhibition with the theme of "The West". This gave everyone the opportunity to showcase some of their photographic talents and I put a few of my own prints on display.
We received excellent feedback from some of the directors that attended and unfortunately for the weather affecting the boat times on the final day, the event was very successful. You can check out more details at the which has more up to date information.
While at home, I took the opportunity to get out and capture more landscapes that I had not got around to for a while. A part of the island that I have not showcased in my work, were the cliffs by the lighthouse. No matter how many times I have been to this point of the island in my life, it always makes for a refreshing mini venture to absorb the breathtaking views of Achill and beyond. The lighthouse on Clare Island sits 300ft above the atlantic ocean with the waves crashing below. Recently renovated, it is now a private guesthouse that caters to those looking for a unique retreat, right on the edge of Western Europe. It is an incredible place to stay and those who book rooms are rewarded with amazing views. You can find out more here.
I have always wanted to capture a sunrise rolling over the shoulder of Croagh Patrick, and thankfully I managed to grab this one below after numerous attempts. An icy cold October morning and getting up at 6am to make sure I was positioned in the right place, meant that I was rewarded with the warm colours making a silhouette of Ireland's holy mountain.
The final image below shows a tighter shot of Knockmore and Budawanny as warm sunlight sets over the mountain as it fades over the atlantic. For anyone taking a trip to the island, it is worth the scenic walk to take in the view and hear the ocean crash below.