Killarney National Park

I just returned from a week in Ireland, most of which was spent in and around Killarney National Park. It's an absolutely gorgeous place, and even on the days the weather wasn't cooperating it was still very much photo worthy. I highly recommend anyone interested in landscape photography to make the trip. I know I'll be back for sure!

We went primarily to watch the Historic Rally so there really were few opportunities to plan any shoots. These all were taken pretty much on the fly.

Not the best weather some days but somehow even when overcast the scenery was amazing.

Managed to still find a few fall colours hanging around.

Ross Castle is interesting as it was the last stronghold in Munster to hold out against Cromwell.

I was half tempted to hop on a boat and go for a row but without knowing who they belonged to I couldn't risk it. It would be a relaxing way to see more of the lake though.

The rock gardens at Muckross House offered no shortage of photo ops, even the steps leading into the gardens.

The stream below Torc waterfall also offered lots of chances for some great photos. I had climb down to get into the middle of the stream for the composition I wanted here. Take it from me - Irish spring water in December is COLD!

Torc waterfall in Killarney National Park is an impressive sight. I shot this twice on separate days, and this version I opted to process in black and white.

As the saying goes, "save the best for last". This is my favourite image from my recent trip to Ireland. Totally unplanned, we were driving through a mountain pass checking out a rally stage (Moll's Gap) when the sun broke through the cloud cover in the distance. We managed to find an area to pull over in time for me to setup and get a few shots in. I debated for a while whether to leave the bit of barbed wire fencing in the shot or not, but in the end I like the additional 'line' it offers.