32 Counties. 32 Shots. One Mission.

As a professional landscape photographer, I’ve always believed in the value of putting yourself in difficult conditions to find something worth capturing. This summer, I’m taking that philosophy a step further—with the biggest personal and professional challenge I’ve ever set for myself.

I’ve decided to photograph all 32 counties in Ireland, in a single, continuous journey, completely solo. And I’m doing it for a reason that goes far beyond photography.

This project is in support of Pieta House and their Darkness Into Light campaign. The work Pieta does—supporting those in suicidal distress or struggling with their mental health—is essential across this island. It’s something that resonates with me, especially as a man in a profession that often involves long stretches alone, off the grid, and outside regular routines. Mental health is still something too many men avoid talking about. Too many never get the help they need. If this project can start conversations, raise awareness, and generate even a small amount of support for those services, then it’s worth every step.

The Challenge

The rules are simple, but sticking to them will be anything but.

In every county I visit, I must:

  • Take one meaningful photograph—not a quick snap, but a shot that represents the place and conditions.

  • Visit a local independent coffee shop—no chains, no repeats.

  • Score a goal on a GAA pitch—even if it’s windy, wet, or I haven’t touched a football in days.

  • Hike at least 1 kilometre—to make sure I’m not just passing through but actually engaging with the landscape.

  • Edit and upload one video per day, documenting each step of the journey.

That last one might be the toughest. I’ll be filming and producing a full daily video, entirely from the road. I’ve set the van up with mobile internet, charging systems, and editing gear—but there’s no team behind me. Every video will be shot, edited, and uploaded by me, while trying to cover three counties every 24 hours.

The Route & Release Format

Each day, I’ll be photographing:

  • One county at sunrise

  • One in the middle of the day

  • One at sunset

Because of the filming schedule, the episodes will not be released in real time. There’ll be a short delay between when I shoot and when the videos go live. That buffer will allow me to keep the quality high and the edits consistent without burning out mid-project. I’ll be giving regular updates on donation totals and progress, both in the videos and across social media.

To keep things interesting, I’m not revealing the full route in advance. Each new county will be unveiled at the start of that day’s video. The only hints I’ll give will be through teaser posts on Instagram and Facebook the evening before—so if you like guessing games, you’re welcome to play along.

https://linktr.ee/DarrenSpoonley

Why This Project Matters

This idea was partly inspired by Ryan Trahan’s “50 States in 50 Days” series. I loved the simplicity of the concept and the way it built momentum and connection across such a big geography. I started wondering: what would the Irish version of that look like?

For me, it looks like landscapes, backroads, local communities, and the stories we can tell when we really put the work in. It looks like showing what it means to move through the country with a camera and a purpose.

But it also means putting myself under pressure—creatively, physically, and mentally. And that’s exactly the point.

If I’m asking people to care, to give, and to share this project with others, then I want them to know I’m committed to making it count.

How You Can Support

There are a few ways to help:

  • Donate directly through the fundraiser link. 100% goes to Pieta House. I don’t handle any of the money—it all routes through their official system. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/32Counties32Shots

  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel. For every new subscriber during the project, I’m personally donating €0.01 to Pieta House. https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenJSpoonley

  • Share the videos, the donation link, or even just the idea. The more people who see it, the more chance it has to make a difference. https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenJSpoonley

The First Episode

The first video launches on Wednesday, 16th July From there, I’ll be uploading one episode per day until all 32 counties are complete. I don’t know what the weather will throw at me. I don’t know if the van will behave. And I definitely don’t know how I’ll feel by the halfway point.

But I do know this: I believe in the cause. I believe in the power of getting outside and doing hard things. And I believe in the ability of a project like this to bring people together—whether you’re here for the photography, the message, or the journey itself.

Let’s make something meaningful together.

Wish Me Luck, I’m going to need it

Donate Here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/32Counties32Shots

Follow the Journey here: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrenJSpoonley

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