Week 1: Photography, People, and Purpose Across Southwest Ireland

After seven days on the road, I’ve gathered a variety of images, experiences, and connections that illustrate both the challenges and rewards of this project. The diverse weather and locations have tested my adaptability as a photographer, while the people I’ve met and the physical activity I’ve maintained have kept the journey grounded. This combination of factors highlights the balance between creativity, endurance, and purpose that defines this work. Below is a summary of my first seven days of this project.

Day One

The adventure began in Cork with a quiet morning at Healy’s Pass. I had arrived the evening before to ensure I was on site when the light would be suitable. The weather was overcast, ideal for capturing light trails along the winding mountain road. Although the rain was almost constant all through the night. Using my own van, I set up just before sunrise to shoot a light trail exposure, capturing the curves of the road as my vehicle passed through. First shot in the bag, time for a nap and about an hour later, the clouds broke, and I was able to take a second image bathed in spectacular morning light. The change was striking and showed the value of patience and luck in being in the right place at the right time.

After shooting, I stopped at a local coffee shop nearby to refuel. The friendly staff and strong coffee were a welcome boost and a reminder of how important small moments of connection are during a busy shoot. That day, I also walked well over my 1km goal, pushing further up the pass to scout better angles, ticking off the first hike of the trip. UI had already scored my goal in my local GAA pitch near Home before setting off, so it was all tasks completed for this first day and a great start.

Day Two,

I travelled to Killarney to photograph the Upper Torc Waterfall and the nearby bridge. I had wanted to shoot the main waterfall, but the crowds of people made this impossible; there wasn’t even parking. The weather was heavy rain, making the shoot challenging but atmospheric. Despite the downpour, I worked carefully to capture the waterfall’s energy and the textures of the wet stones on the bridge. The rain brought a raw, moody feeling that suited the landscape well.

Before I had arrived in Killarney, I had stopped off in Kenmare to visit my friend Robert and also grab a coffee in a great coffee shop called Bean & Batch, the flavours were great, as was the conversation. Finding an Open GAA pitch to score my goal was a challenge, and this would prove to be one of the constant challenges with this project, but after lots of searching, I found one, took my shot and scored. Kerry was complete, and it was now onwards to my next country.

Day Three

This took me to Limerick, where I met DOD at King John’s Castle. Thick clouds filled the sky, giving the castle a dramatic, moody backdrop. The diffused light was ideal for emphasising texture and shape in the stone walls. Working alongside DOD was a good experience as always, offering fresh ideas on composition and framing. We talked about how photography can open conversations on mental health, which is the core purpose behind this project, supporting Pieta House.

I managed to get my coffee and GAA goal en route to Limerick city, so it was good to get done early rather than look for these after sunset. shared thoughts on how creative work can support mental health awareness with DOD. I also managed a quick walk around the city walls, adding to my daily distance and ticking off another hike.

Day Four,

I found myself in County Clare at the Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren for sunrise. I had travelled here the night before in very heavy rain, and I questioned whether or not I would be even able to get my shot in the morning. The weather was changeable, with rain showers passing through. I had to time my shots carefully to avoid the worst of the rain, capturing the ancient dolmen standing starkly against the limestone landscape and heavy skies. The Burren’s unique geology is both challenging and rewarding to photograph. After the shoot, I walked the nearby trails, going beyond my 1km goal for the day.

On the way back to town, I stopped at a local café, where the barista and I discussed the project briefly. I learned more about the local hiking routes and the number of GAA pitches in the county, which gave me new ideas for future shoots. Plus ensured that I completed all my tasks for the county.

Day Five

This saw me in Oughterard at an abandoned pier on Lough Corrib. My Friend Bernard had recommended the spot to me, and I was glad he did. it was totally different to what I had planned, but still was great to experience. The noon light was bright but softened by passing clouds. The still water and weathered pier created a quiet, reflective scene. It would need to be a long exposure here, which worked perfectly. The loneliness of the pier struck a chord, reflecting the isolation many experience in mental health struggles—the very cause this project is raising awareness for.

Nearby, I found a GAA pitch and managed to hit a few more points, adding a bit of physical activity to the day’s routine. I also took a longer hike along the lake shore, well exceeding my daily walking goal. Later, I stopped in a small coffee shop for a delicious coffee, the groups of people congregating there were exactly how I had envisioned it, all sitting, chatting and helping each out out in life’s daily challenges.

Day Six,

I arrived in Mayo at Cong to photograph an old fisherman’s hut in the afternoon light. The hut showed clear signs of age but had strong character within the landscape. The warm light brought out the textures in the wood and the surrounding greenery. I took a lengthy walk around the area, easily surpassing the 1km target, enjoying the fresh air and quiet. I had intended to meet with Bernard here, but he was busy doing some great work on his garden at home, so I left him to it. If I didn’t, then there was a chance I would have been roped in to do some manual labour after all.

In Cong village, I found a café with excellent coffee and met a few locals who expressed interest in the project. They talked about the hiking trails nearby and mentioned the local GAA clubs. This connection added meaning to the work—knowing the support for mental health runs deep in communities like this.

Finally, Day Seven

To cap off a great first week, it brought me to the Gleniff Horseshoe. I arrived the night before to be there for sunrise., thats one of the advantages of having the van. Sunrise arrived under clear skies and cast clean light on the landscape, including the notch that defines the horseshoe’s shape. I had tried many times before to get a shot of this, but clouds had stopped me each time. Not today, my friend. I was going to get that shot. I also sent my drone up for some tasty footage of the area. I also took a second shot of Benwiskin, the highest peak in the area. The calm, clear morning was a welcome contrast after days of rain and clouds. I took a hike along the roads, exceeding my 1km walking goal, which helped clear my mind.

On the way back, I had to score my goal, which I did in style, at 6:20 am, being lit by the beautiful sun. Then I stopped at a local café, a drive-thru of all things, which opened at 7 am and chatting with the owner reinforced why I am doing this. He mentioned that he has a great opportunity to put some positivity into people's lives first thing in the morning, and this can make all the difference for many.

The People, Places, and Purpose

Throughout these seven days, meeting people in coffee shops, on trails, and at historic sites has added a valuable human element to the project. Whether it was sharing laughs with DOD in Limerick or talking to locals in Cong and Killarney, these moments remind me this work is about more than just images—it’s about connection. The GAA pitches I visited offered small but important moments of physical activity, helping me stay grounded during a demanding schedule. The hikes I completed every day also gave me time to reflect and reset.

At the heart of this journey is the cause I’m supporting: Pieta House and their vital suicide prevention and mental health services. Mental health struggles are often invisible and isolating, much like the quiet landscapes I’m photographing. Through sharing these images and stories, I hope to open conversations, reduce stigma, and support those who need help.

My thoughts so far

The first seven days have been a mix of weather, terrain, and experiences. From rain-soaked waterfalls to bright mountain mornings, each location required an adapting technique and mindset. Along the way, I met people who added depth to the project and found comfort in local coffee shops and GAA pitches. The daily hikes helped me exceed my 1km walking goal, reinforcing the physical and mental balance needed on this journey. I didn’t want to just sit in the van and go, this wouldn’t have been healthy for my body and also my mind. I remain confident in these observations and look forward to the next stage of the trip.