It’s 10 am and we are leaving Kinsale behind us. we will be following the coastline heading west leaving the modern world behind us. We drive through the rural setting of the Cork countryside and on to Ballinspittle. From here we continue on the Wild Atlantic Way to Timoleague Situated at the head of Courtmacsherry Bay. There Is Ample time to get some photographs of the stunning bay area before spending time in the old monastic ruins which dominate the village. The abbey was founded by the Franciscans in 1240ad. It survived until 1642 when it was burnt down by Cromwell.
Part Of The Ruined Abbey of Timoleague on the wild Atlantic way
From here We Drive To The Famous Town Of Clonakilty. Clonakilty has Many painted houses in bright colours and is the location for many Irish sessions. Pubs and music abound. If you want to photograph a traditional Irish town this is your place. We can stop here for lunch and soak up the atmosphere.
After lunch, we continue west to Leap and then South To Glandore with its beautiful harbour and scenery. we can spend some time here photographing the old church with its tunnel entrance ,the harbour and the seascape. the setting is stunning and many of Ireland’s rich have their holiday homes in this area. Before we leave Glandore we will visit a bronze age stone circle{some 3000 years old}
We head further west to Skibbereen where we will stop for a while for a tea or coffee. Skibbereen is another traditional town so there will be plenty to photograph.
Next stop is Bantry where we will be staying for 2 nights. we arrive here in time to book into our hotel and enjoy a short rest. We then set off for Gougane Barra for sunset. This is one of the most peaceful locations in the whole of Ireland. On arriving at Gougane Barra you will see the hills surrounding a beautiful lake. On an island on the lake is the oratory of St. Finbar. The setting is a photographer.s paradise.
The Oratory At Gougane Barra on the wild Atlantic way
Reflections at Gougane Barra
After the sunset shoot, we head back to Bantry where you can eat in the hotel or join Trevor and myself in a fantastic local fish restaurant from some craic and let’s talk photography.
