Photographers behind pictures of Ireland's coast and waterways honoured in Dublin

Photographers behind pictures of Ireland's coast and waterways were honored in Dublin as the winners of the annual Love Your Coast photography competition were announced. The event, now in its 17th year, saw more than 390 participants submit a total of 1,101 images, all centered around the theme of "impact." Among the standout entries was a winning shot that captured a fleeting moment between an otter and its prey, earning the top prize in the wildlife and the coast category. The competition, hosted in Dublin, celebrated the diverse ways in which photographers interpreted the theme of "impact," showcasing both natural and human elements of Ireland’s coasts and waterways. The judging panel praised the submissions for highlighting the dynamic relationship between nature and the environment, even in urban settings. One of the most striking images came from Cork-based photographer Chris Martin, whose photograph titled A Bit of a Pinch was named the overall "Photo of the Year." Martin shared that the image was taken on an April evening while following a male otter along the River Lee in Cork city. He described how the otter examined the old quay walls before suddenly appearing with a fiery-colored crab. The animal then led the crab under a nearby bridge to consume it in private, away from the watchful eyes of gulls. The panel noted that the image effectively illustrated the subtle yet powerful interactions within nature. Another notable entry was Tyrone Power’s photograph Bramzilla, which won the impact award. Taken at Tramore Pier in County Waterford during Storm Bram in December 2025, the image depicted a massive wave surging against the pier, evoking the appearance of a sea monster. Power explained that despite the orange weather warning, he had anticipated the pier would offer a dramatic setting for capturing waves breaking over the harbor wall. He expressed surprise at how the conditions turned out, calling the wave a "roaring sea monster rising from the depths." Other first-place winners included Adrian Nolan, whose Stick Man was photographed at Salthill Promenade in County Galway. Paul Flynn’s In for a Dip, taken at Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, was recognized in the People and the Coast category. Éabha Hughes’ underwater photograph World’s Best Dad was captured at the Girl Arlene Shipwreck near Hook in County Wexford, while Pawel Zygmunt’s Tidal Rivers from Bull Island in County Dublin highlighted the intricate patterns formed by thawing waters in early spring. Each of these photographs contributed to a broader narrative of how the Irish coastline and its surrounding waterways continue to inspire artistic expression. The competition not only celebrates individual talent but also underscores the importance of documenting and preserving these natural landscapes through visual storytelling. As the winners gathered in Dublin to receive their awards, the event reaffirmed the enduring connection between photographers and the land they seek to capture.