Cork photographers win Clean Coast awards with mesmerising images

Several Cork photographers have been recognised in the 2025 Clean Coasts ‘Love Your Coast’ Photography Awards.

The awards, now in their 16th year, took place last week, with An Taisce announcing the winners of this year’s competition.

The ceremony took place at EPIC in Dublin, where images showcasing the Irish coast were put on display, including four photographs taken in Cork or by Cork people, which secured spots on the shortlist.

Among the Cork winners was Martin Byrne, who claimed second place in the ‘Connecting with the Coast’ category for his image, ‘Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway’.

This image captures a solitary swimmer stepping into the sea at White Bay Beach near Roches Point.

“White Bay beach in Cork is an extremely popular destination for swimmers and sunbathers during the months of summer, [but] less so in the winter,” said Mr Byrne.

“On a January day of grey skies and strong surf I noticed this lone swimmer hesitating before she committed to taking the plunge.

“A high vantage point and a 200-500mm lens allowed me to capture what I knew was a moment in time which I was unlikely to come across again.”

Cork based photographer, Shazia Waheed, also came in second place in the ‘Underwater’ category with her photo ‘Blue-rayed Limpets’, taken in county Clare.

“I was mesmerised by the clarity of the water and the vibrant colours as I snorkelled through the famous Pollock Holes at Kilkee,” said Waheed.

“Snorkelling in such calm still water at low tide allowed me to get close enough to capture the stunning blue iridescence of an especially large colony of blue-rayed limpets on kelp, which is normally very difficult in open water as the kelp fronds sway back and forth in the current.”

Another Cork image, ‘Camouflage and Calm, Nature Illusionist’ captured by John Bennett at Cape Clear Island secured a spot on the shortlist in the ‘Underwater’ category.

The image shows a shy octopus resting on the seafloor blending into its surroundings.

Also in the ‘Underwater’ category, ‘Emerald Jewel’ captured by Derek Bolton was captured on Small Sovereign Island in Cork whilst diving with friends, and in the ‘Wildlife and the Coast’ category, ‘Grey Seal Meal’ by Christopher Martin captured a seal in the River Lee.

Additionally, Barry Murphy, based in Cork, was also a finalist in the ‘Source to Sea’ category for their image ‘Beautiful Autumn Waterfall’, which was taken in Glenmalure in county Wicklow.