A Journey into the Heart of Kenmare

The air was thick with the promise of discovery as I embarked on a private photography tour in Kenmare, a place where the whispers of history linger in the landscape. The tour, led by the enigmatic local photographer Nick Cavanagh, promised to unveil the hidden corners of this Irish gem, a place where the past and present dance in a delicate balance.

Our small group, a trio of eager explorers, set out with cameras in hand, ready to capture the soul of Kenmare. The journey began at the Uragh Stone Circle, a relic of the Bronze Age, standing stoically against the backdrop of Gleninchaquin Falls. The stones, weathered by time, seemed to hum with stories untold, their shadows casting a mysterious allure that beckoned us closer.

Nick’s guidance was subtle yet profound, his insights into composition and camera settings transforming our approach to photography. As we moved from automatic to manual mode, the camera became an extension of our vision, capturing the essence of the landscape with newfound clarity.

The Allure of Tuosist

Our journey continued to the stone beach of Tuosist, where the horizon stretched endlessly, a canvas painted with the hues of the setting sun. The mountains of Kerry loomed in the distance, their silhouettes etched against the sky, a testament to the rugged beauty of this land.

Here, the challenge was to capture the vastness of the skyscape, a task that required patience and a keen eye for detail. Nick’s encouragement to experiment with wide-angle shots opened a new realm of possibilities, each click of the shutter a step closer to capturing the perfect image.

The village of Lauragh, with its hidden gem, Derreen Gardens, offered a moment of respite. Amidst the lush greenery, we paused for refreshments, the taste of homemade cake a sweet reminder of the simple pleasures that accompany the art of exploration.

The Winding Roads of Healy Pass

The final leg of our journey took us through the Healy Pass, a marvel of engineering that winds its way through the valley, connecting counties Kerry and Cork. The road, a serpentine ribbon of asphalt, offered panoramic views that seemed to stretch into infinity.

Here, the challenge was to create a super high-resolution panorama, a task that tested our skills and patience. Yet, with Nick’s guidance, the seemingly impossible became achievable, each frame a piece of the puzzle that, when assembled, revealed the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Our journey concluded at the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point in Kilmackillogue, where Helen’s Bar awaited with its world-renowned oysters and Guinness. As we revisited our images, the conversation flowed, each photograph a testament to the journey we had undertaken.

This tour was more than a lesson in photography; it was an exploration of the soul of Kenmare, a place where history and nature intertwine in a dance of shadows and light. The experience left an indelible mark, a reminder of the beauty that lies in the forgotten corners of the world, waiting to be discovered.