This year, as I contemplated posting my top 10 favorite images from 2017, I found it difficult to choose, because of my spring trip to Ireland which yielded so many fine images. Thus I decided to create two top 10 posts, one dealing exclusively with my Ireland trip. Thus, here are my favorite images from a visit to Ireland in May 2017.

The above image, Daybreak on Inch Beach, was taken near the beginning of our trip. We arrived at Castlemaine (our first home base) near the Dingle Peninsula the day after our arrival in Dublin. The following morning I got up early and headed out the peninsula to explore. I was greeted with a beautiful sunrise and arrived at Inch Strand as the morning sun was breaking through the clouds warming the sand beach. The light was the best morning light we had the entire trip. I was so glad I defied jet lag to get up early that morning.

Wild rhododendrons were in bloom throughout western Ireland during our entire trip. The interplay of clouds and light across the landscape at Killary Harbor in the above scene added just the right touch to this field of flowers.

Torc Waterfall was on my bucket list of places to visit in Killarney National Park and I could have chosen an image of the waterfall itself for this blog but I am particularly fond of this scene below the falls. I like the composition with the tree and its roots in the foreground. I had to ward off a swarm of midges as I attempted to photograph the scene. It was my first encounter with those pesky insects and I soon learned to loathe of them.

Also on my bucket list was Dunquin Harbor. Of course I wanted to photograph the famous lane that zig zags down the cliffs with jagged rocks as the backdrop. But I soon found myself drawn to this particular section of the coastline. I noticed that periodically waves would send spray up in the air at this spot. I waited patiently and timed them, the result was successful. I love the energy captured in this scene.

One morning, while photographing on the Dingle Peninsula, I was greeted by these inquisitive cows. I think they thought I was going to feed them but alas, I only took their picture.

I know photographing Kylemore Abbey seems so cliché, but it is such a lovely setting. Imagine my surprise when we arrived and found an entire section of the castle covered with scaffolding! Although my vantage points were limited, with careful maneuvering I was able to hide the scaffolding behind the trees to the left.

On my last morning along the Dingle Peninsula I returned to Inch Strand. Strong stiff winds were blowing and it was a difficult situation under which to photograph. With skill and patience I was able to obtain a few images, including this one where I captured the sharpness of the grass in a brief moment creating a nice foreground for this composition.

Judging from the above scene, it is obvious why Ireland has been called the Emerald Isle. This mossy forest is part of an ancient yew woodland. Intermittent sunlight and clouds made photographing here a challenge but I managed to create a number of lovely images from these woods.

I was immediately drawn to the contrast and textures of this scene. The quiet solitude portrayed in this image captures the feel of the Connemara region of western Ireland in so many ways.

This friendly donkey reminds me of the enjoyable experience we had visiting Ireland. Friendly people, a laid back atmosphere and the feeling of a wild natural beauty. Although my portfolio contains images of familiar sights, it is these ten images that sum up my experience in Ireland. I hope you the viewer find enjoyment in them as well.