Stunning Mayo photos shortlisted in Love Your Coast competition

TWO photos taken in Mayo were shortlisted in the new Source to Sea category at the 2025 Love Your Coast Photography Awards.

An Taisce’s Clean Coasts' Love Your Coast photography competition showcased the Irish coast in all its wonder, celebrating the immense beauty and heritage of the coast and waterways that Clean Coasts’ volunteers work tirelessly to protect.

This year, Dublin photographer Maria Quigley’s photograph, 'Embrace the Water', was named the overall winner.

Two photographs taken in Mayo secured places as finalists, both in the new Source to Sea category.

This included a photograph captured by Michael Goulding entitled 'Machair Dunes at Sunrise', taken at machair dunes in Mulranny. Michael's image captures the coastal plain of high ecological importance as the sun rises.

Terry Conroy’s 'River Coming Home', taken at Keem Beach, captures a river heading into sea at sunrise on the iconic beach on Achill Island, securing a finalist spot in the Source to Sea category.

Over 560 photographers entered a total of 1,178 photos for a placement in the top three in one of five categories and their share of the €5,000 prize fund and for a shot at the coveted title of Photographer of the Year.

Five distinct categories focused on showcasing the interconnectedness of Ireland’s waterways and how people, place and nature all connect with our vital blue spaces, be it by the beach, lake, or river.

Clean Coasts is also sponsored by Fáilte Ireland. Initiatives from associated Clean Coasts groups and the Green Coast Awards act as custodians for Ireland's beaches, seas, and marine life. These initiatives ensure that our beautiful coastline and beaches are maintained and managed appropriately for visitors and local communities to continue to responsibly enjoy.