Scenic views

For enviable Instagram pics, we share some of Ireland’s most incredible viewpoints to stop by on your next road trip!

 ‘Deck of Cards’ houses, Co Cork

The small town of Cobh in Co Cork is well-known for being the last port of call for the RMS Titanic, before it embarked on its fateful journey to New York. But Cobh is also recognised for its quaint, colourful houses – known as the Deck of Cards. Each of the 23 houses, which were built in 1850 and slant uphill, differ in colour. And they were built on 23 different levels, hence the name. Apparently, locals joke that if the house at

Volkswagen Snapshot Competition!

The popular Volkswagen Snapshot competition is now open for you to post pics of all your favourite gems in the west

The Instagram-based competition encourages photography enthusiasts to use their creativity and upload photographs of their travels to Instagram. Categories include: #Volkswagen, #Water, #Colour, #Night, #Animals and #Sustainability.

Prizes include:

■ The #Volkswagen category winner will receive the top prize - A Macbook Pro 13” 256GB

■ The #Water category winner will receive a GoPro Hero9

■ The #Colour category winner will receive an Amazon Echo

■ The #Animals category winner will receive a DJI Mini 2 Drone

■ The #Night category winner will receive a pair of AirPods Pro

■ The #Sustainability category winner will receive a weekend stay for two at the Wren Hotel, Co Dublin the bottom fell down, then the others would pile down on top of it. Like a deck of cards!

Plus, 11 Volkswagen favourites will have their work featured in the Snapshot 2023 Calendar along with the overall winner and will receive a Fitbit Sense Smartwatch. All proceeds from the sale of the calendar will be donated to Volkswagen’s 2022 Charity Partner, Women’s Aid, a leading national organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic abuse against women and children in Ireland.

To enter, just upload your favourite photo to Instagram, tag @ volkswagenireland and include the hashtag #VWSnapshot along with the category hashtag of your choice before 6pm on August 31st 2022. Check out volkswagen.ie/snapshot for more details. And remember – you can enter as many times as you like! So, get snapping!

Top tip: To get the iconic picture of Cobh’s Deck of Cards with St Colman’s Cathedral in the background, position yourself at Spy Hill. This street sits east of the Deck of Cards houses.

 Keel Beach, Co Mayo

Achill Island itself is a photographer’s heaven, with the rugged landscape, remote lakes, secluded beaches, mountain views and roaming sheep. Achill Island also has five Blue Flag beaches, but Keel Beach (also known as Trawmore Strand), at the foot of Achill Head is one of the most popular and magnificent sandy beaches on the island. It’s also a great place to surf, as it’s an extremely safe location for beginner, and intermediate surf sessions. Get someone to photograph you as you ride the waves!

Top tip: The adjacent Minaun Heights offers unrivalled views over the Mayo coastline and Achill Island. An access road takes you to within 15 minutes of the 466-metre high summit. Just follow the signposts, and then, the walk is relatively easy from there.

 O’Carroll’s Cove, Co Kerry

There are some extremely scenic sights along the Ring of Kerry, the iconic driving route which circumnavigates the Iveagh Peninsula. From the sandy Derrynane beach to the stunning village of Caherdaniel. It’s no surprise that travel site, Big 7 Travel, named Kerry as one of the ‘World’s Most Instagrammable Places 2022’, a survey which analyses the cities that hold the most Instagram appeal. Kerry landed at 39th on the list for its ‘jaw-dropping’ scenery.

But a great photo opportunity is to be found at O’Carroll’s Cove. With its turquoise waters, white sandy beach and an abundance of dolphins, seals and other sea life, it’s truly breathtaking.

Top tip: Dine outside at O’Carroll’s Beach Side Bar & Restaurant (ocarrollscove.ie), owned

Getting The Perfect Shot

Photographer Paddy McGrath talks about his love for photography and shares some of his top tips on how to capture professional-looking pictures on your road trip backdrop for the photos of the vehicles. taken, or are about to take, in the background.

When Paddy McGrath was a kid, his dad brought him to car rallies, where he would watch his father take photographs of the competitors. “I fell in love with cars first, then photography later on. I think I was around 13 years old when I finally managed to prise the camera away from my dad and have a go myself.

“The camera was an old 1980s era Pentax MG 35mm, with manual focus and 32 shots on a single roll of film. When we finally got that roll of film back from the chemist, I was fascinated by the varied results depending on the settings for each shot, and how creative you could be.”

Since then, Paddy has photographed cars for various clients, including Volkswagen. As part of this, he has travelled across the west of Ireland, using the stunning scenery as a

To get the best shot, he says, “I think it’s about trying to find a balance between the car and the scenery, and not allowing one to overpower the other. Don’t obscure the view with the vehicle, but similarly, don’t have the car so small or abstract that it’s unrecognisable.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Volkswagen’s new design language, particularly on the fully electric ID. cars. They have found that balance between modern and classic-looking car design that I believe will stand the test of time. The little details hidden around each model are always a joy to discover and capture as well, such as the optional 3D LED taillight clusters or the interior background lighting at night.”

For people on a road trip this summer that are trying to get professional-looking road trip images, Paddy has some tips, “I would always try to pose the car in such a way (where safe!) that it helps to tell a story. You can have friends or family posing or interacting with the vehicle. Or, try to show the road you’ve just

“Try to give the scene some context, to narrate the story of your road trip.”

And he says not to worry if the weather isn’t quite what you wished for, “Embrace it! Every weather situation has its advantages. And a cloudy day supplies lovely, soft, and even light. Besides, if it isn’t raining at some stage, will people even believe that the photograph was even taken in Ireland?”

Speaking about his own love of the west of Ireland, Paddy says, “We’ve been fortunate enough to travel around a lot of the west of Ireland in search of the most scenic locations to photograph. There are a lot of genuinely stunning places on the Wild Atlantic Way. One of my personal favourites is the cliffs outside of Kilkee in Co Clare.

“They’re maybe slightly overshadowed by being near the Cliffs of Moher, but they’re beautiful and peaceful in their own way. You’re less likely to encounter busloads of tourists as well, so it can feel a lot more intimate. And, it means nobody gets in your scenery picture!”

Visit pmcgphotos.com by the O’Carroll family since 1984. Not only will you devour tasty, local food such as juicy steaks, Kerry lamb and fresh seafood, but you’ll also take in panoramic views of Kenmare Bay.

 Father Ted’s House, Co Clare

Everybody will know the iconic Parochial House from the hit series Father Ted. It’s a must-visit for fans of the show and makes a great picture for your Instagram grid!

Known as Glanquin Farmhouse, Father Ted’s House can be found in Lackareagh, Co Clare. The house is currently a private property and you can’t access the grounds themselves, so do be respectful.

Top tip: Why not bring along a flask of ‘tae’ and set forth on a Ted Tour! Ted Tours (tedtours.com) provides private guided tours, starting at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon or in Kilfenora. You’ll visit the Father Ted House, plus other locations such as the ‘Song For Europe’ Waterfall.

 Pine Island, Co Galway

Based in Connemara, about 20km east of Clifden, Pine Island is one of the destinations that attracts photographers from near and far. Pine Island lies within Derryclare Lough, about 200m offshore, with the peaks of the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range in the background. It’s a popular viewpoint for visitors to the area, and if you visit there, you’ll see why.

Top tip: On a calm day, you will be able to get beautiful reflection shots. Going at sunset will make it even more magical!

 Devil’s Chimney, Co Sligo

At 492 feet (150m), Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird, known as the Devil’s Chimney, is listed on the World Waterfall database as Ireland’s tallest waterfall. The waterfall is only a stone’s throw from the famous Glencar Waterfall. While getting to it involves parking the car and walking, the trail is only 1.2km. The looped walk involves an ascent of approximately 30 minutes at the beginning, but there are many resting places and viewing points. So make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

The name Sruth in Aghaidh An Aird means ‘stream against the height’. The waterfall reflects the observed phenomenon that during certain weather conditions, when the wind blows from the south, the water is blown upward and back over the cliff from which it falls.

Top tip: Note that the waterfall doesn’t flow during periods of dry weather, but it is spectacular during, or immediately after, heavy rainfall. And we’re sure to get some rainfall during the summer in Ireland!

 Fanad Head Lighthouse, Co Donegal

Fanad Lighthouse is located within the Donegal Gaeltacht, perched on a rugged cliff-top between idyllic Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. Fanad Lighthouse is one of 70 lighthouses operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights around the coast of Ireland and plays a vital role in maritime safety. But it’s also beautiful to look at. In fact, it was voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. For an authentic insight into the Fanad Peninsula and life at Fanad Lighthouse, book a guided tour on fanadlighthouse.com. And for an exhilarating moment to remember, climb to the top of the tower for some amazing views of North Donegal, the Atlantic and North Swilly.

Top tip: Accommodation at Fanad Lighthouse is also available all year round in three charming former lighthouse keeper’s homes – all with stunning sea views. A unique experience affording you a relaxing break from the modern world!

 Glin Pier, Co Limerick

If you’re driving between Kerry and Limerick, the N69 coast road offers breathtaking views across the Shannon Estuary out to Co Clare. There are a number of viewpoints along the coastal route, where you can park your car and get some great photos. Along the way, you will also pass the village of Glin. Situated about 1.6km east of Glin, is Glin beach and pier, which is not just a scenic spot for pictures, but it’s also known to be a popular swimming location.

Top tip: Stop by Foynes on your trip, approximately a 12-minute drive from Glin. Foynes is home to the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum (flyingboatmuseum.com). The museum captures the story of how Foynes played a pivotal role in establishing commercial transatlantic flights across the Atlantic in the 1930s and ‘40s. It’s also where Irish Coffee was invented in the 1940s by Chef Joe Sheridan!

Top foodie choices

Social media personality, TV presenter, Volkswagen Ambassador and co-author of The Currabinny Cookbook, James Kavanagh, shares his top foodie choices from the west of Ireland

◊The west of Ireland is renowned for its scenic beauty, rugged mountains, and stunning coastline. But it has also become an area with a thriving culinary culture. Foodie fans will be very well rewarded when they make the trek to the west coast.

In fact, James Kavanagh says the west is incredibly inspirational when it comes to creating recipes.

“The freshness and vibrancy of the raw ingredients along the west coast is a very exciting starting point for so many classic and contemporary Irish dishes,” says James. “I think it has become an absolute mecca for so many chefs and food creators because of the plentiful fresh, organic food that’s produced there.”

James and his partner, William Murray, will be launching their Currabinny Caravan in Dublin soon, from which will be selling seasonal sandwiches and hot pots. He will also be launching season 2 of his food podcast What Did You Eat This Week? in a couple of months. This means he has been fully entrenched in foodie culture. It’s safe to say, he knows what he’s talking about! And when in the west, James has a few recommendations.

He says you can’t leave the west without eating mussels, chowder, and open salmon sandwiches as they are “always stunning”.

“Visit Sweet Beat, Pudding Row and Shell’s Café – these are my go-tos in Sligo. Get the ham from the trolley in Ballynahinch Castle. And eat as much seafood as possible in Donegal! The seafood and foraging scenes are also incredible.

“The Misunderstood Heron in Galway is a must for a unique culinary experience. Not only is the food next level, but the location is breathtaking. Enjoy your lunch with the most stunning scenery backdrop. And the most delicious nduja (a spicy, spreadable fermented pork sausage) mussels I have ever had.”

James gives us his top foodie choices along the west coast of Ireland:

■ The Fish Box in Dingle for the best fish and chips ever!

■ Cáis restaurant in Dingle for stunning toasties and treats.

■ Kai in Galway for a heavenly brunch.

■ Goodstuff in Roundstone for the most divine toasties and coffee.

James adds, “The west of Ireland is absolutely world-class and a region we should all be so proud of.”