Posted by Corey | 42 Comments
Calendar Givaway – Panoramic Photos of the Irish Landscape
Peter O’Donnell from www.thewidereye.com takes photos of the Irish landscape that are so absolutely breathtaking, I want to walk right into every scene!
Peter is giving away TEN calendars for our giveaway. If you would like one, we’re going to make you work for it.
Here’s what you have to do… Visit the Gallery at www.thewidereye.com and look through the photos. Then come back here and comment on the beautiful images… a favorite picture, a photo that brings back a memory, the image that you have on your Christmas list.
From the comments, ten people will be selected to receive a copy of the calendar!
Here are the commenters who won calendars:
• Jessica Smith – Decatur, AL
• Michael Connolly (Milo) – Ventura, CA
• Barbara Crane – Midland, TX
• Erin Strickland – Kitty Hawk, NC
• Michele Erdvig – Marrietta, GA
• Diana Goings – Dallas, OR
• Thom Kennedy – Dundas, Ontario, Canada
• Heidi Young – Leonard, TX
• Tim Magnuson – Rockford, Il
• Karen Newhouse – Baltimore, MarylandCongrats to our winners and THANK YOU to Peter for making this giveaway available. And remember, even if you didn’t win, Peter’s prints and calendars are still available for purchase from his website.
My favorite picture is Bluebells, Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny. I think it is magical. It reminds me of a fairy tale book. It seems almost too perfect to be true. I can almost see the fairies and elfs running around in the picture!!!
Magical!!
The rock of Cashel touched me the most. Partially because there is something so spiritual to the view it, plus, the photo looks like it was taken from the Hoare Abby, which, I had found a photo of before we went to Ireland. I had no idea where exactly it was, but, as we came over the hill @ the rock of Cashel, there was the Abby. What a site… We still have our Cashel photos as our favorite memories…
I was particulalrly taken by the photograph entitled “Doonagore to Doolin”. I have travelled the same road in brilliant sunlight, and this brooding, majestic landscape captures perfectly the every changing weather and play of light that makes Ireland such a magical place. The entire gallery provides the beholder a non-traditional, more wild and surreal image of the green and gentle land that is the Irish countryside. The images whet my appetite for my next visit to my favourite place in the world.
Tough to pick a favorite.. My wife loves waterfalls – so this is beautiful – http://thewidereye.com/Clare_Glens.html . I am a castle hunter … so am very much enchanted by http://thewidereye.com/Rock_of_Cashel.html . I can’t wait until we plan our next long vacation and I can take a few landscape pictures myself.
“Cosan Dearmadta” is my favorite. It evokes memories of the many walks my husband and I took during our 2007 trip to Ireland. Castle Caldlwell Forest Park is the first place that comes to mind. We were all alone trapising along the woodland pathways of the ruined Castle Caldwell, just us and the birds. I had the most surreal sense of “I’ve been here before”…but I had not. While this may not be a top destination to most who visit Ireland, I specifically wanted to see Castle Caldwell because I am trying to trace my paternal ancestry, which I’m certain (partially anyway) the Caldwells of County Fermanagh are a part of.
I visited as a child of 14 stayed for 3 months ….Every minute I was there was like being in heaven.This was heaven to those 14 yr olds eyes.This is my spirits home the inner me the part that brings me comfort. A New Day begins,Bay Lough County Tipperary touched me, the colors I have seen them in my dreams for many years now .This home to my spirit I know I will return sometime perhaps to bring my sweet Erin Rose to see the place where my spirit belongs.
The picture on page 2, Clare Glen, is absolutely amazing. I love waterfalls. I often find myself searching for a hike where I will get a chance to be near a waterfall to sit and enjoy the view and the sounds. That particular waterfall, is absolutely beautiful, and is going on my list of places to visit when I finally make it over to Ireland. It was a bit hard for me to pick a picture though, a lot of those pictures make me wish I had a pack strapped to my back and was trekking those lands instead of working.
Only one image? I have to only choose one favorite of Peter’s? How in the world does one do that? It is my hope that one day I will represent Ireland through my photographic works in half the manner that Peter displays.
All right, one it is….
ummmmmmmmm..this one…..no…maybe that one…..ooohhhhh bother!….closing my eyes…spinning in a circle…now stab the page with the pointer…..and…..
Solas an Lae, http://thewidereye.com/Solas_an_Lae.html.
I love the golden play of light and shadow. There is nothing better than dawn breaking over an Irish landscape. For just that moment, in the space of a breath, you share the same plane with all those who have stood in that same spot throughout the ages, you can hear their prayers and songs and, tapping into that breadth of space, you come away energized and renewed.
I feel I’ve been invited in to “An Autumn’s Walk” At Castle Connell, County Limerick.
The Stone Steps held in place by trees showing a glimpse of their Ancient Roots. What secrets lie beyond?
I want to step into this landscape and find out.
Peter’s Images are stunning, the wide angle makes them come alive!
Oh my, all of these photos are absolutely stunning. My favorite is “Doonagore to Doolin.” When we were there recently, as in most winter months I’m sure, the sun didn’t shine often. But there were those few times as we drove along the coast that the sun would break through the dark clouds and offer a striking view of the coast and the deep greens of the countryside. It was such a serene and calming feeling to be travelling down these small, narrow roads, just taking in all sights, sounds and smells. A treasure for the senses.
Oh they are all so beautiful of Ireland but my favorite is Spanish Point County Clare. It is because I have spent time there with family exploring and walking through the area. County Clare is where my grandmother was born and where my heart belongs.
Wow…how to pick just one? Decisions, decisions! ONE of my favorites is “Come Away With Me”. The colors are fabulous and the picture just makes me want to walk down that path so I can see what is up ahead. More beauty I’m sure. It has a calming affect on me and evokes feelings of “home” and “peace”. I know it sounds corny but it is almost zen-like. The beauty is just breathtaking.
Oh, wow, they’re so gorgeous, I’m not sure I can pick a FAVORITE. I love so many of them! A few favorites are Mohra Lake, Tramore, Swans in the Mist… And then all of a sudden you get to the vertical shots. A Tree There Is, INDEED. Love it!
So cool that you’re doing a giveaway! I’ve got my fingers crossed (which makes it hard to type….)
My favorite is “Into the light” http://thewidereye.com/Into_the_light.html
This photo is amazing! It is truly representative of Ireland and the feelings brought on by a visit to the most beautiful land in the world.
These are spectacular photo’s. I was able to get off a few shots while visiting the Wicklow Mountains this year. I mainly took pictures in town around Dublin. I am planning a trip to the West Coast of Ireland in 2011 and visit all the Counties on that side. Ireland is so beautiful. I truly believe there are 40 something shades of green..Happy Holidays to all of you at Irish Fireside
Like many others, I had the difficulty of choosing just one. This endeavor took a good long while as I was re-captivated by photograph, after photograph. The fanciful and vibrant hues of color make the scene at which you are looking, seem more like a dream than an actual place. These colors however, are not what ultimately caught my attention. I live in a place that in the winter, can sparkle to the point it appears faceted with gems. More often than not however, we are cloaked in shades of gray the entire season long, and it can be difficult to find anything more than blasé in the landscape. However, An Crann Árd (The High Tree), effectively captures the vibrant life to be found in such a setting. While it holds the stedfast strength of the tree, the flying geese and rolling gray clouds, lend a dynamic motion which speaks of perhaps a storm to come. When I looked upon this photo, my first impression was one of stillness, my second one of high energy ready to escape unbounded into the world. It reminds me of home. A place still in ins tranquil beauty, and yet full of life upon closer inspection. While having never been to Ireland, looking through Peter O’Donnell’s prints makes me wish to visit even more than before.
My apologies for the long post, Art Appreciation has been one of my courses at college this past semester.
So many absolutely beautiful and breathtaking shots! The one that speaks to me the most is The Devil’s View; this embodies everything about Ireland that calls to me, that makes me certain there must be some irish blood in our family somewhere, despite all evidence to the contrary. I also love the photo entitled ‘Crann Chasta’, stunning.
An Phairc Buí
The Yellow Field, Co. Tipperary – what a gorgeous photo! I love the contrast in color and theme. Thanks for capturing this!
“A New Day Begins” grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. In that frozen moment in time I really felt Ireland: the reality and the fantasy. In that picture I could clearly see the everyday lads and lasses toiling, smell the peat, and see the Fae shimmering in an unguarded moment. It was completely magical, and at her heart, Ireland is magic. She’s bold and strong, yet guards her mysteries coyly, teasing us with bits of history and legends that make us wonder if this life we live is so much more vast than we’re truly aware of.
What amazing photographs. Windswept and wild. You can taste the air and feel the light. Wow.
I chose ‘A Forgotten Way’ for my favorite. ‘Cosan Dearmadta’.
It reminds me of the sun between rain showers in the early spring, though I believe the photo was taken in November. Rain was in the air and turned the light silver as the sun came up between the downpours.
Each drop on each branch and grass blade caught the fleeting sun. Glittering rainbows as the wind shook the woods. Old autumn leaves rustled, rooks called with dry and cranky rattling croaks. The glow of light came through the overhanging trees to illuminate the woods like an ancient song. The wet wind smelled of spring.
His colors are rich and sweet, never seen on photo-shopped postcards. He uses his camera to bring all the senses to life.
I will have to put his photos on my own Christmas list. I need to hang them in my studio to inspire my art and my own photography of Ireland.
Thank you for pointing out his website.
#46 A Tree There Is. I love trees anyway but this one brings to mind the Tree of Life. The profile of the tree in front of the backdrop of the setting (?) sun and open sky above is just beautiful.
I can only marvel at the time and patience it must require to capture such evocative moments in Ireland. Each image is a small fragment of the Emerald Isle. Put them all together and you know why people must visit Ireland more than once. It is amazing that such a small country has such vast and kaleidoscopic landscapes. Bravo to Peter O’Donnell for his artistry!
The sky in the photos of Tramore and Sheep’s Head Lighthouse is surreal. But my favorite is number 8 Bluebells, Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny. I can almost smell the fresh green air of Ireland when I look at it. Many decades ago I took a similar photo in Coole Woods and a friend of mine who is an artist used it as inspiration for a painting. Looking at the bluebells makes me long to be back in Ireland in the spring. But I must be patient and wait through the long winter before I return again. I hear Ireland calling me home!
I vote for Crann Chasta — how the tree reacts to the landscape beyon is so dramatic!
Clare Glens–reminds me of the lovely little river running through the Gleniff Horseshoe in County Sligo. Just me, the two gossoons wandering off on their own, and one solitary sheep.
Mine is Sheep’s Head Lighthouse. The sky in the photo looks like there is a ship about to come out of the fog. I love them all and one day I will see were my ancestors are from. And yes the last name is not Irish but it is of the man that raised me to be a great man.
My fav pic is the very first one…Burning the Heather…because it reminds me greatly of a poem that I memorized, called Galway Bay, for my husband who’s family is from Ireland.
Absolutely beautiful pictures, btw!!! Just stunning!
A favorite? Just ONE?
Ummm…. I guess if I have to choose just one favorite, it would be Long I Stood (#28), taken at Castleconnell. Interestingly, my second favorite is An Autumn’s Walk, taken at the same location. There’s just something about the sun through the fall colors that calls to me. Or maybe it’s the place… my mother’s maiden name is Connelly, though my family is from Clifden, in Co. Galway. Beautiful, beautiful!
I ordered two of the 2008 calendars a couple of years ago. One for a gift and one for me. Not sure what happened last year. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’ll probably buy one this year even if I don’t win one. I hope that doesn’t disqualify me
I absolutely am in love with “Moonlight Glosses.” It’s the bright blue vertical picture and it’s beautiful. The composition is perfect, the blue is so vivid you feel like you could reach out and your hand would get wet. Breathtaking!
i LOVE peter’s work. he’s so very talented! i’ve already gotten my calendar – FEEL lucky!!
Into the light ~ amaaaazing! I will get there one day soon…
Okay, here are the winners:
• Jessica Smith – Decatur, AL
• Michael Connolly (Milo) – Ventura, CA
• Barbara Crane – Midland, TX
• Erin Strickland – Kitty Hawk, NC
• Michele Erdvig – Marrietta, GA
• Diana Goings – Dallas, OR
• Thom Kennedy – Dundas, Ontario, Canada
• Heidi Young – Leonard, TX
• Tim Magnuson – Rockford, Il
• Karen Newhouse – Baltimore, Maryland
Many of you who commented, used different emails than you used when you signed up for the giveaway (I think I connected the dots correctly), and some of you didn’t appear to have signed up for the giveaway. To be considered for the rest of the giveaways, you need to sign up at http://irishfireside.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5048d4cbe8c5dc94175cff1d5&id=9cc395c9e4
Congrats to our winners and THANK YOU to Peter for making this giveaway available. And remember, even if you didn’t win, Peter’s prints and calendars are still available for purchase from his website.
Thank you thank you!! This just made my day!! Don’t tell my family, but this is going to be my favorite gift this hoiday season!!
Peter is truly a talented photographer and I will enjoy being swept away to the magic of Ireland each time I look at the calendar. Thanks to Fireside and Peter!
I just love you guys!! Thank you Corey and Liam and to Peter for the gorgeous photos.
Yay for all those who won! Bummer we didn’t! Didn’t realize I had to be signed up on another page too! We are now! Maybe next time!
And just wondering how one person won twice??? You’re extra special Michael Connolly!
FYI – The good news is that everyone who commented on this post was given equal chance to win this prize. However, for the rest of the giveaway, names are drawn from those who signed up.
Also, everyone has multiple chances to win. Here’s how it was described when we announced the giveaway, “Remember, we reward you for participation. So, your recent comments on our blog, Facebook Fan Page and Twitter score you additional entries.”
Sorry for the confusion.
No worries! Thanks Corey!
I still wanted to comment, eventho all have been won…….I just cannot believe such talent as Peter O’Donnell has presented. Very very nice!! There were too many to pick from, but one of my favorite ones was Come Away With Me…..Castleconnell, Co. Limerick
The calendar arrived in the post this morning. It’s absolutely lovely. Nicer in person, if that is possible. Thank you for a wonderful gift… Besides the podcast & blog…
Nollaig shona dhuit!
Mine arrived yesterday. I didn’t realize it would be arriving from Ireland so that was a treat. Beautiful! Thank you Peter (and Corey and Liam!) Merry Christmas all!
My calendar arrived today. What a wonderful surprise! It is even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Just as Milo stated above, I didn’t realize it was coming from Ireland either! How wonderful! Thanks again to all involved and Merry Merry Christmas!!!