repleo Loc: Boston

The rugged North Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland braves its chest to the wild North Atlantic with no protection between it and the North Pole. The coast is best known for the renowned Giants Causeway, but the entire length of the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most scenic routes in Ireland.

North Antrim is a collection of contradictions. The coast is 900 miles north of Boston, but fuscia bushes grow wild in the hedgerows and palm trees grow defiantly in the well tended gardens. Lush green grass sprouts from every nook and cranny in the basalt and chalk layered cliffs. Gently rolling pastures and moors give way to improbable conical hillocks. Miles of shear battered cliffs are interspersed with tiny, sheltered harbors. One village festooned with Union Jacks to declare its British allegiance and the next village defiantly displaying their Republican leanings with shop and pub names in native Gaelic.

The area has an 'other world' feel and has been the setting for many scenes from the Game of Thrones series.

I urge anybody planning a trip to Ireland to include Antrim in their itinerary. For everybody else, I hope you enjoy these shots. Comments, reminiscences and helpful suggestions greatly appreciated.

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Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Interesting series of photographs.
Well taken.

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Nice work. I particularly like the softening effect of the fog in #2. Only critique is that you could use the set for one of those "what does not belong with the rest" questions on cognitive tests. The insertion of the photo of the people is jarring and shatters the overall mood of the set. Not very convincing period dress with the blue jeans.

repleo Loc: Boston

Thanks Leicaflex. Thanks for looking.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Nice set!

repleo Loc: Boston

Thanks frjack. You make a good point about the cheesy sword fight. I should have listened to my own reservations. Thanks for commenting.

tbell7D Loc: Houston

An outstanding set of photos. I believe you have succeeded in capturing the essence of this almost magical place. My favorite is #2, because of the soft foggy look.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I had the same reaction as frjack, though I hadn't gotten to the blue jeans

The layers and depth, curving coastline of #1 is breathtaking! Without the people shot, a very engaging sense of place series.

repleo Loc: Boston

Thanks Linda. Point taken on the people shot. I recall one of the Pro's here saying you are judged by the weakest photo in your portfolio, not your best. A point I'll try to remember.

repleo Loc: Boston

Thanks tbell. Magical is a good description. The weather is so variable, the whole mood of the place changes in an instant as if by magic.

repleo Loc: Boston

Thanks Longshadow. I appreciate your looking and your encouragement.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

One thing I've been trying is if I want to post five shots, I force myself to remove one and just do four; if I want to post four shots, I force myself to remove one. Now having said that, I do intend to post six for my next series - lol.

And of course everyone has different preferences. Sometimes if I post 4, I might put my least favorite in spot 4, and often viewers mention that as their own favorite.

And yours wasn't "weakest" certainly, just very different from the rest of the theme. I really enjoy themes; but many folks like a variety pack

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

What beautiful images, Phil! My ancestors came from Ireland but I've never been there and I'm sure I never will be. Very well done!

repleo Loc: Boston

Thanks Sue. I'm sure that your kind and generous spirit is the Irishness shining through.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

Wonderful compositions and execution. Photo number 6 does it for me because of the clarity and depiction of the rocky coast line.