Benwee Head

Benwee Head is a wild stretch of Atlantic coastline in northwest Mayo where sheer sea cliffs drop hundreds of meters into churning water, with jagged rock stacks, natural arches, and the scattered islands of Kid Island and the Stags of Broadhaven visible offshore. The drama here comes from the layered geology and the sheer scale of the cliffs, so wide-angle lenses work well to capture the full sweep of the headland and the ocean below. Walk the Carrowteigue Loop to reach the best vantage points, where you can frame the stacks against breaking waves or shoot along the cliff edge for depth and scale. Overcast days often produce the most atmospheric results, reducing harsh shadows and bringing out the deep greens of the grass against the grey rock and dark sea. Come prepared for wind and wet conditions regardless of the forecast, and wear sturdy footwear as the ground near the edges can be uneven and slippery. (Benwee Head, County Mayo, Ireland)