Coliemore Harbour

Coliemore Harbour is a small, sheltered harbour on the south Dublin coast, best known for its close-up views of Dalkey Island sitting just offshore. The stone pier and moored boats give you natural foreground interest, and you can frame the island cleanly from the harbour wall using a mid-range or telephoto lens to compress the distance and bring the old church ruins on the island into focus. The Muglins rock and its red beacon make a strong secondary point of interest to the right, especially effective in moody or overcast conditions when the sea takes on a deep green-grey tone. Shooting from the end of the pier at low tide gives you the most open composition, while the surrounding stone walls and slipway add texture closer in. Golden hour light in the evening falls well on the island's western face. Parking is limited nearby, so arriving early on weekends is a good idea. (Dalkey, Dublin, Ireland)