An Incredible Evening & Morning at Eagles Rock
Eagles Rock in County Leitrim had been on my photography bucket list for years. Rising over 330 meters above sea level, it’s Ireland’s tallest free-standing rock tower and a stunning example of the rugged beauty found in the Dartry Mountains. Its dramatic cliffs and towering presence make it one of Ireland's most striking natural landmarks. I’d seen photographs of it for years, admired its grandeur, and imagined the day I’d finally capture it myself.
When my friends Diarmuid O’Donovan, Patrick Murtagh, and I planned a three-day trip to explore the landscapes of Sligo and Leitrim, Eagles Rock was the first location I suggested. It’s remote and surrounded by an unspoiled wilderness of rolling valleys and rugged cliffs—a dream location for any landscape photographer.
Sunset Arrival
Diarmuid and I arrived at Eagles Rock just before sunset on our first day. The evening light was warm and golden, but the sun had already dipped behind the towering cliffs, leaving the rock in shadow. Despite this, the surrounding landscape was glowing, and the scene felt alive with possibilities.
We wasted no time launching our drones to make the most of the golden hour. From above, Eagles Rock was even more impressive, standing tall amidst the undulating terrain. The aerial view highlighted its stark contrast to the surrounding landscape, its jagged edges carved by millennia of erosion.
As the sun’s light faded, a new opportunity presented itself. The moon began to rise over the adjacent cliffs, casting a cool, silvery glow on the rugged terrain. This unexpected bonus gave us a second chance to capture the scene, this time with a completely different mood. It was a peaceful, almost ethereal sight, and we worked quickly to capture compositions featuring the moonlit cliffs.
Later that evening, we met up with Patrick and settled into our campervan for the night. There’s something special about sharing these experiences with friends—laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying the comforts of a warm meal and a few beers after a long day of shooting. The campervan allowed us to park close to our location, meaning we’d be ready for an early sunrise shoot without the hassle of relocating in the dark.
A Sunrise to Remember
We woke before dawn to find the landscape transformed by frost. Clear skies overnight had caused the temperature to plummet, leaving a silvery coating on the grass and fields around Eagles Rock. As we stepped outside, the cold air bit at our faces, but the anticipation of the morning shoot kept us focused.
The sky began to brighten with soft hues of pink, orange, and blue—a painterly prelude to the sunrise. Eagles Rock loomed ahead of us, its silhouette framed against the glowing horizon. One of the magical aspects of frost-covered landscapes is how the light interacts with the icy textures, and we knew this would be a key element in our compositions.
The valleys surrounding the rock were blanketed in a thin mist that seemed to drift lazily through the landscape. It added a layer of mystery to the scene, enhancing the depth and atmosphere. As the first rays of sunlight broke over the hills, the transformation was instant. The frost began to shimmer like tiny crystals, and the golden light spilt over the cliffs, highlighting every crack and crevice in the rock face.
Our drones were back in the air to capture this magical light. From above, the scene was breathtaking—the mist weaving through the valleys, the golden light streaming over the rugged cliffs, and Eagles Rock standing proud as the centrepiece of it all.
As the sun climbed higher, the frost began to melt, and the vibrant greens of the valleys below started to emerge. This evolving scene provided endless opportunities for creative compositions. Whether shooting from the ground or the air, every angle offered something new and exciting.
The Beauty of Eagles Rock
Eagles Rock isn’t just a photographer’s dream; it’s a place steeped in history and natural wonder. Nestled in the Dartry Mountains, it is a testament to the power of nature. Millions of years of erosion have shaped its dramatic cliffs, creating a striking limestone formation that dominates the surrounding landscape.
This remote corner of County Leitrim is sparsely populated, with narrow, winding roads leading through valleys framed by stone walls and traditional farmhouses. Its isolation only adds to its allure, offering a sense of peace and connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere.
In Irish folklore, Eagles Rock was believed to be a nesting site for golden eagles, a bird once common in this part of Ireland. Though the eagles are now rare, the rock remains a symbol of resilience and strength, embodying the untamed spirit of the Irish landscape.
What a Morning!
That sunrise session at Eagles Rock was one of those rare moments when everything comes together—the light, the frost, the mist, and the location. It’s mornings like these that keep reminding me why I love landscape photography. It’s not just about capturing an image; it’s about being present in these incredible places and witnessing the beauty of nature as it unfolds.
Eagles Rock had been on my list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. Its imposing structure and the ever-changing light created an experience I’ll never forget. Sharing it with Diarmuid and Patrick made it even more special, and the laughter and stories we shared along the way will stay with me just as much as the photographs we captured.
As the first location of our three-day trip, Eagles Rock set the bar high. We left with full memory cards, frozen fingers, and high hopes for what lay ahead in Sligo and Leitrim. The magic of this place had energised us, and we were ready to see what the next day would bring.
Exploring Eagles Rock reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: landscape photography is about more than just the shot. It’s about the journey, the moments, and the connections—both with the landscape and the people you share it with. This was one trip I’ll always remember, and Eagles Rock will forever hold a special place in those memories.
