Chasing Light and Clouds at Gleniff Horseshoe
The Gleniff Horseshoe in County Sligo, Ireland, is a place I’ve wanted to photograph for years. This natural amphitheater, surrounded by towering cliffs and steeped in history, offers incredible photographic potential—if the weather cooperates. Unfortunately, the Irish weather had other plans for us, delivering thick fog and near-zero visibility for much of our visit. But as any landscape photographer knows, challenging conditions often lead to unexpected rewards.
Gleniff Horseshoe
The Gleniff Horseshoe is a six-kilometer looped drive nestled in the Dartry Mountains. Formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, it features dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and a sense of isolation that’s hard to match. An old famine-era building near the shooting spot adds a historical element to the landscape, providing unique foreground interest for photographers.
The Plan
Our time in the area was nearing its end, but we decided to squeeze in one last shoot. The conditions weren’t promising—the fog was so dense that even the iconic horseshoe shape was hidden from view. We parked near the famine building and waited, hoping for the clouds to part before sunset. Patience is a virtue in landscape photography, and this was going to be a test of ours. Time for a quick nap.
A Break in the Clouds
After a quick nap, we woke to a slight shift in the weather. The clouds were beginning to move rapidly, teasing glimpses of the cliffs. Time was short, so I immediately set up a timelapse to capture the scene’s dynamic nature. The fast-moving clouds created a moody and dramatic atmosphere—perfect for storytelling through photography.
Drone Photography: Expanding Perspectives
While the timelapse was running, I decided to send my drone into the air. Flying the drone through and above the cloud layers revealed an entirely new perspective. The visibility from the ground was limited, but from above, the shifting clouds framed the cliffs in ways that weren’t visible otherwise.
Drones aren’t just tools for wide aerial shots; they’re invaluable for exploring perspectives that ground-based photography can’t achieve. By flying the drone closer to the cliffs and through gaps in the clouds, I captured footage that added depth and motion to the story of this landscape.
Managing Expectations
As the timelapse ended, the clouds thickened again. With only 30 minutes until sunset, we waited and hoped for another break. It never came, but that’s the reality of landscape photography. You can’t control the weather, but you can adapt to it. While the conditions didn’t align perfectly, the moody, atmospheric shots I captured with the drone felt like a fair trade-off.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
As we packed up, the rain began to fall heavily, signalling the end of our trip. Despite the challenges, the experience was rewarding. The shots we captured, the lessons we learned, and the memories we made reinforced why we do what we do. Gleniff Horseshoe may not have revealed itself fully this time, but that only gives me more reason to return.
