Good company, great photos, and plenty of laughs along the way!

Hiya, Liz here again! Hope you enjoyed your summer and that the new Club season brings new excitement, fresh perspectives, and another year of photographic adventures with Killarney Camera Club. From misty mornings in the Killarney National Park to Kerry coastal sunsets and nights out in Tralee, Killarney and Cork, we’ve drafted a varied schedule to hopefully encourage you to pack your camera and your curiosity, (and definitely your rain gear – well, it is Ireland!) and join us on outings this season!

We now have had our first outing with MaryO leading the way to the Killarney Rut. Other outings are still being finalised, and maybe some locations and dates will be tweaked, but Mary & I wanted to give you an idea of what may happen throughout the year so as well as a brief report on the day out yesterday I’ve outlined the outings that we are looking at doing over the upcoming camera club season – but we need your help too – As well as continuing to send me those candid shots to post on our updates, and signing up for the website newsletter, anyone that is able to help out and lead, or co-lead, any of the outings, we would really appreciate it, as I am going to be a little unavailable for the next month or two. If you are able to help out, contact myself, MaryO, Marie (our secretary) or our new President, John, and watch your emails for the detailed schedule that will be sent out soon!!

Thanks again, and happy snapping!

The Rut – Killarney National Park
Saturday 11th October 2025
MaryO kicked off the season with one of Killarney’s most dramatic natural spectacles — the annual Red Deer Rut at Killarney National Park. I hear that a great number of members, new and old, turned up in the hope of capturing the stags parading and the clash of antlers. As usual we kept a respectful distance from the wildlife but Conor still managed to get some spectacular shots despite the the Stags being somewhat shy on the day! Some photographers were saying that the day was just too warm for them to be rutting. Saying that great day was had by all, and as MaryO says “there were plenty of mushrooms to photograph!”

Check out below the future outings we have in mind … but first take a look at Conor’s amazing photographs!

Future Outings

🍂 Autumn Adventures and 🌊 Winter Explorations

Sunset Practice – Rossbeigh or Cromane
Ease into the new season with a relaxed beach outing focused on capturing golden-hour light and colourful reflections. We’ll visit Rossbeigh, Cromane, or another coastal gem depending on weather and tides. You may even get a shot for the competition later in the year!

Ardfert Photo Challenge
This is a work in progress between Marie and myself! We are hoping to have a fun day out exploring textures, tones, and creative compositions that await in Ardfert. Explore the village and its surroundings, then round off the morning with a chat and coffee at a local café or pub.

Christmas Outing
Traditionally held in Cork, our festive outing offers a chance to photograph twinkling lights, street scenes, and long-exposure light trails. This year, we may change things up — possible locations include Tralee, Killarney, Dingle, Killorglin or Limerick. Final details to follow.

Dingle Peninsula Tour
The club usually breaks for Christmas holidays and resumes in January but if you are feeling like you’d like to get together we will look to plan a full-day photo adventure around the Dingle Peninsula, exploring castles, headlands, and oratories. From Minard Castle to Dunmore Head, this trip is perfect for landscape lovers and a refreshing break away from the normal activities between Christmas and New Year.

🌸 Spring & Early Summer

North Kerry Gems
We’ve been asked a few times why we do not explore North Kerry’s historic and coastal beauty — so we’ve listened and added it into our schedule. From Blennerville Windmill to Carrigafoyle Castle. we will look at at least one outing which will promises a mix of architecture, texture, and landscape opportunities.

Spring Flowers Photography
Brighten up the winter months by capturing daffodils, tulips, and snowdrops in bloom. Tralee Town Park and Killarney National Park will provide plenty of colour and inspiration.

Environmental Portraits
A practical session focused on photographing people in context — blending portraiture with storytelling in natural surroundings.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Join fellow members at one of the local parades to practice street and documentary photography. Expect colour, energy, and the challenge of capturing the spirit of the day.

Kinsale and Charles Fort
MaryO has offered this as a potential day trip and we’d like to hear back on your interest in it. We could look at hiring a minibus to take us if you are interested in it but do not want to drive! A day of history and harbour scenes awaits. From the colourful streets of Kinsale to the impressive Charles Fort, this outing offers both architectural and scenic opportunities.

Sporting Event Photography
Put your skills to the test with an action-filled shoot. Options include GAA, soccer, horse racing, or greyhound racing — a great opportunity to experiment with movement and timing.

🌞 Summer Finale

Glengarriff and Garnish Island
We’d planned this last year but unfortunately we weren’t able to squeeze it into the schedule. Its another chance of a full-day trip but this time to Glengarriff and Garnish Island, again possibly by hire bus. Expect exotic gardens, sweeping coastal views, a trip on a boat passing seals, and maybe a scenic drive via Healy or Caha Passes — the perfect conclusion to the season.

✨ Wherever we go, the Club’s focus is as much about our photographic community and friendship than just competitions – every outing is a chance to learn together, share knowledge, and see familiar places with fresh eyes. Saying that, we will always try to schedule outings that may assist you in your hunt for competition photos as you will see on the outings schedule soon to be circulated! Here’s to another inspiring year with Killarney Camera Club — great outings, great company, and great shots!

I’ll see you next time and if you have any photos from your week that you want to add to these updates and reports please do send them to me, cheers for now! Next in person Club meeting is on Thursday, 23rd October at 7.30pm.

Please note all our outings are for members only. If you’d like to join our club please contact our club secretary on secretary@killarneycameraclub.ie