My first time visiting the famous fishing hut at Screebe in Connemara was last night, when we were blessed with an evening without even a breeze to disturb the water. Unfortunately, there was an excess of low cloud, with a cloud bank at the horizon that swallowed the sun at the horizon behind the house,…

A stag digs up the grass to decorate his antlers in Killarney National Park a few weeks ago. Antler entanglement with vegetation is a common occurrence during the red deer rutting season and is primarily caused by a behaviour called “thrashing,” where stags violently shake their antlers against trees, shrubs, and ground vegetation. This behaviour…

Right, so let’s talk about the absolute star of Cork’s Dragon of Shandon parade—the massive skeletal dragon that dominated the streets and created that perfect mix of ancient mythology and contemporary street theatre that defines this extraordinary event. The parade really is a spectacular event, and the dragon brings up the rear with ominous music…

Who’s pulling the strings?

A float with a maritime theme goes down North Main Street, Cork as part of the Dragon of Shandon parade.

It’s not often you’ll see giant jellyfish floating along North Main Street, although with the rains pummeling Cork in the last few days there may well have been floods along there.

A small selection of photos of the fabulous costumes and dancers at the Dragon of Shandon parade in Cork over the weekend.

Some of the ghosts and witches at the Dragon of Shandon parade, 2025.

This is what Cork’s Dragon of Shandon parade does best. It transforms the streets into a moving theatrical spectacular where elaborate costumes, dedicated face paint, choreographed performances, and pure Halloween energy collide in the most brilliant way possible.

A few more photos of the Dragon of Shandon parade last night. I’ll spread these out over the next few days. You’ll get a proper chance to experience the fun of the night. They’ll all be visible here in the future if you’re coming across this post by itself.

One of the fabulous skeleton dancers at tonight’s Dragon of Shandon parade in Cork! What a buzz and atmosphere! Crowds were lining North Main Street where we waited, down Castle Street and then on to Cornmarket Street. Amazing night. Not to be missed next year! More photos to follow when I have time to edit…

We were lucky to spot this stag and a number of hinds as we entered Killarney National Park a few weeks ago. The light was terrible. It was just after sunrise and we were walking through a wood. I’m thrilled with this photo of a magnificent stag. Here’s another photo of this stag.