Oceans of Emotion – Ireland & Northern Ireland: LAPC, OWS

Today I’m featuring images portraying oceans of emotion from a trip last year to Northern Ireland and Ireland. The images reflect the eight basic emotions defined by psychologist, Robert Plutchik.

Northern Ireland ocean views

Anger – Winds at the Giant’s Causeway were reaching 80 miles per hour. As each wave crashed upon the shore, froth shot out of a hole on the left side of this picture. It was as if Mother Nature was foaming at the mouth.

Oceans of emotion - Giant's Causeway
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Fear – The incoming storm frightened most of the tourists away from Carrick-a-Rede. It shut down shortly after we crossed due to high winds.

Carrick-a-Rede Northern Ireland
Carrick-a-Rede, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Disgust – The walk into Cushenden Caves was wet and muddy. This is where a disgusting scene in Game of Thrones Season 2 takes place. Melisandre gives birth to the shadow monster that eventually kills Renly.

Cushenden Caves Northern Ireland February 2020
Cushenden Caves, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Anticipation – These ordinary looking stairs lead the way out for another character in Game of Thrones. In Season 6, Arya anticipates better times upon emerging from the water after being brutally attacked by the Waif.

The Canal at Carlough Harbour, Northern Ireland
The Canal at Carlough Harbour, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Ireland ocean views

Sadness – This cemetery overlooking a distant bay near Kilmalkedar Church was full of sadness. I wondered if it held some of my distant relatives.

Kilmalkedar Church, County Kerry, Ireland
Kilmalkedar Churchyard, County Kerry, Ireland

Trust – This is a view from Slea Head Drive. Minutes later we made our way over Conor Pass, one of the scariest roads to drive in Ireland. It’s a twisting narrow road with cliffs on one side and a drop off on the other. Fortunately, we had a trusted guide that handled all the driving!

Oceans of emotion near Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland
Slea Head Drive, County Kerry, Ireland

Surprise – I was surprised at how massive the Cliffs of Moher were in person. For five miles, the cliffs dramatically tower over the Atlantic Ocean.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

Joy – I felt joyful when we viewed The Three Sisters, pictured in the middle of this image. We have an iconic landmark referred to as the Three Sisters where I live in Bend, Oregon. It felt like a connection with my kin.

Oceans of emotion near The Three Sisters, County Kerry, Ireland
The Three Sisters, County Kerry, Ireland

I felt oceans of emotion over the course of this trip. Hope you sensed some of my feelings through these photos.

Lens Artists Photo Challenge – Emotions

35 thoughts on “Oceans of Emotion – Ireland & Northern Ireland: LAPC, OWS

  1. An interesting, beautiful and creative take on the challenge Siobhan. Took me straight back to my own visit to Ireland some 15 years ago. I found the cliffs of Moher incredibly beautiful. While we were there they were covered in beautiful little yellow flowers. Quite a sight. Thanks for the fond memory and for your own interpretation of their impact on you.

    • Thank you, Tina. Glad my post reminded you of a trip there many years ago. I always wanted to visit there and we saw a lot on our 1,600 mile road trip. 🍀

    • Thanks, Janet! I like to focus on nature and experienced every emotion on that special trip. Lots of great skylines too.

  2. I love the way you have responded to this challenge. Since I don’t generally photograph people, I’ve pondered how to approach this challenge. Your interpretation is excellent!

  3. I love that Siobhan. “An ocean of emotion.” Your gallery is marvelous. The cemetery image is beautiful and evocative. I appreciated learning about your emotional connection to some of these places and the references to The Game of Thrones is always a treat for me. We didn’t have enough time to go to these places when we were in Ireland, but you’ve made a convincing “argument” to visit them on our next trip.
    The Carrick-a-Rede image is also lingering in my mind. Another lovely image in this collection.

    • Thanks, Betty! I too am part Irish. Landscapes can bring out your emotions, especially if you have a connection with the place.

  4. Creative and wonderful! Who doesn’t love Ireland? Emotional. Carrick-a-Rede was closed when we visited – would love to come back one day. Thank you for sending it! I share your oceans of emotions!

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