Amateur snappers to capture district’s beauty

Amateur snappers to capture district’s beauty

13 August 2025

BUDDING photographers across the district are reminded to capture their unique perspective of local beauty spots in a competition which closes on Friday.

Each year, Newry, Mourne and Down Council hosts an amateur photography competition to highlight the splendour of the district’s three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Ring of Gullion, Mourne and Strangford and Lecale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty annual competition is open to all amateur photographers who want to celebrate and share the beauty of our local landscapes through the seasons.

This year’s theme – ‘Magnificent Mourne Gullion Strangford! Our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty through the seasons’ – invites entries that capture the spirit of the AONB across the year. Whether it’s local wildlife, dramatic landscapes or moody seasonal skies, the competition is a chance to share your vision of these stunning natural areas.

The competition features two age categories, with prizes awarded as follows: Over 18s – first prize £100; second prize £50; U-18s – first prize £50.

Entries will be judged by a panel of local experts, and the winning photographs will be featured in the popular 2026 AONB Calendar – a celebration of the region’s natural beauty distributed across the district.

Council chairperson Philip Campbell said he was delighted to bring the much-loved competition back to the people of Newry, Mourne and Down.

“This competition is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with our stunning landscapes and share their unique perspectives through photography,” he remarked.

“We’re particularly keen to see more entries from young photographers under 14, as their fresh and creative vision often captures the magic of these places in unexpected ways. “Whether it’s a family walk in the Mournes, a school trip to the Ring of Gullion, or a day out along Strangford Lough, we want to see the AONBs through their eyes.”

Entrants are encouraged to view past winners on the Ring of Gullion website. Information on how to enter with full terms and conditions can be found at: https://ringofgullion.org/news/amateur-photography-competition/ 

To find inspiration why not visit the three AONB websites: www.ringofgullion.org, www.mournelive.com, www.strangfordlough.org; or visit your local woodland, beach or park on your daily walk and see what inspires you there.