Fisherman’s Hut in Connemara

Deep in the interior of Connemara, vast boglands, quiet lakes and gentle hills dominate the scenery. A touch of monotony hangs over it all, but then there are the small whitewashed fishing huts that stand out so strikingly in this environment. Surrounded by the sparse landscape they appear almost mysterious, and you find yourself wondering what might lie behind those walls and why these little huts stand out here in the middle of nowhere. That is precisely what makes them such fascinating photographic subjects, because that melancholy is something you can capture wonderfully on camera.

One of these huts sits tucked away beside Loch an tSáile Thuaidh, and I arrived with a certain curiosity about what I would find. I had seen photographs in which a boat was moored in front of it and was naturally hoping to find the location just as others had. But there was no boat to be seen. So I decided to explore the immediate surroundings and came across a curved stone wall enclosing a small basin, which fitted perfectly into the composition. So-called leading lines are one of the classic principles of photographic composition, and this wall was practically made for it. Its gentle curve draws the eye into the image, giving it both depth and dynamism. The absence of the boat was quickly forgotten and, in the end, it was what pushed me to look for a different angle.

As it happened, someone was in the hut during my visit and invited me to come inside. The interior was surprisingly welcoming, and not only because the stove was filling the room with warmth. With its wooden ceiling and terracotta floor, the place had a genuine cosiness to it. A broom and a landing net leaned against the wall, fishing tackle lay scattered about. At the centre of it all stood a long table with two benches on either side. That single piece of furniture told the whole story of these huts. This is where people come together to spend time in good company. And to fish, of course.