Geokaun Mountain

The Geokaun Mountain is the highest point on Valentia Island, and from its summit you have one of the most spectacular views in all of Ireland. You look out across the Atlantic towards the Blasket Islands archipelago and the two Skellig rocks rising from the sea like jagged crags. My favourite view, though, faces inland. From up here, the bay below takes on the character of a fjord. In the middle of it sits little Beginish Island, right next to the Valentia Island lighthouse, with a backdrop of mountains completing the panorama. A single glance that captures the very essence of Ireland.

Muiris and Bernie O’Donoghue, on whose land Geokaun Mountain sits, have developed the site and made it accessible to visitors at all. A path leads all the way up to the viewpoint at the summit. About halfway along, a trail branches off to a viewing platform at the Fogher Cliffs. Both spots are well worth a visit for photographers.

The Fogher Cliffs drop steeply into the sea along the western flank of Geokaun Mountain. Sunlight doesn’t reach the cliffs until early afternoon, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a visit. The best light falls on them in the evening anyway, when they take on a warm reddish glow in the last of the day’s light. The summit itself is equally rewarding at sunset. Thanks to the 360-degree view, though, a visit is worthwhile at any time of day.

For me, an ideal photography session begins roughly two and a half hours before sunset at the summit. The golden hour and the sunset itself are best experienced at the Fogher Cliffs, before heading back up to the top. And anyone staying overnight on Valentia Island can greet the following morning’s sunrise from the summit of Geokaun Mountain once more.