ESB crews arrive to Valentia Island Lighthouse at Cromwells Point during storm force Eleanor, as it gripped the southern and western seaboard of the Atlantic. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan.
A rainbow guards Fenit Castle, built in 1253 in Norman times by Thomas Fitzmaurice, 1st Lord of Kerry. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan.
Members of Muckross Voices, performing in Muckross Abbey, from left, Tara O’Connor, Jean Hamilton, Helen O’Donoghue, Nicola Courtney, (Choral Director) Mary O’Mahony, Fiona Stewart and Lorraine Hurley. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan
Lucas Machowski, professional kite surfer and videographer from Killarney, on Inch Beach, Dingle Peninsula, availing of the winter winds. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan.
Anna Downing’s house in the Black Valley was the last house to be connected to electricity in the 1970s, and the first house to receive state of the art fibre-optic broadband, 50 years later. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan.
The tradition of boating tours on the Lakes of Killarney is centuries old. Boat Operators, Donal ‘Dux’ O’Donoghue Senior, Claire Tangney and Donal ‘Dux’ Jnr O’Donoghue. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan
Sráide Eoin: Declan Malone (left), Pat Doyle (Hobby Horse) and Grace O’Malley, standing by waiting for the Wren to begin. Lá an Dreoilín or Wren Day is a very old tradition particularly in the Dingle Peninsula. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan.
Julia Lucey left and her Sister Noreen Lucey, visit ‘The City’ of Shone, Pilgrimage site, near Rathmore, Co Kerry. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan.
There are few that can capture life through a lens than Valerie O’Sullivan and once again the Kerry photographer has managed to capture the beauty of Kerry but also the unique aspects of the history and heritage of the county.
Her latest collection of photos are now available in the stunning and must-have publication ‘On the Edge of Europe’ which charts through words and images the richness of ‘The Kingdom of Kerry’.
Described as ‘a love letter to Kerry’ it captures the not only the magnificence of the county but also its people and its rich heritage.
In his foreword of the book Director General, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Niall Ó Donnchú, whose roots are well defined in Gneeveguilla writes:
“Valerie O’Sullivan has long understood that to portray Kerry is not only to frame its grandeur, but to honour the relationship between people and place.”
‘On the Edge of Europe’ explores the more quirky nature of Kerry – from the highest farm in Ireland, the highest Grotto in the county, the farthest Island in Europe, to the ancient customs of the ‘Kilbognet Biddies’ and ‘ Lá an Dreoilín’ – The Dingle Wren.
The UNESCO biosphere reserve that is Killarney National Park is given centre stage in the book as is the world famous UNESCO island of Skellig Michael with images capturing not only the beauty of the remote island but also the boatmen who bring visitors to see it.
Valerie, who is renowned for her wildlife photography, capturing native red deer and white-tailed eagles, also includes some of her best images of the county’s flora and fauna.
The talented Killarney photography has also captured some very quirky aspects of Kerry history including the story of ‘Cait Na Pluaise’ – a brave woman who lived in a cave situated between Castlecove and Caherdaniel. Cait of the Cave raised her seven children in a cave, following her eviction after the famine in the 1850’s. To this day limpet and periwinkle shells still lie on the floor of the cave. Etchings of maths are carved on the roof by her children.
This is just one of the many stories that bring Kerry to life in this wonderful new book.
Valerie will be available to sign the book at Killarney House on November 15, at 2pm.