The Backgrounds

Summit Sunset was inspired by one of my favourite evenings on the Irish mountains. A few friends and I split the Coomloughra Horseshoe over two days, camping on the plateau above the infamous Devil’s Ladder. As St. Patrick’s Day came to a close, the crowds disappeared and we had the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks entirely to ourselves. We watched the Reeks glow in shades of orange as the sun went below the horizon. It was one of those moments that reminds you how small you are, leaving nothing to do but simply be present.

Soča Blue is named after the breathtaking Soča River in Slovenia - somewhere that holds a special place in my heart. I first visited Slovenia while solo travelling around Europe, and returned two years later to spend a month working in Outdoor Education Schools with a friend. During our time there, we explored some incredible parts of the country, including Soča River Valley. Its striking blue almost seems unreal, and after long days hiking in the Julian Alps, there was nothing more refreshing than diving into its icy water.

Loinnir is an Irish word that beautifully describes the sunlight shimmering across the surface of the water. It’s one of those words that reminds me how deeply our language is rooted in nature, capturing moments that are difficult to describe in English. Whenever I catch the sea sparkling from the sun, I’m reminded of the beauty of Ireland, its landscapes, its language, and the quiet moments that make me feel most at home.

Sea Pink is inspired by the Sea Thrift wildflower that transforms Kerry’s coastal cliffs each spring. While logging walks for my Lowland Leader training, I spent a day hiking Sauce Creek near Brandon, where the headland was covered in vibrant pink flowers. Growing along the wild Atlantic coastline, where strong winds and salty sea spray are part of life, Sea Thrift is a lovely reminder that resilience and beauty often grow side by side.

Leaving Only Green Trace is inspired by one of the values that has shaped my time in the outdoors. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, but that privilege comes with a responsibility to protect them. Through my outdoor training, I’ve learned to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Small actions like using a lightweight camping stove instead of lighting campfires, and leaving nothing behind, not even biodegradable items like orange peels that can disrupt local ecosystems. Every choice helps preserve the wild places we love, ensuring Ireland remains known for its beautiful green landscapes for generations to come. If you’d like to learn more, I encourage you to visit the Leave No Trace Ireland⁠ website.

Burren Grey is inspired by a five day wild camping trek I did with some friends across the Burren. As I painted this background, I found myself reminiscing about the adventure - one that didn’t quite go to plan! Unexpected challenges meant we had to adapt along the way, but those changes became the very moments that made the journey unforgettable. Looking back, it’s a reminder that the best adventures aren’t always the ones that go exactly as planned. They’re the ones that strengthen friendships, create lifelong memories, and leave you with stories you’ll be telling for years to come.