We bring you yet another striking photo in our series ‘The Story Behind The Photo’. This is a photo we spotted on the internet and Cathy Lynchehaun has kindly allowed us to feature it. The photo features snow-covered Slievemore, a mountain recently featured in our ‘Walking Ireland’s Iconic Mountains‘ series.

Cathy takes up the story…

I took this picture in December 2010. It was a rare opportunity I saw outside my window and I had to get a closer look. It is not very often we get snow on Achill Island. Slievemore will occassionally get a light dusting on top but this time to see it totally covered was a delight!

I set off walking from the Valley, passing by the Golden Strand, and then on towards the Silver strand (the beach in the image). I had never before seen these sandy beaches more white than golden!

It was a cold and frosty morning and the sun was shining in a striking blue sky with long flowing clouds. The moon was still in the sky.

I had to decide if I wanted to include the moon or the strand in the image and I believe that I chose the right option. Including the full length of the Silver strand meant I lost out on a wonderful sky, but I am still happy with the end result.

 Slievemore covered in snow is a hill walkers dream. I’ve climbed it a few times but never before when it looked like this.

Who knows, I might get the chance again soon enough!

Many thanks again to Cathy for the photo. You can see more photos of snow on the Irish Mountains in our recent article. If you have a photo you think we could feature on the website, please do contact us with the details.