Torc Waterfall, Killarney National Park

Ireland’s Ancient Woodlands

Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland, contains the largest remnant of ancient oak and yew woodland that once covered much of Ireland.  The Park contains a high diversity of habitats, including lakes, rivers, moorland, mountains, and wetlands.  In addition, the largest wild herd of native red deer inhabits the area.  As a result of these unique characteristics, Killarney National Park was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.  Killarney National Park is considered part of the “Ring of Kerry,” a popular tourist destination in the Ireland’s southwest.   

I took several frames of the Torc Waterfall under dynamic lighting conditions as the clouds rolled overhead.  I waited for just enough light to highlight the backlit leaves, while maintaining the details of the moss and rocks in the foreground.  This is a typical scene within the Park, where the mature overstory shades the ferns and moss below.  Canon 40D, 17-40 mm lens. 

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