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Amateur photographers from across Newry, Mourne and Down have showcased the district's breathtaking landscapes in the annual AONB photography competition, with winners now announced. The winning photos will feature in the 2026 calendar celebrating the area's three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Mournes, the Ring of Gullion and Strangford and Lecale.
This year's competition attracted impressive interest, with photographers submitting a wide range of images capturing the natural beauty across the district. The judging panel included Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell, Ards and North Down Borough Council Mayor Councillor Gillian McCollum, and David Maginn, Chairperson of the Mourne Heritage Trust.
Taking first place was Enda Quinn from Newry with his remarkable image 'Binnian's Sunset', captured in the Mourne Mountains. Second place went to Daphne Ferguson from Killyleagh for her springtime shot 'Bursting with Springtime', also taken in Killyleagh. The Under 18 Category was claimed by Paul McVerry from Whitecross for his striking photograph 'St John's Evening Sky', taken at Killough.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, praised the competition's role in celebrating the area's natural heritage. "This competition, organised by the Council's AONB and Geopark management team, provides an opportunity for amateur photographers to capture and share the stunning diverse natural landscapes that define our district, which is now internationally recognised as the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. The standard of entries was outstanding, and I look forward to seeing the final selection showcased in the 2026 AONB Calendar."
The 2026 AONB Calendar will be available ahead of the Christmas season, with more details to be found on the AONB websites. The next round of the competition will launch alongside the calendar release, with entries being invited for the 2026 edition. Photography enthusiasts can view the full gallery of winning and finalist images from the 2025 competition at www.ringofgullion.org.
The annual competition continues to highlight the exceptional natural beauty found within the district's three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, giving amateur photographers the chance to have their work recognised whilst promoting the stunning landscapes that make the area so special to locals and visitors alike.
