Stunning Local Landscapes Celebrated in Annual AONB Photography Competition

Winning image of the 2025 AONB Amateur Photography Competition above – ‘Binnian’s Sunset’ by Enda Quinn

Each year, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hosts its popular amateur photography competition in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Mourne Heritage Trust. This competition celebrates the breathtaking beauty of the district’s three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs): the Mournes, the Ring of Gullion, and Strangford and Lecale.

The winning entries from across these scenic areas are brought together in the highly anticipated AONB Calendar—an annual publication that showcases the district’s most captivating landscapes through the lens of talented amateur photographers.

As in previous years, the standard of submissions for the 2025 competition was very high, with an impressive range of images capturing the natural splendour of the region. Judging took place in September, with a panel comprising Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell; Ards and North Down Borough Council Mayor, Councillor Gillian McCollum; and Chairperson of the Mourne Heritage Trust, Mr David Maginn, who undertook the difficult task of selecting the winning photographs.

The Council is pleased to announce that Enda Quinn has been awarded first place overall for his stunning image ‘Binnian’s Sunset’ , taken in the Mourne Mountains. Daphne Ferguson secured second place with her vibrant springtime image ‘Bursting with Springtime’ captured in Killyleagh. The Under 18 Category was won by Paul McVerry for his striking photograph ‘St John’s Evening Sky’ taken at Killough.

A full gallery of the winning and finalist images from the 2025 competition can be viewed on the link below.

Speaking after the judging, Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said:

“This annual competition, organised by the Council’s AONB and Geopark management team, provides a wonderful platform for amateur photographers to capture and share the stunning natural landscapes that define our district—now internationally recognised as the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. It was a pleasure to be involved in the judging process. The standard of entries was outstanding, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the final selection in the 2026 AONB Calendar.”

The 2026 AONB Calendar will be available in time for the Christmas season, and details of where to obtain a copy will be published on the AONB websites. The next round of the competition will launch alongside the release of the calendar, with entries invited for the 2026 edition.

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