‘Snap-happy on the Emerald Isle’
The Irish Photo Rally is all about the craic
This annual event has been running on a regular basis since 2003 and is organised by a couple of pals known as the Boyne Riders. The aim is a simple one, and that’s to get you out on your bike and photographing as many of the predetermined locations on the official list as possible. To prove that you’ve actually been there in person, each pic will have to feature your own machine and if you take a pillion passenger they must be clearly visible too. This year there are 24 objectives spread across the whole of the island of Ireland, including both the Republic and Northern Ireland. Many will be off the beaten track and in places that you’d otherwise be unlikely to visit, so just working out how to get there will be a challenge in itself. Each point will hold a particular significance, be it quirky, historical or just worthy of a snap. The emphasis is very much on having fun and participants are encouraged to get as creative as possible – read into that as you will, but to quote the organisers ‘certificates are awarded by the judges for everything they deem worthy of praise, admiration or ridicule’. It makes you smile just thinking about it, and that alone should be a good enough reason to get involved. Taking part couldn’t be easier, all you need to do is visit the website and either print out the map or download the GPX file and away you go. There’s plenty of time to bag the points too as the rally typically runs from early February to the start of November. No advance registration is required, in fact you don’t even need to notify the organisers until you’re done, and the entry fee of €10 (£8.60) is only payable when you submit your completed entry. You must, however, have visited at least 12 points to qualify, although you can do this on different machines. Special awards include ‘smallest’ or ‘oldest’ bike among others and a formal presentation is held every February to recognise all successful entrants.
HIGHLIGHT
Successfully reaching each point to grab a great picture. www.irishphotorally.ie