Some places take your breath away before you even lift the camera. Old Head Golf Course in Kinsale is one of them. Perched on cliffs that plunge straight into the Atlantic, it feels more like a movie set than a golf course. It was the backdrop for Alison and Des’s adventure session, and let me tell you — what a day.
Why Old Head?
When Alison and Des mentioned they had a connection at Old Head, I nearly dropped my lens cap. It’s not every day you get permission to roam the headland, never mind in golf carts, with the lighthouse, fairways, and crashing sea all to yourself.
The beauty of a shoot like this is the freedom. No strict timelines, no rushing from ceremony to dinner call. Just time, light, and two people who wanted to relive the magic of being in their wedding clothes — only this time with the Atlantic at their feet.
Clouds, light, and a bit of Irish drama
We met just after one o’clock. The sky was doing that very Irish thing: one minute soft clouds drifting, the next the sun poking through with gold. For me as a photographer, that’s heaven. Diffused light one minute, dramatic contrast the next.
Alison’s dress moved with the breeze, and Des — cool as ever — joked about nearly needing a driver just to keep up with her veil in the wind. Every stop on the course gave us something new: from hidden paths to wide-open fairways with sea spray carrying across.
Golf carts and cliff-edge portraits
The golf carts were the real secret weapon. Instead of sticking to one or two easy spots, we bounced from location to location — each one more jaw-dropping than the last. The 12th hole, famous for its cliff-edge drop, gave us portraits that felt like they belonged on a film poster. The 13th, perched high above the waves, gave Alison and Des a chance to just breathe, lean into each other, and let the sea do its thing in the background.
There’s something about movement in shoots like this. Walking, laughing, holding on to each other when the wind gets cheeky. It stops photos from ever feeling stiff. It makes them feel alive.
The lighthouse
Of course, we finished at the lighthouse. You can’t come to Old Head and not let it steal the show. Against the sky, the structure looked timeless — and in front of it, Alison and Des looked completely at ease. No audience, no pressure, just the two of them in a place few couples get to call their own, even for a day.
Why couples love second shoots
One of the things I’ve learned is that couples love having this kind of breathing space. Your wedding day flies — it’s full of guests, timelines, hugs, and dancing. Shoots like this one give you the best of both worlds: the wedding outfits, the emotion, but with the time to stop, laugh, and enjoy it without rushing.
And when the backdrop is Old Head Golf Course? Well, it doesn’t get better.
Thank you
A huge thanks to Alison and Des for trusting me with another chance to capture them in their element — and for bringing me along on a golf-cart adventure across one of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. Thanks also to the staff and friends at Old Head Golf Course who made the day smooth and gave us the freedom to explore corners of the course that most people only dream about.
Thinking about your own shoot?
If you’re reading this and thinking: “Could we do something like that?” — the answer is yes. Whether it’s a cliff-top elopement, a post-wedding shoot at your favourite spot, or just a chance to celebrate being together in Ireland’s wild beauty, I’m here for it.
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And if you’d like to see what it costs to plan a shoot like this, here’s my Wedding Photographer Prices in Ireland 2025 Guide.
📸 Old Head gave us cliffs, clouds, and sea spray — but Alison and Des gave the heart. That’s what makes photographs worth keeping.