Click on the image for licensing terms

The story behind this image

Lighthouses are one of the things I'll go out of my way to photograph, and for this one I went all the way to the end of Loop Head on the west coast of Ireland.

Well, photographing this lighthouse wasn't the only reason for visiting this beautiful part of the world, but when I saw it on the map I knew I had to go there.

For me, a lonely lighthouse is highly evocative of man's unending battle against the elements, but in the futility of that endeavour all that we can do is warn of the dangers of nature rather than overcome them.

I appreciate that, as it reminds me of the fragility and transience of our place in this world, compared to the mighty and enduring forces at work in our oceans and skies.

Funny the emotions and thoughts a simple building can bring to the fore isn't it?