Photography Competition Launched to Capture Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in our District

The management teams of the three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Ring of Gullion, Mournes and Strangford and Lecale, are inviting you to enter their annual AONB Photography Competition. 

Whether you live or visit the Ring of Gullion, the Mournes or Strangford and Lecale the judges are hoping for images which showcase the natural beauty of these areas. The title for this year’s competition is ‘Magnificent Mourne Gullion Strangford! Our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty through the seasons.’

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Councilor Pete Byrne Councillor Byrne said, “Within our district we are blessed to have three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which represent the very best of our natural landscapes, biodiversity and geodiversity. Each year the AONB management teams run this exciting competition from which the very popular AONB Calendar is produced. This year we invite you to focus on the changing landscapes through the seasons. Take this opportunity to show us your special place, the area within your landscape that inspires you.” 

The competition theme is open to individual interpretation. You might choose to photograph wildlife (which includes animals and plants in a natural setting) or the breathtaking, varied landscapes of these AONBs. Amateur photographers of all ages are encouraged to submit their digital photographs to the competition which will close for entrants on Friday 15 August 2025. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for amateur photographers to showcase their photography skills, while helping to promote the outstanding aesthetic qualities of the three AONBs. A 1st prize of £100 for entrants over 18 years of age, and £25 for those under 18 years old, is up for grabs. The top 16 images selected will feature in the 2026 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Calendar.  

To find some creative inspiration please visit the 3 AONB’s websites: www.ringofgullion.org; www.mournelive.com; www.strangfordlough.org or visit your local woodland, beach or park and see what inspires you there! 

For more information, please visit www.ringofgullion.org, then click on ‘Competitions’ at the top of the page. This dedicated page also has full details on terms and conditions, guidelines for submitting photos and the rules of entry.