I was in Ballinrobe recently, a small market town in south Co. Mayo that had a population of 3,682 in 2011.

Like a lot of small towns in Ireland it is an attractive settlement with a colourful streetscape, impressive civic buildings and a decent sized river.

Nearby the countryside contains some of the best views in Ireland, the mountains of Mayo (have a look here for a winter panorama in Mayo with snow, mountains and a rainbow), the unique lakes of Lough Mask, Lough Corrib and Lough Carra are all within easy reach today. There are forests, waterfalls, ancient remains and mediaeval tower houses sitting in the green, drumlin-dominated landscape.

After leading a photo tour in the area I stopped in Ballinrobe for some dinner. In the town square or diamond, I noticed a Stars and Stripes flag flying over a statue that, on previous visits had not been there.

Take a Photography Experience in Galway

Panoramic Ireland are now taking bookings for our residential photography courses situated in Galway in the west of Ireland.

Book now for €1550 for our popular four-day workshop, half-board in a lakeside house with a maximum of three participants.

Itineraries will change depending on the weather, but every day here in the west of Ireland brings at least one great photo opportunity, and what an experience it is to spend a few days in the region, to really get to know it, and to improve your photography.

Day courses are available for €330 and longer courses can be tailored specifically for you.

Croagh Patrick, Cruach Phádraig is Ireland's Holy Mountain and like many mountains in Ireland it is busy in summer with climbers.

However, Croagh Patrick is a mountain with a difference, home to a major pilgrimage every year on the last Sunday of July. I've partaken in this pilgrimage in July on many occasions and also throughout the year; but what better way to climb a mountain 764m high, than on a day, known locally as Reek Sunday, when up to 20,000 others are climbing it. There is a sense of camaraderie and the views can be stupendous.