Ireland beast from the East 2018 – Snow Chaos on the Streets of Dublin

In February and March 2018, Ireland was paralyzed by an exceptionally heavy snowfall caused by the weather phenomenon known as the “Beast from the East.” It was one of the most severe winter storms in the country’s history, creating chaos on the streets of Dublin and beyond.

 A Snow Apocalypse in Ireland

Ireland, known for its mild and rainy climate, rarely experiences significant snowfall. However, in 2018, freezing air masses from Siberia collided with Storm Emma, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds. Snow accumulation reached up to 50 cm in some areas, which led to widespread travel disruptions in a country ill-prepared for such conditions.

Road Chaos and Disruptions

Documentary photos taken in February and March 2018 show Dublin’s streets buried under thick layers of snow and ice. Drivers were caught off guard by the extreme weather—many cars were stranded in deep snow, and road services struggled to keep up. Major roads, including the M50, became nearly impassable, and public transport came to a standstill.

 

Consequences of the Snowstorm

• Schools and government offices were closed for several days.

• Food supply issues – supermarket shelves were emptied.

• Thousands of households lost electricity.

• Airports, including Dublin Airport, canceled most flights.

• Hundreds of people were stranded on roads, unable to reach their homes.

 A Historic Weather Event in Ireland

The 2018 “Beast from the East” remains one of the most extreme weather events in Irish history. While the snowy landscapes were breathtaking, the storm highlighted the country’s lack of preparedness for such severe conditions.

 

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Discovering Cádiz. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

 Rafal Rozalski.

In the Wild Heart of Wicklow: Where Silence Speaks and Nature Leads

There are places in the world where time slows down, where the rhythm of rushing water and the rustle of ancient leaves become the only voices you hear. Deep in the Wicklow Mountains, far beyond the tourist trails and well-worn paths, lies a sanctuary for those who seek more than just beautiful views. Here, nature is not a backdrop — it is the story itself.

The native forests of Wicklow, wild and unmanicured, hold a kind of forgotten magic. Moss-covered rocks, twisted roots, and soft green light filtering through the canopy remind us that true beauty does not need polish — it only needs to be noticed. Solitude in these places is not loneliness, but connection — a quiet bond between you and the earth beneath your feet.

Every journey here is one of intention. It’s about waking early, hiking through thick morning mist, getting your boots soaked in streams that haven’t seen a footprint in days — maybe weeks. It’s about surrendering to the unknown, to exploration without destination, and to the patience it takes to find those hidden corners where light breaks through in just the right way.

This is not the easy photography — it’s the kind that asks something of you. Effort. Curiosity. Stillness. But in return, it gives you moments that feel eternal: golden light falling on mossy stones, a deer vanishing into the fog, or the silence of a glen so untouched that you feel like the first person to ever witness it.

For photographers who live to chase not only light, but the raw spirit of the land, Wicklow’s wild heart offers a sacred call. You won’t find it on signs or Instagram tags. You have to seek it. And when you do — when you truly arrive — the landscape reveals itself not as a subject, but as a teacher.

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Embracing the Journey of Photography: The Magic Lies in the Effort. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well. 

 

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 Rafal Rozalski

 

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Embracing the Journey of Photography: The Magic Lies in the Effort

“Sometimes you need to climb higher, crawl lower, or wait longer. That’s where the magic hides.”

In photography, as in life, the most beautiful moments often don’t come easily. We’re constantly chasing that perfect shot, whether it’s a breathtaking landscape, a fleeting moment of light, or an unexpected subject. But too often, we find ourselves frustrated by obstacles, long waits, or challenging conditions. The key is understanding that these moments of challenge are where the magic truly resides.

Climbing Higher

Sometimes, the most awe-inspiring perspectives require more effort than we expect. Climbing to higher vantage points or reaching those difficult-to-access spots might take more time, energy, and determination, but it’s in these elevated places that we can capture the world in all its vastness. The view from the top reveals a world we might never have seen if we’d stayed on the ground, reminding us that great rewards are often earned through perseverance.

Crawling Lower

Other times, the magic happens on a smaller scale. Lowering ourselves to the ground, getting close to the details, and embracing the intricate beauty of nature or an everyday moment often brings out the most intimate and powerful compositions. Whether it’s a dew-covered leaf or a close-up of wildlife, the stories told from a lower angle are just as compelling as those from a grand sweeping view.

Waiting Longer

Patience is perhaps the greatest lesson a photographer can learn. Some of the most extraordinary shots come only after we’ve waited for the perfect light, the right weather conditions, or the precise moment when everything falls into place. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that things should happen quickly, but in reality, the most rewarding images often come when we slow down and let the scene reveal itself naturally.

In the end, photography isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the journey. The effort we put into getting the shot, the patience we cultivate, and the perseverance we show in the face of challenges all contribute to the magic of the process. So, next time you find yourself climbing higher, crawling lower, or waiting longer, remember: the magic you’re searching for is hiding in those moments of effort. Embrace them, and you’ll find that photography becomes more than just a pursuit of images—it becomes an adventure full of rewards that go beyond the frame.

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Best Subjects for Timelapse Photography. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

Rafal Rozalski.