Due to a burst in the sun’s activity - the sun has a‘heartbeat’ and every 11 years it beats (known as the solar cycle) - which we are seeing the tail end of now, we have experienced an increase in the regularity we see the phenomena in Ireland.

This has produced a huge catalogue of stunning skyscape photographs ‘lighting up’ the Internet and social media.

One such photographer, whose work capturing the dark skies over Donegal has made national news, is Adam Rory Porter.

Adam is a native of Buncrana, born and bred, as he says and apart from a stint studying in Dublin, has lived all his life in the wilds of Donegal. He is a Donegal man through and through and it’s evident in his work. Adam has a searing passion for the beauty of the Donegal landscape.

Through wind, rain, hail and shine Adam battles the elements to get out an capture the rugged beauty of the Donegal landscape. It’s a sometimes a treacherous place, with wildly unpredictable weather, but when she does decide to part the curtains of cloud and let the sun through, there is a wild beauty that is utterly unique and enchanting.

“Donegal is beautiful, rugged… it’s secretive. It’s an unspoilt landscape and only beginning to be discovered by tourists. The Wild Atlantic Way has really helped in that regard. You see a lot more tourists around even off season.”