20/11/2023 / wikimediaireland

Wiki Loves Monuments 2023: Winners Announced!

The rich tapestry of history is often best captured through the lens of a camera, freezing moments in time to tell stories of the past. Once again, Wikimedia Community Ireland is thrilled to unveil the talented winners of the Wiki Loves Monuments photography competition for 2023!

This year, we received an overwhelming number of entries that showcased the diverse and awe-inspiring heritage sites scattered across Ireland. From ancient castles to modern architectural wonders, each submission encapsulated the essence of these monuments, offering a glimpse into their historical significance and architectural beauty.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in Wiki Loves Monuments 2023. Your dedication to capturing the essence of Ireland’s cultural heritage is commendable and contributes significantly to the preservation and celebration of our nation’s history.

A special round of applause goes out to our esteemed panel of judges (Lorna Elms from the Irish Community Archive Network, Christine Grant from the National Monuments Service, and Martin Cregg, Irish Photographer) and our WCI Chairperson Shannon Eichelberger whose expertise and discerning eye played a pivotal role in selecting the winning entries. Their commitment to excellence ensured that only the most exceptional photographs made it to the top.

Without further ado, let’s celebrate the outstanding photographers whose images stood out among the many remarkable submissions:

First Place: “Cobh, St Colman’s Cathedral” by Dieglop.

Capturing the timeless allure of St Colman’s Cathedral, this breathtaking image transports viewers through layers of history with its captivating composition and vivid storytelling.

St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh Co.Cork infront of a early morning blue sky. The sea is in the background and in front of the cathedral there is a row of terraced houses of different colours.
Cobh, St Colman’s Cathedral, Dieglop, CC BY-SA 4.0
Second Place: “Kinsale, Charles Fort” by Podstawko.

The photograph masterfully showcases the solemn beauty of Charles Fort, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the legacy preserved within its walls.

A black and white photograph of the stone ruins of Charles Fort in Kinsale.
Kinsale, Charles Fort, by Podstawko CC BY-SA 4.0
Third Place: “Meath, Loughcrew” by Olliebailie.

This striking image of Loughcrew perfectly encapsulates the essence of timelessness, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the haunting charm of this historical gem.

The hills of Loughcrew partially covered by low white clouds with a blue sky in the background.
Meath, Loughcrew, by Olliebailie, CC BY-SA 4.0
Highly Commended: “County Wicklow, Black Castle, Wicklow”, by Olliebailie 
A black and white photograph of Black Castle in Wicklow Ireland with bright pink heather in the foreground as the only pop of colour.
County Wicklow, Black Castle, Wicklow, by Olliebailie CC BY-SA 4.0
Highly Commended:  “Meath, St. Patrick’s Church, Hill of Slane”, by Olliebailie.
A black and white photograph of St. Patrick Church in Slane Co.Meath Ireland. The ruins of the church feature in the background, behind a graveyard and religious statue.
Meath, St. Patrick’s Church, Hill of Slane, by Olliebailie CC BY-SA 4.0
Highly Commended: “Dundalk, Dún Dealgan Motte”, by Olliebailie
Dún Dealgan Motte, a stone tower in Dundalk before a bright blue sky.
Dundalk, Dún Dealgan Motte, by Olliebailie CC BY-SA 4.0
Highly Commended: “County Waterford, Ardmore Round Tower”, by Podstawko 
Ardmore Round tower made of stone in front of a sky that is blue in the top right hand corner and then half white in the bottom left hand corner.
County Waterford, Ardmore Round Tower, by Podstawko CC BY-SA 4.0
Highly Commended: “Dublin, Marsh’s Library”, by Dieglop
Old books on a shelf in shades of brown.
Dublin, Marsh’s Library, by Dieglop CC BY-SA 4.0
Highly Commended:  “County Galway, St Andrew’s Church”, by LiamdeBru.
St. Andrews Church in front of a dusky pink and purple sunset.
County Galway, St Andrew’s Church, by LiamdeBru CC BY-SA 4.0
Highly Commended: “Cahergall Stone Fort”, by Z Thomas. 
A side angle of Cahergall Stone Fort showing the inside of the structure. There are yellow and green fields seen in the right hand background.
Cahergall stone fort, by Z thomas CC BY-SA 4.0

To all the winners, congratulations on your well-deserved recognition! Your photographs not only capture the essence of these monuments but also serve to add to open knowledge sources for all to use! Your commitment to promoting cultural heritage and artistic expression is invaluable.

As we applaud the winners and their exceptional work, we invite everyone to explore these captivating photographs on Wikimedia Commons. Let’s continue to celebrate and preserve Ireland’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.

Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all participants, judges, and supporters for making Wiki Loves Monuments 2023 a resounding success. Your passion for preserving history through the lens of photography is truly inspiring.

If you are feeling inspired, the Wiki Science Photography Competition is open until December 2023. You can find out how to enter here.