Deal or no deal at Stormont this week, the world has continued to turn; we each have our own daily mountains to climb.

Seven months without a government now, our society just gets on with things. Students meet deadlines, businesses make profits, baristas serve the tea and coffee that keeps us going.

And more tourists keep coming to Northern Ireland – why shouldn’t they? We have so many more sights to showcase than that hill at Stormont we’ve had our eyes on all week.

So, even if the current political landscape doesn’t bring much inspiration, the natural surroundings and adventures awaiting you on our doorstep just might.

From the mountains of Mourne in County Down, to the remains of Dunluce Castle and sandy beaches of White Park Bay found north of Antrim, you’ll see another Northern Ireland altogether.

Local photographer Ryan Simpson has caught them all; we’ve shared some of his work below.

So, do have a look; do get out and see these sights for yourself. Find inspiration away from the TV screen; find it on hills elsewhere.

You can find more of Ryan’s work at http://ryansimpsonphoto.co.uk/, and follow him on Twitter at: @rsimpsonphoto.

 

Ballintoy sunrise

Binnian Sunrise

Commedagh Castles

Devil’s Coachroad

Dromara Hills

Dunluce Castle

Kingdom of Mourne

Mourne Mountains

St Patrick’s sunset

Slieve Bearnagh inversion

Trassey Track

Slieve Donard, Mournes

White Park Bay


Also published on Medium.