About
Daragh Muldowney grew up in Dublin and has always had an interest in the outdoors. With the ocean at his doorstep, he grew up learning how to sail and has since become an avid surfer. Also beckoned by the surrounding mountains he is involved in rock climbing, hiking and a number of other adventure sports.
Daragh went to University College Dublin where he completed pursued a degree in economics. Following many years of travelling around the world harbouring the hope that he would become a photographer, he followed his dream and established Dúrla Photography in 2003.
Daragh’s interest in photography originally developed, when he completed a Scuba Diving course in 1992, where he was awe struck by the experience of being under water. Life under the sea seemed like another world, where he made an instant connection with the elements.
Shortly after Daragh bought a Canon camera, a thirty year old model he still uses today and began to take photographs to convey his experiences and love of nature. Without the use of artificial light or filters, Daragh’s photography aims to present the smaller details of nature that we often overlook. As a result, his work gently reminds us to appreciate our beautiful planet.
Exhibiting his photography on Stephens Green in Dublin and at the National Craft Fair in 2002, within a short space of time Daragh was hailed as “an up and coming artist” Irish Independent and within a year as a “leading fine art photographer” Art Ireland.
Daragh’s commitment to developing his work was further demonstrated when he travelled across the Sahara in Morocco, on camel back and then trekked across glaciers in Iceland, taking photographs of the opposing climates and conditions. The images from the two trips were launched in 2007 as Daragh’s first themed exhibition called “Sand & Ice”.
“Jewellery Box – Ireland’s Hidden Gems” Book and Exhibition launched in 2010, is the result of Daragh evolving as an artist and developing his understanding of photography. The concept of rock pools portrayed as a jewellery box has been a long time quest as he brings us even closer to the wonders of our seashore and nature within Ireland.
Daragh has exhibited throughout Europe. Private collections are held in Ireland, UK, France, Holland, Belgium, South Africa, Hong Kong, Dubai, USA, Australia and New Zealand.
Daragh provides photography workshops for both beginner and advance levels.