Vincent Hyland is an Irish naturalist, multimedia artist, underwater filmmaker, writer, educator and environmental advocate whose work is deeply rooted in the landscapes and marine ecology of Derrynane and the Skellig Coast in County Kerry. His practice combines science, storytelling, visual art, music and outdoor education.

 

THE WILD DERRYNANE PROJECT

Hyland is best known for his long-running Wild Derrynane project, an extensive exploration of the biodiversity, geology and cultural heritage of the Derrynane region. Since the 1990s, he has documented the area’s wildlife both above and below water, building what he describes as a major photographic, audio and video archive of the local ecosystem.

 

FILM and DOCUMENTARY

A major part of his work focuses on marine environments. He has filmed underwater ecosystems in Ireland and internationally, including work connected with the BBC Natural History Unit and documentaries for Irish broadcasters such as RTÉ. His documentary work often highlights environmental themes, including marine pollution and biodiversity conservation. One notable project was Plastic in Paradise, part of RTÉ’s Call of the Wild series, examining plastic pollution along Ireland’s coasts.

 

PUBLISHER

As an artist and publisher, Hyland produces paintings, illustrations, photography, films and educational materials inspired by the ecology of southwest Kerry. His 540-page book Wild Derrynane is a richly illustrated natural history of the Greater Skellig Coast and Wild Atlantic Way region, combining scientific observation with photography and visual storytelling.

 

EDUCATION IN THE OUTDOORS / WALKING TOURS

 

Education and public engagement are central to his work. Through guided walks, biodiversity tours, snorkelling experiences, dark sky events and workshops, he introduces visitors and students to local habitats ranging from sand dunes and woodlands to underwater reefs. His projects frequently use digital media, drone imaging, augmented reality and interpretive trails to make environmental knowledge accessible to the public.

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

Hyland’s broader career spans technology, publishing and digital media. According to biographical material published by the Daniel O'Connell Summer School, he helped establish one of Ireland’s earliest digital design bureaus in the 1980s, worked for Microsoft for a decade, and founded Wild Ireland, described as Ireland’s first wildlife magazine.

 

IN SUMMARY

Overall, Vincent Hyland’s work can be understood as an interdisciplinary effort to document, interpret and protect the natural heritage of Derrynane and the wider Skellig Coast through art, science, film and community education.