Outdoor Content Creater of the Year Shauna captures the spirit of the West

When Shauna McDonagh heads west in her van, she is not simply chasing views. For the Ballaghaderreen native, the outdoors have never been just a backdrop. They have become an inspiration - and through her growing body of outdoor adventure content, she has invited thousands of people to see the West of Ireland with fresh eyes.

Shauna’s videos and photographs do not just showcase Ireland; they encourage people to notice it.

McDonagh, who documents her journeys through the West and beyond, was recognised earlier this year at this year’s Outsider Awards, where she took home the title of Outdoor Content Creator of the Year.

These awards, which also included categories in acro adventure, environmental action, accessibility, storytelling, and community impact, continue to recognise those who inspire others to connect with the outdoors in meaningful and lasting ways.

Speaking about her win, Shauna said: “I never started creating content with awards in mind, I just wanted to share what I love about Ireland in the hopes other people would see what I see- Winning the Outdoor Creator of the Year award at the Outsider Awards meant so much because it felt like recognition not just for me, but for the landscapes and communities I try to highlight.” Her content is rooted in outdoor adventure and exploration, often centred on Ireland’s western counties. Travelling in her van, she captures landscapes and moments as they unfold, while her love of hiking, surfing, camping, kayaking and fly-fishing has grown naturally alongside the work.

The success she has found, however, was never part of some grand plan. As Shauna explained, it all began very naturally.

“I was already going on these trips and bringing my phone along. I have always loved photography and videography, so I wanted to capture how these experiences felt. There was no big plan, just consistency and a love for it.” Shauna spoke on the process behind making her content because of this genuine love for the West of Ireland.

“My content is rooted in a genuine love for the Irish outdoors. I try to document the country as I experience it, not just how it looks, but how it feels to be there. The West has a magic that’s hard to describe unless you’ve felt it. There’s a rawness and authenticity to it; the Atlantic energy, the people, the slower pace. I think sometimes we overlook what’s on our doorstep. If I can help even a few people fall in love with the west the way I have, that’s worth it.” 

Shauna tries to document the outdoors as it is, making the viewer feel as if they are truly experiencing it. Her photography and videos focus on feeling the sensory aspects of the trip more than anything else. The little gust of wind or how a sunset draws out before her, are all integral to her content, and its success. Her work implores people to try to experience the fun and adventure that can be right there in their local area.

A major moment in 2025 for her was a trip to the Carrowkeel tombs at sunrise. She had recently returned after a trip away and climbed to the tombs. As the sunrise she got the chance to experience and document a rain shower which revealed a beautiful rainbow. This moment captured the essence of what her page is all about, that the beauty of the West is there and is just waiting to be discovered by us all.

The love for the outdoors and the West of Ireland that Shauna has is not all sudden it is something that has been instilled in her since her childhood.

“I think I’ve always had a grá for the outdoors, as a child I was always outside. Some of my favourite memories are when I was fishing with my family, wandering around the fields and bogs, and learning all about our local wildlife. As I got older and explored more of the West, that childhood love grew into a real pride and connection to this country.” Shauna spoke about the beauty and tranquillity in the West of Ireland, and although she appreciates the entirety of the emerald isle her, content is centred around the indescribable characteristics of the West.

“There are so many hidden gems in the West. Between quiet beaches and caves in Sligo, ringforts in Roscommon, and mountain passes in Connemara there is an overwhelming amount of beauty around us. I think the best thing about a ‘hidden gem’ is that they’re meant to feel discovered. There’s something special about turning down a random road, following your instinct, and finding a place that isn’t listed all over social media. When you find it yourself, it means more. For me, that’s what exploring is about, not ticking off a list but allowing Ireland to surprise you.”

The revival of Irish pride at the moment has soared across the nation and globally. Ireland’s music, culture, landscapes and identity have been showcased to the world. With this increased appreciation for Ireland, Shauna spoke on how it has strengthened the identity of Irish people in more ways than we realise, “There’s a renewed pride in Irish culture, landscape and identity and that’s powerful. The more we tell our own stories and showcase our own places, the stronger that identity becomes.” Shauna has received support from multiple people throughout this journey as she acknowledged the encouragement and confidence she gained from meeting people on her journeys.

“It made me realise that there’s a strong sense of pride in the west, and people genuinely want to see each other do well. The encouragement, community spirit and the kindness I’ve experienced along the way has been one of the most motivating parts of the whole journey. 

“On what she would like to see for the future of outdoor content creation, Shauna said:“I love to see collaboration between local communities and outdoor tourism. I would love to see more emphasis on protecting the landscapes we’re showcasing. It’s amazing to see more people exploring Ireland and reconnecting with nature, but with that comes responsibility. Adventure should never come at the cost of the landscape itself."

The importance of embracing our own spaces and countries is something Shauna is passionate about.“I think it’s important to explore Ireland because it connects you not just to the land, but to who we are. When you travel through small towns in the west, you realise how much character and history lives in them. Even the place names themselves tell stories.

“When you explore Ireland properly, you’re not just seeing views. You are experiencing something deeply ours. And when you build that connection, you naturally want to protect it and celebrate it.” West is clearly best for Shauna.