Photo by: Karen Schulman
Location: Ireland
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Ireland and the Creative Spirit-from Mayo to Dingle

Sign up early - Single room surcharge will increase after the first 5 single rooms.

    • The focus will be photography, including people and culture.
    • 10 days with accomplished photographers and tour leaders Karen and Joel Schulman.
    • Photograph from County Mayo in the Northwest, with photography stops in County Clare on the way to the South Coast and finishing on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.
    • Tour limited to 12 participants.
    • Enjoy photography, music, and the Irish spirit in traditional Irish pubs.
    • Relaxed & flexible itinerary to make the most of opportunities that come

    your way.

    • All ensuite accommodations: a charming hotel in the center of Westport and completing the journey in a traditional Gaelic town on the Dingle Peninsula, close to your photographic land and seascapes.
Region

Europe

Destination

Ireland

Dates

April 29-May 10 2027

Duration

11 days

$4895

per person, double occupancy*

*U.S. dollars based upon minimum of 9 participants. There is a small group surcharge of $400 if 6 - 8 participants. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested (subject to availability), or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, there is a single room surcharge of $995.

Overview
Photos
Testimonials
Itinerary

Tour Overview

Going to Ireland is like going home again. This photo tour is focused on the ‘real’ Ireland or the areas where the majority of tourists don’t see. Karen and Joel have designed this itinerary to incorporate not only their favorite town of Westport but traveling further afield to a lovely fishing village along the South Coast and then continue for some of the most dramatic landscape in...

Going to Ireland is like going home again. This photo tour is focused on the ‘real’ Ireland or the areas where the majority of tourists don’t see. Karen and Joel have designed this itinerary to incorporate not only their favorite town of Westport but traveling further afield to a lovely fishing village along the South Coast and then continue for some of the most dramatic landscape in all of Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula.

You will stay in charming hotels, located near your photo opportunities, all boasting a welcoming atmosphere and Irish service. You will enjoy traditional Irish or American breakfasts during your stay. Lunch will be at various restaurants and pubs, or the group can stop in town and have a picnic lunch wrapped for your daily excursions in the field. Transportation is provided in a roomy tour van, which is large enough for both the group and your equipment.

This is an opportunity to expand your personal vision, make new friends and experience a very special place through new eyes. From the lush, green mountains to the broad peat lowlands, the ancient abbeys to the colorful villages, each place will stimulate the mind and enrich the spirit. There are spectacular monastic and megalithic ruins to seek out in your daily adventures. The soft pastel shades of the mountains and clouds appeal to the artist and photographer. These natural landscapes, along with the people, render this Isle a place of inspirational beauty.

Karen and Joel have been working in the photographic field for over 40 years and are both accomplished professional photographers. Karen is a skilled and sensitive photographic artist and educator and during our tour will share ideas and knowledge to help you create great travel photographs, whether you are using a DSLR or an iPhone! Joel is an expert in the digital imaging world and has done photographic printing for some of the most notable names in fine art photography. He will share his knowledge of both the technical and creative aspects of the photographic medium.

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Photo Leader

Karen & Joel Schulman

Your photo tour leaders and local guide have the rare quality combination of professionalism, while making us feel like family. they all not only know their stuff, but are passionate about what they do. I couldn’t imagine any better. Local driver included.Overall the trip was a 10 out of 10.

On the second day, due to rain, the leaders made decision to help find my great grandmother’s house near Newport. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the adventure, and it was a totally unforgettable and exciting experience for me.

— J. Maas

What a fabulous trip! Karen and Joel, you went out of your way to welcome everyone, help with photography and make it enjoyable.We really did have a wonderful group!

— C. Harris

Thank you, Karen and Joel, for a wonderful and unforgettable vacation!
Thank you for introducing me to your part of western Ireland. How lovely it is.

— C. Palmer

I’ve been dreaming of being back in Ireland! 🍀
This trip truly had an impact on me, from special memories of Bruce jamming with Connie, Paul, Jackie to Bruce reuniting with Joel, and me developing a love of photography. I so enjoyed meeting all of you, what a dynamic, talented group of people! I learned so much about photography—-thank you, Karen and Joel! I plan to pursue the craft as it brings me such joy.

— K. Pedersen

Karen, Joel & Connie are the best! Always helpful and informative. Connie is a fantastic Irish guide but also a wonderful musician and friend to all. I would travel almost anywhere the Schulman’s go!

— J. Klenk

What a fabulous balance of our presence as well as great instructional knowledge. Karen and Joel attention to detail was beyond all expectations. Best Trip!!! Amazing countryside and meeting a ‘new family’. Tapping in to creative spriit, thinking outside the box.

— T and J Kelleway

What a wonderful Ireland trip we had. Thanks for everything you did to make it possible and so enjoyable. Given how much fun we had and how delighted we were with the trip, we have just one suggestion to add more leisure time in villages. It and all the guides were 10 out of 10. Everyone was a wonderful help. The relationships we forged, particularly with Karen & Joel was the highlight.

— C Potyen

Karen, thank you for everything.  As I have said before, you are the most generous photographer I have met with your dedication and desire to share information.

— B Carpenter

This was an excellent, stimulating experience. Karen is great, your local guide was patient, & knowledgeable. Very personable, I would gladly use him again.

— J.Turner

I think I learned the most on any photo trip I have been on (Ireland). I never knew anything about the iPhone photo apps!…I also wanted to thank you for allowing me to work within my physical limitations. I hope to join you on another trip! Karen was very knowledgeable regarding Photography, very patient and willng to teach and inspire. Your local guide was very knowlegeable, very willing to explain the history and culture. They both get a 10 out of 10. The trip was wonderful!!!

— ME Feeney

It is so wonderful to be able to go to such a location for the soul purpose of photography.  The easy and spontaneous adventure that this was makes me want to go on another Focus Adventure Tour.  I was skeptical of the “iPhoneography” lesson but I participated and I can say that maybe it has truly changed my life.  My creativity was certainly heightened and encouraged on this trip.  I am so glad I went.

— S.Sparks

Your leadership and the person that you are is very special and rare… Thanks for helping ignite my inspiration, Karen!

— Terry Osman

I have worked with Karen for 10 years with great results. She has been an inspiring teacher and mentor. I would recommend her to anyone wanting to develop their creativity.

— Terry Riley

I really enjoyed meeting and photographing the glories of the Emerald Isle with all of you. My sincere and special thanks to Karen for all of the photo information….and to Olcan for such a beautiful introduction to his spectacular corner of the world.

— Mei Chen Welland

Pam & I agree that this vacation was the best we have ever done. We found all the people and experiences far exceeded our wildest expectations. We had a super group of fellow travelers. I thought Karen did a great job both as a photo instructor and a champion to bring our group together. Because of our superior experience we plan to join Karen in Ireland next summer. Jacque is a fantastic person to work with. She kept us up to date on all our travel plans. We look forward to working her in the future!!

— P & B Roemmich
More Testimonials

Tour Itinerary

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April 29: Home

Your journey to Ireland begins with an overnight flight to Shannon Airport (SNN).

April 30: Shannon - Westport

You will be met at Ireland’s Shannon International Airport and driven north to Westport, on the shores of Clew Bay. The first afternoon you can relax; if the group is feeling a bit energetic, you can have a brief walk to get acclimated to your home for the next few days and listen to some traditional Irish music. (Dinner)

May 1-4: County Mayo

County Mayo is the Ireland of your imagination, beautiful and inspiring, with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating countryside and culture. Music and history inspire your curiosity. Mayo people are warm and friendly and take pride in making their land your land!

Each day visit some of these typical areas from your home base. It is not possible to see everything during each tour, as there is so much to see and photograph, and there will also be time for unscheduled stops and special events. The town of Westport offers wonderful street photography with winding streets, stone bridges over the river, and daily life. Drive along the shores of Clew Bay, stopping at Murrisk Abbey, and the Famine Memorial standing at the foot of Croagh Patrick.

As you explore along the coast of Achill Island, you can photograph in many beautiful locations, one being lovely Keem Bay and Beach, recently named one of the 50 best beaches in the world. If time allows you will wind up at the deserted famine village at Keel. Achill Island is the largest island off the Irish coast. Wrought by wind and water, accessible by bridge over the sound.

Another day may be spent on the shores of Doo Lough and the Connemara Mountains, where you will see some of the most stunning landscapes in all of Ireland. Sheeffrey Woods, a place where you must be careful not to disturb the leprechauns who inhabit the forest is along the way. Afterwards visit the town of Leenane, where you will have lunch with the residents, and have time for photographing in the small pub, known as Gaynor’s (film location of The Field). (B each day, D last evening)

May 5-8: Dingle Peninsula

Your journey today takes you south through County Clare, with photo opportunities on the way to the mighty Dingle Peninsula, which thrusts out into the Atlantic, claiming Ireland’s most westerly point. Here, majestic hills soar over vast bowls of unspoiled valleys, glittering mountain streams tumble down to lakes, summer hedgerows blaze with fuchsias, and soft, golden beaches stretch for miles.

The region boasts of some 2000 prehistoric and early Christian remains. We make our way along the lovely Slea Head Drive, looking out onto the resplendent Blasket Islands, offering us a grand land and seascape. There will be photographic opportunities as we will be overwhelmed with Iron Age and early Christian rocks and ruins. Clustered on hillsides over the cliffs are beehive-shaped stone huts built by monks as a place of worship. The Town of Dingle has a lovely harbor, and painted storefronts will delight your senses.

Ireland is well known for its traditional music. The people have always loved their music and this relationship dates over many centuries to the present day. Your hotel is located in a small Gaelic village close to your photo opportunities and also boasts of small pubs where the locals visit each evening. Listen to the traditional Irish music and you will be able to join in the fun on a few of the evenings. Overnight Dingle Peninsula(Breakfast each day, two Dinners)

May 9: Shannon

After breakfast, we will pack up and have  photo ops enroute to Shannon. Depending on the interests of the group you may stop in Listowel or possibly Adare. Overnight Shannon hotel (Breakfast, Dinner)

May 10: Shannon - Home

You can depart anytime today as the airport is walking distance from your hotel. Majority of flights depart morning or early afternoon, which should coordinate with the checkout time. There should be luggage carts outside the hotel which you can leave at the airport. (Breakfast given time)

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