Photo by: Karen Schulman
Location: Ireland
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Ireland and the Creative Spirit-Counties Mayo and Donegal

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

  • The focus will be photography, including people and culture.
  • 11 days with accomplished photographers and tour leaders.
  • Photograph the quiet side of Ireland ~ Counties Mayo & Donegal.
  • Tour limited to 12 participants.
  • Enjoy photography, music, and the Irish spirit in traditional Irish pubs.
  • The remote, romantic peninsula of Donegal with fishing villages, lighthouses and immense beaches.
  • Relaxed & flexible itinerary to make the most of opportunities that come your way.
  • All ensuite accommodations with waterfront rooms on the Quay in Westport and a lovely hotel centrally located in Letterkenny, providing a jumping off point to explore the beautiful Donegal north coast sights.
Region

Europe

Destination

Ireland

Dates

September 7-18, 2024

Duration

11 days

$4395

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 $595 First 5 single rooms.

Tour Overview

Going to Ireland is like going home again. This photo tour is focused on the ‘real’ Ireland or the areas where majority of tourists don’t see. Stay in two lovely cities, Westport in County Mayo, and Letterkenny on the Donegal Peninsula. Your hotel in Westport has a pool and optional spa facilities available. You will enjoy traditional Irish or American breakfasts during your stay. Lunch will be at various restaurants and pubs, or the group can stop...

Going to Ireland is like going home again. This photo tour is focused on the ‘real’ Ireland or the areas where majority of tourists don’t see. Stay in two lovely cities, Westport in County Mayo, and Letterkenny on the Donegal Peninsula. Your hotel in Westport has a pool and optional spa facilities available. 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.

Karen and Joel have designed this itinerary to incorporate additional hours of photography along the dramatic coastline and fishing villages of County Donegal. 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, 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

Tour Itinerary

September 7: U.S.

Your journey to Ireland begins with an overnight flight from the U.S.

September 8: 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 walk to town and listen to some traditional Irish music. Please Note: Waterfront rooms have been included, if you prefer standard room, a discount is available per room. (D)

September 9-12: 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 in both County Mayo and County Donegal. The City 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.

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. Westport has many traditional music pubs and you will be able to join in the fun on a few of the evenings.

Spend a morning photographing in and around the town of Cong. Photo locations include Ashford Castle, Cong Abbey, the forest and river, as well as the town itself. After lunch you will have the opportunity to photograph an area of rolling hill, sheep, and a myriad of stonewall, on a hillside flowing down to Lough Corrib. The picturesque village of Cong was the setting for John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara’s film The Quiet Man. The King of Connacht founded the abbey ruins in the twelfth century. In 1198 the last High King of Ireland died in the abbey.

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 ConnemaraMountains, 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).

Not too far from Westport is Carrigahowley or Rockfleet Castle, one of the many strongholds of Grace O’Malley, the adventurous sixteenth century Pirate Queen. Later in the afternoon visit Letterkeen Forest. (B each day, D last evening)

September 13-16: County Donegal

After breakfast the group will depart for the Donegal Peninsula. Before reaching the peninsula is County Sligo, where W.B. Yeats is buried, and Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is located. It is home to the largest and oldest collection of stone circles and dolmens known from neolithic Ireland.

Donegal is thought of as a lesser-known region, untouched and crying out for exploration. Nature abounds from the sheer granite walls of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League, and there is warmth and wit to be found among the vibrant, Irish speaking communities. Weather permitting  you will travel to the immense beach at Inishowen and Fanad Lighthouse. This journey will lift your spirits and present huge panoramas that will look different from every segment of the road you travel. Bright azure skies appear next to blue gray, shafts of rain, which bolt sea and sky together. Donegal Bay majestically swoops towards you, with its quaint fishing villages and harbors. The traditions of Irish music and dance, colorful small shops and cozy pubs, traditional cottages and houses are a few of the locations and activities you will enjoy in this region.

Photographic opportunities await you at the lovely Cathedral of St. Eunan and St. Columba of Letterkenny, and 30 minutes south is the Beltany Stone Circle, a Druidical temple somewhat resembling that at Stonehenge. Other possible photographic locations include Dolmen rock tomb of Kilclooney, and nearby, the picturesque town of Ardara. Farther north is Glenveagh Castle and National Park with their beautiful gardens, and Burtonport, a traditional fishing village. Not to be missed is wild, rugged, and romantic Malin Head, where you’ll reach the edge of Europe and the farthest north that you can go.

Your guides will need to take in to account the weather and local events in the area, but rest assured they will fill your days with photography, leaving time to learn from your photo leaders and local Irish guide. Overnight Letterkenny four evenings. (B, B D, B, B, D)

September 17: Shannon

After breakfast this morning, say goodbye to Donegal and make your way south to Shannon, with photographic opportunities along the way. Depending on the interests of the group there are several colorful villages, castles, or loughs to stop and photograph before reaching Shannon. Enjoy a wonderful farewell meal with your guides. Overnight airport hotel (B, L or D)

September 18: 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. (B)