Ireland Impressions

Your journey to Ireland begins with an overnight flight to Shannon Airport, Ireland (SNN). You’ll need to arrive by a certain time (to be announced) as your first accommodation is a few hours’ drive north of the airport. (Meals on plane)

You will be met at Ireland’s Shannon International Airport and driven north to Westport, on the shores of Clew Bay. Depending on the time of year there may be an opportunity for the group to photograph the sunset or take a stroll with your guide to get acclimated to your surroundings.

Each day you will visit some of these typical areas from your home base. There is no possible way to visit all of them, so your tour leader and guide will plan each day considering the interests of the group. The evenings can be spent over photographic discussions in the hotel or at a music session at a local pub.

Westport and the Village of Newport, both capture the flavor of true Irish towns with their tree- lined canals and colorful shops. Both capture the flavor of true Irish towns with their tree-lined canals and colorful shops. After a stop in Westport, drive to Murrisk Abbey, at the foot of Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. Later in the day you will be at the ocean on the west coast of Mayo at a remote rocky shore called Barnabawn Point. Your last stop of the day will be at Tully House, a private residence at the end of a quarter mile tree-lined avenue. There is an old mill along the Bunowen River, a short walk from the house.
Another day spend the morning photographing in 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. Photo locations may include Ashford Castle, Cong Abbey, the forest, and river.

Driving north today, your first stop will be along the ocean on the Atlantic drive in Mulranny. After lunch on Achill Island, continue photographing along the ocean, and wind up at the deserted famine village at Keel. Achill Island, wrought by wind and water, is an arrangement of rock, cloud, and cliffs falling off to the sea. Overnight Westport (Breakfast each day, first and last evening Dinner)

Driving south today you will have photographic stops along the way to County Clare. Your destination for the next two evenings is Kilkee, on the Loop Head Peninsula. Bound on one side by the Shannon Estuary and on the other by the awesome power of the Atlantic Ocean, Loop Head has always been defined by its relationship with the water. As you drive south from Kilkee and embark on the famous drive, you’ll encounter the Bridges of Ross, dramatic cliffs, turbulent seascapes, and story-filled historic sites.

Drive to the very tip of the peninsula and you’ll come to the imposing Loop Head Lighthouse. There’s been a lighthouse on this site for well over 300 years; this one dates from 1854 and is open to the public. Take the guided tour and you’ll find yourself on the balcony, 75 feet above the ground, braced against the Atlantic winds as you marvel at the views.

Nearby, you might notice the E-I-R-E marked on a grassy clifftop in large white letters. This is a relic from World War II, when the writing was used to alert pilots that they were entering neutral air space. Overnight Kilkee (Breakfast each day, Farewell Dinner the last evening)

Departure will be right after breakfast this morning, please be checked out and take care of any incidentals at the front desk before you leave. Your flight departure times can be 12:30P or after. Some of you will have more time at the airport to enjoy the duty-free shopping or perhaps your last Irish Coffee before entering through security. If your airline of choice departs early in the morning, you can overnight close to the airport and depart tomorrow. Strabo can offer options for places to stay and photography ops. (Breakfast)