Photo by: Karen Oaks
Location: Ireland
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Ireland St. Patrick’s Celebration

  • 10 days with accomplished photographer and tour leader Ron Rosenstock.
  • Celebrate at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Westport, County Mayo.
  • Tour limited to 12 passengers.
  • Accommodations: hotel and spa outside Westport with lively traditional Irish music sessions each evening.
  • Experience Western Ireland while spending the majority of your evenings in one accommodation.
  • EVERYONE NOW HAS ensuite accommodations.
  • Relaxed & flexible itinerary to make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
Region

Europe

Destination

Ireland

Dates

March 10-20, 2023

Duration

10 days

$TBD

per person, double occupancy*

*U.S. dollars based upon minimum of 5 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 $TBD.

Overview
Photos
Testimonials
Itinerary

Tour Overview

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland with Ron Rosenstock. Ron is an honorary citizen of Westport. You will be invited, with Ron by the town council of Westport, County Mayo, to a pre-parade party. Everyone in the parade is dressed to be photographed, and you’ll have ample opportunity to do so while enjoying the festivities. After the parade there are music sessions in the many pubs of this National Tidy Town award winner. Your itinerary is set in the unspoiled villages, rugged ancient abbeys,...

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland with Ron Rosenstock. Ron is an honorary citizen of Westport. You will be invited, with Ron by the town council of Westport, County Mayo, to a pre-parade party. Everyone in the parade is dressed to be photographed, and you’ll have ample opportunity to do so while enjoying the festivities. After the parade there are music sessions in the many pubs of this National Tidy Town award winner. Your itinerary is set in the unspoiled villages, rugged ancient abbeys, broad peat lowlands, and the dramatic coastline of Western Ireland. 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. We will visit places you could never locate on your own — tiny villages, hidden beaches, castles, and ancient abbeys. Join accomplished photographer and guide Ron Rosenstock through Western Ireland. Ron started leading photo tours in 1967. In those years he has led more than 200 tours to many destinations worldwide. Ron retired from Clark University after teaching photography there for thirty years. His published books include his exquisite black and white photographs: The Light of Ireland, Chiostro (Cloister), and Hymn to the Earth. Ron’s work has been featured in over one hundred exhibitions, both in the U.S. and abroad, and his photographs are to be found in the permanent collections of the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Mass., The Polaroid Collection in Cambridge, Mass., and the International Center of Photography in New York City. Ron’s striking, one-of-a-kind photographs can be seen at www.ronrosenstock.com. Your home away from home, is a lovely hotel on the Quay (harbor) of Westport, County Mayo. It is walking distance to the quaint town center, with it’s many shops and pubs of Westport. There is a pool and optional spa facilities available. You will enjoy traditional Irish breakfasts during your stay. Lunch will be at various restaurants and pubs, or we can stop in town and have a picnic lunch wrapped for our daily excursions in the field. Transportation is provided in a roomy tour van, which is large enough for both the group and your equipment. Western Ireland affords us a unique opportunity in that there are so many wonderful hidden places to explore. Even if you have traveled to this area in the past, your guides will seek out new places to visit and photograph. There are spectacular monastic and megalithic ruins to seek out in your daily adventures.

Ron Rosenstock’s core teaching is based on a saying of the twelfth century theologian and philosopher, Mister Eckhart, “Art is not just for special people, but everyone is a special kind of an artist.”  Ron’s teaching is designed to bring out the inner creative spirit within all of us. His teaching reflects the techniques of his teachers, Ansel Adams and Minor White. Learning not just to look, but to see, and then to know how to get a finished print, whether you are concentrating on infrared, black and white, or color. Ron uses a digital projector to demonstrate how he finishes his images with Aperture and Nik Software. He also shares photographic exercises that are an aid in “seeing photographically.” Those participants that bring a laptop have the opportunity share their images with the group for comments. Ron’s tours will help you to make more meaningful photographs, whether you are a beginner or advanced photographer.

 

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Photo Leader

Ron Rosenstock

Ron,

Nice course, nice class today! It’s such a pleasure seeing your work…. and learning more about the “vision” you put into creating individual photographs. You’re as much a master of coaxing from software what you want the final print to be, as Ansel was in his physical darkroom work. And your images are every bit as striking as his. Maybe even more so. As I said, I learned a lot. And I think you for that. – Nick

— N. Miles
Our trip was a wonderful experience. Your planning which gave a savory taste of so much of what Ireland offers will be a memory I will always cherish. Thank you for the special stops that you did just because of my requests. I’ve already learned to play “Twinkle, Twinkle” on the tin whistle. Thank you for the high crosses and the dolmen. They were my favorites though there were many more…the areas of the potato famine were very moving.
— R. Smith

Hi Jacque, We wanted to say how much we enjoyed the tour with Ron. He was so organized and knew just where to go  despite the weather and all the other issues he was dealing with during the worldwide health crisis. And the organizational credit also goes to you!  We send you a huge thank you. We knew that you and Ron were working together trying to insure that we had plane reservations for home and hotels during our stay, etc. The woman behind the ‘curtain’…. we knew that you were doing your best to make everything happen. So a huge thank you to you as well.

Hope you stay healthy and we all keep our sound minds during this ‘strange’ time… as the Irish keep saying!

 

— J & S Morrell

Fantastic, simply fantastic. Having a knowledgeable tour guide that knew the best places to photograph and eat along with a driver that seamlessly navigated the irish roads are the primary reasons for taking this type of tour. Ron, however, went beyond this; he was able to include a lot of Irish history, culture and spirituality along with his unique presentations on the art of photography. Would like to do another tour with Ron.

— J Hopewell

It was great to travel with Ron, whose work I’ve long admired, and who knows the area, its people, and is so flexible with the itinerary. Aside from being inspired by his photographs, discussions, and the beautiful and interesting places he led us to, it was a wonderful to meet his local friends and even to be welcomed by some to their homes.

— S Skoloff

In my humble opinion this was a well run trip that delivered just what it promised.  The pacing worked perfectly for me.  I liked stopping at lots of different locales.  We seldom stayed anywhere that was too short or too long for me.  Can’t think of anything that would have improved the trip for me. I give the trip and Ron Rosenstock a 10 out of 10.

— E. Clark

The tour leader, Ron Rosenstock, set the tone immediately with his calm, confident, caring cordial and altogether welcoming engagement with each participant. I loved the freedom to explore what I wanted to photograph insead of being told how to shoot. That said, when I asked for some feedback it was candid and helpful and made a lot of difference to how I approached what I shot thereafter….. and the thereafter shots were a great deal better!!!

— M. McKiel

Ron was a gracious host and wonderful tour leader.  He made sure every one of us was comfortable and that we had the best opportunities for photographing.  His itinerary was diverse, interesting, and fun.  I loved his stories!  Jacque was amazing about the details.  The food was delicious.  The tour days were exciting and interesting.

— K.Gagne

The highlght of my trip was the end of the day.  Staying in the house and being waited on, discussions at night and info sharing.  Of COURSE the Irish countryside was great, but every Irish tour would  have this.  Ron is one of the nicest people I have ever met.  I feel privileged to have taken this photo tour with him as the leader.  He has so much information to share and practical advice, plus good stories and humor.   I am lucky to have made his aquaintance.  

— M.Coughlan

Ron was a gracious host and wonderful tour leader.  He made sure every one of us was comfortable and that we had the best opportunities for photographing.  His itinerary was diverse, interesting and fun.  I loved his stories!  Jacque was amazing about the details.  The food was delicious.  The tour days were exciting and interesting.

— K.Gagne

Ron was very helpful in all areas of the trip. I enjoyed his ‘tutorials’ each evening, especially the one where he took us through the editing process by showing us his before and after shots. He was also helpful when we were out shooting if we had any questions. He didn’t speak above our heads but shared information in a clear way – the mark of a good teacher! He wa enthusiastic and fun to be with, which set the tone for a great trip.

— J. Procell

This trip exceeded expectations by far! This was the result of your continuing concerns and interest in presenting to us so many aspects and views of Ireland.

— J. Bromley

Ron was a perfect trip leader. He dealt with all personalities of the group in a tactful manner. He made decisions based on what was best for all. He’s got a special talent.

— J. & B. Cummings

Ron, you provided ample opportunities to capture the essence of the landscape. However, I cherish most your times of sharing on creating your images, and the suggestions and comments you gave me regarding my own photographs. I am often recalling something you said or an image comes to mind as I contemplate some scene. I expect to see long-term results from my time with you.

— D. Lusk

Thank you for a fabulous trip! It was a blast and I actually learned some things too. I have made some progress on my Photoshop Elements skills, and am now able to selectively dodge and burn. Whoo-hoo! My next goal is to figure out how to work with layers.

— D. Broxterman

Ron, thank you especially for helping me see the beauty of clouds, of reflections of reeds in water, of silvery halos illuminating foxgloves in the forest, and of sunshine-patterned abbey windows on wet gravestones. Thanks to you, I leave with a new appreciation for the wonder and beauty of the world.

— J. Mitchell

Loved the boundless enthusiasm for all things Irish! His good humor and knowledge of the people, history, folklore, cuisine, and landscape of Mayo made the trip great. Loved going to pub sessions, too! He was very patient with all of us and I enjoyed the way he would point out his favorite spots to photograph.

— G. Alexander

Ron is my idea of the quintessential photo tour guide. He was happy to share his professional experience, knowledge and tricks of the trade with us. His love of Ireland, its people, history, architecture, and landscape came to life for us through Ron’s sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, always interesting stories.

— S. Cocanour

Excellent presentation. I can’t think of any suggestions. Really enjoyed the variety of photos shown, plus the presentation and instructor’s knowledge. Very informative and fun to hear info and learning the material. I’m motivated to take better photos!

— Julie M.

Ron really was dedicated, and worked diligently to accomplish showing us the Ireland that he loves. Ron also has a wonderful personality for a tour leader: open, and humerous!

— J Bromley

We enjoyed all the history and stories of the areas we were visiting. ron is very knowledgeable, it was GREAT!!

— B & M Stewart

Ron’s attention to detail had a direct impact on the participants’ experience. He was always available to answer technical questions when asked.

— L Poirier

Your talk on photography and the spirituality of photography was a great revelation for me as I have always felt this way about it myself. Your talk was the affirmation I had been searching for. It was great beyond words to be participating with a group of Artists who were as passionate as I about photography and image making.

— M. McLaughlin

It is a photographers paradise-so much to shoot and in the most incredible light. But what makes Ron’s trip special is RON. Ron takes care of his people. Even the most timid, first time traveler is included, drawn out, mentored and educated. I truly look forward to exploring elsewhere under such positive circumstances.

— B. Bartel
More Testimonials

Tour Itinerary

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March 10: U.S. - Shannon

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

March 11: Shannon - Westport

You will be met at Ireland’s Shannon International Airport and driven north to Westport, on the shores of Clew Bay. After lunch relax, and get settled in to your accommodations for the week. Depending on the weather conditions there may be an opportunity for the group to photograph the sunset over Clew Bay. Overnight Westport (D)

March 12-18: Western Ireland

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 walk to town and enjoy the sights and sounds of the many Irish pubs in Westport. They abound with traditional Irish music every evening of the week. Visit Ballintubber Abbey, or Baile Tobair Padraig, in Irish. It is one of the oldest Abbeys in Ireland dating back to the twelfth century, named for the natural spring nearby, where St. Patrick baptized his first Irish converts. After working for a few hours in and around the Abbey you can photograph the ruins of Moore Hall, a Georgian mansion destroyed during the war of independence. Later in the afternoon, photograph Castle Bourke, on the shores of Lough Carra. Westport and the Village of Newport, 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 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. 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. Another day, visit one of the few remaining round towers in Ireland, Turlough, standing amid a field of ancient carved gravestones. If there is a rainy day, the new Museum of Country Life, one of Ireland’s National Museums, is well worth the stop. Later in the afternoon photograph the glacial erratic boulders at Lough Cullin. Photograph in the morning along the shores of Doo Lough, visiting two locations.  After lunch in the town of Louisburgh, spend the afternoon photographing in the Sheeffrey Hills, a place where you must be careful not to disturb the leprechauns who inhabit the forest. Burrishoole Abbey is a great place to start one of your days. Nearby is Carrigahowley Castle, one of the many strongholds of Grace O’Malley, the adventurous sixteenth century Pirate Queen. Later in the afternoon visit Letterkeen Forest. Overnight Western Ireland (B each day, D three evenings)  

March 19: Westport - Shannon

Leave Westport early this morning, driving south to County Clare, where you spend the evening not far from Shannon Airport. Photograph in County Galway near the town of Gort. There lies a 16th century Norman castle with a small cottage attached. The Irish Literary Revival began near this castle – in Coole Park, an estate owned by Lady Gregory where she hosted the likes of George Bernard Shaw, W. B. Yeats and J. M. Synge. It was a haven – a place of retreat for William Butler Yeats. Finish the tour with one of Ron’s favorite places Quinn Abbey. Overnight Shannon (B)

March 20: Shannon - U.S.

Everyone will depart on their own as the airport is located just across the parking lot from the hotel. (B)

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