Without a Map - An Irish Photo Adventure
April 23 - May 1, 2026
For all levels of photographer, whether you consider yourself a professional or amateur, this magical and unforgettable trip is for you.
Journey with me on this wonderful adventure as we travel the backroads of Ireland and explore the most amazing scenery you can imagine.
The West of Ireland is full of stunning coastline, sandy coves, twisted roads, stone cottages, lush farmland, mazes of stone walls, gorgeous castles, monastic ruins, holy wells, colorful villages, and rustic mountains.
Along the way you’ll meet the most warm and delightful people. We’ll have the opportunity to photograph local fishermen, sheep farmers, artisans, musicians, and chefs who exude the Irish spirit of generosity in their daily lives.
This journey is for anyone who wants a trip to encompass all the things they love—travel, photography, friendship, conversation, fun, and laughter. Together we will see all sides of Ireland. So, we’ll visit lush gardens and manicured castles along with weathered cottages and ruined churches. The varied landscape and itinerary offer a wide variety of photographic opportunities and will have something for everyone.
Ireland is truly like no other country. It unfolds through the heart of Irish culture, language, and spirituality. You’ll come home feeling like you’ve made new friends at every turn.
Connect more deeply with Ireland, her nature, culture, and way of life.
Hi, I’m Clare.
I consider Ireland my home. Yes, I grew up in Minnesota, but in a home where the accents were thick, the tea kettle was always boiling, and flights to Ireland were frequent. I remember once when an Irish passport control officer said to me “welcome home”, it was like he had read my mind.
I’ve been going back and forth to Ireland for over 50 years. In a former life I owned a small group tour company that specialized in Ireland and travelled almost every country road and boreen looking for the off-the-beaten track experiences you couldn’t find on your own.
I love to tell people how every trip evolves differently. The Irish are kind, quick-witted and always willing to take the time to chat. We could be walking along the bog road and start chatting with an old man and suddenly we are taking his photograph and helping him bag his turf, or we see a farmer training his sheep dog and spend ½ hour with him as he demonstrates what his dog is learning. There is no way to plan for these moments, but these are the ones that will live in your memory forever.
Ireland unfolds when you are open to it, and this is what I’m most excited to show you.
This Experience Includes:
8 nights single room accommodation
9 days touring via private coach
Opening Afternoon tea
Farewell dinner
Breakfast daily
Photographic guidance
Slowing down and connecting more deeply with a location,
culture and way of being
An insider’s view of Ireland
Fun, adventure, and tons of Laughter!
This Trip is For You if You:
Want to photograph the authentic Ireland
Want to connect and travel with other photographers
Are ready to get out and see more of the world
You are not an avid traveler, but still want to travel
You’re an avid traveler
Want someone else to take care of the details
Love taking photographs
In Ireland, talking about the weather isn’t just small talk, it’s a way of life.
Come with me as I show you 'My' Ireland
In telling a friend about this trip she said to me, ‘your face lights up when you talk about Ireland.’ I guess that’s true.
Ireland’s magic isn’t just limited to its natural and historical wonders, which of course, I love. It’s also found in the warmth and friendliness of its people, known for their hospitality and storytelling. Whether it’s listening to traditional Irish music in a cozy pub or chatting with locals you meet along the way, the Irish people have a way of making you feel like you are part of their story.
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Day 1: We will start our adventure in Dublin (at the Mespil Hotel, just off the picturesque canal) in the morning and meet our driver who will take incredible care of us for the adventure.
As we travel to Sligo we’ll take in a few stops before arriving for afternoon tea at one of the old estate houses on 1,000 acres of undulating countryside, dotted ancient woodland, and glittering lakes. We’ll eat finger sandwiches and raise a cuppa tea to a great adventure ahead.
Before arriving at our hotel, we’ll make a quick stop at one of Ireland’s finest holy wells and make our wishes and offerings to the faeries for a safe and wonderful journey. From here it’s a short distance to Sligo town where we’ll check into the Glasshouse Hotel and you’ll have the evening free to relax, explore, and take in some music.
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Day 2 – 4: After a wonderful breakfast each morning, we’ll head out to explore Co. Sligo and Co. Donegal. Sligo is Yeats Country (yes, we’ll stop at his grave and pay our respects) where the Irish landscape was a catalyst for most of his writings. This land is rich in prehistoric monuments and archeological sites. We’ll visit a few of them along with impressive beaches, rich woodlands full of sacred trees, and stunning mountains. Yeats believed in the interconnection of two worlds—the one we can see and the one of mystical spirits. Our time in Sligo will be a voyage that weaves together the physical and spiritual realms.
We’ll take a day trip up to Donegal to meet artisans and woolen mills, see standing stones, view some of the highest cliffs in Europe and walk down to one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the island. Donegal is remote, wild, and beautiful.
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Day 5 – 8: Whenever I’m up near the small town of Enniscrone I always partake in a seaweed bath. If time allows and there is interest we’ll stop at the Edwardian baths which is really a ‘throw-back’ in time. It may seem like an odd addition to an itinerary, but there is nothing like soaking in warm water with the oils of the seaweed. And the steam box, well that’s something I’ve never experienced elsewhere. You’ll leave with a new vigor and release on life. For those who don’t want to bathe, Enniscrone has one of the many great links golf courses in Ireland and the beach is fabulous.
Upon leaving Enniscrone we’ll travel through County Mayo, the home of Granuaile (a woman who captured my imagination as a young adult), Ireland’s most famous pirate queen. We’ll come through the Doolough Valley, a beautiful valley with a tragic and troubled famine history.
As we leave Mayo we’ll head into the heart of Connemara, a beautifully wild and rugged area that’s one of my favorite places on earth. Connemara is full of big sweeping vistas and intimate landscapes. The colors are muted and jewel toned. The coastline; simply untamed.
In Connemara we’ll be staying near the harbor in Clifden at the Quay House, a distinctive Irish guesthouse where Paddy Foyle has spent his lifetime decorating it with unusual antiques.
Parts of Connemara are known as a Gaeltacht, a region that is subsidized to keep the old Irish culture alive. Many of the locals will be speaking Gaelic and are extremely proud of their culture. This region will bring loads of opportunities to photograph Connemara ponies, musicians, peat bogs, curraghs (boats), gardens, seaside graveyards, lone trees, lakes, and mountain passes. The light is ever changing in this part of Ireland and will certainly add depth and texture to your images.
Connemara will fill your heart and if you are like me, you’ll never want to leave.
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Day 9: We’ll share one last breakfast together before departing back to Dublin with a stop at Clonmacnoise 6th century monastic site before being dropped at Dublin Airport to continue your onward.
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This itinerary is created for serendipity and will be guided by the ebbs and flows of the tides and weather. There will be plenty of landscape shots. Plenty of opportunity to photograph the people and culture; some of the shoots will be pre-arranged and some will be spontaneous. There is something for everyone. So, grab your camera (or iPhone) and join me on this unforgettable adventure through ‘my’ Ireland.
Note: This is a photography-based trip and you should be ‘Firm of Foot’ to join us. There is a consistent amount of walking most days. You should be in moderate shape and able to easily walk 2-3 miles at a time. This includes on uneven, rocky, muddy, and occasionally steep ground. If you rely on walking sticks/poles, this adventure might not be a good trip for you.
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and serendipitous moments.
Exploring the charming towns and villages is like stepping into a storybook. The brightly colored houses of Westport give off a whimsical vibe, while the narrow cobblestone streets and charming shops of Galway transport you to a time long past. Each town has its own character and charm, with cozy pubs filled with laughter and traditional music spilling out into the streets.
Come for a Magical, Nurturing and Powerful Experience.
Trip Cost - $5375
A non-refundable deposit of $600 is required to hold your space. Full payment is due 120 days prior to the trip. If you are signing up within 120 days of the trip, full payment will be required to register. See our payment and cancellation policies.
Not Included: Travel expenses to/from Ireland, passport and visa fees (if applicable), items of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance (including medical or trip cancellation), tips, and anything else specifically not listed as included.
Traveling with Clare to Ireland was an unforgettable adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes and cherished memories. We explored ancient castles, savored traditional Irish cuisine, and immersed ourselves in the rich culture of the Emerald Isle. It was everything I wanted and more! Such fun!
Karen O’Shaughnessy
You say you have a guided photo trip through Ireland, with a bunch of other photography enthusiasts, and no worries about getting to all the best locations. Sign me up! The landscapes, the people, and the accommodations were like no other. Right down to the wee details. IT WAS GRAND.
Ray Klempka
Not your typical photo tour. No stress as Clare provides a relaxed, supportive atmosphere with locations that supply beauty as well as interactions with locals. In this small group of creatives you have the opportunity to experiment and have fun. I learned so much about Ireland!
Susan Cooper Parker
FAQ's
What’s the weather going to be like? In Ireland it rains. All year round. There is no dry season or rainy season. There is just weather and it’s part of the experience and will add to the drama of your images. It will be lashing one moment and sunny the next. Why do you think rainbows are synonymous with Ireland? There is a saying in Ireland if you don’t like the weather, “wait a minute”. And anyone who has spent a day under the changeable Irish sky knows it’s integral to the Irish life.
When does the trip begin and end? This trip begins the morning of April 23rd and ends the afternoon of May 1st. You should plan on arriving in Dublin no later than April 22nd and departing no earlier than May 2nd.
What airport do I fly into?
Dublin Airport.
Where does the trip start and where does it end?
Plan on being at the Mespil Hotel (in the center of Dublin) early morning of April 23rd. If you want to stay at the hotel the night before contact them at reservations@leehotels.com and provide them with booking code CLAR210426 to obtain the special 199 euro B&B rate that has been negotiated for the group. (These rooms will be released on April 1 so make your reservations prior to then to avail of the rate.) There are plenty of hotels in the vicinity, so don’t feel like you have to stay at the Mespil. Just plan on arriving at the hotel before we depart on the 23rd. On the tail end of the trip we will be leaving Clifden and driving back to Dublin Airport where you can choose to rent a car, stay at an airport hotel, or head back into Dublin city center via taxi or Aircoach. The drive back from Clifden is 4 hours and with a stop for lunch you can expect to be back at the airport around 3pm.
Is there a single occupancy charge?
No. This trip is priced for single rooms accommodation so you don’t have to double up with anyone you don’t know.
What if a I’m traveling with my friend or spouse and we want to room together?
No problem. The 2026 tour price for double occupancy is $4775 each and will be reflected in your final invoice. You can either choose to share a bed, if you are a couple, or have separate twin beds if you are just friends. Please indicate on the registration form if you are sharing a room with a friend or spouse. The double occupancy rate is only for those who are sharing a room with someone they know beforehand. It’s not available for single travelers.
How big will the group be?
We like to keep the group small and intimate with 8 – 12 participants.
How big is our bus?
We’ll have a 20-seater bus allowing us to have room to spread out and carry all our luggage. We promise you won’t be packed in like sardines.
Will there be much free time?
Yes. Most evenings will be free (especially after sunset) for you to grab dinner and listen to music in the pubs. Depending on the weather we will either photograph sunset or sunrise, but not both in the same day. There is a nice balance between being with the group and time to explore on your own.
Where will we be staying?
There is a nice mix of hotels included in the trip. We will stay 4 nights in Sligo town in a modern Irish hotel in the city center (The GlassHouse,) and 4 nights in Clifden in delightful guesthouse on the harbour (The Quay House).
Will someone be there to handle my luggage? This is not a large group tour. It’s a small off-the-beaten-track experience and you will need to be able to manage your own luggage. The Quay House does not have an elevator and some of the rooms have several steps to them, but there will be someone there to help bring the luggage up the stairs.
Will we be photographing all day, every day? If the skies are clear we will try for either a sunrise or sunset shoot. But chances are we won’t do both in the same day. European laws determine the amount of time our driver can drive every day and we’ll be very cognizant of that when planning our days. There will be plenty of free time to explore the towns and areas on your own as well. One of the advantages of traveling in April/May is the day light is less than mid summer and the sun doesn’t come up too early or set too late.
What do I need to bring?
There will be more details to come about what to expect for weather and what kinds of things you’ll need to bring.
What is the activity level required?
You should be in moderate shape and able to easily walk 2-3 miles. We may be walking on uneven, rocky, muddy, and occasionally steep ground. If you rely on walking sticks, this trip might not be a good trip for you.
I have special dietary restrictions, will these be accommodated?
With your registration form you’ll be able to identify any dietary restrictions you have, and we will do everything possible to accommodate you for our opening and closing meals together. Irish breakfasts are a feast and consist of a cold breakfast buffet with fruits, juices, yoghurt, and granola as well as a hot breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, and grilled tomato. Oftentimes we will stop at a deli in the morning to grab sandwiches for later in the day as lunch stops for large group can eat into our day (pun intended).
How are payments handled?
Payment is securely processed via PayPal and can be made using your PayPal account or via your credit card. This adventure is a production of Cultural & Destination Specialist, Inc., d/b/a Taylor & O’Neill.
What can I expect once I register?
Within 24 hours of registration you’ll receive a welcome email from us confirming your space in the tour along with other pertinent dates and details.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment is due 120 days before departure. You will be sent a payment link about a week beforehand. If you don’t want to pay this all at once and want to schedule installment payments between when you register and the final payment is due, please contact us.
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for both medical and trip interruption. Due to the planning, logistics and upfront costs of an overseas trip, we have a strict refund policy regardless of the circumstances.
What are the trip payment and cancellation policies?
In order to keep the group small we have to strictly adhere to all of our payment and cancellation policies.
Do I need a travel visa?
As of 2025 U.S. citizens who plan on traveling to Northern Ireland (before or after the trip) or connecting through a UK airport will need to get the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) visa. It’s a quick and easy online application process.
Starting in late 2026, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe or connecting through European airports will need to get the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa before their visit. This visa is for countries within the Schengen Area. Please note although Ireland is part of the EU it is not part of the Schengen Area and US citizens are not visa required. This will only effect you if you are traveling or connecting through the countries in the Schengen Area of Europe.
If you do not carry a U.S. passport you’ll need to check the regulations between your country and Ireland for any visas or special requirements for travel. Please contact the Irish Consulate or Embassy in your country for information.
Email info@photoencaustic.com with any questions.