Without a map - An Irish Photo Adventure
April 23 – May 1, 2026
Open to photographers of all levels, this journey is for anyone—professional or enthusiast—who wants to explore Ireland slowly, photograph with intention, and experience the landscape, culture, and people along the way.
Travel with me through the backroads of Ireland on a photography-led journey that explores the heart of the country’s landscapes, culture, and people. This immersive travel experience focuses on slowing down, seeing deeply, and photographing some of the most compelling scenery Ireland has to offer.
The West of Ireland is rich with photographic inspiration—dramatic coastline, quiet sandy coves, winding country roads, stone cottages, rolling farmland, intricate stone walls, historic castles, monastic ruins, holy wells, colorful villages, and rugged mountain landscapes. Every day offers new visual stories shaped by land, light, and weather.
Along the way, you’ll meet warm, welcoming locals whose daily lives reflect the generosity and spirit Ireland is known for. There will be opportunities to photograph fishermen, sheep farmers, artisans, musicians, and chefs—people deeply connected to place and tradition.
This journey is for anyone who wants a trip to encompass all the things they love—travel, photography, friendship, conversation, fun, and laughter. Our itinerary balances refined beauty and weathered history—lush gardens and stately castles alongside ruined churches and timeworn cottages—offering a wide range of photographic opportunities for every level of photographer.
Ireland is truly unlike anywhere else. It unfolds through the heart of Irish culture, language, and spirituality. You’ll return home not only with photographs, but with lasting memories—and the feeling that you’ve made new friends at every turn.
Connect with Ireland through its land, culture, and way of life.
Hi, I’m Clare.
Ireland has always been home to me. Although I grew up on Minnesota, I was raised in an Irish household where the accents were strong, the tea kettle was always on, and travel back to Ireland was part of life. I remember once when an Irish passport control officer said “welcome home”, it was like he had read my mind.
I’ve been traveling back and forth to Ireland for more than fifty years. In a former chapter of my life, I owned a small group travel company specializing exclusively in Ireland, exploring nearly every country road and boreen in search of off-the-beaten-path experiences most visitors never find. That time shaped how I travel, photograph, and experience the country today.
What I love most about Ireland is how every journey unfolds differently. The people are warm, quick-witted, and generous with their time. A simple walk down a bog road might turn into a conversation with a local turf cutter, an impromptu portrait, or time spent watching a sheep farmer train his dog. These moments can’t be planned—but they become the memories that last a lifetime.
Ireland reveals itself when you slow down and remain open to what appears. That’s the Ireland I’m excited to share with you—one rooted in connection, curiosity, and meaningful experience.
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 authentic Ireland beyond the usual tourist paths
Enjoy connecting and traveling with other photographers in a small group
Are ready to get out and see more of the world—with a camera in hand
Aren’t an avid traveler, but still want to travel with guidance and ease
Or you’re a seasoned traveler who appreciates thoughtful planning
Prefer someone else to handle the details, so you can stay present
Simply love taking photographs, no matter your level of experience
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: Dublin to Sligo
Our journey begins in Dublin, where we’ll gather in the morning at the Mespil Hotel, just steps from the city’s historic canal. From here, we’ll meet our private driver—someone who will take exceptional care of us throughout the trip—allowing you to relax and focus on travel, photography, and connection.
As we travel west toward County Sligo, we’ll make several scenic stops before arriving for afternoon tea at a historic estate set on more than 1,000 acres of rolling countryside, ancient woodland, and shimmering lakes. Over finger sandwiches and tea, we’ll toast the adventure ahead.
Before reaching Sligo town, we’ll pause at one of Ireland’s revered holy wells, a quiet place to reflect, photograph, and set intentions for the journey. From there, it’s a short drive to the Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo, where you’ll have the evening free to unwind, explore town, or enjoy traditional Irish music.
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Days 2–4: County Sligo & County Donegal — Landscape, Spirit, and Story
After a wonderful breakfast, we’ll spend our days exploring County Sligo, often called Yeats Country. This dramatic landscape—rich with prehistoric monuments, archaeological sites, beaches, woodlands, and mountains—deeply influenced poet W.B. Yeats. We’ll visit several meaningful locations, including his final resting place, while photographing a landscape that feels both grounded and mystical.
Sligo is a place where the physical and spiritual worlds feel intertwined, and our time here reflects that rhythm—quiet moments, expansive views, and opportunities for thoughtful photography.
One day, we’ll venture north into County Donegal, one of Ireland’s most remote and wild regions. Here, we’ll visit artisan workshops and woolen mills, photograph standing stones, walk beneath some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and spend time on a stunning sandy beach. Donegal’s raw beauty and slower pace make it a highlight for photographers seeking something untamed and authentic.
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Day 5 – 8: Mayo & Connemara — Wild Coastlines and Deep Connection
Near the seaside town of Enniscrone, there’s an optional experience I return to again and again: a traditional seaweed bath. If time and interest allow, we’ll visit the Edwardian baths—an unforgettable ritual that leaves you refreshed and restored. Prefer not to bathe? Enniscrone also offers a beautiful beach and one of Ireland’s classic links golf courses.
From here, we travel through County Mayo, homeland of Granuaile, Ireland’s legendary pirate queen, and pass through the hauntingly beautiful Doolough Valley, a place of great natural beauty and deep historical significance tied to the famine.
Our journey continues into Connemara, one of the wildest and most visually rich regions in Ireland—and one of my favorite places on earth. This landscape offers sweeping vistas, intimate scenes, muted jewel tones, and a rugged coastline shaped by Atlantic weather.
We’ll stay near the harbor in Clifden at Quay House, a distinctive guesthouse filled with character and antiques collected over a lifetime. Connemara includes several Gaeltacht regions, where Irish Gaelic is still spoken daily and cultural traditions remain strong.
This area offers endless photographic inspiration: Connemara ponies, musicians, peat bogs, curraghs (traditional boats), gardens, seaside graveyards, lone trees, lakes, and mountain passes. The ever-changing light here adds depth, mood, and texture to every image.
Connemara has a way of getting under your skin—and if you’re like me, you may never want to leave.
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Day 9: Clonmacnoise & Return to Dublin
We’ll share one final breakfast before traveling east toward Dublin. Along the way, we’ll stop at Clonmacnoise, a remarkable 6th-century monastic site set beside the River Shannon—an evocative place to photograph and reflect on the journey.
From here, you’ll be transferred to Dublin Airport for onward travel, carrying home photographs, memories, and connections that linger long after the trip ends.
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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. This journey is best suited for those who enjoy walking, exploring, and lingering in beautiful places. Expect leisurely walks of up to 2–3 miles throughout the day, often broken up with frequent stops to photograph, observe, and absorb the landscape. Some terrain may be uneven or gently challenging so you should be ‘firm of foot’, but we take our time and honor the rhythm of the group. The emphasis is on presence and discovery—not speed or distance.
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.
Meet Colman Naughton
I’ve traveled Ireland’s roads for decades and met many wonderful driver-guides along the way, but Coleman truly stands apart. He is kind, generous, endlessly funny, and a born storyteller—someone whose presence quietly shapes the rhythm of the journey. Raised in South Connemara and a native Irish speaker (he learned English from the telly), he knows these roads not by map, but by heart.
As we wind along the backroads, Coleman shares stories of growing up in rural Ireland—less a lesson from history books and more a first-hand telling of life as it was lived. He knows the locals, and they know him, often greeting one another as old friends. And if we’re lucky—and charming enough—he may take us to his granny’s old shed, pull out a slán, and lead us into the bog to try our hand at cutting turf. These are the moments that can’t be scheduled or staged—unexpected, deeply rooted in place, and the kind you’ll remember long after the journey ends.
Join me for a thoughtfully curated travel experience unlike any other
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 will the weather be like?
In Ireland, weather is part of the experience. There’s no true dry or rainy season—just beautifully changeable skies. You may experience rain, mist, sunshine, and dramatic clouds all in the same day. It’s this ever-shifting light that gives Ireland its mood, texture, and famously frequent rainbows. As the Irish say, if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.
When does the trip begin and end?The trip begins the morning of April 23 and concludes the afternoon of May 1. Please plan to arrive in Dublin no later than April 22 and depart no earlier than May 2.
What airport should I fly into?
Dublin Airport (DUB).
Where does the trip start? and end?
We’ll meet the morning of April 23 at the Mespil Hotel in central Dublin. If you’d like to stay there the night before, you can contact the hotel directly at reservations@leehotels.com and reference booking code CLAR210426 to receive the negotiated rate of €199 B&B (subject to availability; rooms are released April 1). There are plenty of hotels in Dublin, 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.
Where does the trip end?
We will be leaving Clifden the morning of the 1st of May and driving back to Dublin Airport. We are planning on stopping on the way at Clonmacnoise Monastic so plan on arriving at the airport around 3:00 pm. From there, you may rent a car, stay at an airport hotel, or continue into Dublin city center by taxi or Aircoach.
Is there a single occupancy charge?
No. The trip price is based on single-room accommodation, so you won’t need to share with anyone you don’t know.
What if I’m traveling with a friend or spouse and want to share a room?
That’s no problem. The double-occupancy rate for 2026 is $4,775 per person, which will be reflected in your final invoice. You may request either one bed or twin beds. Please note this rate applies only to travelers who register together and choose to share a room.
How big will the group be?
We keep the group intentionally small—8 to 12 participants—to allow for flexibility, connection, and a more personal experience.
How large is the bus?
We’ll be traveling in a 20-seat bus, giving everyone room to spread out comfortably and store luggage—we promise you won’t be packed in like sardines.
Will there be free time?
Yes. Most evenings are free for dinner, music, or wandering on your own. Depending on conditions, we’ll photograph either sunrise or sunset (not both in the same day). The itinerary balances shared experiences with personal time.
Where will we be staying?
We’ll stay four nights in Sligo town at The Glasshouse Hotel, a modern hotel in the city center, and four nights in Clifden at The Quay House, a charming harbor-front guesthouse.
Will someone handle my luggage
This is a small, off-the-beaten-path experience, not a large group tour, so you should be able to manage your own luggage. The Quay House does not have an elevator, though staff will assist with carrying bags up the stairs as needed and our driver will assist in loading the luggage into the bus.
Will we be photographing all day, every day?
Not nonstop. While photography is central to the trip, there’s plenty of time built in to explore, rest, and observe. 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. So, there will be plenty of free time to explore the towns and areas on your own as well.
What should I bring?
You’ll receive detailed packing guidance closer to departure, including clothing, footwear, and camera considerations suited to Irish weather.
What is the activity level required?
This journey is best suited for those who enjoy walking, exploring, and lingering in beautiful places. Expect leisurely walks of up to 2–3 miles throughout the day, often broken up with frequent stops to photograph, observe, and absorb the landscape. Some terrain may be uneven or gently challenging so you should be ‘firm of foot’, but we take our time and honor the rhythm of the group. The emphasis is on presence and discovery—not speed or distance.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. You’ll note dietary needs on your registration form, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them, particularly for group meals. Irish breakfasts are generous and varied, and we often stop at local delis for lunch to keep the day flowing.
How are payments handled?
Payments are securely processed via PayPal using either your PayPal account or a credit card. This trip is produced by Cultural & Destination Specialist, Inc., d/b/a Taylor & O’Neill.
What happens after I register?
Within 24 hours, you’ll receive a welcome email confirming your place on the trip along with key dates and next steps.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment is due 120 days before departure. A payment link will be sent about a week prior. Installment plans are available—please contact us if you’d like to arrange one.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes—travel insurance is strongly recommended for both medical coverage and trip interruption. Due to upfront costs and planning, the trip has a strict cancellation policy.
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 traveling through the UK or visiting Northern Ireland will need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Starting in late 2026, U.S. passport holders traveling through Schengen Area countries will need ETIAS authorization. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so U.S. citizens traveling only to Ireland do not need a visa.
If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please check visa requirements with your local Irish consulate or embassy.
Email info@photoencaustic.com with any questions.