Without a Map - An Irish Photo Adventure
April 30 - May 8, 2025
Registration is Open
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: Wednesday April 30, 2025—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.
We’ll get to Sligo town later in the day and check into the Glasshouse Hotel and you’ll have the evening free to relax and explore at your own pace.
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Day 2 – 4: After a wonderful breakfast each morning, we’ll head out to explore Co. Sligo and Co. Donegal. This 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.
In Sligo we’ll be joined by landscape photographer Ciarán McHugh, who was born and raised in Sligo and is passionate about the history and archeology of the region. He’s a typical Irishman and loves to talk and tell stories. Not only will he be taking us to some of Sligo’s famous spots but also the off-the-beaten-track haunts of his childhood. And he promises to take us to the best ice cream spot in all of the west coast.
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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 that can be photographed from the beach.
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 visit Achill Island and see some of her haunting grounds along with a photo session with Ireland’s Old Irish Goats.
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 The Quay House, a distinctive Irish guesthouse where Paddy Folyle 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: Thursday May 8, 2025—We’ll share one last breakfast together before departing back to Dublin with a stop at Clonmacnoise 6th century monastic site. You can choose to be dropped at Dublin Airport or back in the village of Malahide to continue your adventures.
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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.
Meet our Sligo Featured Guest Photographer
This travel adventure accommodates photographers at any level of knowledge and experience using any camera, device, or phone. You don’t need a big professional DSLR camera to join. In fact, we’ll be talking a lot about iPhone photography along the way. This is an adventure and not a workshop, but of there will definitely be tips on composition, lighting, and exposure so you come away with magnificent images.
Our special guest for this workshop is Ciarán’ McHugh, whose aim as a photographer is to capture stunning West of Ireland landscapes at their very best and where possible from an off the beaten track vantage point. Growing up in rural Sligo he spent a lot of time exploring the great outdoors and has always been drawn to this magical landscape.
“I’ve been fascinated by photographs for as long as I can remember. Like many landscape photographers the National Geographic magazine would have been a big inspiration to me. I’ve always been amazed by how their photographers manage to bring a landscape to life so vividly. I’ve been taking photographs since I was 7 or 8 but its only really since I started to enjoy the instant feedback that the digital format provides that I’ve really grown as a photographer. The images I’m often most happy with myself are ones which were taken somewhere where I have a strong emotional connection to the land.”
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 - $4925
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 30th and ends the afternoon of May 8th. You should plan on arriving in Dublin no later than April 29th and departing no earlier than May 9th.
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 30th. If you want to stay at the hotel the night before contact them at reservations@leehotels.com and provide them with booking code CLAR290425 to obtain the special rate that has been negotiated for the group. 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 30th. 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.
What airport do I fly into?
Dublin Airport.
Is there a single occupancy charge?
No. This trip is priced for single rooms 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. Just let us know and we’ll provide you with a shared room trip price. You can either choose to share a bed, if you are a couple, or have separate twin beds if you are just friends.
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). Please note that the Quay House does not have an elevator and some of the rooms have several steps to them.
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 do manage your own luggage.
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 usually have eggs, bacon, toast, sausages, and grilled tomato. Oftentimes there is a cold breakfast buffet with fruits, juices, yoghurt, and granola. 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.
Do I need a travel visa?
Starting in 2025, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their visit. There is a nominal fee associated with this visa. If you carry a different passport you’ll need to check the rules for between your country and the EU.
Email info@photoencaustic.com with any questions.