2013 Ireland Photography Tour I

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2013 Ireland Photography Tour I Travel Plans

  Tuesday, June 4

  Depart U.S. for Shannon, County Clare, Ireland

  Wednesday, June 5

  Arrive in Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland. Welcome by our guide Con O’Leary and transfer to nearby Adare, Co. Limerick, known as one of “Ireland’s prettiest villages”. Spend the day at leisure to recover from jet lag or explore Adare’s rich heritage and take a walk through the village to photograph its thatch cottages, the Maigue River and Adare Manor Grounds. Overnight at the Dunraven Arms Hotel

  Thursday, June 6 (B, D)

  Early breakfast and then travel by private coach to Killarney National Park. Enjoy a morning walk on the Mossy Woods Nature Trail. A gentle, easy walk (approximately 1.3 miles) on this captivating nature trail winds through trees dripping with moss, similar to rainforest scenes. Muckross Lake is surrounded by mossy rocks and trees brimming with bird life providing for beautiful photographic opportunities.

  We’ll travel the scenic drive to the old port town of Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula. Lunch stop in Dingle Town with time to photograph and explore the village and local culture. We’ll continue on to Doolin for our evening stay. Enjoy dinner and music in this quaint town considered “The Irish music and cultural capital of Ireland”. Evening shoot at the nearby Cliffs of Moher. Tonight experience traditional live Irish music at the pub in our hotel or around Doolin. Overnight at Hotel Doolin

  Friday, June 7 (B, L ,D)

  Depart during early morning light for one last photo opportunity at the famous Cliffs of Moher. We’ll return to Doolin for mid-morning breakfast and to check out. We’ll visit Burren National Park, which is known worldwide for its rugged ever-changing landscape and unique flora and fauna and then continue our scenic drive to the medieval city of Galway. Lunch in Galway. There will be time to explore and photograph the rich culture and history around the city and Galway Bay before meeting for dinner at Cooke’s Restaurant & Wine Bar followed by a visit to a local pub (or two :). Overnight at Hotel Meyrick

  Saturday, June 8 (B, L)

  After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a morning stroll and photograph the famous, century-old local Galway farmers market which sells a variety of fresh produce and locally produced crafts – also a great place to chat it up with the locals. Photograph swans at nearby docks followed by a late lunch at the Artisan Restaurant, a cozy and quaint local (and delicious) cafe. We’ll meet up with a local guide for a Legends Tour of Galway, visit the Church of St. Nicholas and learn about the myths and legends the city holds in its vivid history. Following the tour we’ll have a little “warm up” with a demonstration of the art of Irish Coffee Making at a local pub. Dinner on own with a list of suggested restaurants – a lot of options to choose from. Overnight at Hotel Meyrick

  Sunday, June 9 (B, D)

  This morning we’ll visit a local Conemara hill-village where we’ll be immersed in local Irish culture and experience live Irish music, Gaelic language, Irish Soda Bread-making, thatched cottage customs and how the locals use their vast peat bogs – yes peat bogs! We’ll head to Kylemore Abbey for lunch and to photograph their beautiful walled garden and gothic church. Then we’ll make our way to Ashford Castle in County Mayo. Late afternoon we’ll enjoy photographing the ancient Irish art of falconry on this 350 acre property. Photograph Harris Hawks along with possibly eagles, owls and falcons up close. Formal dinner this evening in the George V Dining Room. Jacket and tie required for gentlemen. This is a must for any castle stay! Overnight at Ashford Castle

  Monday, June 10 (B, L)

  This morning after a scrumptious breakfast at Ashford Castle we’ll take a leisurely walk with photo shoot opportunities around the castle grounds. This morning is for guests to enjoy all that Ashford Castle has to offer. Optional leisure activities include fishing, lake cruising, clay shooting, bicycling, golf, kayaking, horseback riding or spa. We’ll depart late morning to have lunch at Foxford Mills, one of the last working mills left in Ireland. Shop the best deals on wool scarves, throws, rugs, blankets or perhaps bring a gift for a loved one at home. We’ll continue up the road to the small village of Lahardane, where we’ll meet with a local guide and learn of the heart-wrenching account of the 14 local villagers and their quest to seek a new life in America by way of the Titanic in April 1912. Visit the 100-year anniversary memorial that was built for them. Late afternoon we have a couple options….photograph surfers in Ireland’s surfing paradise or try the detox and healing properties of Voya Seaweed Bath. Just down the road we’ll stop for an evening ride along the beaches of Sligo and Donegal Bay by horseback. Overnight at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo

  Tuesday, June 11 (B, D)

  After breakfast we’ll head up the road to Drumcliff Churchyard. We’ll have opportunities to photograph early sculpted and decorated traditional Celtic high crosses. The monastery was found in 574 and includes the headstone of the famous Irish poet and playwright W.B. Yeats. Next destination, Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful & scenic journeys on the island. We’ll explore and photograph the stretch of iconic coastal landscape which include a World Heritage Site, historic ruined castles and need us not forget the world’s oldest whiskey distillery.

  We’ll be staying this evening at The Bushmills Inn. Explore the area’s scenery or other attractions including the Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery. Late afternoon we’ll visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Stunning scenery and natural beauty of Rathlin Island and nearby Scotland – visible just across the sea. After dinner, we head for the Giant’s Causeway for an evening shoot. The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, created by volcanic eruptions and cooling lava, an unbelievable sight to behold. Its staggering 40,000 interlocking basalt stone columns lead into the Irish Sea, the result of millions of years of seismic activity, HOWEVER, legend tells a different story of how it came to be 🙂

  Wednesday, June 12 (B, D)

  Wake up early for a sunrise shoot at Giant’s Causeway. Back to the hotel to eat breakfast and then board the coach and drive along the coastline to our next photographic destination – Dunluce Castle. We’ll drive to an “off the beaten path” location to photographic Ireland’s Dark Hedges and also stop in the bustling city of Belfast for a lunch break and some photo opportunities. If time permits, we’ll visit Howth, a fishing village just north of Dublin where we can photograph St. Mary’s Church, the harbor and hopefully see the popular Howth seals. We’ll be staying for two nights in the heart of Dublin and everything will be within walking distance. Each guest will be given a map of the area to explore with Dan or on their own. This evening we will head out to the Merry Ploughboy for some live entertainment and dinner. Voted “Best event/dinner entertainment in Ireland”
  Overnight at The Fitzwilliam Hotel

  Thursday, June 13 (B)

  Breakfast at hotel. Take a tour by horse and carriage around the city/Temple Bar area to get to know way around Dublin better. After tour, free to explore the city and photograph the colorful Dublin doors, its many different bridges, historical sites and churches, city parks such as St. Stephen’s Green and the many more attractions that Dublin has to offer. Lunch and dinner on your own. Meet up for an optional evening walk and photo shoot around Temple Bar district, the lively hub of Dublin’s pubs and restaurants. Photograph the night lights and life of the city. A Guiness might be on the menu for a night cap.
  Overnight at The Fitzwilliam Hotel

  Friday, June 14 (B)

  Depart Dublin home any time of day.

  May the luck of the Irish be with you!

  • Trip Cost

    $4800 per person, based on double occupancy

    Single Supplement: $750

  • Deposit

    $500 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    October 1, 2012: $2500 First Installment
    February 1, 2013: Final Payment

    Check only for first installment and final payment. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures
    810 N. Wallace, Suite E
    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • Private small group travel with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox
    • Transfers to/from airports in Shannon and Dublin on arrival/departure days of itinerary
    • Entrance fees for various locations visited
    • Accommodations for 10 nights at 4 and 5 star hotels
    • Private 35 passenger coach travel with bathroom onboard, extra room for comfort
    • Local guide/coach driver – Con O’Leary
    • Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
    • Bottled water throughout tour
    • Non-alcoholic and wine/beer beverages where indicated

  • Not Included

    • International airfares
    • Arrival or departures pre/post tour
    • Laundry, misc. expenses, Internet charges, some beverages not included
    • Any attractions/optional activities not listed in itinerary
    • Travel insurance
    • Gratuities for guide/bus driver (budget for 80 Euro per guest)

  • Flights to Book

    June 5, 2013
    Arrive Shannon (SNN) any time of day

    June 14, 2013
    Depart Dublin (DUB) any time of day

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

    Global Rescue
    (use code natexp)

    Allianz Global Assistance 
    (use travel agency ID F203564)

    Insure My Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

    Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

    By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

• Accommodations for 2013 Ireland Photography Tour I

  June 5, 1 Night
  Dunraven Arms Hotel, Adare, County Limerick – “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”
  Bedrooms at this country house are stylish and elegant with sumptuous fabrics and elegant, antique furnishings. Situated in the village of Adare in County Limerick, this ivy clad Manor House Hotel is surrounded by mellow thatch cottages and is an oasis of luxury and tranquility in the lively Adare village.

  June 6, 1 Night
  Hotel Doolin, Doolin, County Clare
  Our fabulous and carefully designed guestrooms enjoy plenty of space and comfort for the perfect stay. With beautiful dark wood furnishings, contemporary colors and peaceful surroundings, you can be assured of a great night’s rest.

  June 7 – 8, 2 Nights
  Hotel Meyrick, Galway, County Galway
  Hotel Meyrick is one of the most elegant 4 star hotels in Galway, located on Eyre Square in Galway’s City Centre and has everything within walking distance.
  

  June 9, 1 Night
  Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo
  Built in 1228, this medieval castle has been transformed into a leading luxury hotel named *“#1 Castle in Ireland”*. Feel like a Queen or King for a night!

  • Voted as one of the Top Luxurious Retreats by Fodor 2011 100 Hotel Awards
  • Voted top 10 resort properties in Europe by Travel & Leisure 2010

  June 10, 1 Night
  Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo, Ballincar, County Sligo
  Situated near the ocean and surrounded by the wild and beautiful countryside of Rosses Point, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo offers a scenic Irish getaway.

  June 11, 1 Night
  The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim (UK)
  One of Ireland’s most well known, luxurious four-star hotels, The Bushmills Inn is situated in an enviable location a stone’s throw from a host of visitor attractions including Old Bushmills Distillery, The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. Roaring peat fires, nooks and crannies and a secret library set the tone. In the bar, still lit by gas light, try a glass of malt from the hotel’s private cask. The accommodation comprises of sumptuous guest rooms, many with views extending over the River Bush.

  June 12-13, 2 Nights
  The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin, County Dublin
  Each room in this 5-star Hotel in Dublin is slightly different with unique character and personality. But what they all share is an elegant, tasteful, chic Fitzwilliam design style. Follow the warm American walnut corridor, open the door and revel in the carefully chosen Conran and Paul Smith textures and fabrics. Resist the temptation to dive onto that incredibly inviting pocket sprung divan bed wrapped in crisp white Egyptian linen, topped with countless pillows and, wait, is that a duck down duvet? Yes. Yes it is.

• Helpful Information for 2013 Ireland Photography Tour I

  VISAS

  U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland.

  EXTRA ACCOMMODATIONS

  If you need a hotel pre-tour for early arrival or post-tour in Dublin, we would be happy to suggest/book accommodations for you.

  CLOTHING/WHAT TO BRING

  • Summer wear
  • Waterproof jacket/raincoat/umbrella
  • Fleece jacket for layering
  • Good walking shoes
  • Hat
  • Gloves (light pair)
  • Sunglasses
  • Scarves for ladies – good to wear with jacket on cool mornings/evenings
  • Luggage tags for all bags
  • Travel alarm clock/watch

  Dress will be mostly casual. We suggest bringing 1-2 nice outfits for a couple of evening dinners.

  WEATHER

  Weather can change quickly in Ireland. It can be sunny and warm one minute and raining and chilly the next. Although Tanya and Jill have been lucky and experienced mostly sunshine during scouting trips, we highly recommend bringing light layers that are easy to remove/put on if necessary.

  CAMERA GEAR

  Dan will phone each guest prior to trip time to discuss camera gear. We’ll also send a suggested list of gear to bring months before the tour begins. A wide angle lens is highly recommended for shooting in towns/villages due to narrow streets.

  OTHER NOTES

  • The irish drive on the left side of the road. There are a mixture of paved good roads along with small country roads around the counties.
  • There are three times more sheep than there are people in Ireland!
  • Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so the British Pound is used there and the Euro in the Republic of Ireland. We will provide each guest a FeXco Tax Card – keep your receipts and have it swiped with your purchases and you can get your VAT tax back at the end of the trip (not applicable for food/services).

  Have a question?

  Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

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• Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

  • "OK - If you love getting close to wildlife - this is the tour for you!"

    Ken Longley, Washington

  • "Natural Exposures Yellowstone Trip in winter is absolutely wonderful. I have been 3 times, every time as special as the next. Well organized, each guest is given special care and Dan makes sure everyone is capturing great images. Thanks Dan & Tanya! I would just about go anywhere with you!!!"

    Alison McClure, California

  • It was a pleasure traveling to Patagonia with all of you. We felt truly blessed to meet such kind, interesting, and talented people. From our arrival with Tanya, Dan, Fred, and Dave we were welcomed and felt instantly comfortable.
    
    Having survived returning to work, Jim and I are enjoying going through our photos and reliving the trip. We thank all of you for helping us get the best photos possible and hopefully will post some of them soon (we're not as efficient as most of you).
    
    Here's to new friends, staying in touch, and future Natural Exposures trips with you.
    

    Jim and Laura Hartwell, Maryland

  • "A wonderful trip filled with fantastic opportunities to see and photograph the snow monkeys and cranes along with a nice view into the Japanese culture."

    Cathy Pemberton, California

  • "Canadian Rockies - OH My!
    Elk and moose on the loose
    Snowy peaks through skies sneak blue
    Glacial lakes for goodness sakes!
    A memorable trip in so many ways - food, sights, friendships and accommodations"

    Margie Carroll, Georgia

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