2016 Ireland Photography Tour

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2016 Ireland Photography Tour Travel Plans

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Monday, June 6

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

  Tuesday, June 7

  Arrive in Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland. Organized taxi transfers to 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

  Wednesday, June 8 (B, D)

  Early breakfast and then travel by private coach 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. Group welcome dinner tonight. This quaint town is considered “The Irish music and cultural capital of Ireland”. Optional evening shoot at the nearby Cliffs of Moher or continue to enjoy the evening with traditional live Irish music at the pub in our hotel or around Doolin. Overnight at Hotel Doolin

  Thursday, June 9 (B, 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 make our way through Burren National Park, which is known worldwide for its rugged ever-changing landscape and unique flora and fauna. We’ll then continue our scenic drive to the medieval city of Galway. There will be time to have lunch on your own and 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 The House Hotel

  Friday, June 10 (B, L)

  After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a morning stroll and photograph swans at the 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 your own. We’ll provide a list of suggested restaurants – there are a lot of options to choose from. Overnight at The House Hotel

  Saturday, June 11 (B)

  This morning we’ll visit a local Connemara 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. 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 two nights! Guests on past trips have suggested we have two nights at the castle so we have included an additional night! Overnight at Ashford Castle

  Sunday, June 12 (B, D)

  This morning after a scrumptious breakfast at Ashford Castle we’ll meander around the grounds and nearby town. In the 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. This is a must for any castle stay! Jacket and tie required for gentlemen. Overnight at Ashford Castle

  Monday, June 13 (B, L)

  Another scrumptious breakfast at the castle. 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 to 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/evening we have a couple of options…photograph surfers in Ireland’s surfing paradise, try the detox and healing properties of a seaweed bath, or simply relax and rest in your room if desired. Overnight at Yeats Country Hotel Spa and Leisure Club, Sligo

  Tuesday, June 14 (B, D)

  After breakfast, we’ll head up the road to Drumcliffe 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 has one of the most beautiful and scenic journeys on the island. We’ll explore and photograph the stretch of iconic coastal landscape which includes 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. Dinner and whiskey tasting at our hotel. Overnight Bushmills Inn

  Wednesday, June 15 (B, D)

  Wake up early for an optional sunrise shoot at Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was 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 🙂 Please bring a flashlight – the walk may be semi-dark since we’ll head out before sunrise.

  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.

  We’ll head toward our final destination and stay for two nights in the heart of Dublin where everything will be within walking distance from our hotel. 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 Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

  Thursday, June 16 (B, D)

  Breakfast at the hotel. You’re free to explore the city this day to 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 on your own today. 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. We’ll have a group farewell dinner pub style, and a Guiness might be on the menu for a night cap. Overnight at Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin

  Friday, June 17 (B)

  Depart Dublin home any time of day.

  May the luck of the Irish be with you!

  • Guest Limits

    13 Guests Maximum

  • Trip Cost

    EXPLORER RATE: 4900 per person, based on double occupancy

    NON-EXPLORER RATE: ADD 200

    Single Supplement: 1250

    Pricing in US Dollars

  • 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, 2015: $2500 First Installment
    February 1, 2016: 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 and departure days of itinerary by shuttle or hired taxi
    • Entrance fees for various locations visited
    • Accommodations for 10 nights including two castle nights
    • Beverages! (wine, beer, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee) with meals
    • 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

  • 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 80-100 Euro per guest)

  • Flights to Book

    June 7, 2016
    Arrive Shannon (SNN) any time of day

    June 17, 2016
    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 2016 Ireland Photography Tour

  June 7, 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 8, 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 9-10, 2 Nights
  The House Hotel, Galway, County Galway
  This 4 star boutique hotel in Galway is ideally located within the city center – one minute from Quay Sreet and five minutes from Eyre Square. Rooms are chic, quiet, intimate, and oozing in comfort. Enjoy the hotel’s feel and vibe, whether it’s in your room, their stylish lobby, or in the cocktail bar.
  

  June 11-12, 2 Nights
  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 13, 1 Night
  Yeats Country Hotel Spa and Leisure Club, Rosses Point, County Sligo
  This elegant Sligo Hotel is ideally located in Rosses Point, Sligo located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. This Hotel in Sligo proudly hosts an award winning leisure centre, and a world of relaxation – Eros Luxury Spa.

  June 14, 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 15-16, 2 Nights
  Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Dublin, Dublin, County Dublin
  With a prime city center location, this Dublin hotel is the perfect choice for accommodation in Ireland’s capital city. Enjoy a premier location at the crossroads of Golden and Chancery lanes, only a short distance from attractions like Trinity College and Dublin Castle. Rest well in plush rooms that include thoughtful conveniences like free high-speed wireless Internet.

• Helpful Information for 2016 Ireland Photography Tour

  This will be our third photo tour in Ireland. This trip is great for anyone that wants to travel in a group atmosphere and has similar interests (photography!) but also wants to have time on your own to explore. June is a great time to be in Ireland. The majority of trips to Ireland will visit the southern part of the country; we find this too touristy. We’ll be exploring areas starting in Shannon westward, parts of the north, and also back down to Dublin on the east. A combination of small villages, medieval villages, beautiful countryside landscapes – some with cliffs, beaches, and of course, the bustling city of Dublin. There is nothing more special than staying in a castle, for not one night but two on this trip! We love the people of Ireland. The food is top notch. The accommodations are boutique and comfortable. There is so much history and so many places to photograph!

  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 one or two 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. 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 give 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

  • "Hi Tanya, Thanks for the best trip. Many new experiences and friends and lovely reunions with dear friends. Journey home was straight forward and without issues. Best wishes, Allan"

    Allan Coffey, Western Australia

  • "My first trip with D&T, eventhough I have met them prior on other workshops. This was the most fun and relaxed workshop, even with a few 4am sunrises, I have been on. With D's photography knowledge, and T keeping us on track each day, we all should produce beautiful images from the trip. Thanks, Dan & Tanya!!"

    An Vo, Texas

  • "Hats off to Daniel and Tanya for all the hard work and dedication it takes to put on such wonderful trips. You guys are the greatest."

    Fred Kurtz, Indiana

  • "Thanks again for everything......your organizing skills amaze me! The hotels were all great, the food was super, the people in the group were all very nice, and the scenery was outstanding!"

    Peggy Haslam, Manitoba

  • "Many thanks to you and Dan (Natural Exposures) for an amazing photo experience in Ireland. No one can surpass your organizational skills and Dan is an awesome instructor. Look forward to many more trips with Natural Exposures. Thanks again."

    Sandy Garrison, Louisiana

  • "Thank you so much for hosting the tour. I had great experiences and learned a lot. I don't want to get back to "real life". I have been on lots of group tours, both photography related and not, and yours are by far the best! Safe and fun travels."

    Lisa Heine, Texas

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