Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Ireland: with Irish Tour Guide Olcan Masterson - Fall 2010

Five spaces still available.

‘Ireland leaves memories, warm and indelible, with everyone who visits her. Living here in County Mayo on the west coast, I am fortunate to be able to share those memories and search out new experiences with visiting photographers and others who pass by. Mayo has a magical quality. As a traditional Irish musician and visitors’ guide, I meet many people – walkers, artists, photographers – who come here to experience the magic.’ ~ Olcan Masterson

Your local Irish guide, Olcan Masterson, is a walking authority on the history of Western Ireland. Olcan has been leading photographic tours of Ireland for twenty years. He will guide you to the hidden gems of Western Ireland, exploring his favorite photographic locations and immersing yourselves in traditional Irish life. These two tours are structured similar to our traditional Irish photographic tours, although there will not be any formal photographic education. An accomplished musician as well, Olcan has spread traditional Irish music all over Europe and the U.S. with his flute and tin whistle.

Join Olcan, a living embodiment of Irish charm and hospitality. He will show you the spirit and soul of Ireland, as few visitors will ever experience it. You will get a view of the land and the culture that comes with living it, not merely visiting it. You will travel to ancient villages, abbeys, and round towers, to dramatic seaside cliffs, and the rugged Connemara Mountains. Using his extensive guiding experience, Olcan will deliver you to locations, enabling you to create a dynamic portfolio of Western Ireland images.

Itinerary

September 22: U.S. – Shannon, Second tour dates May 17-27, 2010

Our journey to Ireland begins with an overnight flight from the U.S. to Shannon, Ireland.

September 23: Shannon – Hillcrest House, Westport

You will be met at Ireland’s Shannon International Airport and driven north to Westport, on the shores of Clew Bay. The first afternoon you can relax; perhaps enjoy conversation in the library. If feeling a bit energetic, the group can capture the sunset by exploring the nearby countryside. (D)

September 24 - September 30: Western Ireland

Each day visit some of these typical areas from your home base at Hillcrest House. It is not possible to see everything during each tour, as we also like to take time for unscheduled stops. Olcan will plan each day considering the interests of the group, and special events taking place during your time in Ireland.rnrnEach trip often starts with a visit to Ballintubber Abbey, or Baile Tobair Padraig, in Irish. It is one of the oldest Abbeys in Ireland dating back to the twelfth century, named for the natural spring nearby, where St. Patrick baptized his first Irish converts.rnrnHillcrest House lays half way between the City of Westport and the Village of Newport. Both capture the flavor of true Irish towns with their tree-lined canals and colorful shops. After a stop in Westport we drive along the shores of Clew Bay, stopping at Murrisk Abbey, at the foot of Croagh Patrick. Ireland’s Holy Mountain, named after the national saint, is one of Mayo’s best-known landmarks. Later in the day we will be at the ocean on the west coast of Mayo at a remote rocky shore called Barnabawn Point. rnrnAnother day you will have the opportunity to photograph an area of rolling hill, sheep and a myriad of stonewall, on a hillside flowing down to Lough Corrib.rnrnDriving north, one stop will be along the ocean on the Atlantic drive in Mulranny. After lunch on Achill Island, continue photographing along the ocean and given time, wind up at the deserted famine village at Keel. Achill Island is the largest island off the Irish coast. To get there, drive over the bridge at Achill Sound. Wrought by wind and water, the island is an arrangement of rock, cloud, and cliffs falling off to the sea.rnrnToday visit one of the few remaining round towers in Ireland, Turlough, standing amid a field of ancient carved gravestones. Nearby is the new Museum of Country Life, one of Ireland’s National Museums, well worth the stop.rnrnPhotographing along the shores of Doo Lough and the Connemara Mountains, you will see some of the most stunning landscapes in all of Ireland. After lunch in the town of Louisburgh, spend the afternoon photographing in the Sheeffrey Wood, a place where you must be careful not to disturb the leprechauns who inhabit the forest. rnrnYou can spend an entire day in the old city of Galway. Winding streets of antique shops and art galleries will entice you as we view the city. You will find many handcrafted items such as traditional Irish sweaters, prints, and pottery, or shops filled with books or Irish music. Be sure to take at least one piece of Ireland home with you. Galway is a lively city that may even present you with dancers and musicians performing in the streets and alleyways. If it is boats you are looking for, the river nearby is lined with colorful examples to photograph. (B,D)

October 1: Westport – Burren - Ennis

Leaving Hillcrest House early this morning, drive to the Burren, a remote region near the town of Ennis. The last full day of exploring and photographing will be spent in this beautiful area for the wild landscapes, culminating in the mighty cliffs along the East Coast. Tonight stay at the Temple Gate Hotel (or similar) in Ennis and enjoy dinner on your own. The hotel rests on the site of a nineteenth century convent. (B)

October 2: Ennis – Shannon – U.S.

After breakfast this morning, say good bye to your new friends in hopes of seeing them again some day, perhaps even at Hillcrest House. Board your afternoon flights for home. (B)

Accommodations

While in Ireland you will be treated to true Irish flavors at Hillcrest House, which was renovated for the sole purpose of accommodating photography groups. A computer is now provided to enhance digital instruction sessions. The Hillcrest House homelike quality adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the trip. You will enjoy traditional Irish breakfasts and dinners during your stay. Lunch will be at various restaurants and pubs, or we can stop in town and have a picnic lunch wrapped for our daily excursions in the field. Transportation is provided in a roomy tour van, which is large enough for both the group and equipment.

Guide

Olcan Masterson

Food & Drink

Please contact us for more details.

Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $2,475 US Dollars based upon minimum of 5 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $345; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

General Tour Info (includes, excludes and other details)