Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Western Ireland

Two tours, second departure May 12-22, 2011. One place still available on each tour.

Join accomplished photographer Nancy Rotenberg on this inspirational journey to Ireland. Your itinerary is set in the unspoiled villages, rugged ancient abbeys, broad peat lowlands and the dramatic coastline of Western Ireland. The soft pastel shades of the mountains and clouds appeal to the artist and photographer. These natural landscapes, along with the people render this Isle a place of rousing beauty. We’ll visit places you could never find on your own — tiny villages, hidden beaches, castles and ancient abbeys.

Your home away from home, Hillcrest House, was renovated for the sole purpose of accommodating photography groups. Its homelike quality adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the trip. You’ll 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 the group and our equipment. Hillcrest House also provides an Imac computer for your use and wireless internet.

Itinerary

May 2: U.S. – Shannon

Your journey to Ireland begins with an overnight flight from the U.S. to Shannon, Ireland. Second tour date May 12, 2011.

May 3: Shannon – Hillcrest House, Westport

You will have an early morning arrival at Ireland’s Shannon International Airport and driven north to Westport, on the shores of Clew Bay. The first afternoon we can relax; perhaps enjoy conversation in the library. If we are feeling a bit energetic, we can capture the sunset by exploring the nearby countryside.

Your local Irish guide, Olcan Masterson, is a walking authority on the history of western Ireland. He has spent many years exploring the hills and back roads of the area. An accomplished musician as well, he has spread traditional Irish music all over Europe and the U.S. with his flute and tin whistle. Mostly though, he is 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. (D)

May 4 - May 10: Western Ireland

Each day we will visit some of these typical areas from our 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. Our guides will plan each day considering the interests of the group, and special events taking place during your time in Ireland.

We often start each trip 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.

Hillcrest 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.

Driving north another day, our first stop will be along the ocean on the Atlantic drive in Mulranny. After lunch on Achill Island we will 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, we will 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.

We may 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. We photograph along the shores of Doo Lough and the Connemara Mountains, where we will see some of the most stunning landscapes in all of Ireland. After lunch in the town of Louisburgh, we will spend the afternoon photographing in the Sheeffrey Wood, a place where we must be careful not to disturb the leprechauns who inhabit the forest. spend the afternoon photographing in the Sheeffrey Hills, a place where we must be careful not to disturb the leprechauns who inhabit the forest.

We 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 each day)

May 11: Westport – Burren - Ennis

We will leave Hillcrest House early this morning, and drive to the Burren, a remote region near the town of Ennis. Our 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 we will stay at the Temple Gate Hotel (or similar) in Ennis and enjoy dinner on our own. The hotel rests on the site of a nineteenth century convent. (B)

May 12: Ennis – Shannon – U.S.

After breakfast this morning, we will say good bye to our new friends in hopes of seeing them again some day, perhaps even at Hillcrest House. We board our afternoon flights for home.(B) May 22, 2011 for second tour dates.

Accommodations

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Guides

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Food & Drink

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Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $3,195 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)