Question 1

What is included?

Accepted Answer

What's included:

8 days of exploring and photographing some of Ireland's most stunning and secluded locations
7 night accommodation with exclusive access to Temple House Manor and its 1,000-acre estate
Daily breakfast and dinner
Guidance from an experienced local photographer with a degree in history
Visits to local artisans in their studios or forges for an authentic craft experience 
Unique insights into Ireland's heritage and culture, including sites many locals are unaware of
Modern mini-coach transportation throughout the tour
Dublin airport pick-up and drop-off
All necessary permits and passes for tour activities

Question 2

What photography skills do I need?

Accepted Answer

No Major Photography Experience Required — Just a Love for the Outdoors

At Ireland in Focus, we welcome anyone with a curiosity for capturing the world around them. 
Photography is simply the lens through which we explore Ireland’s landscapes, crafts, and people — and you don’t need any special skills to take part.

All you need is a love of the outdoors and a willingness to look at the world a little more closely. Whether you’ve just started snapping with your phone or already enjoy photography as a hobby, this tour will give you simple tips, hands-on guidance, and feedback to help you step up your day-to-day photography and video skills — especially using your camera phone.

Most guests will simply be using their camera phones — and that’s more than enough to capture Ireland’s beauty. You’re welcome to bring a SLR camera or other gear if you like, but there’s no pressure. As the saying goes, “the best camera is the one in your hand,” and we’ll help you make the most of it.

Who knows — we may even awaken a new-found passion for photography to build on when you return home.

While this isn’t a technical photography course or workshop, with Ciaran McHugh—a landscape photographer with over 20 years of experience - you’ll have the opportunity to pick up valuable tips on understanding key camera settings, composition, framing and understanding depth of field.

The beauty of these tours is that you’ll not only learn from Ciaran, but also from the shared experiences and perspectives of others on the tour.

For the more experienced photographer, you’ll gain unique insights and exclusive access to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking and hidden landscapes - offering opportunities to capture truly exceptional shots that few others will ever see.

Question 3

How much is the deposit & when is the balance due?

Accepted Answer

The total cost of the tour is $5,695,
 
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of $1,000 per person is required (non refundable once 180 days out from tour commencement date, 50% refundable before then)

The final payment must be made no later than 120 days before the tour commencement date.

The listed price covers double occupancy, single room supplement of $300 applies.

Question 4

Where will we go & what will I see?

Accepted Answer

Based out of the beautiful Temple House in Sligo, our tour immerses you in a region full of stunning landscapes and rich history.

While Sligo is at the heart of our journey, we may also explore other parts of the North West, always aiming to maximize your experience - spending as much time as possible discovering heritage and as little as possible on the bus.

Known as ‘The Land of Heart’s Desire’ due to its strong ties to W.B. Yeats, Sligo boasts one of the highest concentrations of archaeological sites in Ireland, making it a treasure trove for both photographers and heritage enthusiasts alike.

While there's so much to discover and photograph in this spectacular region, each tour is uniquely tailored to the dynamics of the group.

We strive to find the perfect balance between exploring as much as possible and ensuring the experience remains as relaxing and enjoyable as it can be'

There may even be days when we choose to stay put, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the Temple House estate itself.

Flexibility is key, allowing us to adapt to the group's preferences and, naturally, to the ever-changing Irish weather.

By the end, you’ll be amazed at just how much there is to see and experience in such a concentrated area, fully immersing yourself in Ireland’s hidden heritage.

For a glimpse of what to expect, check out our Sample Itinerary!

Question 5

What is the tour daily itinerary?

Accepted Answer

To see a sample Ireland In Focus tour daily itinerary click here

Question 6

What else will I experience?

Accepted Answer

The Ireland In Focus tours are designed for those who want to explore and photograph Ireland’s renowned landscapes and heritage, and that's what much of this website is dedicated to.

But... we also know that you’re on vacation and will want to relax and enjoy one of the aspects of Irish life we’re famous for all over the world – ‘having the craic.’

That's why very element of our tours is focused on ensuring they are as relaxing and enjoyable as possible:

No packing and unpacking every few days to move from hotel to hotel
Small group sizes with a maximum of 14 participants
A well-balanced pace to allow you to see as much as possible while still having enough time to fully soak up each experience
Exclusive access to Temple House and its vast 1,000-acre lakeside estate
Evening activities at Temple House, including traditional Irish music sessions

The North West of Ireland has an array of amazing bars, restaurants, cafés, and shops that offer a range of traditional Irish products. Our goal is to weave as many of these experiences into your tour as possible.

From enjoying traditional Irish music sessions in heritage bars that date back hundreds of years to sampling some of the incredible food and produce this region has to offer, our aim is to ensure you receive the warmest Céad Míle Fáilte possible.

Question 7

Where will we be staying?

Accepted Answer

Guests will be based at the stunning Temple House a grand Georgian manor set on a private 1,000-acre estate.

In addition to the luxury of staying in one place, the entire house will be exclusively devoted to you and your fellow travellers. With 14 beautifully appointed bedrooms and full access to the lakeside estate, you will experience life in a grand manor as it has been for centuries.

Question 8

Will I capture Ireland's hidden heritage?

Accepted Answer

As you journey through these off-the-beaten-track areas, you'll also be stepping back in time. The North West of Ireland  boasts one of Ireland’s richest concentrations of ancient monuments and Celtic history.
 
You’ll explore megalithic tombs, standing stones, and forgotten ruins, immersing yourself in the land’s storied past.

As you walk among these ancient sites, you’ll have the chance to capture not only their beauty but the wild landscapes that surround them. Guided by experts who know the terrain and the light, you'll discover how to bring Ireland’s hidden history to life through your lens.

Whether you’re here for the photography or the adventure - or both - Ireland in Focus offers a deeply enriching unique experience, where culture, creativity, and relaxation go hand in hand.

Question 9

Who will I meet?

Accepted Answer

When you ask anyone about what makes Ireland such a special place to visit, you hear the same thing again and again—it’s the people who make it stand out.
 
The warmth, wit, and genuine nature of the Irish create a sense of connection that goes far beyond the landscape itself. At Ireland In Focus, meeting these people is at the heart of every tour, bringing Ireland’s culture and traditions to life through the stories, skills, and creativity of its people.

Whether it’s capturing a striking portrait or listening to a tale that gives you a deeper understanding of Ireland’s unique history, these encounters will be the highlights of your journey.

Each tour will be different, filled with both planned visits and chance encounters that often become the most memorable moments of the trip. We have a network of fascinating individuals lined up for you to meet, including a master woodcarver who is one of Sligo’s most captivating storytellers and cultural experts.

You’ll also join one of Ireland’s foremost seaweed experts as they guide you along the coastline, revealing the secrets of edible seaweeds. We’ll have the opportunity to engage with some of the region’s most creative artisans, including potters, jewelers, woodturners, and textile artists.

Each person you meet will offer a unique glimpse into Ireland, helping you not only to photograph its beauty but to truly feel its spirit. In this way, our tours go beyond the ordinary, connecting you to the people who make Ireland a place like no other.

We might even meet a few unlikely characters...

Question 10

Is there food provided on the tour?

Accepted Answer

During your stay at the magnificent Temple House, each evening brings a memorable dining experience around a grand mahogany table with views stretching down to the lake and a cozy fire crackling beside you. Our dinners celebrate the rich flavors of the North West, with ingredients sourced as locally as possible - often just meters from where you’ll be dining.

Every meal is designed to reflect the season and the unique essence of Ireland, with thoughtfully crafted dishes that showcase the best of Irish cuisine. You can expect a range of starters, like Irish salmon gravlax or seaweed-infused mushroom creations, and mains such as seared sea bass, confit duck, and tender braised beef cheek - all carefully prepared to delight your palate.  We can accommodate most dietary requirements, once we know in advance.

We’ll also likely dine out one evening, enjoying a traditional Irish music session in one of Ireland’s best pubs—a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively spirit and hospitality that make Irish culture unforgettable.

At Ireland in Focus, we believe that great food enhances the overall experience of the tour. Each evening meal at Temple House is a chance to unwind, savor local flavors, and connect with fellow travelers in a setting that feels both intimate and timeless.

Question 11

What is Ireland like in October?

Accepted Answer

October is an ideal time to explore Ireland, especially for photography enthusiasts. With fewer crowds, you'll have iconic landscapes nearly to yourself, while the shifting light creates dramatic, atmospheric scenes perfect for capturing on camera. The autumn colors are at their best, adding a warm and beautiful backdrop to every shot.

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