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Day 1: Arrive Dublin - Panoramic City Tour

Begin your photography odyssey in Dublin, where the rich cultural tapestry provides a vibrant backdrop for your artistic exploration.

You will embark on a panoramic tour of Dublin, capturing iconic landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Georgian Squares. Ricky Tims offers insights and tips for creating captivating images.

Experience authentic Irish hospitality over lunch in a traditional lively Irish Pub.

After checking in to your city hotel, the afternoon is free to relax or explore the city on your own.

Meet for dinner at 7pm

Overnight: Dublin City Centre Hotel.

Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Dublin to Belfast Northern Ireland

Travel to Belfast, a city steeped in history and creativity. Explore the political murals of Falls Road, immerse yourself in the world-famous Titanic Experience and absorb the ambiance of St George’s Market. Full of super cool pop-up restaurants and artisan food producers. Ricky Tims provides photography guidance, ensuring you capture the essence of these unique sites.

We will uncover the layers of history that make Belfast such a compelling place, from its Bronze Age origins to its prosperous shipbuilding past.

Late afternoon we will check in to our city centre hotel and following dinner you are free to explore the city centre on your own.

Overnight: Belfast City Hotel

Dinner

Day 3: Belfast to Derry City

Meet a fourth generation Irish Sheep Farmer, Jamese McCloy and his firsthand experience of centuries-old skill of herding in one of the most untouched natural environments in Ireland. The visit includes a demonstration of his talented working dogs, demonstration of both traditional and modern shearing methods, and meet some interesting, rare breeds of sheep. The visit concludes with the Fleece-to-Fashion stage, in a country barn with epic floor to ceiling windows that give you incredible views right across Ireland and in the warmth and smell the turf fire, we follow a fleece from washing, dyeing with natural colours to the creation of yarn using a spinning wheel. We will see some of the amazing, knitted pieces and learn the key properties of wool and its place in our sustainable future.

After lunch and on to Derry, embark on a guided walking tour of Derry’s historic city walls. Ricky Tims provides photography mentorship, helping you refine your skills.

Overnight: Derry City Hotel

Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Explore Derry City

Today is a free day to photograph and explore Derry city on your own, its rich history and many attractions. These iconic attractions offer a mix of historical, cultural, and contemporary experiences, showcasing the diverse character of Derry City.

• Guildhall: Located within reach of the city walls, the Guildhall is a stunning Neo-Gothic building that has been a prominent landmark since 1887. It features impressive stained-glass windows and has hosted many of the leading political figures of the Northern Ireland troubles.
• Peace Bridge: This iconic bridge connects Ebrington Square with the city centre and was opened in 2011. It has become a symbol of reconciliation and peace, offering a picturesque walk across the River Foyle.
• Free Derry Corner: Located in the Bogside area, Free Derry Corner is a political mural that became a symbol of the civil rights movement. It features the slogan “You Are Now Entering Free Derry” and has historical significance.
• Bogside Murals: The Bogside area is known for its political murals that tell the story of the city’s troubled history, including events like Bloody Sunday. Guided tours are available for those who want to delve deeper into the murals’ meanings.

Overnight: Derry City Hotel

Meals on own

Day 5: Derry to Galway

This morning following breakfast we tour to the city of Galway, we travel through counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo stopping in Sligo for lunch.

Next stop a photography and archaeology visit of Creevykeel Court Tomb, situated in County Sligo, near the village of Cliffony. A Neolithic monument dating back to around 3,500-3,000 BCE, making it over 5,000 years old and one of the finest Neolithic examples in Ireland of what is known as a full-court tomb.

Following lunch, we soon arrive in Galway City, known for its vibrant culture, charming streets, and lively atmosphere.

This evening following dinner in our city centre hotel you can explore the city on your own and photograph the many sights such as the Claddagh area, the Spanish Arch, Eyre Square (John F. Kennedy Memorial Park), stroll along Shop Street and Quay Street where the many colourful buskers play music, sing, and dance and entertain the visitors. Explore the old pubs and maybe join in on a sing song if you find a pub with traditional music.

Overnight: Galway City hotel.

Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Galway to Connemara

Travel through Connemara, capturing the dynamic landscapes that make this region unique. Ricky Tims offers photography workshops amid the stunning surroundings.

• Maam Turk Mountain Range. The mountains are surrounded by beautiful lakes, valleys, and moorlands, creating a diverse and visually striking landscape.
• Shores of Killary Harbour. The picturesque and enchanting village of Leenane, filming location for the movie “The Field,” starring Richard Harris and the famous ‘Fairy Tree’ overlooking Ireland’s only Fjord.
• Kylemore Abbey – Kylemore Abbey stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich history, architectural heritage, and the resilience of its communities. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and spirituality. Built as a breath-taking Castle in 1868, it is now the Abbey and home of the Benedictine community of nuns.

Overnight: Galway City Hotel

 

Day 7: Galway to Killarney

Today following breakfast, we depart Galway City and tour our way southwards towards Co. Kerry to the charming and captivating town of Killarney.

Today’s highlights:

• Explore the Burren area, distinctive limestone landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and rich biodiversity.
• Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks. Not only a geological wonder but also a place of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural significance, offering a unique and enriching experience for those who visit.
• Picturesque village of Adare, renowned for its charming thatched cottages, historic architecture, and scenic surroundings.

Arrive Killarney and check in to our hotel. This evening, Ricky Tims hosts a group dinner and photography talk, sharing insights and techniques

Overnight: Killarney

Dinner

Day 8: Discover the Dingle Peninsula

Following breakfast we begin our tour of the Dingle Peninsula, travelling westwards through the villages of Milltown and Castlemaine.

• Sewing Shed – described as the cutest little quilt shop in Ireland, often likened to Aladdin’s Cave, filled with fabrics, notions, and everything needed for creating beautiful quilts and stitched projects.
• Inch Beach – offers a serene and tranquil environment and gained international recognition as one of the filming locations for the movie “Ryan’s Daughter,” directed by David Lean in the 1970s. The film’s scenes capture the natural beauty of the beach and its surroundings.
• The Blasket Center Museum – tells the story of island life, subsistence fishing and farming, traditional life including modes of work and transport, home life, housing and entertainment. The Centre details the community’s struggle for existence, their language and culture, and the extraordinary literary legacy they left behind- classics such as ‘The Island man’, ‘Twenty Years A-Growing’ and ‘Peig’.
• Slea Head Drive– renowned for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastline, and a landscape dotted with historical and cultural landmarks, not only a scenic route but also a journey through Ireland’s history, culture, and natural wonders.
• Dingle Town – The natural harbour of Dingle is a picturesque spot where colourful fishing boats bob in the water. It offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

We return to our hotel in Killarney and you will have some free time this evening with a chance to reflect on the artistic journey and opportunity to explore the towns charming pubs and enjoy some traditional Irish food, music and craic….

Overnight: Killarney Hotel

 

Day 9: Killarney to Dublin

This morning we say goodbye to Killarney and head for Dublin driving through charming little villages and towns of West Cork before stopping at Blarney Castle for our major visit of the day. Ricky Tims guides photography sessions, adding a creative touch to the exploration.

• Blarney Castle – Known for its iconic ‘Kissing the Blarney Stone’, Blarney Castle is not only a site of historical significance but also a place of natural beauty and cultural exploration. The combination of the castle’s medieval architecture, the allure of the Blarney Stone, and the surrounding gardens makes it a must-visit destination in County Cork.

After lunch we travel to Dublin via the Cork City and the verdant farmlands of North Cork and the Midlands region of Ireland. Check in to our City Centre Hotel and this evening enjoy a group dinner followed by a photography workshop presented by our photography mentor Ricky Tims.

Overnight: Dublin City Hotel

Dinner

Day 10: Dublin to Howth

This morning we drive through the city to the pretty fishing port of Howth, here you will have great opportunities for photography as it is a very colourful location, guided by Ricky you can photograph the multicoloured boats and village. With its picturesque harbour, pretty beaches and wildflower-covered sea cliffs, it feels like the kind of village you’d find on a far-flung stretch of the west coast rather than a 25-minute coach drive from the city centre.

We will also visit the medieval ruins of St Marys Abbey which provides many opportunities for photography. The Abbey was founded in 1042 AD by Sitric or Sigtrygg, the Viking King of Dublin, who no doubt recognized the superb views of Howth Bay from this location.

Lunch in the 16^th Century Abbey Tavern, a world famous Traditional Irish Pub. We then continue our tour along the Howth coastline from where you will have beautiful views of Dublin City. After arriving back at your City Centre Hotel, you can spend the afternoon exploring the city on your own or buying last minute gifts for friends and family and the evening free for dinner with friends on your final night in Ireland’s capital city.

Overnight: Dublin City Hotel

Lunch

Day 11: Transfers to Dublin Airport with Con

Homeward Bound: After a relaxing breakfast, departures by coach for your onward journey.

Say goodbye to Ireland with a heart full of cherished memories and a promise to return. Depart from Dublin, carrying the artistic and cultural experiences of the Scotia Ireland Photography Tour with Ricky Tims.

Slán go fóill (Goodbye for now)