Wild Atlantic Way Guided Phototour Itinerary – 11th-22nd October 2019

Our photo tours focus on taking you to places, which have a unique appeal to photographers. We seek the beauty of landscape and seascape, the heritage of cultural diversity and the bustle of street and marketplaces. Effectively, photography through geography.

Our tours will seek the best moments, light and opportunities to compose shots, which reflect upon those inimitable moments. We feel it is of value to immerse ourselves in local culture through, not only people and landscapes, but also, where feasible, through culinary experience and accommodation, which is culturally sympathetic.

Interaction and understanding and, where feasible, spending time with people, makes moments and images more meaningful.

We pride ourselves on a ‘hands on’ approach, which enables clients to avail of sessions in which there are photo critiques and a chance to reflect on images captured whilst on tour. It is recommended that all participants bring laptops or tablets so that we can benefit from interaction and discussion, and ways of editing our images to get a result reflecting your own unique style.

Our knowledge of Ireland and specifically, the Wild Atlantic Way enables us to go to the best beaches, wreck sites, ancient ruins, castles, waterfalls, mountains, rivers and lakes. We will additionally, where possible, visit some of the older pubs which have traditional music and seek out people still involved in traditional farming or fishing practices.

The locations have been selected for their photographic appeal along the highly indented western coastline. The climate is temperate and dominated by the Gulf Stream, with warm, moist summers and mild wet winters.

Ireland has an ancient history with remnants of neolithic culture as well as vestiges from more recent times in the form of castles and old estates. It is a place where people have interacted with the ancient landscapes for millennia and it is this fusion, which creates unique photographic opportunities.

Alternative Visions guided photo tours
12 Days (11 nights) Wild Atlantic Way photo expedition. 
David Altschul, Dennis and Sally Bucko
11- 22 October 2019

‘Take a shot on the Wild side’

Itinerary

Day 1 - 11^th October Arrive at Cork Airport

Our first night is spent in Kinsale, a beautiful coastal town in South Cork. If there is time you can wander down the harbour and photograph some of the older buildings of British origin and walk along the quay side.

Overnight in The Blue Haven, Hotel

Day 2 - 12th October Kinsale to Bantry (80km)

Today we drive along the south coast stopping at Timoleague Abbey/Friary, Glandore harbour and Drombeg stone circle which is approximately 3000 years old. From there we journey to the small oratory on Lough Gouganebarra for sunset. This small building has an incredible setting with the hills behind and its position on a small peninsula which juts out into the lough. With a little luck we may go to a ‘Trad Session’ in Ma Murphy’s pub!

Overnight at Eccles Hotel in Glengariff.

Day 3 - 13^th October Bantry to Cahersiveen (110km)

We return back to Gouganbarra (30 minutes) for sunrise and return for breakfast. After which we photograph a small (little known) waterfall at Donemark. The river is known for its salmon leap. In close proximity to the falls there is an old tannery, warehouses and mill, all of which are derelict and reflective of trade and industry now long gone. We then travel through Kenmare and Sneem to Caherdaniel and Derrynane. Here there are beautiful beaches, rock fringed bays and an ancient ruined abbey (10^th Century) on Abbey island which we walk across the sand to. Further around the coast there is Loher Stone Fort and Leacanavuile stone fort near Cahersiveen which we will stop at if time permits.

Overnight in The Quinlan and Cooke (QC’s) Hotel in Cahersiveen

Day 4 - 14^th October Cahersiveen

A day in the Ring of Kerry. Sunrise at Ballinaskelligs Castle (McCarthy’s castle) and a possible visit to the ruined abbey. After breakfast we drive to St Finian’s bay for a few beach and wave shots (if anyone wants to do a few long exposures of wave and rock interaction, this is a good place). We will also stop at a tiny harbour near the village of Glen. Then its onwards to Port Magee where there is a great little pub for lunch and some colourful houses which can be seen more clearly from Valentia Island on the the other side of the inlet. From here we return to Cahersiveen and visit some of the best stone forts in Ireland and Ballycarbery castle if time permits. We may do sunset at Rossbeigh beach (old remnants of groynes)

Overnight in The Quinlan and Cooke (QC’s) Hotel in Cahersiveen

Day 5 -  15^th October Cahersiveen to Killarney via the Dingle Peninsula (60km to Killarney. 160km Killarney-Dunquin)

Time permitting we may take the route over Moll’s Gap to Killarney and visit Torc waterfall and Ross Castle (we may do these on the morning after). From Killarney we go to the Dingle peninsula stopping at the Fahan group of Beehive huts and Coumeenole beach, renowned for its rocky outcrops and high energy waves. Following this we go to Dunquin pier with a spectacular setting with the blasket islands in the background.

Overnight in The Arbutus Hotel, Killarney (or similar) Confirmed

Day 6 - 16^th October Killarney to Galway (Connemara 200km)

After sunrise at Ross castle - this is a long drive (3/4 hours). We will stop on the way at Adare and Bunratty castle. Afternoon and evening in Galway city – browse and chill.

Overnight at Menlo Park Hotel Confirmed