THE EMERALD ISLE: IRELAND

Enjoy breathtaking cliffside vistas and charming coastal villages during this unique photography workshop traveling through Western Ireland

SEPTEMBER 24 - October 5, 2024 *** SOLD OUT ***

Ireland is a heavenly kingdom for landscape photography that has yet to be discovered by the masses. There is so much more to this beautiful country than forty shades of green and Guinness pints at the pub as you will see on this one of a kind photography adventure. Scenic coastlines, towering cliffs, sea stacks, arches, lighthouses, ancient castles, and dramatic weather are all part of the plan as we journey along the world famous Wild Atlantic Way. We will navigate the winding roads and quaint villages down the western coastline in search of some of the most beautiful seascape locations in the world.

Unlike other European countries, Ireland has yet to go through a photography boom and is seldom visited by landscape photographers which makes it an ideal place for us to explore and create unique images. It is unlikely that you’ll see anyone else toting cameras and tripods besides our group which makes this workshop even more special. The locations are most certainly there, but it can be a tricky place to get around. Thankfully we have the local knowledge covered with my longtime friend and Irish landscape photographer Bernard Geraghty who I’ve known for many years now.

On this 12 day Photography Workshop we will be covering some major ground! All lodging and transportation within Ireland will be included. During this tour we will travel counter clockwise around the island and immerse ourselves in the landscape, history and culture. Castles and Game of Thrones, need I say any more? All throughout you will be provided with expert instruction on how best to capture the light and interesting compositions. The goal of the workshop is to give you the ability to explore, learn, and fine tune those photography skills both in the field as well in post processing development to bring your images to life. Helping clients create a portfolio of images they are excited and proud of is priority number one on all of our workshops (along with having a good time).

INSTRUCTOR: CHRIS BYRNE & BERNARD GERAGHTY                

GROUP SIZE: 10 PARTICIPANTS

COST: $5950

INCLUDED: All Transportation and Lodging for 11 Nights (Single Occupancy)

NOT INCLUDED: Meals, International Flights, Camera Equipment

DEPOSIT: A 33% deposit is required to secure a spot. A second 33% payment is due 180 days in advance with the final balance due 90 days prior to workshop.

This workshop is currently Sold Out. 2025 dates are Now Available!

ITINERARY

After arriving in Dublin on September 24th we will drive to the Northern Ireland Coast for two nights. From there we will travel towards the west to Donegal, Connemara, Dingle and Kilarney, staying in each town for a couple nights. Our final evening will be spent in Cashel near a pair of ancient and photogenic castles: Rock of Cashel and Hore of Abbey. We will then return to the east for drop-off in Dublin on October 5th where participants should make plans to fly out of. Along our journey we will visit and photograph the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges, Kinbane Castle, Mount Errigal, Doe Castle, Crohy Arch, Malin Head, Fanad Lighthouse, Derryclare Lough, Coumeenoole Beach, Dunmore Head, Clogher Beach, Minard Castle and many more amazing locations! All transportation and lodging is included for the nights of September 24 - October 4, with a transfer to the Dublin Airport (DUB) on October 5th. Lodging arrangements are Single Occupancy rooms.  

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The weather in September and October can be quite pleasant but they don’t call it the Wild Atlantic Way for nothing! Once dressed according to the weather, Ireland is a place where no matter what Mother Nature throws at you, the rewards are there when the work is put in. From rolling hills and glacial lakes to the aforementioned rugged coastlines and castles, photography opportunities are plentiful.

The field sessions are structured to not wear anyone out and get the most enjoyment of the surroundings and scenery. In the field techniques and tips will be provided to help capture images correctly "in camera" with the goal being that part becomes second nature and students can then focus on the creative aspects of landscape and nature photography. Post processing instruction will run the gamut of importing and organizing files into Lightroom to processing images in Lightroom and Photoshop and finally prepping images for the internet or for print. I am an open book and willing to share any tips or tricks I’ve learned to help you turn your photographs into art!

Ireland is guaranteed to give you the adventure of a lifetime and have you wanting to return. Good or bad, no matter what hand the weather has dealt us, at the end of the day you can unwind with a pint of the black stuff and relive the adventures of the day’s shooting with your comrades!

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

Hello there! I’m Chris Byrne and I spent way too many years aimlessly wandering the earth and working for the man before finding my true passion in nature and landscape photography. My love of nature started very early in life as I would study the photographs in my dad’s huge collection of National Geographics, and also spend as much time as I could out exploring in the woods with my younger brother. Fast forward many years and after getting a finance degree in college I went to work in the stock market for over fifteen years (and didn’t get rich). During my time, I saw first hand two of the most devastating financial crises in our country’s history, and after the second go around I completely lost interest in my profession and desperately needed something more. I found myself in a place in life without any inspiration or excitement for what I was doing.

Then on a trip to Glacier, Montana I rediscovered my love of nature. However, the photographs I was trying to get just didn’t do the place any justice. It was then that I decided to get serious about photography and quickly poured all of myself into the craft, learning as much as possible as quickly as I could. I was a super sponge and had a new passion for life! As soon as I became proficient in my skills, I wanted to share my knowledge and began teaching others. Now I lead workshops to some of the best places on the globe.

Along the way I’ve won a few awards, but with so many contests out there, I wouldn’t claim that’s a good judge of a good teacher. Rather I am proud to be able to inspire others and spend as much time as I possibly can with each person in helping them connect with nature while teaching the techniques to capture the images that they want to create. Seeing people make breakthroughs in their art is something that I cherish. I truly believe that nature is good for the soul. The more you explore, the more you will be inspired. Join me on an unforgettable photography adventure!

As an introduction, let me explain my journey to you. Photography is a hobby that you can come to at any stage of your life. I personally arrived at this destination in October 2015. I had always been active, played gaelic and soccer, enjoyed my team sports and had relative successes, but felt that I needed a change. I always had an interest in hiking around Ireland. Until 2015, I never owned a camera so a friend suggested buying one for a hobby and I can honestly say that photography just grabbed me from the moment I took my first shot. It led me on a whirlwind journey around the world with a new appreciation of the wonderful sights around us all.

I live close to the centre of the most beautiful country in the world and I can reach the most fantastic places in less time than it takes most people to commute to work. Ireland is a stunning country and when I am behind my lens, the camera paints the landscape in the most vivid manner, I never fail to be amazed at the beauty that surrounds us.

Photography allows me to live the dream. I can be alone, at one with the world around me, and yet feel as though I am at the centre of the universe when I capture that split second in time. Photography is the gift that keeps on giving…

Since starting, I have travelled the world and seen it from both sides of the lens. I have met great people, shared amazing experiences, helped peoples dreams come true and have memories that will last a lifetime, all with like minded people. And now…as a natural talker, I have combined my hobbies to start a business and as the man behind Bernard Geraghty Landscape Tours, I hope that we can both use this website to stay in touch. So, whether it’s local or international, close by or far away, I hope that we can tailor a trip for you!!!

CANCELLATION POLICY

We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum participants are not met or in the event of an emergency. In the event of emergency where Chris cannot personally attend, then a replacement guide will be the first option. If a cancellation does occur, participants may either use the fee towards a future workshop or receive a full refund. We are not responsible for travel expenses incurred and therefore strongly recommend travel insurance to cover such costs.

A $200 change fee will be charged for changes or cancellations. Participants who cancel prior to 90 days before the workshop will receive either a full refund or credit to a future workshop minus the change fee. Any cancellations within 90 days of the workshop cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Only if we are able to fill the vacancy, will the participant will receive a credit to a future workshop minus the change fee. Workshop credits are good for one calendar year from the date of the missed workshop.

Any cancellations within 30 days of the workshop (for any reason) will forfeit their entire registration fee as it is extremely difficult to fill the space on that short of notice. If a true emergency arises last minute we will do our best to work with you granting a partial credit towards a future workshop, but this is not guaranteed. Again travel insurance is strongly recommended.