Ireland Photography
Tour 2026
Ireland Photo Tour & Workshop, Sept 2026 – Wild Atlantic Way
Dunguaire Castle at dawn, County Galway. Photograph by Bret Culp.
September 13–21, 2026 · 9 Days / 8 Nights
A small-group photography tour through ancient landscapes shaped by dramatic coastal light.
Photograph Ireland’s Rugged Southwest on the Wild Atlantic Way
Stand beneath castle ruins older than memory. Climb Skellig Michael’s cliffside steps, cut into the rock by monks more than a millennium ago. Capture sea-sprayed cliffs in golden hour.
Mid-September brings softer light, with misty mornings and coastal haze that simplify the landscape and deepen mood. This tour explores Ireland’s rugged southwest coast, led by Canadian fine art photographer Bret Culp, whose work is rooted in impermanence, renewal, and the passage of time.
Limited to 8 participants, this small-group photo tour and workshop blends guided photography with space for each participant’s own creative process. The pace is built around light and weather, with time for spontaneous photographic stops and deeper work on location.
Dates are confirmed for September 13–21, 2026 (9 days / 8 nights), starting and ending near Shannon Airport.
Join the interest list to receive booking details as soon as they’re released.
Tour Overview
Location: Southwest and West Coast Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way
Dates: September 13–21, 2026 (9 days / 8 nights)
Start/End: near Shannon Airport
Group size: 8 participants max, plus Bret Culp
Accommodation: single-occupancy rooms (curated mix of hotels and select guesthouses/B&Bs chosen for location and character)
Transport: dedicated Mercedes Sprinter touring minibus with experienced local driver + all scheduled sea crossings
Price: Targeting CAD $5,500 per person
Where the Tour Goes – Landscapes, Ruins & Remote Wonders
The tour moves through Ireland’s southwest, from Atlantic coast and islands to dramatic inland landscapes and ruins. Daily routing stays flexible to allow for group decisions and impromptu photographic stops.
The photographs below, captured by Bret Culp on earlier visits, show the texture, light, and history found along the 2026 itinerary.
Mulgrave Barracks, County Kerry
O’Brien’s Castle, Aran Islands
Valentia Island, County Kerry
Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula
Skellig Michael, County Kerry
Skellig Michael, County Kerry
Skellig Michael, County Kerry
Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare
See more of Bret’s work from Ireland [View Ireland Portfolio→]
Itinerary
At a Glance
Day 1: Shannon to Adare and the Skellig Coast, overnight in Portmagee at The Moorings
Day 2: Skellig Michael attempt, Valentia Island and the Ring of Kerry, overnight in Portmagee at The Moorings
Day 3: Skellig backup day, Valentia Island and the Ring of Kerry to Killarney, overnight Killarney at Killarney Court Hotel
Day 4: Killarney area to Dingle, overnight in Dingle at Barr na Sráide Inn
Day 5: Dingle Peninsula, including Slea Head and Conor Pass, time in Dingle town, overnight in Dingle at Barr na Sráide Inn
Day 6: Tarbert to Killimer ferry, Cliffs of Moher and Hag’s Head, Burren National Park, overnight Ballyvaughan at Hylands Burren Hotel
Day 7: Doolin to the Aran Islands, Inisheer (Inis Oírr) stop, continue to Inishmore (Inis Mór), overnight Inishmore at Pier House Guest Bed & Breakfast
Day 8: Inishmore (Inis Mór), island day, overnight Inishmore at Pier House Guest Bed & Breakfast
Day 9: Ferry to the mainland, Burren coastline stops, return near Shannon Airport
Sequence and specific stops may adjust due to weather, access, and group pace and preferences.
Download itinerary PDF (2026-03-08)
Day-By-Day Details
Day 1: Sunday, September 13
Shannon to the Skellig Coast
We meet near Shannon Airport and travel southwest via Limerick to Adare, founded in the 13th century and known for thatched cottages and castle and church ruins.
From there, we continue to the Iveragh Peninsula section of the Ring of Kerry, with selected stops such as Ballycarbery Castle. Along the route are stone circles, Ogham standing stones, Iron Age forts, beaches, islands, and small colourful villages.
Portmagee will be our base for exploring the Skellig region over the next two days.
Overnight (2 nights): The Moorings, Portmagee, an award-winning harbourfront boutique hotel.
Day 2: Monday, September 14
Skellig Michael and the Skellig Coast
Subject to sea conditions, we attempt a landing on Skellig Michael, a sheer Atlantic rock pinnacle and UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 6th-century monastery clings to the cliff in dry-stone cells and terraces. Reaching the monastery is optional and involves more than 600 steep stone steps. Those who prefer not to ascend, or are unable to, can remain at lower levels on the island.
Back on the mainland, we continue through the Skellig region, with time on Valentia Island and nearby locations along the Ring of Kerry.
Overnight: The Moorings, Portmagee (second night).
Day 3: Tuesday, September 15
Skellig Coast to Killarney
If sea conditions prevented the visit on Day 2, we will attempt access to Skellig Michael today. We spend time on Valentia Island, then continue through the Ring of Kerry as we make our way toward Killarney.
Valentia Island offers rugged Atlantic coastline, harbour viewpoints, and quiet back roads. The Skellig region and the Ring of Kerry include coastal viewpoints and historic sites, including Uragh Stone Circle, forts, castles, and abbey ruins.
We arrive in Killarney in time for dinner. Killarney has a compact, lively centre with restaurants and pubs, traditional music sessions, and jaunting cars (horse-drawn carriages).
Overnight: Killarney Court Hotel, Killarney.
Day 4: Wednesday, September 16
Killarney to Dingle
We photograph the Killarney area, with time at Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey ruins, Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe, Molly’s Cottage, and Ladies View. Ladies View was named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting during her 1861 visit and is traditionally associated with the line, “This is the finest view in all the realm.”
Later, we continue west to Dingle town on the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle is a lively historic port known for traditional music, pubs, culinary excellence, and an artistic atmosphere. It sits within a Gaeltacht region, where Irish is spoken day to day in the community.
Overnight (2 nights): Barr na Sráide Inn, Dingle, a family-run guesthouse and pub on Main Street in the heart of town.
Day 5: Thursday, September 17
Dingle Peninsula
We spend the day on the Dingle Peninsula photographing Slea Head and Conor Pass, with time for stops at beehive structures, Dunquin Pier, several castle ruins, and coastal and mountain viewpoints.
Back in Dingle town, there is time to explore the harbour and streets, visit galleries and shops, and take in pubs and traditional music in the evening.
Overnight: Barr na Sráide Inn, Dingle (second night).
Day 6: Friday, September 18
Dingle to The Burren
We depart Dingle and travel north, crossing the Shannon estuary by ferry between Tarbert and Killimer, then continuing into County Clare.
At the Cliffs of Moher, we walk out toward Hag’s Head and the signal tower for a less-visited perspective of the cliffs and sea arches.
From there, we continue into Burren National Park and its stark limestone landscape, including the Poulnabrone portal tomb, which is older than the pyramids. Other stops may include Kilfenora Cathedral with its high crosses, ancient stone forts, and Leamaneh Castle.
Overnight (1 night): Hylands Burren Hotel, Ballyvaughan.
Day 7: Saturday, September 19
Doolin to the Aran Islands
We travel to Doolin and take the ferry to the Aran Islands, where the landscape includes dramatic sea cliffs, limestone terrain, and an extensive network of hand-built stone walls.
We disembark first on Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest of the three islands, for a brief visit. Key stops include the Plassey shipwreck and O’Brien’s Castle ruins.
We then continue on to Inishmore (Inis Mór), the largest island and our base for the next two days.
The Aran Islands are culturally distinctive because their geographic isolation has helped preserve Irish language, traditional island life, and local crafts that have changed elsewhere.
Overnight (2 nights): Pier House Guest Bed & Breakfast, Inishmore.
Day 8: Sunday, September 20
Inishmore
We spend the day on Inishmore photographing rugged limestone landscapes, prehistoric stone forts, and early Christian ruins.
Key stops are Dún Aengus, a massive prehistoric stone fort at the cliff edge about 100 metres above the Atlantic, the Wormhole (Poll na bPéist), a naturally formed rectangular tidal pool carved into the limestone, and the Puffing Holes (Na Poill Seideáin), where seawater is forced up through channels in the rock.
We also visit St Benan’s Church (Teampall Bheanáin). Set high above Killeany Bay, it is reputed to be the smallest church in Ireland.
Overnight: Pier House Guest Bed & Breakfast, Inishmore (second night).
Day 9: Sunday, September 21
Aran Islands to Shannon
We take the ferry back to the mainland, then continue through the Burren on our way to Shannon. The route offers additional limestone terrain and coastal viewpoints, with time for selected stops before the tour concludes near Shannon Airport in late afternoon.
What’s Included and Not Included
This tour is designed so you can focus on photographing. Logistics are organised in advance; daily shooting plans stay responsive to weather and the group’s priorities.
Included
9 days / 8 nights of guided photography with Bret Culp
Maximum of 8 participants, plus Bret Culp
Dedicated Mercedes Sprinter touring minibus with an experienced local driver
All scheduled ferries and sea crossings included in the itinerary
8 nights of single-occupancy accommodation
Breakfast each morning
Entry to select heritage sites included in the itinerary
On-location guidance, critique, and one-on-one coaching throughout the tour
Route planning shaped by light, weather, access, and time on location
Post-tour Zoom session for image sharing and critique
Not Included
Flights to and from Ireland (the tour starts and ends near Shannon Airport)
Travel insurance is required
Lunches, dinners, and alcoholic beverages
Camera gear and personal equipment
The Skellig Michael landing trip, which is sea- and weather-dependent and, if conditions allow, will be paid on the day
FAQ
-
It’s both: a small-group photo tour first, with a workshop emphasis through daily guidance, coaching, and critique. The pace is built around light, weather, and time on location rather than a rigid tourist schedule.
-
Yes. Single-occupancy rooms are planned for all participants throughout the tour.
-
The tour starts and ends near Shannon Airport. Exact meeting and drop-off details will be provided before the tour commences.
-
The tour is designed for photographers who want a measured pace, strong locations, and structured guidance. Participants should be comfortable working in changing weather and adapting to light and conditions.
-
Skellig Michael is weather-dependent. If a crossing is cancelled due to conditions or access, the tour will pivot to strong alternate locations and shooting opportunities in the region.
-
The tour involves walking on uneven ground at many locations, and specific demands vary by site and weather. Skellig Michael, if conditions allow, requires climbing more than 600 steep stone steps and walking on exposed, uneven terrain. A fuller outline of physical demands by location will be provided in the itinerary outline sent before booking opens.
-
Join the interest list on the tour page. Booking steps (deposit/payment schedule) and the itinerary outline will be emailed to the interest list before booking opens.
Who This Tour Is For
Photographers from committed beginner to advanced
Travellers who value depth over speed and tourism
Artists drawn to atmosphere, history, and weathered places
Those who find inspiration in ruins, coastlines, and ancient sites
Anyone able to manage moderate walking on uneven coastal terrain. The optional climb on Skellig Michael involves a steep ascent of over 600 uneven stone steps with exposure to heights and requires strong mobility and balance.
People who value shared experience but appreciate time to work independently
All experience levels are welcome.
Want to Join Bret Culp’s Ireland Photo Tour 2026?
This tour is limited to a small group. For first access to booking details, fill out the form below.
No commitment at this stage.
Prefer email. Contact Bret at [info@bretculp.com].
About Bret Culp
Bret Culp is a Canadian fine art photographer whose work explores impermanence, memory, and the passage of time. His photographs focus on landscapes, ruins, and environments shaped by weather, history, and human presence.
Alongside his photography practice, Bret has spent over three decades working in film and television as a visual effects supervisor and director. During his years working in Ireland on The Tudors and Camelot, he developed a deep familiarity with the country’s landscapes, light, and less-travelled locations. That experience continues to inform how he moves through Ireland photographically.
Bret’s approach to teaching emphasizes observation, patience, and working thoughtfully with changing conditions rather than chasing volume or spectacle. The focus is on developing a personal way of seeing, refining decision-making in the field, and producing work that holds up beyond the moment.
Throughout the tour, Bret will work closely with participants on location, offering practical guidance and considered critique while leaving space for individual process and interpretation.
Questions?
Questions are welcome. Email Bret at [info@bretculp.com], or use the form above.