Ireland Photography
Tour & Workshop 2026
Dunguaire Castle at dawn, County Galway (on the itinerary). Photograph by Bret Culp.
Wild Atlantic Way | September 13–21, 2026
9 Days / 8 Nights · 8 Photographers Max · Single Rooms
2026 BOOKING CLOSED · FUTURE TOUR INQUIRIES OPEN
A Small-Group Photography Tour in Southwest Ireland
This small-group Ireland photography tour and workshop is designed for photographers who want serious time on location, not a rushed checklist of scenic stops.
From September 13–21, 2026, you’ll travel through southwest and western Ireland along a carefully paced Wild Atlantic Way route shaped by strong locations, changing weather, and real working time in the field. With just 8 participants, single-occupancy rooms throughout, dedicated transport, and a route built from years of photographing Ireland, the trip is designed to give you both structure and photographic freedom.
Why Travel in Ireland With Bret
This tour is built from years spent living, working, and photographing in Ireland, including extended time there during the production of The Tudors and Camelot. Bret’s approach is shaped by deep familiarity with the country, a fine art photographer’s eye, and a pace designed for serious image-making rather than rushed sightseeing.
His work has appeared on the cover of PhotoEd Magazine and has also been featured in LensWork and Black & White Magazine. With only 8 participants, the tour allows for meaningful guidance, carefully chosen locations, and time to respond to light, weather, and place.
What Past Participants Have Said
“That was such a great experience. Thanks for getting us to Skellig.”
— D.J. Rycroft
“I sure had an awesome time — many thanks to Bret for all of his preparation.”
— Jim Nagy
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, plus scheduled sea crossings
Price: CAD $5,500 per person
Where the Tour Goes
The route moves through southwest and western Ireland along a line shaped by coastlines, ruins, remote landscapes, shifting weather, and places with visual depth and historical presence.
Rather than trying to cover everything, the tour focuses on a carefully chosen group of locations that reward time, attention, and repeat looking, including the Skellig region, the Dingle Peninsula, the Burren, and the Aran Islands.
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
Itinerary
The route is designed to balance strong locations, time on site, and the flexibility to respond to weather, light, and group priorities as the trip unfolds.
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.
Booking Status
Booking for the September 13–21, 2026 Ireland Photography Tour & Workshop is now closed.
This page remains available as an overview of the itinerary, accommodations, transportation, photographic locations, and workshop format.
To inquire about future Ireland photography tours with Bret Culp, contact info@bretculp.com
Physical Demands
This tour is designed for participants who are comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity over multiple consecutive days.
Photographing in these locations may involve uneven ground, stone paths, grass, gravel, coastal terrain, stairs, ferry travel, changing weather, and carrying camera gear day to day.
Skellig Michael, if sea conditions allow landing, is the most physically demanding part of the tour. Reaching the monastery involves climbing more than 600 steep, uneven stone steps with few handrails. This climb is entirely optional.
This tour is not suitable for those with significant mobility limitations or anyone who would be uncomfortable walking on uneven ground and managing full days on location.
Arrival & Departure
The tour begins near Shannon Airport on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with a planned group departure at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The tour is expected to return near Shannon Airport by approximately 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Detailed meeting instructions and final timing will be sent to confirmed participants in advance. Participants booking flights should review schedules carefully and allow adequate time on both ends of the tour.
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 the evening after a day shaped by the Skellig region, Valentia Island, and selected Ring of Kerry stops.
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 photograph the harbour and streets, rest, edit, or continue independent shooting before the following day’s route north.
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: Monday, 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
The tour price covers the core logistics and guidance needed for the trip. A few items remain separate, mainly personal travel costs, most meals, and weather-dependent extras.
9 days / 8 nights of guided photography with Bret Culp
Small group: 8 participants maximum
Dedicated Mercedes Sprinter touring minibus with an experienced local driver
All scheduled ferries 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 support throughout the tour
A post-tour Zoom session for image review, questions, and follow-up
Not Included
Flights to and from Shannon, Ireland
Travel insurance
Lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks
Camera equipment and personal gear
Optional Skellig Michael landing trip fee, payable on the day if conditions allow landing
Personal purchases and any costs outside the tour itinerary
Who This Tour Is For
This tour is designed for photographers who want a more deliberate week in the field, with strong locations, serious working time, and guidance that responds to conditions rather than forcing a rushed schedule.
It is especially well-suited to photographers who:
are drawn to coastlines, ruins, layered history, and places with visual depth
want a small group with room for both shared experience and independent image-making
are comfortable adapting to weather, uneven terrain, ferry travel, and full days on location
value thoughtful guidance over a fast-moving checklist approach
have a serious interest in making stronger photographs in response to place and conditions
This is not designed as a general sightseeing tour with brief photo stops.
About Bret Culp
Bret Culp is a Canadian fine art photographer and visual effects supervisor based in Ontario. He first spent extended time in Ireland while working there on The Tudors and Camelot, and has returned repeatedly over the years to photograph its coastlines, ruins, remote landscapes, and shifting weather. This tour grows directly out of that long experience of travelling, working, and photographing in Ireland.
His work was featured on the cover of PhotoEd Magazine in Fall 2024, with an accompanying article and photo spread, and has also appeared in LensWork and Black & White Magazine. His photographs have been shown in exhibitions in Canada and internationally, and his limited-edition prints are held in private collections.
In the field, Bret works closely with participants while leaving room for each person’s own pace, interests, and way of seeing. The emphasis is on clear guidance, honest feedback, and making stronger photographs in response to place, weather, and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is both. The trip is built around photographing strong locations in southwest and western Ireland, with guidance, feedback, and one-on-one support throughout. There is room for both shared group experience and independent image-making.
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Yes. Accommodation is based on single occupancy throughout the tour.
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No. You do not need to be advanced, but you should be comfortable using your camera independently and ready to work outdoors in changing weather, uneven terrain, and full days on location.
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Skellig Michael is always weather and sea dependent. If conditions prevent the crossing or landing, the day will shift to other strong photographic locations in the region.
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The tour involves a moderate level of physical activity over multiple days, including uneven ground, stairs, and coastal terrain. Full details are outlined in the Physical Demands section above.
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Bret will offer on-location guidance, feedback, and one-on-one support throughout the tour, while leaving room for each participant’s own pace, interests, and way of seeing.
Future Ireland Photography Tours
The 2026 Ireland Photography Tour is now closed for booking. Future small-group photography tours and workshops in Ireland are being considered. Submit an inquiry below to receive information when new dates and itineraries become available.
To inquire about future Ireland photography tours with Bret Culp, email info@bretculp.com.