An immersive small-group experience exploring Ireland’s hidden heritage – with photography as your way to connect more deeply with its landscapes, crafts, and people.
Ireland In Focus offers unique 7-day tours rooted in the cultural heart of northwest Ireland. Led by local photographer Ciaran McHugh, these small-group experiences are designed for curious travellers who want to slow down, explore off the beaten path, and discover Ireland’s rich traditions in a more personal way.
Whether you’re using a phone or a SLR camera, you’ll pick up practical tips to help you capture the story of your journey. But this isn’t a photography workshop. It’s about being present, opening yourself to the experience, and using photography as a gateway to deeper connection.
Stay somewhere special
Your base for the entire week is Temple House, a 300-year-old Georgian manor on a 1,000-acre private estate near Ballymote, Co. Sligo. With its own castle ruins, lake views, and historic experience chef and a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
Each tour includes:
- 7 nights at Temple House with dinner included
- A small, friendly group (maximum 14 guests)
- Daily guided visits to megalithic sites, quiet ruins, artisan studios & sacred places
- Visits to hidden heritage sites and wild landscapes that even many locals don’t know about
- Behind-the-scenes access to blacksmiths, potters, storytellers & more
- Ongoing photography tips and feedback, especially for mobile phone users
What you will experience
You’ll step into landscapes rich with myth and memory. Explore Ireland’s living craft traditions. And meet the people who are keeping those stories alive. With no hotel-hopping and no rush, this is a journey rooted in connection — to place, to heritage, and to yourself.
This is travel that values presence over pace, where every moment matters and every image tells a story.
More info…
- Admission fees: Paid tours (includes accommodation, breakfast & lunch) See site for details
- Open: Limited set departures each year – see website for dates
- Suitable for younger children: Best suited for adults
- Indoor facilities: Full private use of Temple House
- Dining/refreshments: Chef-prepared dinners included; breakfast provided
- Groups: Max 14 guests; private groups welcome with advance booking
- Accessibility: Some accessible rooms available – contact for info
- Parking: Free on-site parking
About Ballymote
Ballymote is an historic market town in gorgeous south Sligo. The Norman Castle dominates the town still to this day and it is open for you to explore and have a look around. Ballymote is home to The White Hag brewery who now offer Taproom Tours along with running their world famous Hagstravaganza beer festival.
The founder of Glasgow Celtic was born in Ballymote (Brother Walfrid) and it is a hive of traditional Irish music with famous musicians such as Paddy Killoran hailing from the area. You can enjoy some lovely walking trails in the area. The train station services both Sligo and Dublin and there is a great local link bus service too.
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