Ireland in Focus Photography & Heritage Tours with Ciaran McHugh
I’ve spent the last two decades photographing the landscapes of the North West, and I created these Ireland in Focus tours to share the places, people, and stories that have inspired me the most.
These are small-group experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail. Over the course of seven days, I’ll take you to some of my favourite off-the-beaten-track locations—ancient ruins, wild coastlines, hidden holy wells—and introduce you to some of the incredible craftspeople who still keep traditional skills alive today.
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just love capturing moments on your phone, this is a chance to slow down, connect, and see Ireland differently.
Where We Stay - Temple House
For the week, we base ourselves at Temple House, a stunning Georgian manor set on a 1,000-acre private estate here in Sligo. The house overlooks a 13th-century lakeside castle once held by the Knights Templar, and we have exclusive use of both the house and grounds.
It’s the perfect setting to unwind, recharge, and soak up the atmosphere after a day exploring.
Group Travel, Personal Experience
One of the things people love most about the tour is that everything’s taken care of—you can just show up, switch off, and enjoy the journey.
Because the group is small and we stay in one place all week, there’s no rushing from hotel to hotel or keeping up with a packed schedule. Instead, you’ll have the space and time to really connect—with the landscape, with the people we meet, and with your own creative process.
It’s relaxed, personal, and designed so you can fully take it all in.
Ciarán Talks Tours...
In this short video, filmed up on Knocknarea Mountain, I talk about what makes these tours different—and why I started them in the first place.
It’s about more than photography. It’s about connecting with the land, the people, and the stories that make this part of Ireland so special.
