Discover Ireland's best kept secret
Unlock the west of Ireland's varied and beautiful landscape with this Wild Atlantic Way coastal tour. Our journey along the Atlantic Edge of Ireland will explore some of the most remote and wildest places in the country taking in spectacular cliff walks, pristine beaches and dramatic sea stacks.
The town of Sligo is our starting point, known as the Surf Coast, and from this vibrant town we will spend the week hiking along the Wild Atlantic Way to finish up in the city of Galway. Along the way we will get to know the origins Ireland's famous myths and legends whilst visiting iconic heritage sites of this ancient landscape.
From Sligo this seven day walking tour continues to the rarely explored North Mayo coastline, Achill Island, Ireland's largest offshore island, and Ballycroy/Wild Nephin National Park. Our journey will wander south along Clew Bay where it is said there is an island for every day of the year! From the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way you'll enjoy Ireland's Big Sky country and a true sense of Ireland's wild side.
Each evening we will relax in luxurious accommodation and sample some of Mayo's Finest food from land and sea. With it's location on the Wild Atlantic Way, we have some of the finest, freshest seafood (crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, wild salmon) in the world. Our world famous, sea-spray mountain lamb, is a taste sensation. Add to this our fresh, organically grown local produce, local cheeses, artisan breads and a locally brewed craft beer, you certainly won't go hungry.
Upcoming Tour Dates
All on hold pending COVID19 update
Price per person
Price per person €1,695
Single Supplement +€200
A 20% deposit will be taken to secure booking
Minimum numbers apply
Highlights
Wild Atlantic Way of Sligo & Mayo
Summit Sligo's iconic table mountain
Hike along stunning coastal cliffs
Ireland's Holy Mountain - Croagh Patrick
Enjoy the finest ingredients in fresh local produce
Visit historic Irish houses and heritage centres
Irish music in traditional village pub setting
What's included
6 nights Luxury accommodation
2 x Dinners on night 1 and 6
5 x Lunches
Professional Mountain leader guides
All tour transport (including pick up and drop off at train station)
Not included
Airport Transfers
Travel & personal insurance
Location
Collection Sligo Train Station
Drop off Galway Train Station
Activity Level
"Fit & Active"
,This tour involves some hiking on uneven mountainous terrain
Ascents of up to 760m/2500 ft
Ground can be wet and boggy in places
This tour is suited to experienced hikers capable of hiking 4-7miles per day
Walking Carrowteige, Mayo
"The finest sustained coastal walk, with a profusion of cliffs, crags, caves, chasms and islands along the remote North Mayo Coast"
Lonely Planet Walking Guide
Itinerary
What is included in the workshop?
The cost of the workshop DOES INCLUDE: instruction from Dan Ballard, Music Meadow Ranch experience and photoshoots at several locations in Westcliffe, classroom courses, snacks & water.
This workshop DOES NOT INCLUDE: transportation to/from the workshop (flights or car rental), hotel accomodations, food or any gear
What about accommodation & transportation?
Please note that transportation and accommodations are NOT included and is up to each individual participant.
Hotel: I have reserved a block of rooms at the Lampost Lodge, located just outside the charming town of Westcliffe. After sign-up you will receive an email with information about confirming your stay.
Car: We will be carpooling during the workshop to each location. If you won't have your personal vehicle, I highly recommend renting a vehicle so you can also explore on your own before/after the workshop. Driving conditions will consist mainly of paved roads, so a standard car should be sufficient.
Flights: The Colorado Springs airport is the closest and is about a 2 hour drive from Westcliffe. You can also fly into the Denver airport which is a 2.5 hour drive.
What if I need to cancel?
All deposits are non-refundable but may be transferred to another available workshop up to 45 days prior.
If you cancel your workshop the following applies: If cancellation is received at least 45 days prior to the start of the workshop, the deposit can be applied to another workshop of your choice with available space. For cancellations received 0-44 days prior to the start of the workshop, deposits and workshop fee’s will be forfeited.
Please see Terms & Conditions page for more information:
https://www.danballardphotography.com/cancellation-policy
Where will we be shooting?
On Saturday and Sunday mornings we will be shooting sunrise at Music Meadow Ranch. Please be prepared to be up and ready to go very early!
On Friday and Saturday evenings we will be shooting beautiful old barns, windmills and homesteads around the Westcliffe area.
What do I need to bring?
Main photo gear:
-Camera body & lenses
-Tripod and strap
-Extra batteries
-Large memory card
-filters (optional)
*For this workshop I recommend Two camera bodies (if you have them) for quick shooting with a wide angle & telephoto lens (My go to set-up, not mandatory but ideal).
Always be prepared for any kind of weather. It can get VERY cold at niight and in the mornings:
-Warm clothing: layers are best
-Light gloves and beanie
-Rain jacket and/or umbrella
-Sturdy shoes for walking
Optional but highly recommended:
-Laptop with Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop installed
-About 15 of your best images for feedback session (flashdrive, ipad, link or prints)
-Pen & notepad (or laptop)
-Day pack with water & snacks
For other ideas please see the workshop gear page:
https://www.danballardphotography.com/photography-workshop-gear-list
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks"
John Muir
