Ireland - and Co. Clare

September 18 - September 27, 2009 To register, request a form from Patricia by contacting her at [email protected]

Details…

A photography tour/workshop with Tom McInvaille and Patricia Delker. This workshop will utilize the professional skills of Madison fine art and commercial photographer, Tom McInvaille, and the organizational skills and Ireland savvy of Patricia Delker in order to create a memorable introduction to those visiting Ireland for the first time, as well as allow a deeper exploration of Ireland's history and mysteries.

The Aran Islands are off the west coast of Ireland, about a 45 minute ferry ride from Co. . The Aran Islands are rich in Irish history, and were the sites of early monastic churches, stone forts and sacred sites. Fishing has long been the mainstay of the Islands and the culture grew around the influence of and the . In addition to traditional cottages, and stone walls separating fields, you will encounter some of the most breath-taking land and sea scapes. We spend time on each of the Islands to fully experience what it is like to spend a life with the sea. From the Islands, we visit on the west side of Ireland, which is the home of traditional Irish music. In we visit pubs for the "craic" (good times), plus spend a day in , a unique landscape filled with sacred sites, standing stones, quaint villages, and even a locally known fairy ring.

Tom will lead discussions about photography and provide insights and suggestions for those photographers seeking it. But the trip should not just be limited to photographers as there is plenty for all to experience...perhaps painting, sketching, or making a traditional Aran basket with one of the most well known basketmakers in Ireland, and of coarse, shopping opportunities. Patricia makes arrangements for evening get-togethers with local speakers, photographers, musicians. She is also available to provide historical and background information along the way. In addition, we will have a day in vibrant Galway City to settle into the Irish rhythms.

Itinerary.....

Friday, September 18 - Travel day. Departure to Ireland. (Participants make their own arrangements for flight into Shannon Airport. While you may have frequent flyer or other opportunities you want to exercise, you should make your arrangements so that you reach Shannon Airport by the a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. Return flights should be booked for the AFTERNOON. Aer Lingus out of Chicago is a good option. Low airfares via Aer Lingus are possible during Milwaukee Irish Fest specials in August.)

Saturday, Sept. 19 - Arrival early a.m. at the Shannon Airport. We will meet as a group at the airport and travel by private bus to Galway where we will spend our first evening in Ireland. We will be staying at a major downtown hotel within easy walking distance of Eyre Square and Galway shopping, restaurants and theatre. We should be there in plenty of time to explore this vibrant city.

Sunday, Sept. 20 - Following our included Irish breakfast at the hotel, we will bus to the ferry that will take us to Inishmore, the largest Aran Island. On arrival at the pier, we will be met by Bertie Flaherty, our driver for our time on Inishmore. Bertie is a native islander, and retired commerical fisherman, who can tell us about island life and take us to quiet places not on the regular tourist routes. We check in at our B&B, Kilmurvey House, a 250 year old stone house in the middle of the island where we will be pampered by our hostess Teresa and her staff. (Includes breakfast and two evening meals.) We will spend the afternoon exploring our surroundings. In the evening, we welcome Dara Malloy, a Celtic monk who will talk with us about Irish myths and Celtic spirituality. Dara and his partner Tess also own and operate an organic farm coop on the island and is very involved with Island life.

Monday, September 21 - Kilmurvey House is at the foot of Dun Aengus, an amazing Iron Age stone fort, which we will visit after breakfast and before the tourists arrive. At the fort, we take in a sweeping vista of the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs below. You will ask yourself whether this was a fortress or possible ancient spiritual site. After lunch, we can more fully explore the island on our own...either taking the bus back to the main town center or around the Kilmurvey House area where there are beehive huts (early monk's houses), a blue flag beach, Celtic crosses, and more.

Tuesday, September 22 - A day of instruction and exploration. Bertie may take us to the far end of the island and back. We may visit the studio of Vincent McCarron, traditional Aran Island basket-maker and grand story- teller. There will be time for a pint of Guinness at Joe Watty's Pub, or just to walk around. You might want to rent a bicycle at the pier. Dinner in the evening at Kilmurvey House.

Wednesday, September 23 - This morning after breakfast, we pack up and bus to the pier to catch the ferry (it might be "The Happy Hooker") that will take us to , the middle island. There will be few, if any, tourists here other than us. It is the most traditional of the Arans. We stay at An Dun, a B&B owned by Teresa and Padraic Flaherty. Padraic grew up on the island. An Dun is a great base for walking the many paths between stone walls that divide field/pasture from cottages that dot the island. (If you come back from the pub late at night, you might encounter the white donkey...yes, it's a real donkey that roams the island.) Here also you will find ancient sites, a community church with glorious Harry Clarke stained glass windows, a restored cottage where playwright John Millington Synge stayed in the late 1800's. There is also a woolen mill, a pub for lunch, and incredible landscapes and views everywhere.

Thursday, Sept. 24 - Even though it is a small island, you can't do it all the afternoon of our arrival, so this day is a full day to hike, explore, photograph...or maybe sketch or paint...or simply relax and watch the world passing by. Dinner this evening at An Dun, and Teresa will tempt you with special desserts, all included.

Friday, September 24 - After breakfast, we pack up to catch a ride to the pier for our ferry to , the smallest island---only about 4 miles around. Here you will find monastic ruins buried in the sand, a saint's grave, a hill fort, a beach, shipwreck, lighthouse and so much more. We can store our bags and have lunch at the local pub. In the late afternoon, we catch the ferry back to the mainland, and Doolin in Co. Clare. We will stay at the Doolin Activity Lodge, within walking distance of "downtown" Doolin and the pubs where you will find the sounds of traditional Irish music in the evening. Depending on his schedule, we may meet with Christy McNamara, photographer and traditional button accordian player.

Saturday, September 26 - Today we take our private bus into The Burren, one of the most astonishing landscapes in Ireland. We will visit holy wells, abbey ruins, ancient standing stones, the lovely town of Ennistymon, and even a fairy ring. This evening, we can share images and walk into town for a night at the pubs...or begin packing for the trip home.

Sunday, September 27 - After breakfast, we set off for the Shannon Airport in time for early afternoon flights back to the States.

Tour Size: Tour size is limited to 10.

Cost: $1,1995. This includes all accommodations, ground transportation and ferries, all breakfasts, five evening meals, speakers and guest artists.

It does not include airfare to Ireland or optional opportunities (basketmaking with Vincent McCarron), lunches, beverages, or other personal purchases.

Terms: $500 per person deposit due at time of registration. Additional $500 per person is due July 1, with the final balance due 30 days prior to departure.

To register, request a form from Patricia by contacting her at [email protected]