About Us
IRELAND IN FOCUS:
At Ireland in Focus, we believe in creating a seamless blend of exploration, photography, and cultural immersion. Our tours are designed to connect you with Ireland’s wild beauty, its ancient past, and its hidden stories. Whether you’re here to perfect your photography skills or simply to experience the magic of Ireland’s landscapes, our tours offer a truly unforgettable journey.
ABOUT CIARAN
With over two decades of experience as Sligo’s foremost landscape photographer and a degree in History, Ciaran McHugh offers a unique blend of skills and knowledge to every tour he leads. His work captures the wild beauty of Sligo’s landscapes, but it is his deep connection to the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage that truly defines his tours.
Ciaran’s intimate knowledge of Ireland’s most scenic locations—many of which remain hidden from the typical tourist path—gives him a unique perspective on the land. As your guide, he helps you not only capture stunning images of these landscapes but also gain a deeper understanding of their significance. Whether you're an experienced photographer or someone with a decent camera phone looking to improve your skills, photography serves as a gateway to discovering the true essence of Ireland’s north-west.
The north-west of Ireland is rich with cultural history, ancient sites, and hidden gems, and Ciaran, having spent much of his life exploring this rugged region, knows it like no one else. On the tour, he will lead you to locations that only a local would know—off-the-beaten-path archaeological sites, ancient monuments, and stunning vistas that you won’t find in any guidebook. Along the way, Ciaran shares the stories of these places, bringing them to life with fascinating historical and cultural insights.
The tour is not only about photography but also about immersing yourself in the local culture. You’ll meet some of Ireland’s leading craft artisans, witnessing them practice their age-old crafts in their contemporary studios. Ciaran’s personal connections with these artists give guests a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of tradition and modern creativity that is such a vibrant part of Irish life today.
Ciaran’s passion for his homeland is evident in every aspect of the tour. His goal is to ensure that each guest leaves with more than just photographs—they leave with a deep connection to Ireland’s landscapes, culture, and history. By the end of the tour, you’ll have not only a stunning album of images but also a richer understanding of this extraordinary part of the world.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a history lover, or someone seeking to explore the authentic side of Ireland, Ciaran’s tours offer a rare opportunity to experience the hidden heart of the west of Ireland through the lens of both a professional photographer and a passionate historian.
Contact Ciaran: ask@irelandinfocus.ie
Watch Ciaran being interviewed about his "Into the Twilight - the Landscape of WB Yeats" photography exhibition for IrishTV. The exhibit was held in City Hall as part of the 2015 Tread Softly Festival.
The collection comprises a set of black and white panoramic images inspired by the physical landscape embodied in the writing of WB Yeats.
It was originally launched by the British Ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott at The Hyde Bridge Gallery in March.2015.