Your Tour Itinerary
In today’s world, we all like to know exactly what to expect—where we're going and what we'll be experiencing, and on what day. It’s understandable, of course. But at Ireland In Focus, we like to take a different approach.
You’re coming to discover a dramatic, ancient, and mysterious landscape—one that’s steeped in rich myths and legends. From the epic tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann to the story of the legendary warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill’s pursuit of Diarmuid and Gráinne across Benbulben, every mountain, lake, gully, and stretch of coastline in this region has its own story to tell.
This is a landscape that has inspired poets, scholars, and artists for centuries. It’s a place where every corner is woven with history, folklore, and natural beauty.
But like these stories, we believe the experience should unfold at its own pace, adapting to suit the mood and interests of the day.
Unlike larger, more commercial tour companies, whose itineraries follow a rigid format year after year, our tours are designed to be flexible, taking into account your personal interests and passions. We believe in creating the best possible experience for you, which means being responsive to the group’s energy, your curiosity, and, of course, the ever-changing Irish weather!
At Ireland In Focus, we are passionate about wonder. We love watching people’s faces light up as they experience some of Ireland’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring scenery. Each stop and story flows into the next, creating a seamless journey of discovery, free from the constraints of the “everything online, instant gratification” mindset.
So, what might your days on the tour look like?
Sample Day 1
Newgrange and the Hill of Tara
En route from Dublin to Temple House, we’ll visit two iconic sites: Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hill of Tara, the ancient royal seat of Ireland’s High Kings.
At Tara, you’ll see the legendary Lia Fáil coronation stone, one of the mythical treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Newgrange, built around 3,200 BC, predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids and offers extraordinary photographic opportunities.
Newgrange, built around 3,200 BC, predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids and offers extraordinary photographic opportunities.
Sample Day 2
Streedagh Beach and the Spanish Armada
Streedagh Beach, where three Spanish Armada ships were wrecked in 1588, offers wild, unspoiled beaches and dramatic scenery, perfect for photography. Capture the rugged shoreline and tranquil sands that hold echoes of this historic tragedy.
Mullaghmore Head
This Wild Atlantic Way gem features stunning views, legendary waves, and the striking Classibawn Castle framed by dramatic coastal scenery.
Seaweed Foraging with Prannie Rhatigan
Join Prannie Rhatigan, founder of the Irish Seaweed Kitchen, for a guided foraging experience. Learn about sustainable harvesting and enjoy a tasting of her seaweed-based creations in a beautiful coastal setting.
Benbulben Mountain
Known as Ireland’s Table Mountain, Benbulben’s dramatic limestone ridges are a dream for photographers. Learn about the legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his pursuit of Diarmuid and Gráinne across its slopes as you capture this iconic landmark.
The Gleniff Horseshoe
This glacial valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, is a secluded haven for photographers, offering ever-changing light and breathtaking vistas.
Sample Day 3
Lisheen House: A Unique Opportunity
Once known as Seafield House, Lisheen House was built in 1842 by William Phibbs, a prominent local landlord. Renamed in 1899 after a series of mysterious and unsettling events, this atmospheric site is rich in history and legend.
William’s son, Owen, returned from travels in Egypt and Syria in 1855 with a collection of artifacts, but soon after, the house became infamous for its violent poltergeist activity. Stories of shattered objects and frightened staff led to the family's departure. By 1938, Lisheen House was abandoned, its eerie reputation cemented in local lore..
The Fairy Glen
Walk through this dramatic chasm on Knocknarea’s slopes, flanked by towering ivy-clad limestone cliffs, an enchanting location featured in W.B. Yeats’ poetry
Knocknarea
Crowning the mountain is the massive rocky cairn known as “Queen Maeve’s Grave,” Ireland’s largest unopened cairn, believed to conceal a Neolithic passage tomb. Visible from miles around, it’s an iconic feature that adds a sense of history and myth to this spectacular landscape.
Sample Day 4
Cavan Burren Forest Park
Discover prehistoric tombs and geological wonders, including the “Giant’s Leap,” in this captivating forest park rich with history and legend.
Killnagh Bullaun Stone
This ancient stone, with its 16 carved depressions, holds links to rituals and folklore, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual past.
Traditional Irish Thatched Cottage
Visit a meticulously recreated 19th-century cottage once home to our guide’s ancestors, providing an authentic and personal connection to Ireland’s rural heritage. (Based on original cottage once owned by lead guide Ciaran’s great grandparents).
Glencar Lake and Waterfall
We will stop at Glencar Waterfall, a 50-foot cascade near Glencar Lough, inspired W.B. Yeats’ The Stolen Child with its enchanting “wandering water gushing.”
Nestled in a glacially carved valley, Glencar Lake is framed by steep cliffs and towering mountains, creating a breathtaking contrast between serene waters and rugged landscapes. This picturesque setting is perfect for capturing Ireland’s natural beauty.
Michael Quirke Woodcarver
Visit this renowned craftsman in Sligo, where he brings Irish myths to life through intricate woodcarving, sharing stories behind his creations.
Sample Day 5
Temple House: Explore your home away from home...
A morning relaxing and exploring your home for the tour, Temple House and its vast 1,000 acre estate.
Caves of Keash
Perched on Keshcorran Hill, these limestone chambers offer stunning views and atmospheric settings for photography.
Carrowkeel Passage Tombs
This Neolithic complex, older than the Egyptian pyramids, offers breathtaking views and insight into Ireland’s ancient past.
Dinner in Sligo Town
Enjoy traditional Irish music and hospitality at Thomas Connolly’s Pub, awarded Traditional Pub of the Year.
Michael Budd Blacksmith
Watch Michael Budd create contemporary works in his forge, showcasing the ancient craft of blacksmithing.
Sample Day 6
Skreen Graveyard
Photograph intricately carved box tombs by the Diamond family, renowned local stonemasons.
Aughris Head and Dunmoran Beach
Capture the rugged beauty of Sligo Bay and enjoy lunch at the 17th-century Beach Bar, a charming thatched pub by the sea.
The Split Rich and Easky Castle
Photograph the mysterious Split Rock, tied to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, and the historic ruins of Easky Castle.
Downpatrick Head
This dramatic outcrop features the towering sea stack Dún Briste and breathtaking views along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Sample Day 7
St. John's Point and Lighthouse
Explore this scenic peninsula in Donegal, home to the picturesque St. John’s Point Lighthouse and the historic Killaghtee Cross.
Silver Strand Beach
Nestled at Malin Beg, this horseshoe-shaped beach is framed by cliffs and golden sands, offering dramatic coastal views.
Slieve League Cliffs
Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, these towering sea cliffs provide stunning photography opportunities and sweeping ocean views.
Sample Day 8
John Ryan Ceramics
Visit John Ryan’s studio to photograph his handcrafted ceramics and the artistry of his creative process.
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Exploring Tobernalt Holy Well with Tamlyn McHugh
Our visit to Tobernalt Holy Well, one of Ireland’s finest and most spiritual sites near the shores of Lough Gill, will be enriched by a talk from Tamlyn McHugh, specialist on holy wells and folk religion.
Dooney Rock
This forest trail with views of Lough Gill offers a serene and poetic setting, famously inspiring Yeats’ The Fiddler of Dooney.
Creevelea Abbey
Photograph the atmospheric ruins of this 16th-century Franciscan friary, surrounded by tranquil countryside.
Stanford's Inn
Pause for a pint at this 250 year old historic family-run pub in Dromahair, rich with charm and character.
