Any photography enthusiast who's been to Ireland will tell you the same thing "your camera will just love Ireland”. So, there were a lot of happy cameras indeed when a group of students and professors from Buena Vista University USA came over to capture the myth & magic of the Emerald Isle! Ireland through multiple lenses is about passion for photography, love for everything Ireland, creativity without boundaries and friendships old & new.
Experience Ireland through multiple lenses as this amazing group of people share their favorite photos and stories of a picture-perfect trip to Ireland!
Ireland through multiple lenses
By Dr. Andrea Frantz
As a long-time professor, I can safely say nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student’s reactions to a brand-new idea or experience. Upon embarking on something new, students often feel some combination of the following: 1) a little fear of the unknown; 2) genuine curiosity about deviating from the norm; 3) joy at surviving a new thing (and sometimes a little horror—black pudding is apparently not for everyone); and 4) growing confidence with experimentation.
Dr. Andrea Frantz and Dr. Wind Goodfriend, and the BVU Irish Brigade
Our students, some of whom have neither traveled internationally nor ever previously picked up a DSLR camera, explore the gorgeous Irish landscapes and cities learning how to capture the experience visually through their lenses.
There are many aspects to this trip, of course, but the photography project is, if you’ll pardon the pun, a focal point. What always amazes me is that students new to photography choose things I would never think to capture. Every visual storyteller experiences a new space uniquely.
Though my friendship with Ester and Gerrit of Kerry Experience Tours pre-dates their partnership on the road, my groups have been fortunate to travel with one or both of them for several years. This year, our group of twelve students and two faculty members benefitted from the wit, wisdom, and experience of both of them as we caravaned across the country.
So, after a great two-week adventure, we decided to offer up some reflections and a favorite experience or photo from each of the people in the group.
Row 1 left to right: Lea Pederson, Dr. Wind Goodfriend, Abby Clark, Madisen Betcher, Joshua Tigges and Emelia Jacobs. Row 2 left to right: BrieAnn Haberl, Gabe Peterson, Ramon Garcia, Isaac Stone, Errol Alden, Ned Hayes, Carter Soyer and Dr. Andrea Frantz
photos and reflections of ireland
1. derry
Abby Clark
"Throughout our trip, we spent a lot of time with Ester and Gerrit, and they are the most amazing people and storytellers. My favorite thing was visiting Derry where we did a walking tour with our guide Terry Brown. This photo is of one of the city streets that we passed on our tour and the color of the buildings and the movement on the street is what caught my eye. Our walking tour of Derry was full of history and stories of the area but what made it so memorable was the story that Terry shared with us from his personal experience on Bloody Sunday. The way that he told the story was so moving and emotional because it showed how one event can truly impact someone’s life."
Abby Clark
2. Ladies View, Killarney National Park
BrieAnn Haberl
"I really enjoyed our day with Ester and Gerrit when we traveled from Ennis to Sneem and took photos along the way. In particular, Ladies’ View really spoke to me. We were there when the sun was just starting to come out from behind the clouds. The area bright from the sun was a breathtaking view, almost postcard-like. This was one of my favorite spots from our trip that we got to stop and see. The bright green and blue of the fields and sky seem to go on forever."
BrieAnn Haberl
3. Connemara
Carter Soyer
"Ester and Gerrit were phenomenal tour guides on our trip. They made certain we were taken care of, safe, and having a good time the entire time we were with them. Their hospitality and kindness elevated my Ireland experience to another level. The photo I wanted to share is one I took while we were traveling through Connemara. I captured a painting a local artist did of the landscape. She had just finished painting when we arrived at the stop, and I spoke with her and took the photo of her piece. I feel this photo and my interaction with the artist encapsulates what I felt on this trip. Creativity and expression seemed to be woven into the people of Ireland and I could feel it the entire time."
Carter Soyer
4. Pubbing
Gabe Peterson
"During our trip to Ireland, our group was able to connect with our drivers, Ester and Gerrit, quite well. One of the reasons we connected so well with each other was their humorous and outgoing personalities. I remember one conversation vividly with Ester when I told her I did not feel like going to the pubs that night. She explained that I had to go out to the pubs and experience it because I might not ever get the opportunity again. This goes with other things such as when Gerrit told me to jump into the water. Both individuals helped me stretch my boundaries, and I am grateful for that. This is why I chose the photo with my friends, which represents us being able to go out of our comfort zones and have a fantastic time."
Gabe Peterson
5. Ring of Kerry FLOWERS
Emelia Jacobs
"Ester and Gerrit were wonderful tour guides from the moment they picked us up in Dublin. We were encouraged to spend some time getting to know each of them, and no matter what van you ended up in, it was always fun. Gerrit and Ester both had amazing stories and jokes to tell. They were able to show us so much in so little time and made it a point to allow us to enjoy our time at each and every space. I really enjoyed this because I never felt rushed. During our Ring of Kerry tour, I captured all of this bright and luscious greenery as well as beautiful flowers near the edge of a cliff. This experience as well as many others will be great memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and they wouldn’t be as special without the influence of Ester and Gerrit. If and when I ever go back to Ireland and if I ever have family or friends that want to venture to the Emerald Isle, I will make sure to book Kerry Experience Tours because I had such a fantastic experience with them."
Emelia Jacobs
6. Gleesk, county Kerry
Errol Alden
"This whole day of traveling the Ring of Kerry was an absolute blast. While tired from the previous day’s travels, the constant fun conversation from Ester and Gerrit kept me awake during all the beautiful views from the vans. We always got to see the best views without being in tourist traps. This photo is extra special because as we were finishing up the day of perfect sunshine, we were able to see a massive storm that we completely missed because of the great planning by the Kerry Experience tours. If I ever have the pleasure to be back in Ireland, I will make sure that part of the time is planned with Ester and Gerrit so that I can have an amazing experience."
Errol Alden
7. CLIFFS OF MOHER
Isaac Stone
"Ester and Gerrit took great care of my group when we visited Ireland. They were such a treat to be around. They both have wonderful personalities and always had great stories to tell us. They brought us to many amazing sites that I will never forget. Also, the van seats were very comfortable! The photo I have chosen as my favorite is from the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher was an excellent site to see. Not only did I take plenty of photos with my camera, but with my phone as well. I thought to myself, there is no way I am forgetting this site. It was amazing and I am very thankful I got to see it."
Isaac Stone
8. BEE FRIENDLY
Madisen Betcher
"This trip was absolutely amazing, and I thought it couldn’t get any better—and then we got Gerrit and Ester as our drivers. Both are hilarious and have the best stories to tell! One of my favorite photos I took on the trip was this bee picture. The picture was taken leaning slightly over the edge of a cliff on a roadside stop. One of the many stops we took around the Ring of Kerry, where I accumulated several of my other favorite pictures from the trip."
Madisen Betcher
9. FRIENDS, & cliffs of moher
Ramon Garcia
"During my trip to Ireland, I enjoyed spending time with our drivers Ester and Gerrit. They were wonderful people who truly took great care of us. As the days passed, I got to know them better through the stories they shared on the rides creating a deeper connection with each moment. One of the highlights was a photo I took during the Ring of Kerry tour, capturing the scenery and the friendship of Ester and my professors. The picture symbolizes the true meaning of friendship, a bond that transcends distance but excitement when coming together. The other picture is a scenery of the Cliffs of Moher. This was one of the highlights of the trip. I liked the view and the walks while enjoying the fresh air."
Ramon Garcia
10. STACKED STONES
Ned Hayes
"Throughout the trip, we got to spend a lot of time with Ester and Gerrit and connect with them through their stories. Whether it was hearing Gerrit’s story of driving around Justin Bieber years ago or Ester trying to convince us to try out something new, I was always engaged. I took this photo at what was supposed to be a quick stop, but my friends and I wandered off a little too far. Our wandering caused us to be a little off schedule; however, on the bright side, I got this great photo of these stones stacked up perfectly balanced with the shore in the back. You could imagine Gerrit and Ester as these stones, and our group as the crazy waves. They made sure we were on track and helped us every step of the way."
Ned Hayes
11. TORC WATERFALL
Joshua Tigges
"While the jaw-dropping sights of the Emerald Isle leave you in awe, it’s the people who remain engrained in your memory. And few compare to the welcoming smiles and infectious laughter of Ester and Gerrit. Without a doubt, their hospitality and expert knowledge of popular tourist attractions, as well as hidden gems, create an unforgettable experience that left me with no question about making another trip. Since this was my second trip with Kerry Experience Tours, in a sense it felt like a “welcome home” celebration seeing Ester and Gerrit once again. That’s why I love this picture I captured when they brought me to Torq waterfall not far from Sneem. It proves they’re willing to go off the beaten path for the hidden beauties that may be in the middle of the woods, on the top of a mountain, or down by the ocean."
Joshua Tigges
12. LADIES VIEW TREE
Dr. Wind Goodfriend
"I’ve been to Ireland almost a dozen times, but Kerry Experience Tours knows all the ways to make the visit truly special. Our stop at Ladies View on the Ring of Kerry meant I could enjoy my favorite tree (shown here) with no motion sickness at all from the super curvy roads, due to the excellent driving and laughs I had with Ester and Gerrit. They are not just guides and drivers – they are friends."
Dr. Wind Goodfriend
13. GEOKAUN MOUNTAIN, Valentia Island
Dr. Andrea Frantz
"A few years ago, Gerrit suggested an alternate lunch stop as we toured Ireland’s most fabulous spots along the Ring of Kerry. “Would you be open to a picnic?” he asked. We were! It was a gorgeous day and sitting inside—even in one of Kerry’s colorful pubs—just seemed wrong. He then drove us to the top of the Geokaun Mountain for an astounding view on that breathtaking day. I was sold. Ever since, I have kept my fingers crossed for fantastic weather on the day I introduce my students to the wonders offered up by Ireland’s most picturesque county, because I know our lunch spot will be unparalleled for great landscape and detail photos. This year we were again rewarded with gorgeous weather as Ester and Gerrit seem to carry the “luck o’ the Irish” with them (or they know a beneficent Cailleach aimsire). While I don’t know if this is my favorite photo of the trip, it’s one that aptly represents one of my favorite spaces to which Ester and Gerrit have introduced us."
Dr. Andrea Frantz
14. SNEEM DREAM TEAM
The BVU student group offered up some sweat and muscle to help Sneem community members build a new flower bed in the village. Pictured in front left: Joshua Tigges. Front right of wheelbarrow: Lea Pederson and Emelia Jacobs. Back row left to right: Isaac Stone, Ramon Garcia, Carter Soyer, Madisen Betcher, BrieAnn Haberl, Abby Clark, Ned Hayes, Errol Alden, and Gabe Peterson.
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About Kerry Experience Tours
For a truly local experience in one of the most charming and warm cultures in the world, Kerry Experience Tours will show visitors the most magical parts of Ireland. On offer are private day tours, and multiday tours tailored to suit your wishes. Enjoy the most scenic drives, spectacular land and seascapes, historic wonders, inspirational places, and hidden gems off the beaten path, completed with background information and stories. Enjoy the absolute best Ireland has to offer, creating memories that last a lifetime. Join Kerry Experience Tours and find the Ireland you’ve always imagined.
"Ester & Gerrit" by Emelia Jacobs
