The Testimonials

‘Anne was most welcoming and looked after us very well and was interested in our progress. Mark’s approach has taken the ‘mystery’ out of photography for me. Wish I’d done a course like this years ago.’
Betty McCarthy, Dublin, February 2010

‘Great weekend and location, would do it again. Nice small group ideal for one to one tuition.’
Ann Marie Hayes, Co. Limerick, May 2010

‘The ambience and setting helped make the whole experience so worthwhile. Ann was so helpful and made the weekend a total pleasure. Thanks!’
Jane Keen, Waterford, April 2010

‘Wonderful weekend, learned much more than I expected. Didn’t want to go home!’
Angie O’Mara, Kilkenny, March 2010

‘This weekend was incredible. I would never have thought that in such a short space of time, I would learn so much while having the best fun in years! Mark is a natural facilitator as well as offering us golden nuggets of information. He simplified technology, brought it to life with practical examples, made everyone feel listened to and special. I was shocked at the quality of photos I took in just one day! I was a total novice with a brand new camera. The location is heavenly, woken by streaming sunlight and chirping birds, having slept on the most comfortable luxurious bed and pillows. The food was amazing, a real ‘foodies’ feast, the service excellent, homely but extremely professional. The ambience was warm, fun and we met very interesting people. The facilities are excellent, a magnificent stone barn conversion with beautiful contemporary detail. We are already booked in for the next photography course. I would highly recommend this weekend! A big thanks to Mark, Pat and Anne at Kilkenny Country Retreat.’
Orla Nolan, Dublin, February 2010

‘Thank you very much for the wonderful weekend, the great company, super tuition and delicious food. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and did our revision of what we learned coming back in the car!’
Arthur Donovan, Dublin, September 2010

‘Got far more from the weekend than I anticipated, thoroughly satisfied! Found the whole weekend extremely enjoyable. Would recommend this course to anyone interested in photography.’
Caroline Dignam, May 2010

‘Delightful!’
Ann Hyland, Wexford, October 2010

‘Excellent!’
Eva McSweeney, Kilkenny, October 2010

‘Super Weekend, will recommend it.’
Eithne Earle. July 2010

‘Another great welcome from Ann, The course really helpful, great improvers level, always something to learn, love it!’
Anne Marie Hayes, Limerick, October 2010

‘Very enjoyable. Course was very informative and fun. Mark and Ann are wonderful. Hope to be back for the improvers course!’
Jackie Brennan, Dublin, September 2010

‘Every aspect of the weekend exceeded my expectations.’
Donal Costigan, Kilkenny, September 2010

‘Having promised myself for years that I would do a photography course, I packed myself off to South Kilkenny last weekend where I joined a small group of other wannabee photographers and we entrusted ourselves to the tutelage of professional photographer Mark McCall. Despite some pretty grey Irish weather and rain that 'was down for the day', we all managed to take some pretty decent photographs and I for one was completely hooked. It helped that the very professional and relaxed teaching style of Mark took place in a beautiful old restored village (think Crete without the sun!!) where the hospitality provided by Pat and Ann was so laid back that I began to imagine I was just visiting friends in the country. From the glass of wine in the library in front of the open fire to the lemon cake and muffins at 11, and the afternoon in the woods above Inistioge, I hardly noticed the return journey to Dublin - I must have been daydreaming about where I'd hang all those award-winning photographs!’
Camilla Beglan, Berlin, February 2011

‘My Husband and I spent a very relaxing weekend at Kilkenny Country Retreat in early February. He was there to participate in the photography course given by Mark McCall while I tagged along just to enjoy a very lazy weekend in the countryside. While I enjoyed immensely the shared meals and drinks with the photography group it was really nice just to spend time exploring the area around New Ross and Inistioge . Kilkenny Country Retreat is very comfortable and it was a real pleasue to read or browse the internet while relaxing in front of the fire being fed delicious homemade cakes. The staff couldn't do enough for me even offering breakfast in bed if I didn't want to join the others! Himself really enjoyed the course and got a lot out of it while I probably had the most relaxing weekend I've had in ages. I am already working on convincing the husband that he needs to do the advanced photography course. I think there is one in April...’
Eilis O’Donnell, Hastings, United Kingdom, February 2011

‘Kilkenny Country Retreat is tucked away in the most idylic spot and welcomed me with open arms. I attended a photography course given by Mark McCall and thought him a terrific tutor, being patient andinteresting right the way through. Considering I had never used a camera other than a throw-away I was blown away by the shots I took during the weekend. Anne and Pat, our amazing hosts were just fantasticly friendly and pampering, producing home made soups and breads along with mouth watering dinners and good wines . The care and thought that went into the decor and architectural structure of the stone cottages is worth a trip on it's own.I shall definitely be returning for more courses and pampering which I haven't experienced anywhere else. Well done everyone!’
John Carty, Dublin, March 2011

‘I participated in Mark McCall's photography weekend in April 2011 and had a wonderful time. The Inn is amazing, charmingly and luxuriously restored. On arrival, I felt compelled to put my mobile on silent, fearful that I might contaminate the tranquility and peace of Ballilogue Clochan. My room was total luxury and I was serenaded to awakeness by the sweetest dawn chorus! Ann's food was really tasty and wholesome. I expect a cook book is on the horizon! The photography workshop was excellent. Mark is a terrific teacher and focuses on the student and their personal photographic needs. He is very generous with imparting his knowledge and wisdom. I look forward to experiencing The Inn in the near future.’
Anne Redmond, Wexford, April 2011

‘I stayed at Ballilogue Clochan while doing an improvers photography course with Mark McCall and it was one of the most enjoyable and comfortable weekends I've ever spent anywhere, I learned quite a lot too. The location is great - so quiet and relaxing. The accommodation was superb - Ann's great food, big comfortable bed, great shower and great company. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!’
Jim Brindley, Cork, April 2011