Ireland is a popular European destination year-round, and there are many places to take beautiful pictures of Ireland. With stunning national parks, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, millions of tourists visit Ireland yearly to enjoy the country’s best sights. Many tourists start living in Dublin, the capital, to immerse themselves in the local Irish culture.
As content creators living in Ireland, we want to thank Claire for allowing us to write this guest post that combines our two great loves! Whether you visit Ireland for a year, week, or weekend, we’re happily sharing top Ireland photography tips and the most beautiful parts of Ireland to photograph.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Ireland Tours: Click here to check out the top Ireland tours
Best Ireland Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Ireland
Best Ireland Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Ireland
Ireland Photography: Where to Take Beautiful Ireland Pictures
What does Ireland look like? Picture rolling green hills, rugged seaside cliffs, and charming historic villages. There are many beautiful images of Ireland on the Internet and social media, but none compare to experiencing the country in person. We’re highlighting the most beautiful parts of Ireland to take stunning Ireland pictures.
1. Dublin City
A guide to the best Ireland photography spots would be incomplete without a section about the capital’s best locations. Dublin should be on every visitor’s itinerary, as it’s the perfect introduction to Irish culture. The city is always buzzing with activity, from famous landmarks like Dublin Castle to hidden gems like the city canals.
To get to Dublin, fly into Dublin Airport, located north of the city. Hop on a bus or taxi to the city center, which takes about 20 minutes. Fast bus tickets cost around €7, while a taxi is usually €25. Cheaper buses are also available for about €2 per ticket, but they take 40-45 minutes to reach the city.
Below are the top places in Dublin to take classic Ireland images:
The Temple Bar Pub
You must visit Temple Bar Pub during your trip to Dublin. Located in the Temple Bar District, known for its live music and Irish spirit, the Temple Bar Pub is an iconic institution. We suggest taking photos here when visiting Dublin in the winter, as it will be decorated for Christmas.
This pub is always busy as one of the most famous places to take beautiful pictures of Ireland. Visitors usually take photos directly in front of the pub, so you may have to wait your turn. For a stress-free experience, take pictures from the side of the pub for a great view of the red wall and hanging Christmas tree.
St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre and Park
St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Center is unusual, from the glass and iron architecture to the giant central clock! The buildings provide a unique backdrop for creative and artistic shots. Our favorite spots to take photos inside include the stairs and central platform.
If you’re traveling to Ireland in the spring, St. Stephen’s Green Park is another beautiful area to capture pictures of Ireland. All the plants and trees will be in bloom, and the park offers a gazebo, numerous ponds, and open grass spaces to experiment with taking photos.
2. Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park is one of our favorite places to capture images of Ireland on a weekend or week-long trip. There are many things to do in Wicklow, and of course, there are beautiful places to photograph. The national park is about an hour from Ireland’s capital, Dublin, making it easy to visit.
There are several ways to get to Wicklow from Dublin. There is a direct bus, but it only offers two daily rides—one in the morning and one at night. You can also take the train to one of Wicklow’s coastal towns and take the bus or taxi around the park. This is not the most practical way to get around, however. The easiest way to get to Wicklow is by car. Rent a car at a big brand company or use the GoCar app for a short day trip.
Below are our favorite locations to take Ireland images in the Wicklow Mountains National Park:
Powerscourt Waterfall
Powerscourt Waterfall is a stunning place to take pictures of Ireland in the fall when the surrounding forest transforms into an aesthetic wonderland. With orange-colored trees, a towering waterfall, walking paths, and a flowing river, this spot offers many photo opportunities.
Devil’s Glen
Devil’s Glen is another famous place to take pictures in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Like Powerscourt Waterfall, Devil’s Glen is gorgeous in the fall. The walk there is mainly tree-covered, so fall is the perfect time to snap pictures of the red and orange leaves.
3. Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is an excellent place to take beautiful pictures of Ireland without crowds of tourists since it’s off the beaten path. Located in County Kerry, the peninsula is often overlooked by visitors who focus on the southern Ring of Kerry. There are two underrated Ireland photography spots on the peninsula that you must visit:
Inch Beach
Inch Beach is a five-kilometer stretch of sand located a few minutes from Dingle. The beach, which sits directly off the road, consists of compact golden sand. At low tide, you can drive and park on the beach. We enjoyed this experience, but stay aware of the tide, as some cars get stuck in the water!
Low tide is the best time to take photos at Inch Beach. In some parts of the beach, a thin layer of water acts as a mirror, reflecting your subject. This unique phenomenon makes it easy to capture creative shots.
The beach is also a hotspot for surfing, a surprisingly popular Irish activity. Photographing surfers in action is a great memory to bring home from your Ireland trip. If you feel inspired to catch some waves, rent surfing gear on the beach for about €10.
Inch Beach is also a fantastic spot to photograph the Ring of Kerry, as you can see it from the sand.
Cappagh Beach
Cappagh Beach is one of Ireland’s top underrated gems. Located in the northern area of the peninsula, it offers a long, pristine stretch of golden sand and turquoise blue waters surrounded by mountains. This area reminded us of French Reunion Island. When we visited, the sky was partly cloudy with rays of sunshine peeking through, which gave the beach a dramatic look—perfect for photos!
What to Wear in Ireland
Quick Tip: View my full UK packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my UK Essentials shopping list here.
Where to Stay in Ireland
Luxury:
Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Golf Resort
Mid-Range:
Budget:
Skellig Port Accommodation – 2 Bed Apartment
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
How to Take Beautiful Pictures of Ireland
Ireland is a stunning country with many landmarks and natural areas, making it easy to capture stunning Ireland images. However, Ireland photography can be challenging due to unpredictable weather. Prepare for clouds and rain regardless of the season you’re visiting Ireland. Some of our rainiest trips to Ireland have been during summer, so here are our top tips for taking beautiful Ireland pictures year-round:
- Pack rain gear: Always pack your rain gear, even if the sky is blue and the sun is out. The weather can change quickly, and you may experience all four seasons throughout the day. Trust us when we say taking an Ireland photography trip without the proper gear isn’t fun!
- Bring camera protection gear: In our years of living in Ireland, our camera has seen many raindrops. We always pack our camera protection case in a waterproof bag when taking pictures in Ireland.
- Visit at the right time: The weather is often gray, making it challenging to find the optimal lighting to capture the most beautiful parts of Ireland. Mornings are typically nicer, with minimal clouds and soft light that makes photos clearer and reduces harsh sun spots.
- Be careful: Did you know that the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most deadly tourist spots? Sadly, people often move too close to the edge and fall off the cliffs while taking photos. Please stay on the paths and away from the drop-offs! Instead of taking unnecessary risks, use different angles and editing to get the best shots.
- Stay aware: Ireland is a relatively safe country, with most locals and visitors being honest, friendly people. Still, we recommend keeping an eye on your gear, never advertising how much you have or its value, and never leaving gear in your car. Always hold onto your camera, especially in busy areas like Grafton Street and Henry Street. While we’ve never had issues and have taken numerous photos with a tripod in those areas, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings nearby.
Ireland Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Ireland?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to UK which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for UK on Amazon here.
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Ireland?
I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Ireland?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
How and Where to Take Beautiful Pictures of Ireland: Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering, “What does Ireland look like in person?” I highly suggest planning an Ireland photography trip! Ireland is a beautiful and diverse country with many famous sights you won’t find elsewhere. With this guide to the most beautiful parts of Ireland for photography, you’ll capture stunning images of Ireland with minimal effort. Happy travels!
Author’s Bio
We are Eric and Marie, the part-time travelers behind Be Right Back and @twolostexplorers. From idyllic beaches to adventurous road trips, we focus on romantic travel in Europe and beyond. We also share our budget tips to help people travel as they want without breaking the bank.
