Ireland is on many people’s travel bucket lists, and when you see photographs of it, it is easy to see why.
With its lush green landscapes, rugged sea cliffs, magical castles and vibrant cities, this tiny island offers travelers a wealth of photo opportunities that are hard to miss.
Capturing the beauty of the Emerald Isle is not only rewarding, but can help fill your memories, photo albums and even your social media feed with stunning images.
Whether you are drawn to charming seaside villages, bustling urban scenes or the great Irish countryside, Ireland has something to offer every visual storyteller.
So, to help you capture the perfect photo worthy of sharing everywhere, I’ve collated a list of Ireland’s best Instagram places.
Want to know where they are? Get ready to explore some of the most photogenic spots this captivating country has to offer.
And remember to use some of these handy Ireland-themed Instagram captions with your pictures!
Dublin’s Photogenic Landmarks
The Irish capital boasts several iconic locations that are perfect for capturing stunning Ireland Instagram photos. These spots offer a mix of history, architecture, and vibrant culture.
The Ha’penny Bridge
The Ha’penny Bridge spans the River Liffey, offering picturesque views of Dublin’s cityscape. Built in 1816, this cast-iron pedestrian bridge is a beloved symbol of the city. Its white railings and lamp posts create an elegant silhouette against the water.
For the best shots, visit during golden hour when the setting sun bathes the bridge in warm light. Position yourself on the riverbank to capture the bridge’s graceful arch reflected in the water below.
Don’t forget to walk across the bridge itself. The views of the river and surrounding buildings provide excellent photo opportunities from every angle.
Trinity College Library
Trinity College Library is a book lover’s paradise and a photographer’s dream. The Long Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and rows of ancient books, is particularly photogenic.
Like me, when I visited, you will find it hard not to take hundreds of photos from all angles in this magnificent part of the Old Library of the College.
Arrive early to avoid crowds or go later in the afternoon when most have already visited, and capture the library’s grandeur without interruption. Look up to photograph the intricate ceiling details and busts of famous writers lining the shelves.
The Brian Boru Harp and the Book of Kells exhibition offer additional Instagram-worthy subjects. Just note that you cannot photograph the Book of Kells itself, but you are free to take pictures of the exhibition before it.
Natural light streaming through tall windows creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for moody shots.
Please be aware that from the end of 2025, the Long Room will be closed for renovation and restoration. Currently, only four shelves of books are in place, and there is a reimagined Long Room exhibition which visitors can view. (Reference)
Temple Bar District
Temple Bar’s colorful streets and lively atmosphere make it a prime spot for vibrant Instagram photos. Cobblestone lanes lined with pubs, cafes, and street art provide endless photo opportunities.
The iconic Temple Bar Pub, with its bright red exterior, is a must-snap location. To get the best photos, wander into Temple Bar early in the morning before the crowds descend on the area.
For unique shots, keep on the look out for artwork along streets, street performers, especially at weekends, and the colorful pub fronts dotted around this famous part of Dublin.
And remember, early morning offers peaceful, empty streets, while evenings showcase the district’s bustling nightlife.
The Wilds of the West Coast
Ireland’s west coast offers breathtaking vistas and rugged landscapes that captivate photographers and nature lovers alike. From towering cliffs to windswept national parks, this region provides endless opportunities for stunning Instagram shots.
Cliffs of Moher
No list of Instagrammable spots in Ireland would be complete without the Cliffs of Moher. As one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, it is also one of our most visited sites.
Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, these sheer rock faces stretch for 14 kilometers/8.7 miles along County Clare’s coastline.
You’ll find the best photo spots at the official visitor center, where paved pathways offer safe vantage points. For a more daring shot, hike along the cliff edge to O’Brien’s Tower.
The cliffs are most photogenic at sunset, when the fading light casts a golden glow on the rocks. Arrive early to secure a prime location, as the area can get crowded.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a quieter experience early in the morning, before the tour buses start to arrive.
Warning: The Cliffs can often be shrouded in fog and mist, and there is nothing we can do about the weather. You may also arrive to find it raining. Yes, this can be disappointing, but you should still make the most of your visit.
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park showcases the raw beauty of Ireland’s west. This vast wilderness of mountains, bogs, and heathlands offers diverse photo opportunities.
The Diamond Hill trail provides panoramic views of the Twelve Bens Mountain range and the Atlantic coastline. You’ll find picturesque scenes at every turn, from grazing sheep and colorful wildflowers to beautiful beaches.
For a unique shot, visit Kylemore Abbey on the park’s outskirts. This 19th-century castle reflected in its lake is a favorite among photographers and is an Irish Instagram-worthy shot.
Achill Island
A favorite holiday spot of my husband’s family when he was young, Achill Island is as wild and as rugged as it gets.
My husband introduced me to Achill on our motorbike honeymoon around Ireland, and I fell in love with it immediately.
Keem Beach is a famous Irish beach, where the basking sharks often come to feed. You can get some amazing shots from the road that sits along the side of the mountain on the approach to it.
The Scenic South
Ireland’s southern coastline offers breathtaking landscapes and charming towns perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. You’ll find rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and colorful coastal towns that capture the essence of the Emerald Isle.
Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometer circular route packed with stunning photo opportunities. You’ll encounter beautiful beaches, like Rossbeigh Strand, where you can capture the wild Atlantic waves.
Don’t miss the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass flanked by steep cliffs. It’s ideal for dramatic landscape shots, especially during golden hour. You can cycle, bike or walk it, or take one of the pony and traps up it.
The Ladies View lookout point offers panoramic vistas of the Lakes of Killarney. Frame your shot with the surrounding mountains for a truly awe-inspiring image.
And along the Ring of Kerry, you can also capture stunning images of Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey and the Torc Waterfall, one of Ireland’s best waterfalls. Of all the places to get amazing Instagram images of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry has it all.
The Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula boasts rugged coastal scenery and quaint villages. Inch Beach stretches for miles, providing endless opportunities for sunset photos.
Slea Head Drive offers clifftop views of the Blasket Islands. Stop at Dunquin Pier for a unique shot of the winding path leading to the sea.
In Dingle town, capture the colorful storefronts and the busy harbor. For a quirky photo, visit Foxy John’s – a hardware store that doubles as a pub. And don’t forget to try Murphy’s ice cream. I’ve tasted their varieties in Dublin, and they are so yummy.
Cobh
Cobh’s waterfront is a photographer’s dream. The town’s multicolored houses cascade down the hillside, creating a vibrant backdrop for your photos.
St. Colman’s Cathedral dominates the skyline. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the harbor and the surrounding area.
Visit the Titanic Experience, housed in the original White Star Line ticket office. The building’s facade and exhibits offer interesting historical shots.
Don’t miss the iconic Deck of Cards houses. These brightly painted row houses make for a perfect Instagram post.
Kinsale
Kinsale’s picturesque harbor is filled with colorful fishing boats and yachts. Stroll along the marina for the best views and photo opportunities.
The town’s narrow streets are lined with brightly painted buildings. Newman’s Mall and Cork Street are particularly photogenic.
Charles Fort, a star-shaped fortress, offers panoramic views of Kinsale harbor. Visit at sunset for stunning silhouette shots of the old walls.
For food photography enthusiasts, Kinsale’s gourmet restaurants serve up visually appealing dishes.
Northern Highlights
Ireland’s northern coast offers breathtaking landscapes and iconic sites that are perfect for capturing stunning Instagram photos. These locations provide unique backdrops for memorable shots that will impress your followers.
Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a geological wonder on the north coast of County Antrim. Its distinctive hexagonal basalt columns create a striking pattern that stretches from the cliff face into the sea. The site offers numerous vantage points for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
You’ll find over 40,000 interlocking columns, some reaching heights of 12 meters/39 feet. The Grand Causeway, Wishing Chair, and Giant’s Harp are popular spots for pictures. For the best lighting, visit early morning or late afternoon.
Don’t miss the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre. It provides context about the site’s geology and legends. The center’s roof offers panoramic views of the coastline, perfect for wide-angle shots.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge spans a 66-foot chasm between the mainland and Carrick-a-Rede Island. This 20 meter/66-foot-long bridge hangs 30 meters/98-feet above sea level, offering thrilling photo opportunities.
The bridge itself is a popular subject, especially when photographed from the nearby cliffs. For a unique perspective, capture images while crossing the bridge. The surrounding coastal scenery provides a stunning backdrop.
Visit on a clear day for the best visibility. You might even spot Scotland’s coast in the distance. The site can get busy, so arrive early to avoid crowds in your shots. Remember to book your crossing time in advance during peak seasons.
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is an atmospheric avenue of beech trees in County Antrim. This otherworldly location gained fame as a filming spot for Game of Thrones. The intertwining branches create a mystical tunnel effect, perfect for moody Instagram shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light filters beautifully through the trees. Foggy conditions enhance the eerie atmosphere. For the best photos, position yourself at the center of the road looking down the avenue.
Weekdays typically see fewer visitors, allowing for clearer shots. Be mindful of traffic, as the road remains open to vehicles. Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the tree canopy.
Historic Castles and Structures
Ireland’s ancient fortresses and architectural marvels offer breathtaking backdrops for your Instagram feed. These iconic landmarks combine rich history with stunning visuals, making them perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle, located in County Cork, is a medieval stronghold dating back to 1446. Its most famous feature is the Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence upon those who kiss it.
The castle’s tower stands 27 meters/90 feet tall, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll find numerous photo opportunities as you explore the castle grounds.
Don’t miss the extensive gardens, including the Poison Garden filled with toxic plants. There is also two waterfalls and a fern garden, providing darker, mysterious backdrops.
Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary is a striking complex of medieval buildings perched atop a limestone outcrop. This former seat of the Kings of Munster boasts a rich history dating back to the 5th century.
You’ll be captivated by the 12th-century round tower, the Romanesque chapel, and the Gothic cathedral. The site’s weathered stone walls contrast beautifully against the green Irish countryside.
For the best photos, visit during the golden hour to capture the warm sunlight illuminating the ancient structures. The Celtic crosses in the cemetery provide additional atmospheric elements for your shots.
For a great shot of the complex from a distance, drive towards Hore Abbey and capture the Rock from afar.
Kilmainham Gaol
This former prison, built in 1796, is now a historic museum in Dublin and one of Dublin’s top attractions.
Built to replace an old jail, it soon became overcrowded for Dublin’s petty criminals in the 1800s and early 1900s. It is also where many of the Irish revolutionaries who took part in the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and then later shot.
Want to know what the Easter Rising is? Read this article.
Kilmainham Gaol has been used to film scenes in both In the Name of the Father and Paddington 2. The Georgian East Wing of the Gaol is the most famous part of the former prison and is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Dublin.
Top tip: Tickets to visit the Gaol sell out fast and usually go on sale 28 days in advance. There are very few tickets available on the day, and for those, you need to arrive at opening time to check.
Kilkenny Castle
Situated in one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities, Kilkenny Castle was built in the 13th century and was a symbol of Norman occupation during British Rule.
As one of the best castles to visit in Ireland, visitors can enjoy both guided and self-guided tours of the castle and grounds. Visitors can enjoy seeing how the other half lived by visiting bedrooms, drawing rooms, and, of course, one of the best rooms in the castle, the Red Picture gallery.
Outside, there are formal rose gardens to the rear where the best Instagram pictures are captured, more gardens along the river walk and extensive parklands, which are open to the public all year round.
Island Escapes
Ireland’s islands offer breathtaking scenery and unique photo opportunities. These remote destinations provide stunning backdrops for Instagram-worthy shots.
Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael rises dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of County Kerry, and is one of Ireland’s best natural landmarks.
This UNESCO World Heritage site features ancient stone beehive huts perched on steep cliffs. The 6th-century monastery provides a striking contrast to the rugged landscape.
You’ll climb 600 medieval, narrow stone steps to reach the monastery complex. Along the way, capture sweeping views of the ocean and neighboring Little Skellig. The island’s jagged peaks create a dramatic silhouette against the sky at sunset.
Puffins nest on Skellig Michael from April to August. These colorful seabirds make for charming photo subjects as they waddle along the rocky terrain.
Fact: Skellig Michael has been used as a filming location, most notably for scenes in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands comprise three limestone islands in Galway Bay and are one of the top things to visit while in County Galway. Inishmore, the largest, is known for its ancient stone forts and sheer sea cliffs.
Dun Aengus fort sits atop 300-foot cliffs on Inishmore’s western edge. Its semicircular stone walls offer panoramic views of the wild Atlantic. Capture the contrast between the man-made structure and the natural landscape.
The islands’ iconic stone walls crisscross the rocky terrain. These create graphic patterns perfect for aerial shots or as interesting foregrounds.
You’ll find picturesque beaches with crystal-clear waters. Kilmurvey Beach on Inishmore offers white sand and turquoise shallows ideal for Instagram-worthy beach photos, while the Plassey Shipwreck is also worthy of a picture.
Natural Wonders
Ireland’s landscape is filled with stunning natural beauty around every corner that captivates photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. From unique limestone formations to lush national parks and ancient valleys, these natural wonders offer endless opportunities for breathtaking Instagram shots.
The Burren
The Burren in County Clare is an otherworldly limestone landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland. Its vast expanses of cracked pavement and rocky terraces create striking geometric patterns perfect for aerial photos.
You’ll find colorful wildflowers blooming in the cracks between rocks during spring and summer. This stark contrast makes for eye-catching close-up shots.
Don’t miss the Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient portal tomb standing dramatically against the barren backdrop. Visit at sunrise or sunset to capture the warm light illuminating this prehistoric monument.
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park in County Kerry offers a diverse range of photogenic landscapes. Encircled by the Ring of Kerry, you’ll find photos for Instagram a plenty here.
You can capture reflections of mountains in the park’s tranquil lakes or frame shots of cascading waterfalls through lush green foliage.
The park’s native red deer make for stunning wildlife photography subjects. Try to spot them grazing in meadows or standing majestically against forest backdrops.
Take a boat trip to Innisfallen Island on Lough Leane. The ruins of a 7th-century monastery provide atmospheric subjects for moody, historical shots.
Glendalough, Wicklow
Glendalough in County Wicklow combines natural beauty with ancient monastic ruins. The name means “valley of two lakes,” and these pristine bodies of water offer mirror-like reflections of surrounding mountains, especially on cold, crisp winter mornings.
The Round Tower, standing 30 meters (98 feet) tall, is an iconic landmark. Frame it against a backdrop of trees or capture it in the background of a graveyard shot for a unique Irish shot.
Hike the Spinc trail for panoramic views of the entire valley. The boardwalk winding through the hillside creates leading lines that add depth to your landscape photos.
Unique and Unusual Spots
Ireland boasts several hidden gems that offer unique photo opportunities for Instagram. These lesser-known locations provide a fresh perspective on the Emerald Isle’s beauty and charm.
Kilkee Cliffs
Located on the Loop Peninsula in County Clare, these sea cliffs may not be as famous as their counterparts further up the coast, but they are no less dramatic. And best of all? They are free to visit.
With formations such as the Keyhole, the Bridges of Ross and the Pollock Holes, there are plenty of places to capture some stunning shots along the Kilkee Cliffs.
Hook Lighthouse, Wexford
Hook Lighthouse, located in County Wexford, is an iconic lighthouse in Ireland and the oldest in the country. It is also the second oldest working lighthouse in the world and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Built in the 12th century on the site of a monk’s fire beacon, the lighthouse is a tourist attraction, and visitors can enjoy guided tours of the lighthouse.
My family and I visited during an August trip to Ireland, and our guide, Dublin John, was funny, engaging and extremely knowledgeable.
The best place to capture your Instagram shot of the lighthouse is from the rocks below. Even if the skies above are grey, it still makes for a dramatic shot of this wonderful Irish lighthouse.
The Streets of Galway City
Galway City’s colorful streets offer endless Instagram-worthy moments. The Latin Quarter, with its narrow lanes and vibrant shopfronts, is particularly photogenic.
Quay Street buzzes with street performers and lively pubs, providing opportunities for candid shots. Don’t miss the Spanish Arch, an iconic 16th-century stone arch overlooking the Corrib River.
For a unique perspective, head to the Long Walk. This row of colorful houses along the waterfront offers a picturesque view, especially when reflected in the calm water during low tide.
Final thoughts
Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes and historic sites offer endless opportunities for stunning photographs. From ancient castles to rugged coastlines, each location tells a unique story through your lens.
Every snapshot you take will become a cherished memory of your Irish adventure. These images will transport you back to the Emerald Isle long after your journey ends.
Share your favorite moments on Instagram to inspire others, but don’t forget to put down the camera and fully immerse yourself in Ireland’s magic as well. The most precious memories are often those etched in your heart.
You might also like these:
- Instagram Captions for Ireland
- Best Reasons to Visit Ireland
- Best Places to Visit in Ireland
- How to Get Around Ireland
- Travel Tips for Visiting Ireland
- What to Pack for Visiting Ireland
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