33 Ireland Instagram Spots You Need To Visit

When visiting Ireland, you can’t leave without seeing the best views and Ireland Instagram spots the country has to offer.

Between the most photographed place in Ireland, the iconic Ireland Instagram spots, the best Northern Ireland Instagram spots, Dublin Instagram spots and the most Instagrammable restaurants in Dublin, these Ireland photo spots will guarantee you the best views and pictures.

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If you need some extra travel photography inspiration, I have numerous travel photo tip guides for posing, beginner travel photography and the best budget travel camera gear.

Also, be sure to follow and tag me on Instagram in your Ireland photos for a chance to be featured on my stories.

Now for the Ireland Instagram spots!

Most Photographed Place In Ireland

Cliffs Of Moher

The most photographed place in Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher.

Even on cloudy days, the Cliffs of Moher, located in County Clare, offer the best coastal cliff views in all of Ireland.

Here, you can take epic Irish cliffside photos from various viewpoints. To find these viewpoints, all you have to do is follow the designated pathway up and down the cliffside.

However, do not climb over the fences to take photos. Many tourists die by climbing the fences for photos, as the ground on top of the cliffs is not stable and could collapse at any moment. You can still take fantastic photos without climbing over the fences.

Cliffs of Moher photography tip: weather pending, the coast may be misty and foggy. Instead of being upset about the fog, use the fog to your photographic advantage. Fog makes travel photos look more realistic and can evoke a sense of awe from the viewer.

Ireland Instagram Spots

1. Classiebawn Castle

In addition to the Cliffs of Moher, Classiebawn Castle is another iconic Ireland Instagram spot located in the Republic of Ireland, specifically in County Sligo.

Although you cannot drive up to or go into Classiebawn Castle because it is private property, there is a public parking lot just past the castle entrance where you can get a perfect view of the castle and coast.

Classiebawn Castle photography tip: use a telephoto lens (zoom lens) on your camera or phone when taking a photo at Classiebawn Castle. Zoom in and physically back up to make the castle appear larger in the photos. I used this Sigma 70-200mm lens for Canon EF mounts to take these photos.

2. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is one of the prettiest castles in Ireland.

Located in Connemara National Park (County Galway), Kylemore Abbey is a beautiful gray castle situated in the Irish mountains.

Here, you’ll see lush Irish greenery, a glassy picture-perfect lake and mountains backdropping the castle.

Kylemore Abbey photography tip: the best view of Kylemore Abbey is from the visitor center across from the cafe, just in front of the lake. Use a telephoto lens (zoom lens) on your camera or phone when taking a photo of the abbey. Zoom in to make the castle appear larger in the photos.

3. Kylemore Abbey Gothic Church

Just down the walkway from Kylemore Abbey is the Kylemore Abbey Gothic Church.

At the Kylemore Abbey Gothic Church, you’ll find traditional gothic architecture, stained glass windows and classic medieval Ireland views.

Kylemore Abbey Gothic Church photography tip: use a wide angle prime lens to get the clearest shot of the gothic church. I used this Sigma 35mm prime lens for Canon EF mounts to take these photos.

4. Connemara National Park

Before moving on from the Kylemore Abbey area, we have to discuss the photogenic beauty of the national park in which the abbey resides: Connemara National Park.

Connemara National Park is filled with epic mountains, calm reflective lakes, massive fjords and overall jaw-dropping views. You’ll find yourself saying “wow” the entire time you drive through the park.

Besides Kylemore Abbey, the best place to take photos in Connemara National Park is at the Killary Fjord.

Connemara National Park photography tip: to make mountains appear bigger in your photos, use a telephoto lens. It’s natural to use a wide angle lens when taking landscape photos, but a wide angle lens will make the mountains look smaller. Zooming in with a telephoto lens is often better for mountain photos.

5. Ring Of Kerry

Next, another place to find magnificent Irish mountain sceneries is on the Ring of Kerry.

One of the best viewpoints on the Ring of Kerry is at Ladies View in Killarney National Park.

As seen in this photo, here, you’ll see a majestic view of the Irish mountains, a glassy lake and, if you’re lucky, a flock or two of sheep.

Ring of Kerry photography tip: if you plan on posing in your Ring of Kerry photos, wear a color that contrasts against the green mountains, such as red, yellow, white or black. This will make you stand out from the background.

6. Skellig Michael

Furthermore, on the Ring of Kerry, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the legendary Skellig Michael.

Skellig Michael is a 6th century Irish monastery island where two of the Star Wars movies, the “The Last Jedi” and “The Force Awakens,” were filmed.

To get to Skellig Michael, you have to take a ferry from Portmagee in County Kerry. Once on the island, you can get jaw-dropping cliff shots, see iconic film locations and, if you’re lucky, see a puffin.

Skellig Michael photography tip: if you would like to fly a drone at Skillig Michael, you must obtain a permit from the IAA, and follow the IAA’s rules and regulations for flight. Sensitive bird species live on the Skellig Islands, so it’s important to obey these rules.

7. McDermott’s Castle

Next, McDermott’s Castle is one of the most underrated Ireland Instagram spots.

Like Skellig Michael, McDermott’s Castle resides on a island only accessible by boat.

The castle is abandoned, which means you are free to explore the castle if you rent a boat and row there on the weekends. Otherwise, this is a fantastic place for drone pilots to fly. Or, there is a walking path open along the side of the lake that leads to a perfect tourist-less view of the castle.

McDermott’s Castle photography tip: use a telephoto lens (zoom lens) on your camera or phone when taking a photo at McDermott’s Castle from the mainland. Zoom in and physically back up to make the castle appear larger in the photos. Again, I used this Sigma 70-200mm lens for Canon EF mounts to take these photos.

8. Glenariff Forest (Instagram Spots In Ireland)

If leprechauns existed, I’m convinced they would live in Glenariff Forest.

Glenariff Forest, a majestic forested area on the top of a mountain, is filled with aesthetic hiking trails, huge waterfalls, bridged streams and, of course, plenty of draping greenery.

Glenariff Forest photography tip: hike with this PGYTECH backpack strap camera mount to keep your hands free and camera ready for action shots while you’re hiking. As a travel photographer, I never hike without it.

9. Powerscourt Waterfall (Instagram Spots In Ireland)

Similarly, Powerscourt Waterfall offers a magnificent view of one of Ireland’s tallest waterfalls.

Pouring a whopping 397 feet (121 meters), Powerscourt Waterfall, as the name suggests, is a powerful albeit beautiful fall located in Wicklow County, Ireland.

Powerscourt Waterfall photography tip: there are several big boulders at the base of the waterfall that you can easily climb on to get an epic selfie. Obviously, be careful though.

10. Powerscourt Gardens

Next door, a short ten minutes down the road from Powerscourt Waterfall, you’ll find the regal Powerscourt Estate, which is home to impressive landscaping fit only for a king.

If you make the journey to Powerscourt Waterfall, you can’t skip stopping by the Powerscourt Estate gardens. These gardens are practically the Versailles gardens of Ireland.

Powerscourt Gardens photography tip: visit Powerscourt during the morning or evening for the best lighting. Direct midday light is a hard photography skill to master because of the harsh shadows it creates.

Northern Ireland Instagram Spots

1. Giant’s Causeway

Now, first for Northern Ireland Instagram spots is Giant’s Causeway. I’ve traveled hundreds of places throughout my life, and Giant’s Causeway is my favorite place in the world.

Giant’s Causeway, named after the folklore giant Finn McCool, is an out-of-this-world landscape unlike anywhere else. Here, you’ll be witness to some of the most massive, well-preserved volcanic basalt columns on the planet.

The perfectly hexagon-shaped rocks stack across the entire coastline, creating a huge collection of majestic stepping stones.

Giant’s Causeway photography tip: I highly recommend visiting Giant’s Causeway at sunrise for the best views and fewest crowds. If you’re up for the sunrise adventure, you can learn all about visiting the Giant’s Causeway at sunrise here.

2. Dunluce Castle

Just down the Causeway Coast from Giant’s Causeway is the breathtaking Dunluce Castle.

Dunluce Castle is an iconic castle-in-ruins that hangs over the ocean on a steep cliff. Here, not only will you walk through rich medieval history, but you will also see inspiring views of neighboring cliffs, crashing waves and impressive white sea arches.

Dunluce Castle photography tip: For the best view of Dunluce Castle, drive from east to west on Dunluce Road A2. On this road, you’ll drive up a small hill and be met with an awesome visual impression of Dunluce Castle. This is also the best place to watch sunset in Northern Ireland.

3. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Moreover, the next Northern Ireland Instagram spot worth noting is Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge.

As the name suggests, Carrick-A-Rede is a swaying rope bridge that connects mainland Northern Ireland with a small-but-mighty cliff island.

If you’re up for a heart-racing experience (by the way, there is no harness, just a small rope net to catch you if you fall), you can’t skip crossing Carrick-A-Rede.

Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge photography tip: visitors are generally patient at Carrick-A-Rede because most of them also want a photo on the bridge. Hand your camera to your travel buddy and cross the bridge first so your buddy can take a photo of you crossing.

4. The Dark Hedges

Unsurprisingly, I couldn’t complete this Ireland Instagram spots list without adding the mystical Dark Hedges.

What put The Dark Hedges on the map was the popular series Game Of Thrones. The Dark Hedges was a film location in Game Of Thrones season two episode one.

Dark Hedges photography tip: visit the Dark Hedges early in the morning or in the evening after the midday crowds clear. Use your body (the subject of your photo) to cover any other tourists in the background.

5. Mussenden Temple

A little farther down the Causeway Coast, you’ll come across the famous Mussenden Temple. This temple is one of the most photographed places in Northern Ireland.

At Mussenden Temple, you’ll walk through giant (and relatively new) castle ruins. Past the castle ruins stands the iconic temple building on the edge of a cliff.

Mussenden Temple photography tip: If you walk to the edge of the cliff, you’ll see one of the best beach views and, therefore, Instagram spots in Northern Ireland.

6. Downhill Beach

The beach that Mussenden Temple overlooks in named Downhill Beach. Downhill Beach’s water is perfectly turquoise, usually shallow and boasts a lengthy white sand coastline.

As one could imagine, Downhill Beach also offers a magazine-cover-worthy lower view of Mussenden Temple, making it a fantastic Ireland Instagram spot.

Downhill Beach photography tip: run on the sand toward Mussenden Temple in your photo. This adds motion to the photo, which portrays more character than simply standing and smiling.

7. Castle Coole

Moving on, Castle Coole boasts beautiful modern castle grounds and architecture. If you have watched Downton Abbey or any similar television shows, you will adore Castle Coole.

The classical designs on both the exterior and interior of the castle give off what we would now call an “old money” impression. It’s clear that the family who once resided here had impressive generational wealth.

Furthermore, unlike most castles in Ireland, you can tour the servant quarters of Castle Coole, which is a jaw-dropping experience. You’ll get to see the servant bedrooms, dining hall, bell system, wine cellar and more — just like in Downton Abbey.

Castle Coole photography tip: there are wildflowers growing in the front yard of Castle Coole. Use these wildflowers as foreground to give your photo more depth.

8. Castle Ward (Instagram Spots In Ireland)

Likewise, another photogenic castle in Northern Ireland is Castle Ward.

Like Castle Coole, Castle Ward is a relatively modern castle in contrast to medieval castles like nearby Carrickfergus, which means that it is preserved well and remains fully intact to this day.

Castle Ward photography tip: as previously mentioned, a telephoto lens can make the background of your photo appear bigger than a wide angle lens will. Walk a distance away from the front of the castle, and have your photographer zoom in and back up. This will give the castle the massive appearance it deserves.

9. North Coast Alpacas

If you’re looking for a fun family-friendly activity to do near the Causeway Coast, check out North Coast Alpacas.

With North Coast Alpacas, an alpaca trekking company owned and operated by a local couple, you can walk the friendliest, goofiest alpacas through an Irish pasture with an elevated view.

North Coast Alpacas photography tip: hold onto your alpaca’s harness close to its chin to guide its face toward the camera. This won’t harm the alpacas, and it makes a great Instagram photo. Our tour guide, the North Coast Alpacas owner, recommend this tip.

10. Bushmills (Instagram Spots In Ireland)

Finally, for Northern Ireland Instagram spots, Bushmills is a quaint Northern Irish town bustling with locals and covered with loyal UK flags.

In Bushmills, you can indulge in a traditional full Northern Irish breakfast (complete with baked beans, roasted tomato and black pudding in true Irish fashion) and shop for souvenirs.

Save $$ on souvenirs with this free guide – How To Save On Souvenirs – so you can indulge more on a traditional full Irish breakfast!!

Bushmills photography tip: don’t forget to capture the unique UK flags in your Bushmills photos. As you may or may not know, Northern Ireland is another country separate from the Republic Ireland. It is still loyal to the United Kingdom. You can learn about the differences between Ireland vs. Northern Ireland here.

11. Portballintrae

Now, there are numerous other towns that neighbor Bushmills worth visiting, especially if you’re hunting for a good Irish ocean-view.

The most notable towns are Portrush, Portballintrae and Portsteward, all of which are within a 20 minute drive from each other.

Portballintrae in particular is home to several sandy beaches and black rock coastlines, perfect for any Irish photo.

Portballintrae photography tip: if you choose to fly your drone in Portballintrae, use caution and do not fly over any private property. There are resident homes on the coastline, so keep a sharp eye out for homes in flight.

Dublin Instagram Spots

1. Grafton Street

If you’ve heard Ed Sheeran’s song “Galway Girl,” you’ll recognize this Dublin Instagram spot from the line, “I met her on Grafton Street right outside of the bar.”

Grafton Street is Dublin’s most popular pedestrian street for shopping, live music and live dancing. When visiting Dublin, Grafton Street is certainly worth the visit.

Grafton Street photography tip: instead of waiting for the crowds to dissipate (because they probably won’t unless you go early in the morning), set your camera to a slow shutter speed. This will create motion blur that will enhance the hustle-and-bustle vibe that Grafton Streets gives off.

2. Guinness Storehouse

Furthermore, you can’t visit Dublin without touring the legendary Guinness Storehouse.

Guinness is still freshly brewed here to this day. There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the self-paced storehouse tour.

Plus, at the end of the tour, you learn how to correctly drink a pint of Guinness. You also get a free drink at the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar, which is our next Dublin Instagram spot.

Guinness Storehouse photography tip: the popular Instagram photo spot in front of the Guinness Storehouse gate is located inside the storehouse next to the gift shop.

3. Guinness Storehouse’s The Gravity Bar

Obviously, the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar also makes this Dublin Instagram spots list thanks to its panoramic 360-degree views of Dublin from 15 stories up.

Grab a pint of Guinness or a Coca-Cola and take a picture by one of The Gravity Bar’s window views.

Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar photography tip: the bar will inevitably be busy. So, be patient as you wait for bypassers to move out of your photo frame.

4. Trinity College Library

Furthermore, like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College Library is another must-see place during your time in Dublin.

Trinity College Library originally gained popularity as the home of the historic Book of Kells, an ancient Celtic illustration manuscript of the Bible’s New Testament.

Since, the library has also become recognized as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, with extremely tall ceilings, massive wooden bookshelves and thousands of historical texts.

Trinity College Library photography tip: only small hand-held cameras without flash are allowed in Trinity College, so leave your large equipment, tripods and flashes at home.

5. Dublin Castle (Instagram Spots In Ireland)

Similar to Trinity College in a historic sense, Dublin Castle boasts a jaw-dropping view of a medieval castle right in the center of Dublin city.

If you’re only going to be in Ireland for a short period of time and aren’t planning on leaving Dublin, this is the perfect spot to capture a castle photo for Instagram.

Dublin Castle photography tip: wear classic Ireland attire (think sweaters, sweater vests, plaid, khakis, trench coats, scarves, etc.) to add an extra element of Irish heritage to your Dublin Castle photos. Read my full guide on what to wear in Ireland here for more inspiration.

6. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Moreover, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an equally historic Dublin Instagram spots, especially if you love Gothic architecture.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral photography tip: While the interior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral is breathtaking (you can book your St. Patrick’s Cathedral admission tickets here), you can take epic photos of the exterior from neighboring St. Patrick’s Park.

7. Christ Church Cathedral

Alternatively, you can head to Christ Church Cathedral, also located in the center of Dublin, to photograph another iconic 1000-year-old medieval cathedral.

Just like St. Patrick’s, you’ll witness impressive stone exteriors, flying buttresses, stained glass, and daily prayer and worship here at Christ Church. You can book your Christ Church admission tickets here.

Christ Church Cathedral photography tip: to capture the uniqueness of Christ Church Cathedral, cross the street and take a picture of the building’s ancient, yet still functional, bridge walkway.

8. River Liffey (Instagram Spots In Ireland)

In essence, the River Liffey is the River Thames of Ireland.

River Liffey runs proudly through the center of Dublin with countless unique bridges for both pedestrian and vehicle use.

River Liffey photography tip: you can either take a picture of the River Liffey from land or a bridge. Or, you can take a River Liffey river cruise like I did for an even better view from the water.

9. Phoenix Park

Next, the River Liffey isn’t the only nature that Dublin has to offer.

At Dublin’s famous Pheonix Park, you’ll find a surprising array of wildlife, a zoo, the white Papal Cross, wealthy Edwardian mansions and the president’s house.

Pheonix Park photography tip: if you want to photograph Pheonix Park’s wildlife, mostly comprised of deer, visit in the morning or during weekday for best wildlife viewing.

10. Stephen’s Green (Instagram Spots In Ireland)

Comparably, St. Stephen’s Green Park, locally known as Stephen’s Green, is another one of Dublin’s most popular nature parks.

The park offers tranquil green walking paths, ponds, fountains and, if you’re lucky, swans. It’s located adjacent to Grafton Street, so plan to visit both Ireland Instagram spots together to maximize your time.

Stephen’s Green photography tip: drone use is prohibited in St. Stephen’s Green Park.

Instagrammable Restaurants In Dublin

Temple Bar

Last, but certainly not least, this wouldn’t be a complete Ireland Instagram spot list without including the famous red, black and gold Temple Bar.

Temple Bar is one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Dublin, and probably one of the most photographed buildings in the entire country.

Temple Bar photography tip: crowds at Temple Bar are pretty much unavoidable. So, you’ll have to visit early in the morning in order to take a photo without any photobombers. Otherwise, set your camera f-stop to its lowest setting like I did to blur out strangers in the background.

Which Ireland Instagram spot are you most excited to see? Don’t forget to check out these Ireland Instagram captions to pair with your posts!

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