Best Places to
Photograph in Ireland

Visiting Ireland is a treat in and of itself. For photographers, the land promises a million shades of green, the pubs serve as fantastic backdrops, and the castles are as ancient as the culture. Here’s our list of the best photographs to take while you're in Ireland. It was difficult to narrow it down, as it's hard to find better photo ‘opps’ than those you’ll encounter in Ireland.

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Known for its powers to impart "The Gift of Gab" to those who kiss it, the Blarney Stone has been an important historic landmark of Ireland for more than 200 years. Many stories surround what might be the original intent of the Blarney Stone. Today we know Blarney Castle as a top place to visit on a trip to Ireland. The Stone itself is a piece of limestone set within the wall of a battlement at Blarney Castle, constructed in 1446, and roughly five miles outside the city of Cork. Kissing the Blarney Stone is a tradition that's been around for several centuries. To kiss the Stone, visitors truly bend over backward, planting their lips upsidedown to grant them "The Gift of Gab." The Blarney Stone is said to bestow the kisser with eloquence and persuasiveness, stemming from the word “blarney,” meaning skillful flattery or absolute nonsense. 

The Cliffs of Moher

Known for the most naturally breathtaking views of Ireland’s untamed western coast, The Cliffs of Moher are more than a tourist checklist item. Located in County Clare near Liscannor, The Cliffs were named after Fort “Mothar” or “Moher,” (depending on pronunciation), where Hag’s Head sits today. A marvel of natural beauty, The Cliffs also represent Ireland’s work at conservation and are visited by more than a million people annually. If you’ve dreamed of taking postcard-worthy photos of Ireland, The Cliffs of Moher are a must for you.

The Ring of Kerry

While its name makes it sound like a mythical piece of Irish jewelry, the Ring of Kerry is actually a scenic route located in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, following two major Irish highways: the N71 to Kenmare toward the N70 to Killorglin. Starting in Killarney, sightseers on Kerry Ring find traditional Irish pubs, delectable dining, and several different festivals throughout the year.

The Ring of Kerry is known for its illuminating, panoramic views of the southwestern Irish coast, complete with outlooks onto mountain ranges, mountain goats, and lush scenes of pastures. On route are many lesser-known landmarks, including Ballycarbery Castle, Derrynane House, Staigue Fort, Dromquinna Manor, and stunning views of numerous beaches. While motoring down Kerry Ring, you’ll eventually find yourself in Killarney National Park—another Irish national landmark of scenery not to be missed.

Having a Pint in Dublin

Dublin is a great place to explore the thriving food and famous Irish pub scene. Visit the Guinness Storehouse, where Ireland's dark stout has been brewed for 250 years (check out this article on the History of Guinness). Of course, it's important to grab some photos in front of the iconic logo and St. James' Gates before heading inside for a pint. Another important and iconic photo to take is in front of The Temple Bar. With its bright red exterior paint, hanging plants, and antique Guinness signs, The Temple Bar makes a great backdrop for a quick photoshoot. Plus, it's one of the most recognizable places in Dublin, making it the perfect backdrop. 

Giant's Causeway

A geological wonder, Giant's Causeway might be as famous as Guinness in Ireland. The basalt, symmetrical towers rise out of the Atlantic Ocean in steps up the coast and to the fierce cliffs surrounding them. While myths of actual giants surround the causeway, the structures are really due to a volcanic crevice eruption, around 60 million years ago. As the basalt cooled, it left behind one of the photographable sites in Ireland. To get the perfect photo of the Giant's Causeway, it's best to be above it or right on the beach. Truly, no matter what angle, the site is absolutely gorgeous and you'll want to capture the wonder.

Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells

Spend some time strolling through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College. It's like a step back in time in the middle of urban Dublin - the architecture is astounding. The best shot to take outside Trinity is walking up the main avenue towards the bell tower, The Campanile of Trinity College. Once inside, visit Trinity College Library. 

The dark oiled shelves, the busts of renowned authors and philosophers, the walls of books, the cathedral ceilings, it's all a photographer's (and bibliophile's) dream. The most important thing to see in the library is the intricate detailing and gold-gilded edges of a 9th-century illustrated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Kept beneath glass, you can take a photo admiring it or pretending to read its velum pages. Plus, you just know you'll remember the sublime scent of that library when you return home and reminisce over your photos. Book lovers and photographers shine at Trinity College.

Rock of Cashel

Known to most as St. Patrick’s Rock, the Rock of Cashel was purportedly home to the High Kings of Munster during the 5th century. Today, however, the site boasts remnants of both Germanic and Hibernian structures from later periods, including the 12th and 13th centuries. As a historic site, the Rock of Cashel is known for the mythical tale in which St. Patrick banishes Satan from one of the rocky formation’s caves. The sharply rising limestone rock is dotted by ruins from a time when pagans ruled as well, and evidence of their forts surround what’s left of what is believed to be the castle founded by the Eoganachta Dynasty. Regardless of which ancient era is fascinating to you, the Rock of Cashel is an icon of Irish history, and a gorgeous one at that, with views that span hundreds of miles outside the surrounding parish of Tipperary.

Twelve Bens Mountains

The mountain range known as Twelve Bens is located in western Ireland, just northeast of the cultural region of County Galway. Known for its jagged, steep hillsides and small streams, Twelve Bens is a masterpiece of Mother Nature with a high point of nearly 2,400 feet. All the tiny streams trickling down Benbaun (the highest point) end up joining much larger streams at the foothills of the formation. For hikers and climbers, Twelve Bens offers a multitude of walls, cliffs, and crags, not to mention beautiful Irish scenery perfect for every sightseer’s camera.