Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Ireland
Known for its exceptional light and mythic filming locations (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones), the Emerald Isle is an ideal destination for beautiful photography.
Known for its exceptional light and mythic filming locations (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones), the Emerald Isle is an ideal destination for beautiful photography. From legendary landmarks to hidden treasures: here are the 10 Instagram-worthy spots in Ireland.
1. Keem Beach: THE Instagram-worthy spot in Ireland
On Achill Island, in County Mayo, you'll find Keem Beach. Considered one of the most beautiful in the country, it offers an atypical landscape with turquoise waters below and a sublime band of cliffs dotted with sheep!
Whatever angle you choose (from the beach or the hiking trail that overlooks the cove), this paradise location ranks among the best photo spots in Ireland. In winter, the power of the ocean offers an equally idyllic yet darker, more mysterious landscape…
Practical Information Best time for photos: photoable in all seasons Best viewpoint: from the top of the cliffs (accessible after a short hike) Good to know: free parking |
2. Connemara: The ultra-photogenic region
If you explore Connemara on foot, your walks will lead you to eclectic landscapes... Indeed, Ireland is renowned for its moody weather (which sometimes feels like experiencing all four seasons in a single day). The result? The sky offers exceptional luminosity in this region of County Galway!
Like a living canvas, Connemara unfolds across bogs, lakes, mountains, lush valleys and countless color gradients (the blue of waterways and rivers, the green of hillsides, etc.), full of relief and contrast…
Practical Tips Photo tips: to play with light intensity, adjust the ISO sensitivity of your smartphone to increase or reduce the photo's exposure. To avoid excessive sensitivity, reduce the default setting. |
3. Cliffs of Moher: The cliffs from the Harry Potter film
Among Ireland's famous Instagram locations, don't miss the Cliffs of Moher! Located in County Clare, they hosted the sixth installment of the Harry Potter saga – for filming an iconic scene (where Harry and Professor Dumbledore meet… at the summit of a rock with a major storm in the background).
In reality? The luminosity isn't as dark as in the film, but the cliffs offer an equally impressive panoramic view. To capture your shots, don't hesitate to take the hiking trail that runs along the cliffs along the sublime Wild Atlantic Way. A secret? The panoramas are so beautiful they require no retouching or Instagram filters before posting!
Practical Tips Photo tips: to increase your field of view, choose the "wide angle" option on your smartphone, which is better suited for vast landscape photos. Safety: windy region, stay alert when walking along the cliffs Entry: the natural site is free… but parking is exorbitant. Budget 12 €/person (yes, per person!) in the vehicle! Note that there are also more distant parking areas at lower prices. |
4. The Burren National Park: Lunar landscapes perfect for photos
In the west of the country, in County Clare, discover the Burren National Park. A true hiker's paradise, this 1,500-hectare site is renowned for its karst plateau, made up of several layers of limestone!
Popular for its lunar landscapes, the park is also a must-visit spot for other types of photography in Ireland. Beyond its atypical geology, the site lets you capture endemic fauna and flora (orchids, butterflies, bats), as well as historical treasures like dolmens and archaeological sites from the Neolithic era!
Practical Tips Photo tips: if you want to try macro photography (ideal for photographing insects), select the dedicated mode on your smartphone and position yourself at the subject's height (not above it) Safety: a marked trail allows you to easily photograph the sites. For a successful visit, opt for good hiking shoes. |
5. Dun Chaoin Pier: The must-visit pier
If you pass through County Kerry, stop at Dún Chaoin Pier (or Dunquin Pier) to capture an Instagram photo of the dock! Popular for its cliffs, winding clifftop road, boats (and herds of sheep landed from the Blasket Islands!), Dunquin Pier also offers a nice panoramic view of the sea.
Practical Tips Best time for photos: the pier is very sunny in the afternoon. To avoid backlighting (and crowds), schedule your visit to Dún Chaoin in the morning for better photos. Safety: winds can be strong around the site, stay alert when navigating the winding road. |
6. County Kerry: The Star Wars filming locations
County Kerry is also known for hosting many Star Wars filming locations. The Force Awakens on the Skellig Islands (west of the Iveragh Peninsula), The Last Jedi (at Cape Ceann Sibéal): the southwest of the country has numerous cinematic spots!
During your visit, also take time to explore the town of Killarney. Situated on the shores of Lough Leane lake, it offers a charming postcard-like landscape, thanks to its authentic architecture and horse-drawn carriages that sometimes travel through town. A tip? Also take a detour to the national park to photograph the waterfall or Muckross House – a manor nestled within the park…
Practical Tips Must-see spots: the island of Skellig Michael (off the Iveragh Peninsula and UNESCO-listed), the cliffs of Ceann Sibéal (or Sybil Head), Best time for photos: to capture the stunning autumn colors of the national park and Muckross House gardens, choose months between April and July. |
7. Glendalough: For mysterious photos
Known as one of the most photographed locations in Ireland, Glendalough hosts a rich and photogenic cultural heritage. Monasteries, abandoned cemetery, mysterious lakes and endemic deer: this small hamlet (located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park) resembles a genuine Gothic film set…
Practical Tips Must-see spots: the church, the towers Best time for photos: at dusk, at sunset, when the flamboyant colors of the sky blend with the gray of old stone. Entry: monastery free, parking paid |
8. Phoenix Park: THE place to photograph deer
Just a few kilometers from Dublin's city center, you'll find Phoenix Park. Renowned as one of Europe's largest, it's home to nearly 500 deer! Wild but not fearful, the animals readily appear.
During your walk through the park, you'll also have a chance to spot squirrels – or watch a cricket match! The park also features several iconic monuments on its grounds, such as the Wellington Testimonial,
Practical Tips Photo tips: don't hesitate to activate your smartphone's "burst mode" when approaching an animal to ensure you have a usable shot (since the encounter can be fleeting)! Entry: free (park open 10am to 5pm). Don't confuse with the zoo entrance (located within the park) which is paid (16.50 €). |
9. Howth: The town with many Instagram-worthy spots
Passing through Fingal County? Head to the town of Howth! Located in the Dublin suburbs, this peninsula has several Instagram-worthy spots in Ireland.
Among them? Howth Head Lighthouse (ideal for photographing the sunset) and Howth Summit hill, which offers another panoramic view. On lucky days you may spot one or two seals along the coastline.
Practical Tips Best time for photos: during spring and autumn, Howth's lush flora offers a colorful landscape full of contrast with the blue (or intense gray) sky. |
10. Giant's Causeway: A UNESCO site visible in Game of Thrones
In County Antrim, you'll find the extraordinary Giant's Causeway and its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns (resulting from volcanic activity dating back 60 million years!).
This sublime heritage (UNESCO-listed) is also known for having served as a filming location for the legendary Game of Thrones series.
Practical Tips Best time for photos: early morning (to avoid crowds) or late afternoon (to enjoy beautiful lighting). Tip: Bring good hiking shoes and a windbreaker (the Giant's Causeway is accessible after approximately 15 minutes of walking Entry: natural site free; parking 10 € |
Good to Know
Discovering Ireland by car promises an unforgettable road trip. But be careful, renting a vehicle can be quite complex once you arrive... For a successful journey, consult our guide to learn how to rent a car in Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to photograph Ireland is between May and September, when days are long and lighting is optimal. However, each season offers a unique atmosphere: autumn showcases Connemara and Glendalough in flamboyant colors, while winter gives the Cliffs of Moher and Keem Beach a more mysterious and wild appearance.
Yes, most of these spots are difficult to access without a personal vehicle. Sites like Keem Beach (Achill Island), Giant's Causeway or Dún Chaoin Pier are isolated and poorly or not served by public transport. Renting a car is therefore highly recommended for a comfortable road trip between these locations.
Most spots are free to enter: Glendalough (monastery), Giant's Causeway, Burren, Keem Beach and Phoenix Park have no entrance fees. However, watch out for paid parking: Cliffs of Moher charge 12 €/person in the vehicle, and Giant's Causeway charges 10 € for parking.
Ireland is a highly sought-after destination for film productions. The Cliffs of Moher hosted filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Giant's Causeway and several sites in County Kerry (notably the Skellig Islands) appeared in Game of Thrones and the Star Wars saga.
To photograph Giant's Causeway in the best conditions, arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy soft lighting. In the late afternoon, raking light beautifully illuminates the hexagonal basalt columns. Be sure to use your smartphone's wide-angle mode to capture the scope of the site, and bring a windbreaker as winds can be intense.
Several spots among the 10 must-sees are ideal for photographing sunset in Ireland: Howth Head Lighthouse (near Dublin) offers a spectacular view over the sea, while Glendalough is stunning at twilight when rosy tones blend with the old monastery stones. The wild coast of Dún Chaoin Pier, facing the Blasket Islands, is also an exceptional spot.
