A Photographer's Guide
My Favourite Locations in Ireland
A photographer's guide to the Emerald Isle
Ireland is a country that gets under your skin. The light shifts in an instant — one moment you're bathed in golden sunshine, the next you're wrapped in Atlantic mist. Here are some of my favourite locations to photograph across this beautiful island, from the streets of Dublin to the wild coasts of Donegal and Kerry.
I love all of Ireland. Every corner of this island has something to offer — the dramatic cliffs, the rolling green hills, the ancient ruins, the quiet forest paths. But there are a few places that keep calling me back.
These are the spots where I've found the best light, the most interesting compositions, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget you're holding a camera.
Here are some of my favourites.
Poolbeg — Dublin's Iconic Landmark
You can't talk about Dublin photography without mentioning Poolbeg. The two red chimneys standing at the mouth of Dublin Bay are instantly recognisable — they're a symbol of the city, and they photograph beautifully in almost any light.
I've photographed these chimneys more times than I can count, and I never get tired of them. Whether it's sunrise at Sandymount Strand, blue hour from the Docklands, or a moody day with clouds rolling in, Poolbeg always delivers.
Best time to shoot: Sunrise or sunset, when the light catches the red brick.
Pro tip: Head to Sandymount Strand for the classic view with the chimneys reflected in the water.
The iconic Poolbeg chimneys — a symbol of Dublin and a photographer's favourite.
The Forty Foot — A Dublin Morning Ritual
There's something special about the Forty Foot in the early morning. It's a place where Dubliners gather to jump into the cold Irish Sea — a ritual that's been happening for decades.
Photographically, it's a wonderful spot. The rocks, the water, the early morning light, and the swimmers braving the cold — it all comes together to create some really special images.
Best time to shoot: Early morning, especially if you can catch the sunrise over the water.
Pro tip: The swimmers are part of the scene — don't be shy about including them in your compositions.
Sunrise at the Forty Foot — Dublin swimmers braving the cold Irish Sea.
The (Not So) Secret Waterfall
There's a waterfall in Ireland that I love — it's not really a secret any more, but it still feels like one. Tucked away in the countryside, it's a peaceful spot where you can sit and listen to the water while waiting for the light to do something special.
It's the kind of place that reminds you why you love photography — quiet, beautiful, and full of possibilities.
Best time to shoot: Golden hour, when the light filters through the trees.
Pro tip: Bring a polarizer to cut the glare from the water and leaves.
The (not so) secret waterfall — a peaceful spot in the Irish countryside.
The Skellig Islands — Kerry's Wild Beauty
If you want drama, the Skellig Islands deliver. These jagged rock formations rise out of the Atlantic off the coast of Kerry, and they're one of the most spectacular sights in Ireland.
You can photograph them from the mainland, looking across the water at their wild shapes, or you can take a boat trip out for a closer view. Either way, they're unforgettable.
Best time to shoot: Sunrise or sunset, when the light creates depth and texture.
Pro tip: A telephoto lens is essential for compressing the distance and bringing the islands closer.
The Skellig Islands — one of Ireland's most dramatic coastal views.
Hidden Forests — The Small Details
Not every great photo in Ireland is a grand vista. Some of my favourite images come from the quiet corners — the small rivers, the moss-covered trees, the dappled light filtering through the canopy.
You can find these places anywhere in Ireland. You just need to look. Slow down. Pay attention to the details.
Best time to shoot: Overcast days are perfect — the soft light is ideal for forest photography.
Pro tip: Get low. Some of the best forest images come from getting down to the level of the moss and the water.
The small details — moss, water, and dappled light in the Irish forest.
Downpatrick Head — Sunset Drama
Downpatrick Head in County Mayo is one of those places that feels like the edge of the world. The cliffs are dramatic, the sea is wild, and the sunset light is absolutely spectacular.
It's a place that demands patience — the weather can change in an instant, and you need to be ready for it. But when it comes together, it's magical.
Best time to shoot: Sunset, when the light hits the cliffs and the sea stack.
Pro tip: Watch the waves — they can be unpredictable, and you want to stay safe.
Downpatrick Head — sunset drama on the Mayo coast.
Valentia Island Lighthouse — Slippery Rocks and Golden Light
Valentia Island off the Kerry coast is home to a beautiful lighthouse — and some of the slippiest rocks you'll ever stand on. But the view is worth the careful footing.
The lighthouse, the ocean, the dramatic sky — it all comes together to create a scene that's uniquely Irish.
Best time to shoot: Golden hour, when the light warms up the rocks and the lighthouse.
Pro tip: Watch your step. The rocks are slippery, and you're carrying expensive gear.
Valentia Island Lighthouse — golden light and slippery rocks.
Malin Head — Epic and Sweeping
Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland, and it's about as wild as it gets. The cliffs, the waves, the endless sky — it's a place that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
It's a long drive to get there, but it's worth every minute.
Best time to shoot: Any time, really — the dramatic landscape works in any light.
Pro tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the landscape.
Malin Head — epic, sweeping, and wild.
Giant's Causeway — Unique and Massive
The Giant's Causeway is one of those places that looks like it shouldn't exist. Thousands of hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, create a landscape that's truly otherworldly.
It's a popular spot, but there's a reason for that. It's unique, it's massive, and it photographs beautifully.
Best time to shoot: Sunrise or sunset, when the low light creates shadows and texture across the columns.
Pro tip: Get low to the ground to emphasise the patterns of the columns.
The Giant's Causeway — unique, massive, and otherworldly.
Gougane Barra — Picturesque and Peaceful
In County Cork, there's a place called Gougane Barra — a beautiful lake surrounded by forest, with a small church on the water's edge. It's the kind of place that feels untouched by time.
It's peaceful, it's picturesque, and it's exactly the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down and just be present.
Best time to shoot: Early morning, when the mist rises off the water.
Pro tip: Include the church in your composition — it's the perfect focal point.
Gougane Barra — picturesque, peaceful, and timeless.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of my favourite locations in Ireland. There are so many more — hidden coves, quiet valleys, ancient ruins — that I could fill a book with them.
But what I love most about Ireland is that you don't need to travel to the famous spots to find something beautiful. Sometimes the best images come from a quiet road, a small forest, or a moment of unexpected light.
Ireland is a place that rewards those who take the time to look. So take your time. Look around. And when you find something beautiful, photograph it.
You won't regret it.
Explore Ireland's Landscapes With Me
Ireland is full of incredible locations waiting to be photographed. If you'd like to experience these places with a small group of like-minded photographers, I'd love to have you along on a workshop. Small groups, real locations, and a focus on the art of seeing.
Explore the Ireland Workshop →