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Dublin is a city steeped in history. But the Irish capital city is more than stuffy museums. It’s also an incredibly charming place with many great photo spots. If you’re coming to Dublin, you’ll definitely want to know where to go for the most Instagrammable places. Lucky for you, this post will show you the best Instagrammable spots in Dublin. From well-known spots like Trinity College, St Stephen’s Green, and the Guinness Storehouse to some hidden gems such as Iveagh Gardens, Dublin is a photogenic and fun city. These spots are some of Dublin’s most Instagrammable places. So read on for the best places to take photos in Dublin.
The Best Instagrammable Spots in Dublin to Visit
1. Poolbeg Lighthouse
This little red lighthouse is a Dublin City icon and the perfect spot for an Instagram photoshoot. Poolbeg lighthouse is ideal for drone photographers as this Dublin landmark looks best from above.
To get to Poolbeg lighthouse, drive or take a taxi to the parking lot at the end of Pigeon House Road in the Ringsend neighborhood. From the parking lot, walk 1.7 km (about 20 minutes) along the Great South Wall.
The Great South Wall was built in the 1700s and has marked the entrance to Dublin harbor since its construction. While walking, you’ll have views of Howth, Dublin Bay, the port, and the Irish Sea.
At the end of the breakwater is the lighthouse. Be sure to snap some Instaworthy pics with this cute red lighthouse before walking back.
2. Samuel Beckett Bridge
The Samuel Beckett Bridge, named after one of Ireland’s most renowned poets, is a beautiful place to snap some photos.
This icon of the Dublin skyline is bright white and built to resemble a harp, the symbol of Ireland. This incredibly photogenic bridge spans the River Liffey, welcoming visitors to Dublin.
It’s hard to get a good photo from the bridge itself. Instead, stand on the south bank of the river and walk east away from the bridge. Turn back to get that perfect Instagram shot.
Another place to grab a nice photo of the Beckett Bridge is from the Sean O’Casey Bridge, the next bridge over to the west. Stand in the middle to capture a photo of the iconic Beckett bridge spanning the width of the river.
3. Ha’Penny Bridge
The Ha’Penny Bridge is another one of Dublin’s Instagrammable bridges.
The pedestrian bridge gets its name from the toll once charged to cross it: A half penny for each pair of shoes. To save money, men would carry their wives across the bridge.
Interesting history aside, this top Dublin Instagram spot is a must-visit.
There are a couple of great shots you can get of the Ha’Penny Bridge. The first is to stand on one end of the bridge, walk up a few steps, and snap a photo straight on. This way you’ll get a nice picture of the white Victorian-era wrought iron lamps that top the bridge.
Another iconic shot is to stand on either the north or south side of the river, walk along the river away from the bridge, then turn back and capture a photo of the bridge spanning the River Liffey.
4. Millennium Bridge
The next bridge upriver from the Ha’Penny Bridge is one of the best photo spots in Dublin for night photographers. Millennium Bridge is not much to look at during the day, but at night, this bridge turns into a tunnel of rainbow lights.
Head to the Millennium Bridge after dark to get some cool photos of yourself under the bridge’s rainbow lights.
5. Trinity College Dublin
Located in Dublin City Center, Trinity College is the oldest and most prestigious university in Ireland. It also happens to have a gorgeous campus that is begging to be on your IG feed.
In the heart of campus, Library Square is a popular Dublin Instagram spot. Be sure to snap a photo with the Campanile Tower, one of Dublin’s iconic landmarks, with the college green in the background.
6. Long Room at Trinity Library
No visit to Dublin is complete without a trip to the famed Trinity College Library. Located on the Trinity College campus, your ticket to the library includes a glimpse at the historic Book of Kells.
The highlight, however, is a walk through the Long Room, a beautiful library hall with dark oak walls lined with books. This is the most photogenic spot in Dublin.
For the best photos of the Trinity College Library, head to the far end of the library. From here you’ll be able to get the whole room in your photo, including the arched oak ceiling. For the best photo, arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds.
7. Christ Church Cathedral
The exterior of Christ Church Cathedral is one of the best photo spots in Dublin. The building is built in the Gothic and Romanesque styles and provides a striking background for photos.
Christ Church is an especially good photo spot in the spring when it’s surrounded by lovely purple and yellow flowers. The bright purples and yellows contrast nicely with the stone building, giving you the perfect backdrop for your photos.
8. St Stephen’s Green Park
In the heart of Dublin city centre is St Stephen’s Green Park. This beautiful park was a gift from Arthur Guinness to the people of Dublin.
There are many Instagrammable places within the park. One great photo spot is the arch at the main park entrance off Grafton Street. Once inside the park, there are bridges, a small lake, and flowers that make a great backdrop for photos.
While St Stephen’s Green Park is one of the best Dublin Instagram spots, it also holds an important place in the history of Ireland. It was here that Irish rebels fought against the British in the 1916 Easter Rising. As you walk through the park you’ll see signs detailing the historic events that took place where you stand.
9. Guinness Storehouse
The name “Guinness” is practically synonymous with Ireland, and you can’t visit Dublin without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse!
This popular tourist attraction is actually the most visited in the country, and for good reason. Inside you’ll learn all about Arthur Guinness and his family, the history of the company, and how Guinness is made. In addition to being a fun place to visit, it has some of the best photo spots in Dublin.
One great photo spot is right outside the entrance in front of the big black doors marked with the Guinness logo.
At the end of your visit, head to the Gravity Bar on the top floor. Here you can take photos of the Dublin skyline while enjoying the freshest pint of Guinness you’ll ever drink.
10. The Brazen Head
The oldest pub in Dublin, the Brazen Head was established in 1198 and has been keeping locals hydrated since.
This quirky pub is decorated with shelves of books, police badges from across the world, and other tchotchkes lining the walls. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to warm up if you’re coming to Dublin during the winter. The pub also has live music every night, so it’s a great place to spend an evening.
While taking photos indoors can be difficult in the pub’s low light, the stone exterior of the Brazen Head is incredibly photogenic. Be sure to snap a shot of the sign outside reminding you that you’re at the oldest pub in Dublin!
11. Temple Bar Pub
Iconic Temple Bar Pub is hands down one of the most recognizable Instagrammable places in Dublin. The bright red pub surrounded by the cobbled streets of this historic Dublin neighborhood is one of the most photographed places in the city.
While the Temple Bar Pub is famous throughout the world, it’s actually quite touristy and one of the more expensive places to grab a drink in Dublin. As far as Dublin Instagram spots go, grab a photo of the outside and move on to other more interesting parts of the city.
Once you’ve taken a photo of the pub for your Instagram post, move on to explore more of the historic Temple Bar neighborhood. This charming area is lined with cobblestone streets, coffee shops, and quirky stores. It’s a fun area with a youthful vibe, and certainly one to experience while in Dublin.
12. Phoenix Park
Another one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin is Phoenix Park. The largest park in Dublin, Phoenix Park is home to Dublin Zoo and has many great photo spots to check out.
One Instagrammable place in the park is the Wellington Monument. This granite obelisk was built in 1871 to commemorate the first Duke of Wellington. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in Dublin, and also one of the tallest structures in the city.
If you’re lucky, you may see the herd of local deer that live in Phoenix Park. These famous deer are popular with tourists, who love to get close and snap photos of them.
13. Grand Canal Dock
If you’re looking for a great Dublin Instagram spot, then head to Grand Canal Dock. The newly revitalized portion of the city is surrounded by waterfront hotels, restaurants, and condos. You can snap photos of yourself along the water with the Grand Canal as your backdrop.
Within Grand Canal Dock, the best place to snap a photo for your Instagram feed is in front of the “Urban Forest” art installation: an arrangement of tall red pillars slanted at different angles. The pillars are lit up at night, making this one of the best Dublin Instagram spots.
14. Dublin Castle
If you’re visiting and looking for the most Instagrammable places in Dublin, then Dublin Castle should be on your list.
This historic building was once the home of the British government’s administration in Dublin. Today, Dublin Castle houses a museum where visitors can learn about Irish history and politics. The building is also used during state visits to host foreign dignitaries.
For the best photos of Dublin Castle, head to the courtyard in front of the building. Here you can capture a photo of the beautiful building, which is a prime example of Georgian Dublin architecture.
Behind Dublin Castle is the former heart of Dublin, the sight of the black pool that gave the city its name. While the water has long since dried up, if you head to the field that now fills the spot you’ll have a great shot of Dublin Castle.
15. Kilmainham Gaol
In addition to being one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol also holds an important place in modern Irish history. It was here that Irish rebels from the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and subsequently executed for fighting against British rule.
Inside the jail, you’ll learn about the people who passed through in the centuries since the jail was opened, with an emphasis on the 20th century.
Despite the jail’s sordid past, it’s one of the best Dublin Instagram spots. The modern section of the jail was built in the Victorian era and features a large central room with a white wrought iron stairwell in the center. Skylights and large windows bathe the jail in light, making for a stunning photo spot.
16. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre
On the southern end of Grafton Street and adjacent to St Stephen’s Green is the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre. Yet another example of Dublin’s Victorian architecture, this beautiful shopping center is one of Dublin’s most photogenic places.
You can snap a shot of the exterior, which is especially pretty in the spring when it’s covered in flowers, but be sure to head inside the shopping center as well.
Head up the stairs on either end of the building to grab a photo looking down at the shopping center. The white wrought iron framework of the building and the glass windows are very photogenic.
If you’re visiting Dublin in the lead-up to Christmas, then be sure to head into Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre to see it decorated for the coming holiday.
17. The Umbrellas on Anne’s Lane
On a quiet alley tucked away in the city centre is one of the best places in Dublin for photos. When you turn onto Anne’s Lane, you’ll be rewarded with an awning of colorful umbrellas.
These cheery umbrellas may be a nod to all the rainy days in Dublin. If you happen to get caught in the rain here, then pop into Zozimus Bar for a fancy cocktail and small plates.
If you have trouble finding the colorful umbrellas, you can put Zozimus Bar into your navigation app.
18. Dublin’s Georgian Quarter
There are hardly any better Instagram spots in the city than the colorful doors of Dublin’s Georgian Quarter. You’ll see photos of the Dublin Georgian doors plastered on postcards sold all over Ireland. They’re one of the many features that make Dublin such a beautiful city.
The best area for taking photos of the doors is around Merrion Square. Start at Upper Mount Street and walk around, making your way toward the Grand Canal. There are many great houses to stop outside and snap a photo.
While you can find this same architecture in North City, Dublin, the buildings in South Dublin are better maintained.
19. Jameson Distillery Bow Street
The Jameson Distillery is more than just a whiskey-tasting experience, it’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin. The most photogenic area is its stunning bar with chandeliers fashioned out of Jameson bottles.
While you can drink at the bar without touring the facility, the tour is a fun experience and includes a tasting along with a free drink at the bar.
20. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
This medieval cathedral is one of the best Dublin Instagram spots that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
While St Patrick’s Cathedral is beautiful inside and out, the most Insta-worth shots are from the adjacent park.
Spring is an especially good time to photograph St Patrick’s Cathedral, as the park is full of colorful flowers that will brighten your Instagram feed.
21. National Gallery of Ireland
Ireland’s premier art museum also happens to be one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin.
This beautiful building houses a stellar collection of Irish artists, as well as works by big names like Monet, Picasso, and Caravaggio.
Both the outside and inside of the building are photogenic. Plus, it’s completely free to enter! Some of the best photos in the National Gallery are of the long halls with their symmetrical wooden door frames, or the beautiful works of art themselves. When you get tired of taking photos, the museum has a nice coffee shop where you can sit and recharge.
22. Iveagh Gardens
This hidden gem in Dublin city center is one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin. Iveagh Gardens has a beautiful rose garden and waterfall, both of which are great places to snap photos.
As you wander through this city center oasis, you’ll find grand fountains and other great Instagram spots. This park is definitely worth exploring during your visit, especially if you’re looking for a bit of greenery in the heart of the city.
23. Poolbeg Chimneys
At the mouth of the River Liffey stand two icons of the Dublin skyline: the Poolbeg Chimneys. While these chimneys no longer work, they’re still beloved by Dubliners and one of the best Dublin Instagram spots.
The best way to see the Poolbeg Chimneys is on a Dublin Bay harbor cruise. These cruises depart daily from Dublin, right near the Samuel Beckett Bridge, and sail on to Dun Laoghaire and Howth.
The Dublin Bay cruise is a fantastic way to see the scenery around Dublin, and there are some nice photo spots along the way.
24. The Icon Walk – Temple Bar
On a side alley in the Temple Bar neighborhood is the Icon Walk, one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin. This public art installation highlights many important Irish figures, from writers and singers to actors and sports stars. The colorful murals and awning make this small alley one of the more unique spots in Dublin to grab a photo.
Adjacent to the Icon Walk is the Icon Factory, a Temple Bar institution. The mission of the Icon Factory is to celebrate Ireland’s cultural heritage through art. They feature regular rotating exhibitions and sell original works onsite.
25. Grafton Street
Dublin’s main shopping street, Grafton Street is a bustling area in the heart of city centre. Running from Trinity College in the north to St Stephen’s Green in the south, Grafton Street is a great place to stroll, shop, and listen to musical performances.
Grafton Street is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin. Whether you’re snapping a photo of the crowds along the street, or taking a video of a busker wowing passersby with her music, there’s always something going on along Grafton Street.
26. Grand Canal
Some of the best Dublin photo spots can be found along the Grand Canal. This important waterway runs from the River Liffey, through Dublin’s Georgian Quarter, and all the way west until the River Shannon.
The canal itself is quite photogenic. Stand on one of the locks or any of the bridges that cross the canal and take a photo of the peaceful waterway surrounded by lush greenery.
As you walk the canal, you’ll come across many other photo spots, such as the colorful doors of the Georgian Quarter. Another great photo spot is McCafferty’s at the Barge, a photogenic pub situated alongside the canal. It’s also one of the best spots in Dublin to grab a pint.
27. National Botanical Gardens
Another Instagrammable place and one of the best photo spots in Dublin is the National Botanical Gardens.
These gardens are at their best during the spring and summer when colorful flowers bloom. However, as far as photo spots in Dublin go, the botanical gardens are worth a visit year-round due to their beautiful Victorian greenhouses.
The lovely wrought iron greenhouses of the National Botanical Gardens are great photographed from inside or out.
Visit All the Best Photo Spots in Dublin
Dublin has many great photo spots. Instagrammers can head to beautiful St Stephen’s Green Park or the historic Temple Bar neighborhood, grab photos of the colourful doors of Georgian Dublin, or the rainbow umbrellas outside Zozimus Bar on Anne’s Lane.
The Irish capital is full of Instagrammable places just waiting to be discovered. Whether you take a walking tour or explore on your own, Dublin is waiting.
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Tamar Marder
Tamar is a family travel blogger currently based in Dublin, Ireland. She is passionate about helping busy parents plan culturally rich vacations with their children, even with limited time off. You can read more of her work at World by Weekend.
