Photography Ireland
Ireland is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes in the world. This makes Ireland an ideal location photographers. The scenery ranges from rolling hills to ancient castles from seascapes to mountains from cliffs to forests and everything in between. Here we will go through a few my favourite photography locations in Ireland.
Sliabh Liag Cliffs (Slieve League)
Malin Head
Fanad Lighthouse
Mount Errigal
Bad Eddies Boat Wreck
The Dark Hedges
Kinbane Castle
Dunluce Castle
The Giants Causeway
Downpatrick Head
Clew Bay
Connemara
Achill Island
Mourne Mountains
Sleahead Drive
Conners Pass
The Ring of Kerry
Cliff Of Moher
Cuilcagh Boardwalk
The Wicklow Mountains
Donegal
Donegal is located in the north-west of Ireland. In my opinion it is the most rugged and wild location in all of Ireland. It’s a landscape photographers dream. Donegal makes up a part of the wild Atlantic way which stretches from Cork to Donegal covering a distance of 2,500km. The opportunities for photography in this part of Ireland are next to none.
Sliabh Liag Cliffs (Slieve League)
The Sliabh Liag sea cliffs stretch out of the ocean to a height of 601 meters high although not the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland they certainly take your breath away. The cliffs are accessible allayer round with a road leading up to the lookout point. Once there you can take a hike along one mans path. For this I would recommend that you have a head for heights and some hiking ability under your belt.
Malin Head
Malin head is the most northerly point in all of Ireland, but thats not the only thing it has going for it. Because of its remote location and wild scenery it was used as a filming location for the Star Wars film, The Last Jedi. The location known as “hells hole” is a must see for photographers and makes for a dermic landscape image.
Fanad Lighthouse
Fanad lighthouse is also worth the visit, the light house sits on a rocket outshot of land that fall into the ocean. Around this area you might see some seals or whales, so be sure to bring a long lens to capture them if the moment arises.
Bad Eddies Boat Wreck
Not far from Mount Errigal lies the small town of Bunbeg, here you can find Bad Eddies Boat wreck. You can get different styles of images of the boat depending on whether the tide is in or out at that give time. Long exposures can be nice to try here.
Mount Errigal
Mount Errigal is the tallest mountain in donegal reaching a height of 751 meters. You can get some amazing reflections of it from the lake. In and around this area there are countless opportunities to take amazing photographs.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to photo locations in Donegal, I haven’t mentioned the waterfalls some hidden in caves and some not so hidden. There are sea arches and deserted beaches that rank among the best in the world. Donegal is one amazing location and every time I visit I always stumble across an other world class location that I never knew existed.
Causeway Coast
The causeway coast lays on the northern coast of the country it stretches from Belfast right the way around to derry. This dive alone is breathtaking, but I recommend taking your time and stopping off at a number of places along the way. The causeway coast has been made iconic in recent years by the tv show Game Of Thrones but we alway knew it was an amazing place.
The Dark Hedges
The hedges have been made famous as it was a filming location in the Game Of Thrones, it is still an epic sight to see, but definitely a sunrise location. Here I would recommend busting out the long lens as this will compress the trees and make for an epic shot.
Kinbane Castle
This is one of my favourite locations in all of Ireland, the castle is off the beaten track and you wont see any tour buses here. Once you climb down the steps to the castle your breath will be taken away. There are a number of photo opportunities here, so be prepared to stay for some time.
Dunluice Castle
Dunluice castle is a bit easier to get to and a little more popular. I always try and make it to shoot sunset here, and if you stay even longer you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights. There are a couple of shots to be had from here. Both above the castle and on the waters edge looking up at the castle.
The Giants Causeway
The giants causeway is a must see location, but you’ll want to get there before the crowds. I would defiantly recommend getting there for sunrise. The unique stone formations along with the crashing waves means There are lots of interesting shots that you can get from this location.
There are lots of points of interest along the causeway coast ill leave some for you to find and explore by your self after all I cant be doing all the work for you.
Mayo/Galway
The Mayo/Galway coast line is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way and is situated in the west of Ireland it is awash with culture and heritage. And has amazing photo opportunities throughout. You would defiantly want to spend at least a few days exploring everything this area has to offer.
Downpatrick Head
The Downpatrick head sea stack rises vertically out of the water. From the adjacent cliff you can capture some great images but don’t get too close to the edge, as we don’t want any one falling in. This is an ideal location to pull out the tripod and put an ND filter on for a long exposure.
Clew Bay
Clew bay sits below the impressive Croagh Patrick mountain, the bay is home to a large number of little islands known as sunken drumlins. these were formed by glacial activity. If you’re feeling up to it the views from the top of Croagh Patrick are amazing on a good day, where you can look out over Clew Bay.
Connemara
Connemara is the ideal location to get away from it all. Its also a great location to take some photographs in Ireland. There are lots of rolling hills and mountains, lakes and bogland. As in the rest of Ireland this is a great place to get some moody shots.
Achill Island
Achill islad is connected to the mainland of Ireland via a bridge. One on the island it’s time to start exploring. There are a few places on the island that I would recommend. First of all you’ll want to get to keem bay a beautiful secluded little beach. Next you’ll want to claim Croaghaun here you’ll find the highest sea cliffs in Ireland rising out of the water to a height of 688m.
Mourne Mountains
You’ll be glad to hear not all the best locations are along the wild Atlantic way. The mourne mountains are some of my favourite in Ireland for photography. There are numerous different peaks that you can climb. In the autumn a lot of the grasses and bog turn a lovely copper colour. The stone wall that run all over the mouintain are a sight to see and make excellent focal points for photography.
kerry
Kerry otherwise known as the kingdom is an other amazing location for photography in Ireland
Sleahead Drive
This drive takes you along the coastal road here there are may opportunities to grab some amazing photographs. Along the road you will find little pull inns on the side of the road. Be warned it gets quit narrow, but that’s part of it beauty. You should definitely stop at Dun Chaoin and take a wee walk around. This is where I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. You should also try and stop off at one of the many beaches around this area on of my favourite is Clogher strand.
Conners Pass
You’ll want to to this drive either on you way in to Dingle or when your leaving it or maybe both, this road gets very tight in some places so you will have to drive with care. Along this road you will find waterfalls and amazing views
The Ring of Kerry
This is probably the most famous of all drives in Kerry yet it is one that I still have to do, I will keep you updated on this as its on my to do list and I’m sure its an other great spot for photography in Ireland.
Other Great Locations for Photography in Ireland
Cliff of Moher
These are probably the most iconic cliffs in Ireland even tho the only stand at XXXm high. But be careful not to go too close to the edge. There are also puffins that nest on the cliff so take your long lens to try and capture shoes little guys. Take your time here as there is a walk along the cliffs and you may get nice shot from there
The Wicklow Mountains
The Wicklow mountains are located just out side of Dublin and is a peaceful scenic location that gets you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you will find may photography opportunities that show off the Irish country side in all its glory. This is a location with many gems from waterfalls to lakes and is a location that I need to visit more.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk
Cuilcagh Boardwalks in county Fermanagh and its a pretty relaxing walk. As long as you don’t get the weather we had when we went, we had rain, snow, hail and glorious sunshine all in the space of a few hours, when I was there I was able to capture a few nice shots one of the sunset and one of an isolated tree. when your in the area you should check out the marble arch caves if there open.
I hope you have been inspired to get out and shoot some of the locations on the list. But please understand that this is only the tip of the iceberg Ireland has many more amazing locations to offer. I look forward to getting out and shooting them and exploring all the locations that this little island has to offer.
