Ireland, often dubbed the Emerald Isle, is known for its picturesque scenery and rich cultural heritage. Visiting Ireland promises enrichment and enjoyment in their own right for individuals and families alike, but when it comes to destinations for photographers, the country remains surprisingly underrated.
Bustling European hotspots like Spain and Italy may often be at the top of the list for architecture and warm weather aficionados, while Iceland, Norway and Finland may be the number one priorities for those with a penchant for refreshing open space. However, Ireland offers a treasure trove of photographic opportunities.
From dramatic coastlines and ancient castles to charming historical villages and cobblestone streets, Ireland offers settings like no other for capturing precious moments in time.
At Little Gem Tours, we specialise in private guided tours across this diverse country that give visitors the chance to witness the country’s most iconic locations, as well as the proverbial ‘road less travelled’. Here’s why we think Ireland deserves a spot on every enthusiastic, open-minded photographer’s bucket list and how you can unlock its true potential as a destination.
1. Swathes of Space in a Small Island
One of Ireland’s most redeeming features as a photographic haven is its diverse landscapes all accessible in a relatively small area. One short drive can take you from a beautiful rugged coastline or lake all the way to a lush green valley full of towering cliffs. Photographers are spoiled for choice in what they can capture through their lenses and don’t have to undergo gruelling, exhausting journeys to get there.
Take the Cliffs of Moher for example, one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes. These 700-foot-plus cliffs provide dramatic views that change significantly depending on the weather and time of day, offering particularly pristine views at sunrise or sunset when the low light hits the face of the rugged rocks. Similarly, Connemara in the West offers a wilder, more untamed experience, with its mist-covered mountaintops and vast open space creating a stunning snapshot of Ireland’s natural beauty.
2. Charming Irish Villages
Ireland is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes, but its quaint villages and towns offer a different type of enrichment. The endearing streets of Dublin, Galway, and Kilkenny are perfect for photographers interested in capturing street scenes that combine historic buildings with vibrant modern life.
Dublin’s cobblestone streets and Georgian architecture combine to make a tapestry that offers both old-world charm and modern hustle and bustle. The interplay of light on the cobblestones during sunrise and sunset creates ideal conditions for capturing Ireland at its most energetic. One single shot of a quiet alleyway or a candid moment on a busy city street can encapsulate the character of Ireland’s capital.
Those preferring quieter terrain should consider somewhere like Adare in County Limerick. Known for its thatched cottages and mediaeval churches, it’s no wonder why Adare is called one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. Whether shooting architectural details or capturing the warm glow of evening light reflecting off the river, Adare - and many other similar villages - paint a picture of Ireland’s quaint side.
3. Ancient Ruins Aplenty
Ireland is stocked full of castles, monuments and ruins that are sure to pique the interest of photographers with a passion for architecture and history. Capturing the essence of Ireland’s past can be achieved with snapshots in these tranquil and timeless spots.
One such gem is Grianán of Aileach, an ancient hillfort in County Donegal. This fort - built in the 6th or 7th century - offers panoramic views of the nearby countryside, with its stone walls providing an exceptional foreground for shots doused in natural golden light.
Another lesser-known monument is Cloughoughter Castle in County Cavan. Set on a small island in the middle of a lake, this castle is both haunting and eye-catching, particularly when photographed at dawn with the mist sitting atop the water. Little Gem Tours can help you access these remote and hidden treasures and guide you to the best vantage points to capture what you need.
4. Coastal Beauty
Ireland’s rugged coastline is a dream come true for photographers with a knack for dramatic seascapes. The western coastline, especially, is gifted with plenty of steep cliffs, windswept beaches and crashing waves, creating a dynamic environment for capturing motion and power in location photographs.
A noteworthy hidden gem along the coast is Murder Hole Beach in Donegal. Despite its ominous name, this isolated cove offers some of the most captivating coastal scenes in Ireland, full of rolling dunes and untouched beauty rarely tainted by bustling crowds. Take a leisurely walk to the beach to uncover a sense of adventure along the way.
Additionally, the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches for 2,500 kilometres along the western seaboard, also provides endless photographing opportunities. Whether it’s the jagged rocks of Achill Island, the thunderous waves of Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula, or the serene beauty of Glencar Lough in County Leitrim, the coastline offers photographic opportunities in spades.
5. Lakes and Waterfalls
Ireland boasts a vast array of inland lakes and cascading waterfalls to offer a wealth of natural beauty for photographers. Glencar Waterfall, near the shores of Glencar Lake, is one of the country’s most famous waterfalls and is especially photogenic after rainfall with gushing water dramatically tipping over the cliff edge. The neighbouring green foliage creates an almost fairytale-like atmosphere, offering photographers the chance to capture exquisite long-distance shots with the motions of water blurred for dramatic effect.
For a more remote experience, Fowley Falls in County Leitrim provides yet another fulfilling panorama for photographers. Tucked away in a secluded forest environment, these falls offer a quieter alternative, free from foot traffic. The moss-covered rocks and layered cascades create a scene that essentially changes with the seasons, offering bright and invigorating shots during the peak of summer, and peacefulness and tranquillity in the colder months.
Book a Private Tour of Ireland Today
While Ireland may not always be the first place that comes to mind for adventurous and ambitious photographers, we believe it certainly should be. The country offers a plethora of features both natural and human-made that give those looking to capture something special plenty to choose from. Ireland, it’s fair to say, has it all for a photographer looking to expand their portfolio or seek inspiration.
At Little Gem Tours, we pride ourselves on creating personalised day-long or multi-day guided tours that help you discover all that Ireland has to offer, including its hidden gems and places ‘off the beaten track’ where the true spirit of this beautiful country is waiting to be captured. Book a private Ireland tour today to see what you can discover and what can be captured through your lens in a short space of time.
Author bio
Dakota Murphey is a writer with a passion for exploring the world and capturing its beauty through her lens. She specialises in travel, photography, and sustainability, offering insightful and inspiring content to her readers. Her work with Little Gem Tours focuses on highlighting the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
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