When people think about photography in Dublin, they often picture Temple Bar, Ha’penny Bridge or Trinity College. While these famous landmarks deserve their reputation, some of Dublin’s most spectacular photo opportunities lie well beyond the city centre.
Whether you’re a visitor looking for incredible Instagram photos, a keen photographer exploring Ireland, or simply someone who loves discovering hidden gems, these locations offer stunning landscapes, coastal views, historic architecture and wildlife—all within easy reach of Dublin.
Here are our favourite photography locations outside Dublin city centre.
1. Howth Cliff Walk
If you only have time for one location outside Dublin, make it Howth.
Just a short DART journey from the city, the Howth Cliff Walk delivers dramatic sea cliffs, panoramic views across Dublin Bay, the Baily Lighthouse and colourful wildflowers during spring and summer. It’s one of Dublin’s most photographed coastal landscapes.
Photography Tips
- Visit at sunrise for soft golden light.
- Use leading lines from the coastal paths.
- Bring a zoom lens—or use your smartphone’s telephoto mode—for lighthouse shots.
2. Poolbeg Lighthouse & Great South Wall
Although visible from much of Dublin, walking the Great South Wall to Poolbeg Lighthouse is an experience in itself.
The long granite pathway creates incredible leading lines, while the iconic red lighthouse stands against the blue Irish Sea. On calm days, reflections and dramatic skies make this one of Dublin’s most rewarding coastal photography locations.
Best during sunrise when the lighthouse catches the first light of the day.
3. Phoenix Park
One of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks, Phoenix Park offers much more than green space.
The resident herd of wild fallow deer, Victorian gardens, tree-lined avenues and historic monuments provide endless photography opportunities throughout every season.
Don’t miss:
- The deer at golden hour
- Wellington Monument
- Tree-lined roads
- Victorian Flower Gardens
4. Bull Island & Dollymount Beach
Wide open beaches create some of Dublin’s most peaceful photography scenes.
North Bull Island combines sand dunes, wildlife, long beaches and uninterrupted views back towards Poolbeg Chimneys and Howth Head. As part of Dublin Bay’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s also one of Ireland’s most important nature areas.
Perfect for:
- Sunset photography
- Reflection shots
- Minimalist compositions
- Wildlife photography
5. Malahide Marina & Castle
Malahide offers two completely different photography experiences.
The marina provides colourful boats and coastal scenery, while nearby Malahide Castle is surrounded by beautiful woodland walks and formal gardens that look fantastic in every season.
6. Killiney Hill
Often compared to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Killiney Hill rewards photographers with spectacular views over Dublin Bay, Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains.
The summit is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when warm light fills the bay.
Bring comfortable walking shoes—the climb is worth it.
7. St Anne’s Park
One of Dublin’s hidden gems, St Anne’s Park is filled with woodland paths, colourful rose gardens, stone bridges and charming follies.
Every season offers something different, making it an excellent destination for smartphone photographers and portrait sessions alike.
8. Forty Foot & Sandycove
Few places capture Dublin’s coastal culture quite like Forty Foot.
The famous swimming spot combines rugged rocks, turquoise water and endless sea views. Even if you don’t swim, it’s an outstanding location for storytelling photography.
9. Dalkey Village
Dalkey’s colourful streets, boutique shops, historic churches and nearby coastline make it one of Dublin’s most photogenic villages.
Walk down to Coliemore Harbour for peaceful waters and beautiful views towards Dalkey Island.
10. Portmarnock Beach
Stretching for miles, Portmarnock Beach offers space, simplicity and spectacular sunsets.
Look for:
- Sand patterns
- Reflections
- Silhouettes
- Long shoreline leading lines
11. Ticknock Forest
If forests are your favourite subject, Ticknock delivers winding woodland trails, mountain biking routes and elevated viewpoints across Dublin.
Autumn colours here are especially impressive.
12. Skerries Harbour
Further north along Dublin’s coastline lies Skerries.
Colourful fishing boats, historic windmills, rocky islands and charming cafés make this a fantastic day-trip destination for photographers.
Golden hour here is exceptional.
13. National Botanic Gardens (Glasnevin)
Glasshouses, exotic plants, flower displays and Victorian architecture combine to create endless photography opportunities throughout the year.
Macro photography lovers will especially enjoy the gardens.
14. Farmleigh Estate
Located beside Phoenix Park, Farmleigh feels surprisingly undiscovered.
Elegant gardens, lakes, woodland walks and historic buildings make it perfect for quieter photography sessions.
15. Dublin Bay Coastal DART Route
Sometimes the journey is just as photogenic as the destination.
The DART railway hugs Dublin Bay between Howth and Bray, offering stunning coastal views almost the entire way.
Hop off at stations like:
- Clontarf
- Sutton
- Howth
- Sandycove
- Dún Laoghaire
- Killiney
Each stop reveals new photography opportunities.
Smartphone Photography Tips for Dublin
No professional camera? No problem.
Today’s smartphones are capable of producing stunning images, especially when paired with a few simple techniques:
- Photograph during golden hour.
- Tap to focus before taking the picture.
- Use leading lines such as piers, paths or fences.
- Look for reflections after rain.
- Keep your horizon level.
- Avoid using digital zoom whenever possible.
Discover Dublin Through a Different Lens
At PicTours, we believe photography helps people experience cities differently.
Our guided smartphone photography tours encourage visitors, students and groups to slow down, notice the details and capture unique images while learning practical photography techniques along the way.
Whether you’re exploring dramatic cliffs in Howth, photographing deer in Phoenix Park or chasing sunsets along Dublin Bay, these locations prove that some of Dublin’s best photographs are found well beyond the city centre.
Ready to discover Dublin’s hidden photography gems? Join a PicTours experience and start seeing the city—and its coastline—through a whole new lens.
