With Instagram becoming the most popular photo-sharing app on the planet, where you can instantly share where you are, show off your photography skills – and if you’re super savvy, get paid to do it – there is no surprise that travellers are flocking to unique places to get their one-of-a-kind shot!
Luckily Ireland is full of stunning landscapes and quirky buildings to get your Insta shot. If you’re short on time in Ireland, this list will tell you where to go to set your Instagram profile on fire!
10. Cliffs of Moher
Let’s start with the original Insta hotspot of Ireland. If you don’t have at least one spectacular picture of the Cliffs of Moher, you need to return.
The dramatic coastline and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide the perfect backdrop for an epic photo.
For the ultimate shot without the tourists, aim for Hag’s Head which is less than a mile from the visitor centre. This ‘secret’ car park costs two Euros and after a quick stroll through some paddocks, you find your own quiet spot along the cliffs to snap an epic selfie.
9. Cobh, Cork
The colourful houses, the castle and seafront make Cobh the ideal Insta location. Get a snap of yourself strolling past the rainbow-hued cottages or sitting by the waterfront that was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912.
8. The Trinity Library
Lose yourself amongst the thousands of books at Dublin’s Trinity Library and if you can drag yourself away from the many titles on offer, snap a picture that will make any book lover jealous! The ideal spot is the Old Library Long Room where over 200,000 books fill up the 65-metre long room.
7. Shimna River Stepping Stones – Tollymore National Park
Nature lovers, this is your Insta location! The Tollymore National Park is so green that it hurts your eyes! Take a hike into the park and find the mystical stepping stone bridge. Long exposure shots are the best way to capture the flowing water.
6. The Worm Hole – Aran Islands
The Aran Islands themselves are a nature photographers dream. Sheer coastal edges, untouched lands and a peculiar rectangle shaped pool that has formed completely naturally in the rocky cliffs and is one of the best hidden gems in County Galway. Drone operators will love shooting the wild coastlines and adventurers will thrive on the uncrowded trails. The Wormhole takes some effort getting to, but the view and natural phenomenon are absolutely worth it!
5. Bittles Bar, Belfast
For what this narrow bar lacks in size, it makes up in character. It not only offers one of Belfast’s widest selection of local and international draught and bottled beers and ciders but also is infamous for its extensive whiskey collection! After you’ve got your Insta-snaps, settle in for a couple of pints and some true Irish craic!
4. The Mahon Falls
Throw on your hiking boots and lose yourself to nature at the Mahon Falls. These massive waterfalls are best after heavy rain, where the water furiously gushes from the highest point of the Comeragh Mountains. While the waterfalls are the highlight, you’ll find the rest of the hike to be equally photogenic.
3. Dark Hedges
What started off as a simple entrance of beech trees to a Georgian estate, the mysterious Dark Hedges has turned into one of the most popular tourist locations due to its cameo in Game of Thrones. Head there early to avoid the busloads of tourists and get a banger of a shot walking through the Dark Hedges.
2. Sweater Shop in Doolin
The whole Wild Atlantic Way is a photographers dream, but it’s the charming village of Doolin that will brighten up your Instagram feed. The most popular spot for a photo is in front of the bright pink, thatched roof cottage that is home to the Sweater Shop. Extra points if you buy one of the Irish made sweaters to wear in your snaps!
1. Giant’s Causeway
Did you think we could finish this list without including the crazy basalt formations that make up the Giant’s Causeway?! The result of ancient volcanic eruptions is hundreds of hexagonal shaped rocks that will leave you speechless and your camera roll full! Aim to go at sunset for the most spectacular show!
