PICTURES OF IRELAND: 101 beautiful snaps from the Isle

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Capture the unlimited essence and beauty of the Emerald Isle in our ultimate catalogue of pictures of Ireland, 101 photos from the best spots from every part of this beautiful island.

The Emerald Isle is a truly beautiful country hanging off the coast of the European continent.

It is enveloped by vast green fields and landscape, punctuated by intimate towns, outlined with remarkable beaches, partitioned by tranquil rivers and fueled by dynamic and discrete cities alike.

For such a small country, there is so much to take in, and it is borderline impossible to soak it up in its entirety in person.

As such, perhaps the perfect way to encapsulate the true beauty of Ireland is to delve into the many photos that tell the unique story of her towns, cities, counties and provinces.

Here are the finest pictures of Ireland, 101 beautiful pictures of the best spots across the country.

IB4UD’s top tips for taking photographs of Ireland

Embrace the unpredictable weather: Ireland is known for its changeable weather, so be prepared for sudden rain or sunshine.
Explore the countryside: Ireland’s landscapes are breathtaking, so venture beyond the cities and capture the stunning natural beauty of the countryside.
Visit prime locations during the golden hour: Make the most of the soft, warm light during golden hour (an hour after sunrise or before sunset) to capture atmospheric photographs.
Include charming villages: Ireland is dotted with picturesque villages and colourful towns with unique architecture, narrow lanes, and vibrant storefronts, which make for interesting and unique photos.
Experiment with long exposure: Try using long exposure techniques to capture the movement of water in waterfalls, rivers, or crashing waves along the coast.
Seek out hidden gems: While popular attractions are worth capturing, don’t be afraid to explore lesser-known locations. Ireland is full of hidden gems that offer unique perspectives and fewer crowds.

Beaches – chronicling Ireland’s coastlines

101. Keem Bay (Co. Mayo)

Keem Bay is one of the best beaches in Mayo. — Credit: achillislandguide.com

Just wow. Keem Bay is a hidden treasure found on Achill Island, not far from the coast of County Mayo.

This beach was recently voted one of the most beautiful in the world. Could this list have started any better?

Address: Keel West, Keem, Co. Mayo, Ireland

100. Murlough Beach (Co. Down)

This is one of the most beautiful pictures of Ireland.

The coast of County Down is blessed with some stunning beaches, but this is the best of the bunch, sitting under the nose of the majestic Mournes Mountains.

Address: Newcastle BT33 0NQ

99. Portsalon Beach (Co. Donegal)

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better beach in Ireland, never mind the rugged coastline of Donegal.

Address: R268, Magherawardan, Co. Donegal, Ireland

98. Inchydoney Beach (Co. Cork)

For cascading waves and soft sand, Inchydoney in West Cork is your port of call.

Address: P85 AT27, Inchydoney Island, Inchydoney, Co. Cork, P85 AT27, Ireland

97. Inch Beach (Co. Kerry)

The glorious green of the Kerry countryside is the perfect neighbour to Inch Beach.

Address: Ardroe, Co. Kerry, Ireland

96. Dog’s Bay (Co. Galway)

Nope, it’s not a Caribbean Island or some faraway dreamy coast; it’s County Galway. And, it’s one of the best pictures of Ireland.

Address: Ervallagh, Roundstone, Co. Galway, Ireland

95. Fanore Beach (Co. Clare)

This golden paradise is a jaw-dropping jewel in the coastal on the west coast of Ireland.

Address: Fanore More, Co. Clare, Ireland

94. Sandycove Beach (Co. Dublin)

In fifth place on our list of places to watch out for jellyfish in Ireland is Sandycove beach. — Credit: Ireland’s Content Pool

Dublin is more than just its city, as Sandycove Beach is the perfect getaway on a warm summer’s day or to watch the sun go down.

Address: Sandycove Ave W, Sandycove, Dublin, Ireland

93. Barleycove Beach (Co. Cork)

The best of the Rebel County is on full display with this water-soaked beach outside of Cork City overlooked by the watchful hills.

Address: Cannawee, Barleycove, Co. Cork, Ireland

92. Portstewart Beach (Co. Derry)

Thinking of taking a trip up to the coast of Derry? Do it.

Address: Co. Derry, Ireland

91. Coumeenole Strand (Co. Kerry)

This spot is without a doubt one of the best spots on the Dingle Peninsula and truly one of the best pictures of Ireland.

Address: Coumeenoole North, Co. Kerry, Ireland

90. Murder Hole Beach (Co. Donegal)

Don’t be off-put by the name. One of Ireland’s best beaches with the added bonus of a rainbow in the background! A new path to the beach was recently put in for visitors.

Address: Sheephaven Bay, Ireland

89. Streedagh Beach (Co. Sligo)

In County Sligo, the sands infusion with the rocks is in tune with the domineering Benbulden in the background.

Address: Streedagh, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Towns – Ireland’s unsung heroes

88. Kilkenny (Co. Kilkenny)

Kilkenny is a large town found in the east of Ireland, with Kilkenny Castle as its main attraction.

87. Killarney (Co. Kerry)

Killarney Town during the most magical time of the year.

86. Dingle (Co. Kerry)

One of the best things about living in Ireland is the safety that comes with it.

The green and gold of Kerry overtake the winding streets of Dingle Town.

85. Gaoth Dobhair (Co. Donegal)

The moving waters of Bunbeg Pier captured in time at Gweedore.

84. Kinsale (Co. Cork)

We think this photo speaks for itself. A stunning aerial photo of Kinsale.

83. Cobh (Co. Cork)

Another spectacular seaside spot in County Cork, deep in the south of the Emerald Isle.

82. Bundoran (Co. Donegal)

Amusements abound. Is there a more scenic place to spend the day away?

81. Westport (Co. Mayo)

The kaleidoscopic tone of this dynamic town makes it one of the best places to visit in Ireland.

80. Carlingford (Co. Louth)

A picture that encapsulates the archetypal Irish town; people, castles, main streets, and nature looming in the background.

79. Clifden (Co. Galway)

Pictures of Ireland are in abundance, but this one of Clifden Castle and the Connemara Mountains is surely one of the best.

78. Dun Laoghaire (Co. Dublin)

A lovely picture of the docks at Dun Laoghaire.

77. Portrush (Co. Derry)

This photo depicts the mix of coastal beach and seaside town. One of the best pictures of Ireland.

76. Ballycastle (Co. Antrim)

The Antrim Coast is one of the more scenic spots on the Emerald Isle, with Ballycastle town a sight to behold.

Cliffs – for some of the best pictures of Ireland

75. Slieve League (Co. Donegal)

Not one for the faint-hearted. The magisterial Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal are three times the size of the Cliffs of Moher and make for one of the best pictures of Ireland. These dramatic cliffs are worth a visit.

74. Cliffs of Moher (Co. Clare)

There are many great places to spot puffins throughout Ireland. — Credit: Ireland’s Content Pool

It is easy to see why the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are Ireland’s premier tourist attraction. One for the Irish Bucket List.

73. Mussenden Temple (Co. Derry)

Hidden high on the left is Mussenden Temple, perched on a cliff looking outwards towards Scotland, while a train whistles by.

72. Croaghgaun Cliffs (Co. Mayo)

Mayo takes top prize as having the biggest sea cliffs in Ireland.

71. Cave Hill (Belfast)

Napoleon’s Nose is one of Belfast’s most-visited sites, providing panoramic views of the city.

Cities – where the counties come to life

70. Belfast

Walking atop the Divis & Black Mountain is the best way to get views of Belfast, Ireland’s second-largest city.

69. Galway

The bohemian city of Galway is one of Ireland’s best spots to visit and is a city small enough to traverse by foot to take in the urban stronghold to one side and the Atlantic to the other.

68. Derry

The Peace Bridge connects both sides of the Walled City over the River Foyle. Without a doubt one of the best pictures of Ireland.

67. Dublin

The Irish Capital under the lights of darkness as seen from the lens of the Convention Centre on the banks of the famous Liffey River.

66. Limerick

Overlook the River Shannon with a pint of beer, a great way to spend your Irish weekend getaway.

65. Waterford

Waterford City is one of the oldest established towns in all of Ireland, with all to see in this panorama photograph.

Mountains – reaching to the rooftops of Ireland

64. Croagh Patrick (Co. Mayo)

Walk in the footsteps of the Irish patron saint. This snow-soaked photo of Croagh Patrick in Mayo is one of the best Ireland pictures.

63. Mourne Mountains (Co. Down)

This granite-mountain range in County Down is home to the north of Ireland’s largest peak, reaching around 850 metres (2788 ft). An outstanding photo.

62. Mount Errigal (Co. Donegal)

For sweeping hills of Tir Chonaill, make the trek to the tip of Errigal and glance over the all-encompassing hills of Donegal.

61. Benbulben (Co. Sligo)

One of the more unique natural wonders on the Emerald Isle and one of the best pictures of Ireland.

60. Carrauntoohil (Co. Kerry)

Carrauntoohil is the highest peak in Ireland at 1,038 metres, making it number one on our list of the best mountain trails in Ireland. — Credit: @liv.blakely / Instagram

When you hike this mountain, you reach the highest point in all of Ireland at 1,038 m (3405 ft). An arduous journey worth making.

59. Cnoc na Péiste (Co. Kerry)

Next on the list of the highest mountains in Ireland is another from County Kerry.

58. Lugnaquilla (Co. Wicklow)

Lugnaquilla is Wicklow's highest mountain.

The Wicklow Mountains are an attractive part of Ireland’s impressive haul of mountain ranges. Not too far from Dublin either if you fancy a day away from the city lights.

57. Slemish Mountain (Co. Antrim)

Planked within the plains of County Antrim is Slemish Mountain, rising 437 m (1433 ft) high and home to St. Patrick, according to legend.

56. Purple Mountain (Co. Kerry)

The peaks of Kerry know no bounds, with the Purple Mountain sitting as the tenth largest in all of Ireland.

55. Mount Brandon (Co. Kerry)

The cross atop the peak of the vast terrain of Mount Brandon in County Kerry, with the clouds passing silently by.

54. Torc Mountain (Co. Kerry)

Torc Mountain offers 360 degree views. — Credit: Instagram / @annetteobrien_mua

The Kingdom of Kerry strikes again with another admission to the best pictures of Ireland. What’s your favourite one?

53. Diamond Hill (Co. Galway)

Trekkers make their way from the exuberant blue as it fades into the effortless green and rises to this staggering spectacle.

52. Slievemore (Co. Mayo)

A fascinating highlight of Achill Island in County Mayo is Slievemore, whose sharp bend rubs shoulders with the clouds overhead.

Parks – a brisk journey through Ireland’s greenery

51. Killarney National Park (Co. Kerry)

A stunning picture of deer in the National Park. A beautiful collage of colours. Ross Castle features in Killarney National Park, too.

Address: Co. Kerry, Ireland

50. Glenveagh National Park (Co. Donegal)

The glory of Donegal is on full display in the Glenveagh National Park.

Address: Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland

49. Phoenix Park (Dublin)

Across Ireland, 11 OFW sites have been awarded Green Flag Awards for their efforts. — Credit: Flickr / Andy Hay

The largest city park in Europe, an intriguing attribute of our Capital City.

Address: Northside, Dublin 8, Ireland

48. St. Stephen’s Green (Dublin)

No words are needed. Easily one of the best pictures of Ireland.

Address: St Stephen’s Green, Saint Peter’s, Dublin 2, Ireland

47. Connemara National Park (Co. Galway)

A winding lake loses itself as it makes its way through the Connemara National Park, one of the Emerald Isle’s top attractions.

Address: Letterfrack, Co. Galway, Ireland

46. Wicklow Mountains National Park (Co. Wicklow)

Another of the most iconic p.s. i love you film locations in Ireland is Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. — Credit: Instagram / @sineadaphotos

Lough Dan’s intoxicating blue in the Wicklow Mountains is one of the best pictures of Ireland.

Address: Co. Wicklow, Ireland

45. Powerscourt Gardens (Co. Wicklow)

Where to begin with this one? The beautiful autumn colours envelop the Powerscourt Waterfall and adjoining lake.

Address: Powerscourt Demesne, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

44. Lough Key Forest Park (Co. Roscommon)

Fans of Lake Bled in Slovenia will love this snap of Lough Key Forest Park in County Roscommon.

Address: Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 PY66, Ireland

Landscape – for the perfect panorama

43. Malin Head (Co. Donegal)

Ireland’s most northerly point. Simply outstanding.

42. See the Northern Lights (Co. Donegal)

Back to Ireland’s most northerly point, where you can witness one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena.

41. The Giants Causeway (Co. Antrim)

The sun closes down on the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Address: Bushmills BT57 8SU

40. Salthill Promenade (Co. Galway)

Take a walk into the Atlantic at Salthill Promenade. Easily one of the best pictures of Ireland.

39. Ring of Kerry (Co. Kerry)

There’s so much going on here; where do we start? Just imagine a spin on this road.

38. Dingle Peninsula (Co. Kerry)

Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula is home to sea cliffs, choppy waters, and magnificent mountains.

37. Waterford Greenway (Co. Waterford)

Cyclists, rejoice! This is perhaps the most scenic cycling route in all of Ireland, and any pain or bloodshed is surely worth it for these views.

36. Causeway Coast Drive (Co. Antrim)

Driving along, you look left, and this is what you see. Outstanding.

35. The Burren (Co. Clare)

This karst landscape is made of limestone, forming to create one of the more standout rock formations across the island and the whole Irish landscape.

Address: 2 Church St, Knockaunroe, Corofin, Co. Clare, V95 T9V6, Ireland

34. Glendalough (Co. Wicklow)

Wicklow is home to many wonders, but Glendalough stands out alone among them all, and how can you doubt it with a photo like this?

Address: Unnamed Road, Derrybawn, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

33. Eyre Square (Galway)

A bird’s eye view of Eyre Square, the quaint outdoor hub in Galway’s city centre.

Address: Forster St, Galway, Ireland

32. Coumshinguan Lake (Co. Wicklow)

Standing over one of nature’s Irish masterpieces. An incredible capture of this treasure in County Wicklow.

31. Bantry Bay (Co. Cork)

One of the best pictures of Ireland; the famous Bantry Bay bathed in solemn pink as night falls over the lake.

30. River Lagan (Belfast)

The broad contents of the River Lagan continue its excursion through Belfast city centre with the Obel Tower and Boat Building watching on.

29. Ballintoy Harbour (Co. Antrim)

So simple yet so effective. County Antrim’s beauty is truly eternal.

28. Glengesh Pass (Co. Donegal)

The earth splits, and the sun falls as the road opens up and takes you on a trip down the Donegal hills, a journey you’ll never forget.

27. Hook Head Lighthouse (Co. Wexford)

You’ll never get lost in the Wexford waters with Hook Head as your trusted guide.

Address: Churchtown, Hook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland

26. Fanad Lighthouse (Co. Donegal)

We can’t stress enough how much we appreciate this place.

Address: Cionn Fhánada, Eara Thíre na Binne, Baile Láir, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 YC03, Ireland

25. River Liffey (Dublin)

A breathtaking aerial snap of the River Liffey as it splits our Capital City in two.

Landmarks – standing the test of time

24. Harland & Wolff (Belfast)

The famous Harland & Wolff at the Belfast Docks. The largest free-standing cranes in the world dominate the city landscape.

Address: Queen’s Island, Belfast BT3 9EU

23. Ha’Penny Bridge (Dublin)

The beautiful Ha’Penny Bridge in Dublin. One of Ireland’s most famous bridges.

22. The Spire, O’Connell Street (Dublin)

One of the best pictures of Ireland; the statue of Jim Larkin, the historical GPO and the ever-lasting Spire monument.

21. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Dublin)

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland built in 1191.

Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, A96 P599, Ireland

20. Queen’s University, Belfast (Co. Antrim)

The Lanyon Building appears behind the protection of the green leaves of University Street.

Address: University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN

19. Trinity College (Dublin)

The beautiful library at Trinity College.

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

18. Rock of Cashel (Co. Tipperary)

This one here is one of our favourite pictures of Ireland. Just sit and admire the purple and pink sky illuminating above the Rock of Cashel.

Address: Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland

17. Guinness Storehouse (Dublin)

The sun breaking through the renowned St. James’s Gate in Dublin. Home of the mighty Guinness pint.

Address: 53 James’s Street St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland

16. Griannan of Aileach (Co. Donegal)

Inishowen’s finest monument stands at 244 m (800 ft) high. We can confirm this is one of the best pictures of Ireland.

Address: Carrowreagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

15. Grafton Street (Dublin)

No better place in the world to spend Christmas than Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin city centre.

14. Newgrange Tomb (Co. Meath)

So good it’s even older than the Egyptian pyramids. Catch the Winter Solstice here as the sun comes eye to eye with the tomb’s entrance.

Address: Newgrange, Donore, Co. Meath, Ireland

13. Giant’s Ring (Co. Down)

One of Ireland’s finest prehistoric foundations is situated just 4km (2.4 mi) south of Belfast city.

Address: Belfast BT8 8LE

12. Hill of Tara (Co. Meath)

County Meath strikes again with this fascinating blend of an ancient ceremonial burial site and blistering, shining sun.

Address: Castleboy, Co. Meath, Ireland

11. Titanic Belfast (Belfast)

A must-visit for any journey to Belfast, Northern Ireland, or the whole country for that matter.

Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9EP

10. Temple Bar Area (Dublin)

No better sight than a packed Temple Bar area in Dublin.

9. Aviva Stadium (Dublin)

An amazing take on the Aviva Stadium in the Ballsbridge area of Dublin, the home of Irish rugby and soccer.

Address: Lansdowne Rd, Dublin 4, Ireland

8. Dunluce Castle ruins (Co. Antrim)

Castle ruins on the Antrim coastline flirt with the ocean below as it skilfully stays afoot on the edge of the cliff. Mesmerising.

Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY

7. Carrick-a-rede rope bridge (Co. Antrim)

Brave enough to walk across the water? Give it a go at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.

Address: 119a Whitepark Road Ballintoy, County, Antrim, Ballycastle BT54 6LS

WATCH: AMAZING video of Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge!!

Islands – cast adrift of home shores

6. Blasket Island (Co. Kerry)

The islands tip-toe further and further away from the safe shores of Kerry.

5. Achill Island (Co. Mayo)

The water has cut through the heart of Achill Island; how much further will it go?

4. Valentia Island (Co.Kerry)

The spectacular views from Valentia Island. We wouldn’t mind being castaway here!

3. Skellig Islands (Co. Kerry)

Skellig Islands from far away in the Atlantic. Who fancies a trip out?

2. Downpatrick Head (Co. Galway)

Mother Nature has done her job well, gradually working away and severing Downpatrick Head from the mainland. What a photo.

1. Aran Islands (Co. Galway)

The last of our best pictures in Ireland ends in style. The magnificent Aran Islands off the coast of Galway.

It was quite a journey. The Emerald Isle is a beautiful country with truly unlimited wonders found in every inch and corner. We hope you enjoyed our 101 photos series of the best pictures of Ireland.

Notable mentions

Stairway to Heaven: Walk your way to paradise, and paradise this place truly is. The Stairway to Heaven Ireland is an incredible spot in County Fermanagh.

Blarney Castle: Kiss the Blarney Stone here at Blarney Castle.

Clew Bay: This is a stunning photo of Clew Bay in County Mayo.

Bunratty Castle: This County Clare castle is one of the most stunning in Ireland.

Your questions answered about beautiful pictures of Ireland

If you have more questions, we’ve taken care of them! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about beautiful pictures of Ireland.

What is the most magical part of Ireland?

Ireland is known for The Burren, Glendalough and The Giant’s Causeway are some of the most magical parts of Ireland, steeped in history and mythology.