The Best Instagram Backdrops In Dublin

The city and county of Dublin have a wealth of photogenic settings to offer the Instagram addict, from cliff-top panoramas to camera-ready street art in Temple Bar, also known as the Cultural Quarter. Here are some of the best places to seek out an eye-catching Instagram backdrop in Dublin.

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Poolbeg Lighthouse

The distinctive, bright-red lighthouse at the end of the Great South Wall – one of Europe’s longest sea walls – is a city landmark that begs to be photographed. Built in 1768, it is located almost right in the centre of Dublin Bay – so as well as providing a unique backdrop by itself, it is surrounded on all sides by amazing views of Dublin.

The Killiney Hill Walk is one of the most spectacular walks to take near Dublin

One of two hills marking the boundary of Dublin Bay to the south, Killiney Hill’s height of over 150m (492 ft.) means it has incredible views towards Dublin in one direction and Wicklow in the other, with a vast expanse of the tranquil Irish Sea stretching out ahead.

Gravity Bar, Guinness Storehouse

Another location with height on its side, the 7th-floor Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse looks out over much of the city below, while a pint of ‘the black stuff’ poured at its spiritual home makes an ideal accompanying prop.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge

The cable-stayed Samuel Beckett Bridge has only been a part of the Dublin landscape since 2009, but it’s become one of the most photographed in the city thanks to its unique design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Named after one of Ireland’s most famous writers, it’s said to resemble a harp lying on its side.

Grand Canal Square

Designed by American landscape designer Martha Schwartz, the sleek town square at Grand Canal Dock is the place to go for an image of modern Dublin, from the chequered façade of The Marker Hotel to the angular Bord Gáis Energy Theatre to the red-glowing light-stick sculpture. The square was even featured in Dezeen.

Howth Cliffs

One of the most scenic and romantic places in all of Dublin, the cliff walk in Howth provides ample selfie opportunities, whether you want to include The Baily Lighthouse, the gorse-covered landscape, gulls swooping peacefully over the blue water, or all of the above.

Front Square, Trinity College

Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin

As Ireland’s oldest surviving university, Trinity College Dublin has a rich history, having produced well-known graduates like Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and John Millington Synge, to name but a few. Its beautiful Front Square courtyard is surrounded by grand 18th-century buildings, while the campanile bell tower was added in 1853.

Temple Bar

Although it’s earned a reputation for being loud, overrated and expensive, there’s still a lot to love about Temple Bar – not least its many art galleries, craft and vintage shops, and multi-hued murals – all of which make for excellent Instagram fodder.

St Stephen’s Green

Dublin’s largest public park, St Stephen’s Green, is full of idyllic sylvan photo backdrops, with formal gardens, a lake full of ducks and picturesque bandstands.

Georgian Dublin

One of Dublin’s most Instagrammable features are its coloured Georgian doors, with the best examples found in what is now referred to as the Georgian Quarter on the south side of the city. Begin with Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, and go from there.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.