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.

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.

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

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.

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.