Where to Take Stunning Winter Photos in Dublin
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When we think of winter photography, we often imagine picturesque snowy valleys, local Christmas markets, and frozen landscapes. In Dublin, however, those classic winter scenes are not always guaranteed. While the city occasionally receives a light dusting of snow, it’s a rare enough occurrence.
Instead, Dublin offers a different kind of winter magic such as festive spots brimming with holiday cheer. Think families marvelling at holiday-themed light shows, hanging Christmas lights in the streets, and beautifully decorated streets and pubs. Dublin truly comes alive during the winter season, transforming into a city-wide celebration of the Holiday and Christmas spirit.
So, even if snow is in short supply, there’s no shortage of wintery scenes to capture. Here are 10 stunning spots to take your winter photos in Dublin!
Dublin Winter Lights
When Dublin’s Winter Lights Festival rolls around, the city’s iconic landmarks, bridges, and parks come alive with colourful light projections. But these aren’t just your average holiday lights—oh no!
We’re talking about dynamic, moving projections. Nothing else than jaw-dropping visual artworks crafted by internationally renowned digital artists.
If you’re looking for the perfect photo opportunities in December, this is it. Grab your camera and plan an evening stroll to hop from one spot to the next. You’ll not only capture stunning shots but also soak up the festive vibes.
Dublin Winter Lights will be turned on from November 29th 2024 until December 31st.
This year, the festival features 18 spectacular locations lighting up the city. I’ll spotlight a few of my favourites later in the article because, let’s face it, these spots are some of the absolute best for winter photography in Dublin!
- GPO General Post Office
- Customs House
- Bank of Ireland, College Green
- Millennium Bridge
- Trinity College Dublin
- O’Connell Street and The Spire
- Hugh Lane Gallery
- Newcomen Bank
- Mansion House
- George’s Dock (Dec 11th to 15th only)
- Samuel Beckett Bridge
- Ha’penny Bridge
- Liffey Boardwalk
- James Joyce Bridge
- Palace Street and Barnardo Square
- St. Stephen’s Green
- Merrion Square (ticketed event)
- Collin’s Barrack (ticketed event)
💡 Instead of walking around town, join this Afternoon Tea Bus tour and enjoy a cozy vintage double-decker bus tour through the city’s most magical holiday light displays—all while being treated to a delicious afternoon tea.
Grafton Street
There’s no better place to kick off your winter photography journey in Dublin than Grafton Street. This busy pedestrian street transforms each year, from November, with festive lights stretching from building to building. At the bottom of the street (the closest to Trinity College), the famous “Nollaig Shona Duit” light display greets visitors with a warm Irish Christmas wish, making it an iconic shot for your collection.
Photographers will find endless inspiration here—from shoppers bundled in scarves and coats to lively street performers spreading cheer.
Arrive in the early evening to capture the lights against the deepening twilight for that perfect festive glow. Don’t forget to stop for a hot chocolate along the way!
đź’ˇGreat news! The Christmas lights on Grafton were switched on!!
Brown Thomas
If there’s one place that embodies the magic of Christmas in Dublin, it’s Brown Thomas. Every year, this iconic department store on Grafton Street unveils its much-anticipated holiday window displays.
Get close-ups of the twinkling baubles, tiny toy trains, or festive characters, or step back to frame the joyful faces of passersby mesmerized by the scenes. For an extra festive feel, try an evening shot when the surrounding streetlights add a warm glow to your photos.
St Stephens Green Shopping Center
A visit to St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre during the holidays is like stepping into a Victorian Christmas card. This elegant shopping centre, with its striking glass dome and ironwork, takes on a festive glow during winter with giant ornaments, lights, and garlands.
For the perfect photo, head to the upper levels to capture the grandeur of the decorations from above.
Custom House
Custom House is a showstopper for winter photography, especially during the Dublin Winter Lights Festival. This historic building, with its grand architecture, serves as a dramatic backdrop for colourful light projections that reflect beautifully on the River Liffey.
Even outside of the festival, the quay offers striking views of the Custom House mirrored in the water. Long-exposure shots at night can capture the glow of the city lights and their shimmering reflections. It’s a must-visit spot for photographers looking to showcase Dublin’s winter charm with a creative edge.
Samuel Beckett bridge
The Samuel Beckett Bridge is an unmissable spot for winter photography in Dublin. This sleek, harp-shaped structure becomes even more mesmerizing during the holiday season, especially when illuminated as part of the Dublin Winter Lights Festival. Its modern design, paired with colourful projections, creates a futuristic yet festive atmosphere.
For the best shots, head along the River Liffey to capture the bridge’s elegant curves reflected in the water. A long-exposure shot at night can highlight the interplay of light and motion, with passing traffic leaving trails of colour.
Dublin Christmas markets
Dublin’s Christmas markets are a treasure trove of festive photo opportunities. From the historic surroundings of Dublin Castle to Smithfield Square, these two markets offer a cosy and magical atmosphere. Wooden chalets adorned with twinkling fairy lights sell everything from handcrafted gifts to steaming cups of mulled wine.
They are a great spot to capture candid shots of shoppers browsing, market stalls glowing in the evening light, or festive treats like gingerbread and roasted chestnuts.
Smithfield Christmas Spectacular starts November 25th and Dublin Castle Christmas Market November 28th – For more details, check our dedicated article about the best 2024 Winter Events in Dublin.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is a great spot within the city to capture tranquil, frosty scenes and landscape photos. Bare trees, misty mornings, and stretches of frost-covered grass provide a stunning natural backdrop for your shots.
If you’re lucky, you might spot the park’s resident herd of wild deer grazing peacefully. Early mornings are ideal for soft, diffused light, while golden hour bathes the landscape in a warm glow.
St Stephen’s Green Park
As frost blankets the lawns and bare branches glisten in the crisp air, St Stephen’s Green Park transforms into a tranquil retreat away from the mayhem of Christmas shopping on Grafton Street! The Victorian bandstand and stone bridges make charming focal points for your photos, especially during the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
Don’t miss the swans gliding gracefully across the pond. Their white feathers contrast beautifully against the wintery reflections of the park.
Liffey River
The Liffey River is a great subject for winter photography, with stunning perspectives of Dublin’s cityscape. By day, the river reflects the soft winter sky, while at night, it mirrors the colourful lights of bridges and buildings along its banks. Iconic spots like the Ha’penny Bridge and the Millenium Bridges are especially photogenic with their reflections shimmering on the water.
For a festive touch, capture the colourful projections of the Dublin Winter Lights on the river’s surface. Wide-angle shots of the river flanked by illuminated quaysides make for a breathtaking winter scene. Bundle up, take your time, and enjoy the ever-changing views.
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is the beating heart of Dublin’s cultural and festive spirit, especially in winter. Among the area’s highlights is the famous Temple Bar Pub, a must-visit spot for any photographer. Its facade is adorned with a giant Christmas tree, and inside, you’ll find the pub’s interior transformed into a holiday wonderland (just don’t grab a pint here if you are on a budget, nobody should pay €9 for a Guinness…)
Walk around Temple Bar Street to capture the bustling energy of visitors enjoying the festive atmosphere or focus on the intricate holiday details of the pub facades.
Ha’penny Bridge
At night, this historic pedestrian bridge, with its elegant white arches, glows softly against the dark river below. During the day, it is one of the most iconic landmarks to photograph with the wintery sky in the background.
Millenium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is a vibrant centrepiece during the Dublin Winter Lights Festival, featuring stunning rainbow-coloured arches. This modern pedestrian bridge, connecting the north and south sides of the city, becomes an Instagram hotspot during the festive season.
Photographers will love capturing the kaleidoscope of colours reflected in the River Liffey below. For the best shot, position yourself along the quayside to frame the bridge’s radiant arches and the bustling crowd stopping to snap their photos. You might as well go for portrait photos framed by the tunnel of lights.
Molly Malone
The iconic Molly Malone statue, a tribute to Dublin’s beloved fishmonger, offers a unique subject framed by the warm glow of holiday lights from O’Neill’s Pub.
The pub’s facade, adorned with cascading fairy lights and a giant Christmas clock, makes for a stunning backdrop. I love capturing the statue’s silhouette against the illuminated pub.
Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall, one of Dublin’s most iconic pubs, transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. Located near Phoenix Park, this historic pub is known for being the longest pub in Ireland and for its cosy atmosphere.
Visit during the holidays and you will see over-the-top Christmas decor, making it one of the best places for a drink this winter. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by an interior decked out with holiday cheer—think Christmas trees, ornaments, garland, candles, Santa’s figurines, and of course, a roaring fireplace.
The Gingerman Pub
Located slightly off the beaten path on Fenian Street, The Gingerman Pub is a hidden gem that transforms into a winter wonderland every year. Decked out with festive decorations and twinkling lights, it’s one of the best spots in Dublin for capturing stunning Christmas lights photos. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a cosy atmosphere perfect for savouring a hot whiskey or a pint. Popular with locals for post-work drinks on a Friday night, The Gingerman is the ideal blend of festive cheer and authentic Dublin charm.
Bonus: Snow spots, you never know!
Dublin City
Snow in Dublin is a rare treat, but when it happens, the city doesn’t transform into a dreamy winter wonderland unless you go to a park! The busier city centre areas quickly turn into a chaotic mix of slush and terrible driving…
While snow doesn’t stick around for long if you get the chance to walk around the neighbourhood you are staying in, you can get some unique shots.
Phoenix Park is also a spot I love going to when it snows because of its wide-open spaces. I have yet to capture a wild deer grazing in the snow! If you are in the more central part of the city, St. Stephen’s Green is another go-to, with its pathways, benches and gazebo.
Dublin & Wicklow Mountains
If you have a car, you can easily reach the Dublin or Wicklow Mountains (provided the roads are open!) to enjoy stunning snowy landscapes. One of my favourite spots is Lough Tay, where you’ll find some of the best viewpoints over the Wicklow Mountains National Park. From there, you can also explore the Ballinastoe Woods, which offers unique and picturesque scenery.
⚠️ Just make sure to always adhere to road closure signs and avoid driving to higher altitudes if conditions are unsafe. For example, Sally Gap is frequently impassable after snowfall, and hill roads can become dangerously icy. If you’re planning to hike in snowy conditions, prioritise safety: park in a nearby village and walk up from there. Bring warm gear, and always be prepared to turn back if the weather deteriorates.
For those on foot, when snow falls at lower altitudes, the Sugar Loaf is a fantastic option accessible by public transport. Take Bus Éireann’s 133 route from Dublin City Centre (via Custom House Quay) and get off at the Circle K station on the N11. From there, it’s a 30- to 45-minute walk to the Sugar Loaf car park, where you’re guaranteed incredible snowy views!
Here are more suggestions to go hiking near Dublin without a car if you wish to visit another location like TickNock.
How to take night photos?
Capturing stunning Christmas light photos in the dark can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you can get that magical shot:
DSLR, Camera
- Use a Tripod: Keep your camera or phone steady to avoid blurry images caused by low light conditions.
- Adjust Your Settings: Set a low ISO (100-400) to reduce noise, a wide aperture (like f/2.8), and a slow shutter speed to capture more light.
- Focus on Light Sources: Focus on the brightest part of the scene to ensure sharp details, like a tree or a lit building.
- Experiment with Angles: Try creative compositions, like reflections in puddles or framing lights through objects.
- Avoid Flash: Flash can wash out the lights. Rely on the ambient glow for a more natural effect.
- Shoot in RAW: If possible, shoot in RAW format for easier post-editing of light and colors.
Android & Iphone
- Use Night Mode: Most smartphones have a night mode—perfect for low-light shots.
- Keep It Steady: Use a tripod or lean your phone on a stable surface to avoid blur.
- Turn Off Flash: Let the ambient lights shine naturally.
- Tap to Focus: Tap the brightest light on your screen to adjust exposure and focus.
- Try Different Angles: Capture reflections, close-ups, or wide shots for variety.
Other winter-themed guides you might like!
- Where can I see the Christmas lights in Dublin?
- Where to Take Stunning Winter Photos in Dublin
- Winter Holidays & Christmas Events in Dublin
I help you explore Ireland like a local with insider tips, detailed itineraries, and practical advice.
HEY THERE! I’M JEN…
Funder, Author & Photographer behind travelirelandtoday.com
Ireland has been my home for the last 12 years. Before settling here, I spent years backpacking around the globe, visiting 65+ countries. Along the way, I discovered my love for hiking, photography, and crafting budget-friendly itineraries.
Through this website, I share the best things to do and see in Ireland, detailed hiking guides, and practical tips to help you plan your perfect Irish adventure. Let’s make your trip unforgettable!
