Family Photos at Powerscourt and Other Beautiful Locations Near Dublin
If you are visiting Ireland with your family and wondering where to have photos taken, you are in exactly the right place. As a Dublin family photographer, I have photographed families at some of the most beautiful estates, gardens and landmarks in and around the city. Whether you are staying at a luxury hotel in Wicklow or Kildare, visiting Dublin as part of a family trip from the US or further afield, or simply a Dublin family looking for a setting that does justice to the photographs you want on your wall — this guide is for you.
Family Photography at Powerscourt Hotel, County Wicklow
Powerscourt Hotel is a five star resort set within Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, about thirty minutes south of Dublin. The Sugarloaf Mountain sits in the background making for a beautiful photography backdrop. The grounds are beautifully kept, the architecture is stunning, and there is enough variety within the hotel to keep a full session interesting from start to finish.
For families visiting from the US — particularly those on a heritage trip to Ireland — this is the kind of place that makes those photographs feel like something worth framing. Not a phone snap but something that goes on the wall. I have shot here many times and it is one of my favourite places for an extended family photoshoot.
Family Photography at Carton House, County Kildare
Carton House is a Georgian manor house dating back to 1739, set on 1,100 acres of Kildare parkland twenty-five minutes from Dublin Airport. For photography the grounds are exceptional. There is a beautiful old boathouse about ten minutes walk from the hotel that I particularly love — it gives you something completely different to the formal manor house and the contrast between the two makes for a really varied gallery. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, there are plenty of options on the grounds.
Family Photography at Druids Glen, County Wicklow
Druids Glen is a five star hotel in the heart of Wicklow, about thirty minutes from Dublin. The woodland backdrop here is particularly lovely — there is a clearing that works really well for family sessions, and the paths and walkways through the grounds give you plenty of variety throughout a session. I have spent time with families here, both taking shots in the hotel and restaurant as well as shots outside in the grounds which gives us more options to capture your families stay.
Family Photography at Malahide Castle, County Dublin
Malahide Castle on the north side of Dublin is one of my go-to locations. Loads of parkland, a proper castle, mature woodland, open grass — all beside each other. You can do an entire varied session without moving the car once. The space gives children permission to just be themselves, and that always makes my job easier. Malahide Castle does get busy at the weekends so i recommend starting early in the day if you want a weekend date.
Family Photography at the Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge
This is one of Dublin's most underused photography locations and it is just beautiful. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, the gardens sit along the Liffey at Islandbridge and have a formality and a stillness that is unlike anywhere else in the city. Symmetrical rose gardens, stone structures, wide open lawns and the river in the background. For families who want something a little more considered and refined rather than a run-around-the-park session, this is the one I recommend. But a word to the wise, the rose gardens are sunken with lots of steps….this is not one for toddlers!
Family Photography at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham is a 17th century building with a formal courtyard, colonnaded walkways and striking stone architecture. As a photography location the scale and geometry of the place gives images a quality that most city locations simply cannot match. The walled gardens are a lovely quiet spot for a stroll, with lots of hidden spots for photos among the topiary. When you visit here, you can also take the the Irish Museum of Modern Art, as well as historic Kilmainham Gaol being a short stroll away…a must visit when in Dublin!
Family Photography at St Stephen's Green, Dublin City
St Stephen's Green is an obvious choice but it is obvious for a reason. Right in the city centre, easy to reach on foot from most hotels, and genuinely beautiful — the lake, the willow trees, the bandstand, the bridges. It is a compact location with real variety, and it works particularly well for smaller families. It does get busy during the day, so again an early morning photoshoot is our best bet. Its also super popular for wedding photography, and its not unusual to encounter newly weds during a photoshoot!
A Few Practical Things Worth Knowing
Book before you travel. Summer fills up quickly. If you are visiting from abroad, get in touch before you leave.
What to wear. Soft, neutral tones work well against the greens and stone of most Irish locations — cream, sage, blue, warm white, earthy tones. Nothing too bright or too busy. If you are unsure, send me a note and I will help you figure it out. Your outfit choices should also complement your chosen destination…if we are in a park, maybe dont pick all green! We don’t want you blending into our backdrop.
How long will it take. Most sessions run between 60-90 minutes depending on your group and location.
Get in Touch
If you are visiting Ireland and would like to arrange a family photography session — at Powerscourt, Carton House, Malahide or anywhere else near Dublin — I would love to hear from you.
Get in touch here to check availability for your dates.
Aoife Elizabeth — Dublin Family Photographer
