Ultimate guide to family photography in Dublin

Everything you need to know about family photography in Dublin (from a mama who gets it)

Thinking of booking a family photo session in Dublin? Whether you’re a local mama or just visiting with your crew, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From where to go and when to book, to what to expect with the Irish weather (spoiler: bring the wellies), welcome to the ultimate family photography guide in Dublin, written by a local mum and professional photographer.
Looking to DIY? I’ve got you covered! Read How to take great vacation photos.

Hi! I’m Aurélie. I’m a documentary family photographer and a mum of three, originally from France, now living in lovely & leafy Dublin West. We moved from Paris to Dublin not long ago, and it’s already home. The people, the parks, the pace… and yes, even the weather. If you’re looking for beautiful, honest photos of your family, you’re in the right place.

Aurélie Lenoir, family photographer in Dublin, for a Family photography guide in Dublin

Why family photos matter (especially now)

If your camera roll looks like mine used to — hundreds of pictures of your kids and not a single one of you — it’s time to change that.

Photos aren’t about perfection. They’re about bonds and feelings. They freeze those fleeting everyday moments: the way your baby leans into you when they’re sleepy, how your child still needs to hold your hand on the way to the park, or the way everyone piles on the couch in a big, happy giggling mess.

Family photography is a way to say, this mattered. Your love, your chaos, your real life, it’s all worth remembering, and your future self will thank you. As you’ll see throughout this family photography guide in Dublin, the key is to keep things simple, flexible, and true to your family’s personality.

children walking along the beach in Dublin, Sandymount

families at the St Patrick's parade in Dublin

When to book a family session in Dublin

You can book any time of year, and trust me, there’s magic in every season:

Spring: cherry blossoms, longer days, kids with muddy knees and the promise of new beginings. Spring session example
Summer: picnics, seaside strolls, golden hour light and freckles. Oh, and ice cream, lots and lots of ice cream.
Autumn: cosy knits, crunchy leaves, warm colours and cinnamon everything. Autumn session example
Winter: in-home stories, fairy lights, board games, and hot chocolate moustaches. Winter session example

Whatever the season, we follow your rhythm, nap times, nursing, snack breaks and all. You don’t have to do anything special. You just have to show up as you are. It’s up to you what vibes suits you best!

mom posing with her kids in a Dublin park

father, mother and child by the lake in st stephen's green park

Let’s talk about the weather

Yes, Ireland is known for being… well, a bit damp. But guess what? That soft Irish light is a dream for photos. Even on grey days, we get beautiful tones and cosy vibes. And if it rains? We embrace it. (Or move indoors, I just love shooting at home!)

Honestly, some of the most intimate photos happen under a drizzle or with a stormy sky in the background. So don’t stress the forecast. Bring a raincoat, some wellies, and we’ll make magic no matter what.
Would you rather go for plan B and stay cosy at home? Awesome! Put the teapot on, I’ll come to you, and we can have the best indoor session.

child eating a donut in Dublin, Family photography guide in Dublin

What kind of session is right for you?

You don’t have to pick a “perfect” location or plan an elaborate shoot. I offer three relaxed types of sessions, all documentary and unposed:

🏡 In-home sessions

Perfect for capturing everyday family life, story time, snack time, blanket forts and all. Your home is where you’re most at ease, and it shows. No packing, no putting on shoes and no traffic.

🌿 Outdoor sessions

Want some greenery or sea air? Let’s meet at a park, the beach, or one of Dublin’s gorgeous nature spots.
Would you prefer a city vibe? Let’s head to the city centre and have a drink and a pastry in a lovely coffee shop or pub!

📅 Day in the Life (4-hour session)

This one’s for families who want to freeze an entire part of a typical day, from pancakes to playgrounds to bedtime cuddles. Real life, start to finish. For families who want the complete experience, all inclusive!

As a documentary family photographer, my prices start at €600 for classic, 1.5h sessions, with “day in the life” sessions being priced at €1500.
Curious what to expect during your photo session? Get all the details!

family playing on their bed What to expect during a Dublin family photo session

The best photo locations in Dublin

No family photography guide in Dublin would be complete without including the most beautiful locations, right? So, whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for vacation, I’ve put together a small list of places we love:

No car needed

Good news: you don’t need a car to find a stunning spot for your session. Some of my favourite child-friendly locations are easy to reach by Luas, DART, or bus. If you plan to stay for a week or more, you might want to buy everyone Leap cards for the best fares!

Sandymount Beach – For windswept walks and peaceful views of the sea.

Phoenix Park – Open fields, deer, playgrounds — and just a few minutes from the city centre.

St Anne’s Park – Big trees, beautiful gardens and a great market on weekends. Lovely coffee shop too!

Iveagh Gardens – A quiet, magical green space tucked behind the city hustle.

St Stephen’s Green – A popular spot in Dublin, very close to Grafton street, known for its luxury shops.

If you’ve got wheels: beautiful spots with a car

Malahide Castle & Gardens – Woodlands, gardens and a castle? Yes please.

Howth Cliff Walk – For older kids who love adventure.

Bray seafront – Just outside of Dublin, Bray is a lovely little town if you want a change without driving too far.

Ticknock – Forest trails, breathtaking views, and fresh mountain air.

Ardgillan Castle – Overlooking the sea, with space to run and play.

Many of these places also make a lovely half-day out, pack snacks and you’re sorted.

Family-friendly spots I personally love

Dublin is SO good for kids. A few places I recommend to all the parents I meet:

IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art) – Great free and kid friendly museum with beautiful outdoor gardens. You can ask for a sensory bag for kids at the desk!

St Stephen’s Green playground – Easy access in the city centre, a beautiful green space with ponds, seagulls (watch your snack!), and close to cafés.

Irish National War Memorial Gardens – Chill vibes for this quiet park near Phoenix Park. It’s a kids dreamland with lots of space to run, play hide and seek and watch the ducks on the river.

The Ark – Located in the popular Temple bar area, it’s got creative shows and workshops for little ones.

Cornucopia – The cutest restaurant on Wicklow street: full of character, and totally family-friendly. The entire menu is plant-based, with hearty meals that are homemade, plus cakes and desserts that are seriously hard to resist.

Beanhive Coffee – Our favorite coffee shop, they have the most gigantic muffins you’ve ever seen and they are so, SO good (lots of plant based options, too).

Industry & Co – Kids – a lovely little toy shop with a carefully curated selection you won’t find in your average toy store. It’s small and full of beautiful, high-quality treasures that make perfect gifts (or treats for your own kids!). My personal favorite!

What happens after the session?

After your session, you’ll receive a private slideshow to watch (and rewatch 15 times like most of my clients do), before selecting your collection.

You get a mix of digital files and a print credit — because I don’t want your images to live in a computer folder. I want them in your hands, on your walls, and in albums you flip through when your baby is suddenly a teenager.

Planning a session while visiting Dublin?

I love photographing visiting families! Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip or your second home, a photo session can turn your holiday into an heirloom. Let’s make it easy, I’ll help you find a good time, a fun location, and all you need to know about weather and logistics.
Do you call Dublin your home like I do? Celebrate your everyday life and remember everything from the best days of childhood and parenthood. Don’t forget to bookmark this family photography guide in Dublin for easy access later or share with a friend visiting soon!

a little girl looking out the window and smiling

Final thoughts (and a little nudge)

I hope this family photography guide in Dublin has answered your questions and made you feel more confident.
If you’ve made it this far, you probably do care about documenting your family in an honest, timeless way. Maybe you just needed a gentle push? Well, here it is:

✨ You belong in your family’s photos.
✨ Your messy, joyful life is worth remembering.
✨ Your children will thank you for it one day.

Let’s do this, mama. Reach out if you have questions, want to book, or just want to say hi.

Further reading:
Including pets in family photos
Top 50 reasons to book your next family photoshoot now
Why I chose to become a documentary family photographer
Best family photo poses that actually feel natural
Romantic couple shots in your family photoshoot
How to include grandparents in a family photo session