What to Do After Your Dublin Photo Session

Family, Solo & Couple Ideas

There’s something rather special about that moment after a photo shoot. You’ve taken a breather and caught your breath together. You’ve had a laugh, and just enjoyed being present with each other in a new place.
Instead of rushing off to the next “must-see”, this is the time to keep that feeling alive and take in Dublin in a way that feels like a gentle stroll.
Here are a few really simple ideas for things to do in Dublin after a photo shoot, to get the most out of that moment as a couple, on your own or with your family.

View of Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty garden

Take a slow walk around Dublin and stay in the moment

If we’ve just wrapped up around St Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar or near Trinity College, you’re already in one of the prettiest parts of the city to simply potter about.

For couples, this might look like sauntering hand in hand, grabbing a coffee or taking a seat on a bench to watch the world go by. For families, it’s often when kids really start to relax and let their hair down, walking, exploring or just having a bit of freedom after the session.

Here are a few ideas for things to do in Dublin after a photo shoot if you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll:

Along The Liffey River, crossing some of Dublin’s quaint bridges like Ha’penny Bridge, it’s so pretty.
Grafton Street has a wonderful atmosphere, street musicians, and lovely store fronts (be aware of the crowds if you go later in the day though).
St Stephen’s Green Park, Iveagh Gardens or Merrion Square Park are all great parks to take a stroll in.
Have a look for some vintage clothes shopping on Fownes Street, Drury Street or Capel Street (great for early in the day).
Seek shelter from the rain and wander through George’s Street Arcade.
Fancy taking a load off and enjoying the view? Book the Vintage Tea Trip bus or grab the DART train to Bray for breathtaking views of the coast.

Vintage Tea Trips double-decker bus driving through Phoenix Park

Grab something easy and comforting

After a session, who wants anything too formal?
Look for:

a cozy little café
a casual brunch spot
a relaxed pub with food

For couples, it’s like a little sneaky date.
For families, somewhere easy-going where kids can settle quickly is a lifesaver.
If you’re on your own, then grab a nice moment of self-care.

My top picks for a quick bite in Dublin are:

Beanhive Coffee: the cutest latte art in town and muffins to die for
Cornucopia Wholefoods Restaurant: lovely atmosphere, feels like home with their delicious food and comfy vibes.
Silk Road Cafe is tucked away inside the Chester Beatty Museum in Dublin Castle. It’s a peaceful spot; go there and then grab a coffee and recharge for your museum visit.
The Cake Cafe in Portobello is a treasure, tucked down a quiet street with loads of greenery; it’s just the ticket.
House of Read is a small, old-fashioned shop where you can enjoy a drink and a pastry in a peaceful spot.
The Temple Bar Pub: Ireland’s most famous pub, full of character and always buzzing (expect crowds though).
The Rolling Donut is my kids’ absolute fave for donuts; loads of vegan options too.

Boy eating a donut outside The Rolling Donut in Dublin

Make it fun for the kids (and the grown-ups)

If you’re with the little ones, this is the perfect moment to make some happy memories.

An ice cream, or a little treat, or even just sitting somewhere they can run around a bit can turn the end of the session into a memory of its own. Here are some ideas:

Pop into a souvenir shop to buy some postcards to send to loved ones; Carrolls has loads of them all around town.
Visit a museum. Loads are free and don’t need booking, the National Gallery or the National Museum for example.
Grab a little treat in a toy shop like Industry & Co – Kids, great fun.
Shop for a special Irish book at the Winding Stair Bookshop or a vintage record / book at The Secret Book and Record Store.

Family sitting outside The Temple Bar pub in Dublin

Soak up the Irish pub atmosphere

One of the loveliest ways to spend your day in Dublin is to step into a traditional Irish pub, and not just as a couple or individual, but as a family too. Pubs here are often a lot more relaxed and welcoming than people think: during the day and early evening (usually until around 7-8pm), kids are very much part of the picture. You’ll often see families stopping in for a casual bite, with kids enjoying a juice and a portion of chips while parents unwind with a drink.

It’s the kind of spot where you can wind down a notch, grab a spot of live music if you’re lucky and let the local vibe wash over you. If you’re with the kids, think about heading out a bit earlier in the day when it’s a bit more relaxed around here and everyone’s more settled. And if you’re looking for something a bit less hectic than the usual haunts, just stroll on a few streets over; a lot of the best bits happen in those hidden away little pubs where the staff are warm and the music just feels like it’s coming from the heart.

Don’t rush, that’s the whole point

One of the things that really gets me about photo sessions like this one is it’s less about the snaps in the end and more about making space in your holiday to just hang out and be with each other.

So whatever you do next, keep things pretty low key.
Take a bit of a wander. Grab a seat somewhere. Have a natter. Watch your kids having a laugh. Or just enjoy the simple feeling of having taken a moment to be just the two of you.

That’s the bit that tends to really stick with you in the end.

That’s what I love most about sessions like these: they naturally become part of your day in Dublin, not something separate from it. At the end of the day, what you do after your photo session doesn’t really need to be planned.

And if you’re still in the planning stages of your trip and would love to include a relaxed, natural photo session along the way, you can find more details about vacation sessions here and pricing here.