Dublin is a city of literary legends, Georgian architecture, and a pub culture that's famous worldwide – but filming here is as unpredictable as the weather. We sat down with Seán O'Riordan, a Dublin‑based videographer who has shot everything from music videos to travel documentaries across the capital, to get the real story on filming in Ireland's vibrant capital. From the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar at sunrise to the dramatic cliffs of Howth at sunset, Seán shares his favourite locations, the gear that handles the rain, and the permits you need to know about.
🎯 What You'll Learn in This Interview
- Best cinematic spots: Temple Bar, Trinity College, Howth coastal walks, Phoenix Park, and the Grand Canal.
- Gear that survives the rain: Why Seán swears by weather‑sealed bodies, rain covers, and a good lens hood.
- Permits & etiquette: Where you can film freely and where you need permission (Trinity College interior).
- Golden hour on the coast: His go‑to settings for that soft, moody Irish light.
- Editing style: How he grades his footage to bring out Dublin's rich, historic tones.
🇮🇪 Seán's Top Filming Locations
"Everyone shoots Temple Bar at night," Seán laughs. "But the real magic is in the details – and the right light." His favourites:
- Temple Bar – at sunrise: The cobblestone streets and colourful buildings are iconic. Arrive at 6:00 AM before the crowds and the street performers wake up. The soft morning light brings out the vibrant colours. A wide‑angle lens (16–35mm) captures the full scale of the narrow streets.
- Trinity College – the Long Room: The Old Library's Long Room is one of the most beautiful interiors in the world. Book in advance – photography inside is allowed, but flash and tripods are strictly prohibited. A fast prime lens (f/1.8 or faster) is essential for handheld low‑light shooting.
- Howth Cliff Walk – at golden hour: The coastal walk offers stunning views of Dublin Bay. Sunset is the best time – the golden light over the water is magical. A telephoto lens (70–200mm) compresses the landscape beautifully, while a wide‑angle captures the full coastal panorama.
"If you want to shoot the Phoenix Park, go early – the fallow deer are most active at dawn. A telephoto lens is essential for wildlife shots, and a monopod helps with stability without being as bulky as a tripod."
📸 The Kit He Actually Uses
Seán is a hybrid shooter, but his go‑to holiday video rig is built for Dublin's unpredictable weather:
- Primary camera: Sony ZV‑E10 II – lightweight, weather‑sealed, and great low‑light performance.
- Wide lens: Sony 16‑55mm f/2.8 G – perfect for cityscapes and narrow streets.
- Telephoto lens: Sony 70‑200mm f/4 – for coastal shots and wildlife.
- Compact gimbal: DJI RS 3 Mini for smooth walking shots through Temple Bar and the coastal paths.
- Audio: RØDE Wireless Go II for picking up clear dialogue in noisy pubs and streets.
- Rain cover & lens wipes: Absolutely essential – Dublin weather can turn in minutes.
- Backup: An iPhone 16 Pro for quick B‑roll and social clips.
"The Sony ZV‑E10 II is my favourite for travel because it's small enough to carry all day, but the image quality is seriously good – even in Dublin's moody, overcast light."
⚡ Quick Dublin Filming Tips
- Check the weather – Dublin famously has four seasons in one day. Carry a rain cover and extra lens wipes at all times.
- Use a variable ND filter to keep your shutter speed correct in bright daylight – especially on the coast.
- Shoot in S‑Log or flat profile to capture the dynamic range of Dublin's moody skies.
- Charge your batteries – cold weather drains them faster, and you'll be out all day.
- Ask permission – always ask before filming people, especially in pubs and residential areas.
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