Ireland bound and need help with photographic locations

That's a big list. There are literally thousands of photo ops in those places. Not sure what you mean by "Connemara hill-village" but Clifden is a cute little town, as is Roundstone (both are in County Galway). The Twelve Bens area of Connemara is stunning, as well. You also don't list Rock of Cashel, which is one of the iconic sites in Ireland, nor do you list the Cliffs of Moher. Not much to see in Shannon itself. I've been to Ireland four times now and haven't run out of things to photograph.

I suggest you add the County Donegal village of Glencolumbkille at the far southwestern corner of the county. It sits right on the Atlantic in the Valley of St. Columba, which itself offers wonderful photo opportunities, along with the surrounding hills. Then, head due north to see Mt. Errigal, a stunning conical mountain visible for miles from the south. And while you're in County Galway, go to the village of Leenane, which is situated between three mountain ranges and at the end of Killary Harbor, which has Ireland's only fjord.

LOL your remark the library at Trinity College. Years ago was traveling with a dear friend and her sister. After seeing the Book of Kells we climbed the stairs to the library. Her sister and I walked in, turned around and walked out. My friend is an avid reader so we waited for her We wanted to watch her reaction. She didn't disappoint. She walked in ahead of us, turned around and said aloud, " promise me you'll bury me here!"

As far as where to go for scenic beauty, good lord. The entire island is one photo op after another.

I am a photographer so here are my favorite
areas.

Glendalough
Sally Gap
Mt. Brandon
Kinsale
Gap of Dunloe
Slead Head
The Burren
Kindsale
Connor Pass
are just a few

Dingle Peninsula lives up to Rick Steves rave reviews. Cliffs of Moher, the Burren. I second Glendalough and Gap of Dunloe. The gardens at Powerscourt, Bantry House, Garnish Island. Rock of Cashel, Trim, and nearby Newgrange/Knowth.

Claudia - I love that story. The library was indeed the highlight of my visit to Trinity College.

Glen - Just about anywhere and everywhere. They say there are 40 shades of green in Ireland.

This is great information --- thank you all --- please send more.

There are countless photo ops, including many that are in-between the major sites and sights. Be aware that you may see a great photo op while driving, but have no where to pull over. For several shots, I had to drive a ways, turn around, drive back and find a reasonably close pull out; then walk to where I wanted to shoot.

Also, you may encounter a cloudy rainy day that covers the views, so it's worth having more than one day in some prime areas such as the Dingle coast.

At some major sites, either arrive early or stay late; otherwise your photos will consist of countless people taking selfies in front of spectacular scenery. For example, at the Aran Island Dun Aengus fort, I waited a good while for most of the others to start walking back to catch their tour vans so that I could get some photos of the cliffs and ocean that didn't feature the "I'm King of the World" pose. Since I can walk quickly, I was able to take some photos and still get back before some of the strollers.