Northern Ireland's geological marvels, rugged coastlines, and historic castles make for beautiful photographs and everlasting memories.
But what do users of Instagram, the world’s pre-eminent social media photography app, rank as Northern Irelands most popular locations for that all-important snap?
Well, Maldron Hotel Belfast City conducted a study to find out which tourist attractions are actually the “most Instagrammed attractions in Northern Ireland."
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The study analyzed all major tourist locations in the area and while the number one spot might not surprise you, others on the list make for interesting viewing.
"This survey tallies up consistently with visitor numbers to The Giants Causeway visitor center and caused no initial surprise,” explains Francine O'Hagan, Sales & Marketing Manager at Maldron Hotel Belfast City.
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“This attraction continues to be one of the most popular in the north, especially with foreign tourists. I also expected the Dark Hedges to feature on top considering the huge popularity of Game of Thrones”, she says.
So let's take a look at the top 10!
10. Belfast City Hall - 19,965 hashtags
Built in 1906, Belfast City Hall was once the home of the White Linen Hall, an important international Linen Exchange located in Donegall, Square, Belfast.
The exterior is built mainly from Portland stone and is in the Baroque Revival style covering an area of one and a half acres with an enclosed courtyard.
9. Tollymore Forest Park - 20, 844 hashtags
Officially designated as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONB) this beautiful forest park definitely lives up to its lofty reputation offering a choice of hiking trails with some spectacular views.
8. St. Georges Market - 21,322 hashtags
St George's Market is the last surviving Victorian covered market in Belfast, known for its vibrancy, arts and crafts and a great selection of food stalls.
7. Dunluce Castle - 31,204 hashtags
Located on the edge of a basalt outcropping in County Antrim, Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined 13th-century medieval castle and is only accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland.
6. Cavehill - 39,701 hashtags
A basaltic hill overlooking the city of Belfast, Cavehill forms part of the southeastern border of the Antrim Plateau. It is distinguished by its "Napoleon's Nose," a basaltic outcrop which resembles the profile of Emperor Napoleon.
5. Titanic Belfast/Titanic Quarter - 58,712 hashtags
The ill-fated ocean liner Titanic, which hit an iceberg and sank during her maiden voyage in 1912, was built in Belfast and today that construction yard hosts the world's largest Titanic visitor experience
4. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge - 61,651 hashtags
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim which will test those nerves! The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede (meaning "rock of the casting").
3. The Dark Hedges - 63,993 - hashtags
Scarily beautiful? Popularized in HBO's popular television series "Game of Thrones," The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees along Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim which provides for some incredible photos.
2. Mourne Mountains - 109,125 hashtags
County Down's Mourne Mountains are home to Northern Irelands highest peak, Slieve Donnard which stands at 2,796 feet overlooking the Irish Sea.
The Mourne Wall is among the more famous features in the Mournes. It is a 22-mile dry-stone wall that crosses fifteen summits.
1. Giant’s Causeway – 239,582 hashtags
You only need to take one look at the breathtaking rocks of the Giants Causeway to know why it is number one by a long shot!
Situated on the rugged Count Antrim coast, the 40,000 volcanic basalt rocks create a spectacular pathway over the wild North Atlantic Ocean.
What's your favorite place in Northern Ireland for a great Instagram shot?
Let us know in the comments below
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