8 Nicest Small Towns In Ireland
In Ireland's nicest towns, an afternoon can begin at a castle that has stood since the Norman conquest and end at a pub where traditional music has played for generations. In Doolin, traditional Irish bands play most nights at McDermott's Pub, and the Cliffs of Moher rise 702 feet above the Atlantic a short drive from town. In Westport, a Georgian manor built directly over Grace O'Malley's stone fort looks out toward Croagh Patrick, the mountain St. Patrick fasted on and pilgrims still climb today.
Westport
Located in County Mayo, Westport was planned in the Georgian style, a highly unusual feature in Ireland. One example of that style is Westport House, built on the site of an O'Malley castle linked to Grace O'Malley, the famed Pirate Queen. The castle dungeon is still accessible in the basement of this Georgian-style house, adding another layer to its long history. Catholic pilgrims come to this town to ascend the 2,507-foot Croagh Patrick mountain, named after St. Patrick, who is said to have fasted on this mountain. Even non-Catholics will enjoy hiking up its just over 2-mile trail to the top, or relaxing just outside of the mountain at Bertra Beach. Travelers recommend one of the best ways to meet locals is to visit The Point, a swimming beach west of the town.
Dingle
Dingle is the main town on the Dingle Peninsula, which juts out of southwestern Ireland into the Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula offers plenty of beaches and scenic drives that will delight any explorer in the Emerald Isle. Hikers can easily walk through mountains and shorelines via the 112-mile Dingle Way, or go on the 30-mile driving route via Slea Head, with views of beaches, cliffs, and Mount Brandon along the way. Some stops along the drive include Coumeenoole Beach and the Slea Head Overlook, which overlooks the Blasket Islands. In Dingle town proper, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood from the Out of the Blue Restaurant or whiskey from the Dick Mack's Pub, or take a photo by The Pier, just a few blocks from downtown.
Kinsale
Located in County Cork, Kinsale is a popular summer destination with a long, dramatic history. In 1601, a Spanish force landed at Kinsale to support Irish rebels during the Nine Years' War, and the defeat at Kinsale helped mark a turning point in Gaelic resistance. Decades after the Siege of Kinsale, Charles Fort was constructed between 1677 and 1682 during the reign of Charles II to protect Kinsale Harbour. In 1915, the ship the RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-boat, which killed nearly 1,200 people, including 128 Americans. The sinking shocked the public and helped shift American opinion against Germany; today, the memory of the Lusitania is preserved at the Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower. Visitors to Kinsale can also peruse local art galleries in beautiful buildings, such as Giles Norman Photography, located in a Georgian building in downtown Kinsale.
Carlingford
Carlingford taps into many aspects of Irish culture, from the magical leprechauns to medieval forts and scenic green trails. At the Last Leprechauns of Ireland attraction, visitors can hear from local storytellers, explore a cavern said to be home to leprechauns, and learn about the history of this fun myth. The town's most striking landmark is King John's Castle, also called Carlingford Castle. Built around 1190, most likely by the Norman baron Hugh de Lacy, it would see centuries of conflict and change in Ireland. Another historic spot is the Carlingford Heritage Centre, housed within The Church of the Holy Trinity. Today, the former Church of the Holy Trinity serves as a heritage center and event venue, offering guided tours of the church and surrounding historic sites.
Adare
Adare is one of Ireland's most scenic medieval villages. Founded in the 1200s, the village is best known for Desmond Castle. First established in the 13th century, the Earls of Kildare ruled it until it was given to the Earls of Desmond following a revolt in 1536. One of the best ways to experience Adare is to go at one's own pace through the countryside, whether that's meandering through the gardens of the Adare Village Park, which was originally a noble estate, or hiking through The Greenway, which follows the Limerick to Kerry railway and passes through scenic green hills and other Irish towns. For those who really want to dive deep into Adare's history, the Adare Heritage Centre hosts an exhibition that traces its history back to the Norman invasion.
Cong
Cong sits on the Mayo-Galway border, on a narrow neck of land between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. The town has remained closely associated with The Quiet Man since John Ford filmed much of the movie in and around Cong in 1951. Stepping into the town still feels like going into a movie set, including at Ashford Castle, where some scenes of The Quiet Man were filmed and where John Ford and some cast and crew stayed. Originally built in 1228, the castle today is a 5-star hotel and the headquarters of Ireland's School of Falconry. Here, one can learn the basics of falconry, a tradition with roots in the Middle Ages. Fans of John Wayne can check out The Quiet Man Museum or go on guided tours of locations from the film from April to September. Guests can also easily find water activities by taking a Corrib Cruises tour on Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland.
Schull
Schull sits on the far southwestern coast of Ireland, in West Cork, and is overshadowed by the 1,335-foot Mount Gabriel. From this port town, Schull offers adventures on the water and under the stars. It has the only planetarium in the Republic of Ireland, the Schull Planetarium, which allows visitors to gaze up into the cosmos. For those who prefer getting out on the water, Schull’s Fastnet Marine and Outdoor Education Centre hosts the Fastnet International Schools Regatta each July. One of the most intriguing places in Schull is the Altar Wedge Tomb. Made of stones on a flat, grassy field, this tomb dates back to the late Neolithic period, from around 2500 to 2000 BC.
Doolin
This Atlantic coastal town goes way back, with settlements dating back to the Iron Age. What really makes Doolin stand out is its proximity to the Cliffs of Moher. These Atlantic cliffs rise 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, with a top height of 702 feet close to the 1835 O'Brien's Tower. Visitors can reach these cliffs via the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and take in the views from nearby walking paths and overlooks. Visitors can also discover ancient sites, such as ring barrows, or view the ruins of fortified sites, such as Doonmacfelim Castle. Doolin is best known culturally for its traditional Irish music. One can hear traditional Irish music in local pubs such as McDermott's Pub.
Small-Town Ireland
There's a serene character to these Irish villages and communities. After all, many of them provide access to unbelievable sites, whether that's the Atlantic Cliffs of Moher, or the overlooks at Croagh Patrick, or in the long-abandoned castles and forts spread throughout the island. These landscapes directly inspire Irish culture, from the Irish musicians who frequent Doolin pubs to the public peninsular beaches that bring communities together, to the quirky leprechaun cave of Carlingford. Visitors to Ireland shouldn't overlook these small towns if they want to get a sense of the full kaleidoscope of Irish culture.
