9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Ireland
Ireland has hundreds of small towns and villages. Choosing the nine most adorable is like choosing the nine most charming flowers in one of Ireland's famous green fields or ancient forests. So, let's consider, for starters here, these adorable small towns in Ireland that even the Irish natives have been known to prefer for a little sightseeing, R&R, and/or adventure.
Killarney
Killarney in County Kerry is known far and wide for its majestic Killarney National Park. As they say, if Kerry is “The Kingdom” of beauty in Ireland, then Killarney National Park is the crown jewel. The park contains the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, the surrounding mossy woodlands, and the cascading Torc Waterfall, which is considered one of County Kerry’s most beautiful and contemplative spots. Nearby in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks lies Ireland's tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil (1,038 meters/3,400 feet), which rises dramatically just outside the park's boundary.
Also, in the heart of Killarney National Park — just about six kilometers (3.75 miles) from town — is Muckross House and its surrounding gardens. This Victorian mansion, completed in 1843 and visited by Queen Victoria in 1861, is remarkable for its sheer stateliness, its pleasant seat upon Lake Muckross, and the many ways in which visitors are still welcome. You can tour the house and grounds, relax with a snack in its Garden Restaurant, enjoy the animal petting area near the 1930's style Muckross Traditional Farms, and rather much more.
Lest we forget the town of Killarney proper, it's a vivacious small town known for serving up fantastic fare and pints in traditional Irish pubs like J.M. Reidy's, which operates out of one of Killarney’s most photographed buildings, Number 3 Main Street, built in 1870.
Dingle
Also in County Kerry, Dingle is an eclectic and bohemian town famous in part for its hardware pubs, like Foxy John's at the top of Green Street (part pub, part hardware store, part bike repair shop, all friendliness, and all Ireland). This is a town for people who love to stop in eccentric shops, eat ice cream, catch live music, sometimes even unexpectedly, and take in the beauty of dramatic cliffs beside a crashing coastline.
The Gallarus Oratory, which dates back as far as the ninth century, and possibly as far as the seventh century, is here. The original intention of the structure is unclear but it’s believed to have once been a shelter for monks or religious pilgrims. It looks something like an upturned boat, which some researchers suggest may have been deliberate.
From Dingle you can also take a boat tour of the hauntingly beautiful, misty and green Blasket Islands. These islands have been immortalized by many writers and artists across time. The boat tours here come highly recommended.
Westport
Westport is a very tidy seaside town remarkable for its history in several unusual respects. The place was first controlled in the 15th century by the O'Malley Clan, including one of the most famous female pirates, the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley, who built a castle nearby. The castle passed from the O'Malley family to the Browne family (the Earls of Altamont) in the 17th century. The Brownes used the Pirate Queen's castle as the foundation for the 18th-century Palladian mansion now known as Westport House, which is still standing today.
A guided tour of Westport House offers glimpses at many incredible artifacts that have been brought here over time, including a 3,000 year old Greek sarcophagus brought here in 1812, according to the Tourism Ireland website. The Browne family was also responsible for planning much of Westport to accommodate their estate workers and tenants. The streets known as "The Mall" run along the Carrowbeg River and remain famous to this day for their gorgeous Georgian architecture, low stone walls, and stone bridges covered in flowers by summer and fairy lights by winter.
The natural backdrop of this romantic town is Croagh Patrick, which has been considered a holy mountain since ancient times. Saint Patrick is believed to have fasted at the top for 40 days. It's drawn pilgrims to it ever since the fifth century. The hike up and back takes between three and four hours, depending on one's pace.
Kinsale
Kinsale, from the Irish "Cionn tSáile" meaning "head of the sea" marks the end of the "Wild Atlantic Way" in County Cork. Once a medieval fishing port, the town is guarded to this day by two massive military forts. Charles Fort is a star-shaped battlement from the late 17th century that keeps watch over the sparkling Kinsale Harbor. And James Fort, named for James I in 1604, stands on the tip of the Castlepark peninsula to the south of Kinsale, keeping watch over the narrow channel from the sea and the entrance to the Harbor from Bandon River.
The water remains the primary feature and way of life in Kinsale. This is a world class destination for saltwater anglers, whether your taste runs to deep sea fishing for massive, hard-fighting sportfish including blue sharks; inshore reef or estuary fishing for lighter angling; or fishing from the pier or bridges along the river, even at night. In Ireland, recreational sea angling from the shore generally does not require a personal license, but fishing regulations — including strict rules on European sea bass, such as seasonal limits and catch-and-release requirements — likely will apply.
There is also wreck fishing here; Kinsale's ocean floor is littered with World War I and World War II wrecks in 65 meters to 110 meters (213 feet to 330 feet) of water. Kinsale is also known as "The Gourmet Capital of Ireland," famous for fresh seafood, popular food festivals, and more than 60 independent eateries, including Fishy Fishy's ultra-fresh local catches.
Carrick-on-Shannon
Carrick-on-Shannon is the "Marina Capital of Ireland." You can rent pleasure boats here (with no license required) and spend days exploring the country's longest river (the River Shannon) and its peaceful interconnected waterways of lakes and canals. If you'd rather not rent your own boat just yet, take a Moon River cruise for an hour of entertaining sightseeing and light refreshments, this way you can see many of the points of interest and hear some of the local folklore in relaxation.
Then perhaps you'd like to step inside The Dock, which overlooks the river, to take in some wonderful culture. The Dock was originally a courthouse built in the 19th century. It's now been converted into a center for the arts that offers visitors three galleries of contemporary art and an intimate 100 seat space for live performances.
Be sure to visit St. George’s Church, a lovely place of worship by its own right for more than 200 years, but which also serves as the Heritage site and visitor center. Follow brass plaques from the church to The Workhouse, which has been partially preserved as it was from the Irish Famine era. This place, like hundreds that once existed in Ireland, housed thousands of famine victims inside small, whitewashed rooms. A famine graveyard on the grounds reminds us of the hardships that can visit even the most charming places, making the pleasures to be found here all the more precious to enjoy.
Doolin
Doolin is considered the capital of traditional Irish music and considering the richness of music to be found across this fair island, that is truly saying something. There are several iconic pubs here where music takes place every night. Among the best known is Fitz's Pub at Hotel Doolin where you can hear outstanding Irish music every night of the year while enjoying a pint outdoors on a sprawling patio or indoors beside a cozy fire. This is a friendly and informal place that serves a full menu of delicious food and fresh catches as well as drinks.
Another very special way to experience the music here is in the Doolin Music House, otherwise known as the home of Christy Barry and his partner Sheila. This couple have entertained guests and musicians in their home for years. They discuss the history of music and play tunes in a more intimate way than can be experienced in a pub. Sessions are typically hosted here on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays each week. As soon as you arrive in Doolin, you'll be drawn into a pub or picturesque place by the enchanting and rollicking music playing inside.
Finally, you may recognize the Cliffs of Moher from "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" as well as "The Princess Bride," in which film they were called "The Cliffs of Insanity." You can explore these iconic cliffs with ease along paved, wheelchair-accessible pathways.
Bundoran
Bundoran is the surf capital of Ireland with one of the best beaches for beginning surfers, Tullan Strand, a two-kilometer (1.25-mile) beach stretching from the north end of Bundoran Town to the Erne Estuary at Ballyshannon. Not just for beginners, this beach has perfect conditions for intermediates and pros to ride the waves and enjoy the camaraderie of the surf culture here. Near Tullan Strand, there are two well-known tidal seawater bathing pools — Thrupenny Pool and the West End (Nun’s) Pool — that offer more sheltered swimming conditions than the open Atlantic surf, though they are still subject to tides and sea conditions.
Be sure to visit the Fairy Bridges at Tullan Strand. These natural sea arches and blow holes seem to be the home (or haunt) of fairies, and while none of have spotted recently, you should go have a look for yourself. And make a wish in the Wishing Chair while you're there. Near the Fairy Bridges is a rock formation, like a chair, that overlooks spectacular Atlantic views. Legend says it's best to approach the Wishing Chair carefully, so as not to disturb the magic that surrounds it, to sit carefully and hold both "arms" of the chair, to consider the heroes and heroines of old who have sat there before you, and then to make your wish in silence and tell no one. Finally, be sure to tap the chair twice before rising to promise that your wish is a genuine one.
Tramore
Tramore has Ireland's finest amusement park, the Tramore Amusement & Leisure Park, a 50-acre wonderland with some fun rides. Meanwhile, Splashworld, southeastern Ireland's biggest, brightest and best indoor waterpark. Whether you want to relax or play in the wave machine or work up a sweat in a fully equipped gym, this is a favorite way to spend a day for families and folks of all ages.
For a quieter day, visit the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, a hidden gem in Tramore that pays tribute to Irish writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, celebrated as Japan’s most famous Irishman. Eleven distinct garden areas and landscapes bring the remarkable journey and life of Hearn into soft focus, from the elegance of the Victorian garden through the American and Greek gardens, and finally the serene beauty of the Japanese gardens. Rich Irish and Japanese fairytales and folklore add depth to your walk through spectacular landscapes and views beyond. There is so much to do and enjoy in Tramore, from horse racing in August, to horse riding year round, to sea swimming and surfing and much, much more. There's something seriously fun here for everyone.
Cobh
Cobh in County Cork is a charming harbor town that's considered one of the prettiest towns in Europe. But Cobh, isn't just pretty, it has a history with remarkable quirks. For instance, this is the place where the RMS Titanic set sail from here, so you absolutely must visit the Titanic Experience Cobh. This exhibition tells the story of the 123 passengers who set sail from here on the final point of departure for the Titanic in 1912, and the exhibition is housed within the original ticket office of the White Star Line.
A young lass known as Anne Bonny is said to have come from this place and gone on to become a famous pirate of the Bahamas. The Cobh Heritage Centre offers excellent exhibits covering the region's rich maritime history, immigration stories, and notable local figures, including the dangerously lovely Bonny.
The sheer beauty of Cobh makes it a destination for photographers and artists. A well-known viewpoint in Cobh offers views over the colorful row houses known as the "deck of cards" and the harbor, with St. Colman’s Cathedral — famous for its 49-bell carillon — rising above the town.
Adorable Towns — Even by Irish Standards
To be adorable is to inspire immediate and tender affection, and these nine Irish towns — Killarney with its lakes and Torc Waterfall, Dingle with its trad sessions, Westport beneath Croagh Patrick, Kinsale’s harbor and foodie reputation — are adorable even by Irish standards; each is, for different reasons, a destination for visitors from near and far. Whether you’re drawn to traditional music echoing through pub nights, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, layered maritime history, or simple seaside fun, these places deliver it all.
