The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Ireland
Ireland’s emerald landscapes are dotted with incredible, small-town destinations like Terryglass, with its award-winning pubs, a lakeside castle, and riverside pubs. Westport is home to Croagh Patrick, a challenging hike that ends with unmatched views of the surrounding Clew Bay. In Dalkey, fascinating historical buildings, including Dalkey Castle, invite visitors to explore. Those who want an unforgettable taste of Ireland will find the towns below some of the best the country has to offer.
Kenmare, County Kerry
Kenmare is one of the main Ring of Kerry towns and is a great starting point for this scenic drive. The drive offers visitors the opportunity to see major attractions, such as Staigue Fort located within an hour from this town. Visitors who prefer to stay in and explore Kenmare can take a self-guided walking tour to see Cromwell’s Bridge and the Kenmare Stone Circle. The circle in the center of town is more than 3,000 years old, arranged in an egg shape. There are 15 boulders with a gigantic dolmen in the middle. It is believed that the circle was once a burial site, and the tree hedge around it gives it a mystical atmosphere. The bridge sits at the edge of town in a fairytale-like setting. It is said that William Petty’s settlers built the arch during the 17th century. Visitors who want to learn more about the area’s long history can head to the 200-year-old Molly Gallivan’s cottage and farm around 12 minutes away. The building is now a visitor center that features ruins from the Great Famine and a Neolithic Stone Row. Visitors can also take a 500-meter walk to immerse themselves in 5,000 years of history. After a day of exploring, visitors can stop by PF McCarthy’s for a pint and enjoy live music.
Clonakilty, County Cork
Clonakilty is a great destination for families and also a gateway to the beautiful Inchydoney Beach. There are rows of colorful houses to see and the West Cork Model Railway Village to explore. The village includes tiny buildings and streets that depict what the stations and villages looked like along the West Cork Railway Line in 1940. Families can also take the Choo Choo Road Train here and eat in the charming cafe located in a real train carriage. At the Black Pudding Visitor Center, samples of the town’s famous black pudding await. There is a tour available around the factory as well as an on-site shop and cafe. The Clonakilty Park Adventure Center is another major attraction where visitors can play adventure golf, try the zip line, or do aerial trekking. Those who want to spend some time on the beach can take the five-kilometer drive to Inchydoney Beach. The beach is split by the Virgin Mary Headland and boasts a blue flag distinction. People can swim and surf here, and there are several picnic tables between the beach and the car park.
Terryglass, County Tipperary
Terryglass is a stunning village on the northern side of Lough Derg. There are two award-winning pubs here that people come from all over the world to experience namely Paddy’s Bar and The Derg Inn. Paddy’s Bar is a traditional Irish pub and restaurant that offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy locally produced pints, homemade food, and live music. The Derg Inn is a gastropub near the River Shannon that offers craft beer, Irish whiskey, and the famous Derg burger. Those who want to get out on the water can take a walk to the harbor and get their canoes and boats onto Lough Derg. There are also picnic facilities and a playground for the kids at the harbor. After a fun day on the water, visitors can head over to see Terryglass Castle on the lakeshore to learn more about the town’s history and even some of the local legends. The ruins of the castle are on private property, so they can only be viewed from a distance near the harbor.
Westport, County Mayo
Westport is one of Ireland’s most popular destinations, particularly with hikers who want to climb Croagh Patrick. This mountain is considered sacred, with Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, said to have spent 40 days and 40 nights on it in 441 AD. Thousands of Christians climb the mountain every year on the last Sunday in July, which is Reek Sunday. There is a chapel at the summit, which was built in 1905, that celebrates mass every Reek Sunday. Other attractions to explore include the Westport House and Clew Bay. The Westport House site was once home to a 16th-century castle. Today, the Palladian mansion that stands here is open to the public and offers the opportunity for visitors to take pedal boats out on the lake or take a leap off a three-story platform with the ‘Quarry Edge Leap.’ At Clew Bay, which is overlooked by Croagh Patrick and the Nephin Mountain, there is a rumored number of 365 islands to explore. Legend says that there is one island for each day of the year. Either way, in this area, visitors can cycle the Great Western Greenway, which stretches 44 kilometers along the old rail line from Westport to Achill Sound. Visitors can also take a Clew Bay cruise for seal watching or explore Bertra Beach with its wonderful views over the bay and the islands.
Adare, County Limerick
Adare is considered one of the country’s most beautiful villages with its thatched roofs and medieval architecture. At the edge of this small village lies the ruins of Desmond Castle, which date back to the 13th century. The ruins sit on the Maigue River’s north bank, and there is still a drawbridge, tower, and ramparts to see. Opposite the ruins is the Augustinian Friary, formerly known as Black Abbey, founded in the 13th century. The friary is now known as St Nicholas Church and is open every Sunday. Visitors who want to enjoy some of the green spaces in Adare can take a stroll through the Town Park, which also features a gazebo and flower patches. The village also holds a Country Market event every Saturday at the Village Hall. Visitors can browse the tables here for jewelry, produce, cake, and flowers. For an activity filled with a little Irish magic, visitors can drive the 20 minutes to Knockfierna to take the red road to the top and look out over Limerick on a clear day. This hill is part of the cone of an old volcano, with a history that includes pagan times.
Dalkey, County Dublin
The Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center is one of the highlights of the stunning town of Dalkey in County Dublin. The castle structure is one of the seven remaining castles in town that date to the 14th century. Visitors can enjoy a lively tour with living history actors ready to play their part. There is even an Archer that shows off his Longbow and Crossbow skills. The Heritage Center features several exhibitions and information in twelve languages. Within the same property stands Saint Begnet’s Church and Graveyard. The stone church was built in the 10th century, and its ruins are still beautiful. Those who want to see more of the shoreline can take the trail that goes through the village to the coast. The trail follows Vico Road to Killiney Hill and allows walkers to see the mansions that belong to celebrities like Enya and Bono along the way. Other things to do include getting out on the water via kayak, seeing the seals, or watching the sunset. After the sun sets, Finnegan’s of Dalkey awaits with Irish gins and excellent whiskeys.
Wicklow Town, County Wicklow
For a touch of the eerie, visitors can experience the Wicklow Gaol in the pretty Wicklow Town. The jail museum features an interactive tour that allows people to truly understand what life was like for inmates in the 1800s. For a little more upbeat history, there is the Wicklow Town Heritage Trail, which covers more than 25 stops and provides information about fascinating events in Wicklow Town’s history. This includes the arrival of Saint Patrick and the establishment of the Irish Free State. Visitors who want to see the sea can take the Cliff Walk to Wicklow Head, just three kilometers from the town center. There are beautiful views to enjoy here and three lighthouses to explore. The Wicklow Harbor also has plenty to see, including the Black Castle ruins. The castle was destroyed in 1301, with the ruins still overlooking the sea. It is also possible to spot dolphins in the water from this vantage point.
Clifden, County Galway
Clifden in County Galway also boasts a castle, in this instance a ruined Gothic Revival structure built in 1818. The castle site is private property, which means visitors should practice the ‘leave no trace’ principle at all times. After seeing the castle, visitors can take the Sky Road loop, particularly the Upper Route, to enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape and the water. The D’Arcy Monument sits on a hill west of the town, offering even more views of the Atlantic and the peninsula. In town itself, there is traditional pub crawling to enjoy. Lowry’s Music and Whiskey Bar is one of the most popular in Ireland and has been voted Best Traditional Bar in the country three times. Visitors will find great whiskey and gin here, as well as Irish music and an inviting atmosphere. Those in the mood for seafood and even more music will find just that at Guys Seafood Bar. Mullarkeys Bar is a famous music venue that hosts local and international musicians. Clifden also offers beaches for those who want to soak up a bit of sun or get into the water. Omey Strand is an almost 15-minute drive away and offers the opportunity to walk to Omey Island during low tide. Eyrephort Beach is also around 15 minutes away and features a rocky shoreline and gorgeous deep blue water.
Take That Long-Awaited Ireland Trip
All of Ireland is a bucket-list destination, especially these eight can’t-miss towns. You may encounter the infamous sea wind as you stroll along the coast in Dalkey or experience good craic in the pubs of Terryglass. You can sing along with the crowd in Clifden on open-mic night or kayak out on the open water to see the dolphins and seals. There is so much to see and do in these towns that you might plan for a week and end up staying for two. If Ireland is your radar for your next getaway, do not delay anymore. Pack your bags and explore the magic of The Emerald Isle for yourself.
