While cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork have plenty to offer, Ireland’s small towns are where you’ll find the most charm and character.
When I visit Ireland, I usually spend a few days with my cousins in Dublin at the beginning of the trip and then head out to enjoy the smaller towns and villages. Of course, everyone has different tastes and interests. Those who enjoy non-stop action with lots of cultural attractions and lively nightlife might want to spend most of their time in the cities.
For everyone else, these picturesque destinations are some of the best small towns in Ireland. They offer everything from spectacular mountain or beach scenery to medieval castles, pubs that host traditional live music, and plenty of warm Irish hospitality.
Portmagee
The tiny fishing village of Portmagee lies just off the famous Ring of Kerry on Ireland’s southwest coast. One of my favorite small towns in Ireland, the main street along the waterfront is lined with brightly painted homes, shops, and pubs. Despite its small size, you’ll find lots to see and do here.
Valentia Island is minutes away, connected by bridge, and offers many scenic hikes, including the Bray Head Loop walk, a 4.3-mile trek along the coast with a steady climb up to Bray Tower. At the summit, your reward will be a jaw-dropping view of Portmagee, Puffin Island, the Skellig Islands, and the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss the Tetrapod Trackway where you can marvel at Tetrapod footprints that date between 350 and 370 million years old.
Many visitors come to Portmagee to take a boat tour to visit Skellig Michael, an island nearby renowned for its well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement, featured in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Be sure to visit Skellig Chocolate Factory and in the evening, the Bridge Bar is the place to be. In fact, some of the Star Wars cast and crew enjoyed a pint here while filming. Mark Hamill, AKA Luke Skywalker, even pulled his own pint of Guinness. Frequent live music, set dancing, and award-winning cuisine can be enjoyed too.
Dingle
There is one town that might just represent quintessential Ireland better than any other. Dingle, and the Dingle Peninsula that surrounds it, is what many people think of when envisioning the country. Despite a small population of just over 2,000, Dingle has an impressively high concentration of pubs. There are dozens of them offering live music making it easy to find a place to enjoy traditional tunes every night of the week.
Okay, there is a downside. This isn’t the place to go to escape tourists as it’s become one of the most popular small towns in all of Ireland, but if you avoid the summer months you can avoid the biggest crowds. I like visiting in early May or late September/October as it’s often sunny and there aren’t nearly as many visitors.
From Dingle, you’ll have easy access to one of the world’s most breathtaking drives, the Slea Head Loop, with dramatic green hills crossed with stone fences, and dotted with thatched cottages and countless sheep. Sheer cliffs plunge down to hidden beaches with golden sands and there are some intriguing prehistoric and medieval sites, including ancient beehive huts and the 1,200-year-old Gallarus Oratory. While I enjoy driving this narrow, winding road, it can be harrowing for some. If you’d rather let someone else get behind the wheel while you soak up the scenery, consider booking this highly rated private tour.
Clifden
Nestled in the heart of the Connemara region, Clifden is a postcard-perfect town that makes an ideal base for visiting many attractions, from Kylemore Abbey to Connemara National Park and beautiful coral beaches. A drive along Sky Road delivers some of the most magnificent scenery in County Galway. The streets are lined with pubs, live music venues, outstanding eateries, and unique shops that sell locally made handcrafted goods and cozy Irish sweaters. For those with an interest in history, this was the very place where Alcock and Brown arrived in 1919 after accomplishing their pioneering transatlantic flight from Newfoundland, now Canada’s easternmost province.
Enniskerry
Located at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains along the Glencullen River, Enniskerry is one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland. A stay here provides easy access to popular attractions like Powerscourt Estate with its stunning 47-acre gardens, and the country’s highest waterfall, 400-foot-high Powerscourt Waterfall, which has been featured in multiple films, including “Excalibur,” “Far and Away,” and “King Arthur.”
There are some lovely wooded walks that can be accessed from the village, which is so storybook-like that Disney chose it as the filming site for the upcoming movie “Disenchanted,” the sequel to 2007’s “Enchanted.” While strolling the streets, you’ll discover fabulous tearooms, cafes, fun shops, and idyllic cottages.
Adare
Adare is less than a 20-minute drive southwest of Limerick and it’s often named among or at the top of lists of the most beautiful small towns in Ireland. You’ll likely drive through on your way north from Dingle, Portmagee, or Killarney. It looks like it was made for a postcard with its neat rows of early 19th-century thatched cottages, some of which have been transformed into arts and craft shops, boutiques, and restaurants. They were built by the Earl of Dunraven for workers who constructed nearby Adare Manor, and some are even available as vacation rentals.
While you’re here, be sure to take a stroll along the River Maigue to admire the ruins of Adare Franciscan Friary and Desmond Castle. If you don’t have time to spend the night, it’s worth a stop for lunch at the Blue Door Restaurant. Housed in one of the thatched cottages in the heart of the village it offers bistro-style dining.
Westport
With appealing Georgian streets, elegant bridges, and lots of colorful flowers, Westport is one of the prettiest small towns on Ireland’s west coast. It sits at the corner of Clew Bay in County Mayo, centered around a historic clock tower, with popular attractions like the 1650 Georgian-era Westport House. Built on the site of O’Malley Castle, the castle’s dungeons still survive.
Don’t miss Matt Molloy’s pub, owned by the famous flutist from The Chieftains. When Matt isn’t on tour, he often joins in on the traditional music sessions. Either way, you can enjoy live tunes every night of the week.
Westport also makes a great base for climbing the over the 2,500-foot-high Croagh Patrick, which towers over the town. Just a 15-minute drive away, it’s a pilgrimage site and one of the holiest in all of Ireland.
Ardmore
The seaside town of Ardmore in County Waterford was the romantic setting for author Nora Roberts Gallaghers of Ardmore series. It dates back to the early 4th century, established as a monastic settlement by St. Declan that was said to be the first of its kind in the country.
The village is overlooked by a nearly 100-foot-high round tower and was once a place of refuge as well as for the safekeeping of books, chalices, and a variety of important relics. Beautiful beaches and a variety of water sports like sea kayaking can be enjoyed here too. Be sure to keep an eye out for St. Declan’s Stone – legend says it was miraculously carried by the waves, all the way from Wales, following the saint’s visit there.
Kenmare
Kenmare often ranks high on lists of Ireland’s most atmospheric small towns with its stone cottages and window boxes overflowing with flowers. The crown jewel on the Ring of Kerry, it provides a haven for tranquility while being a fabulous place just to wander around and explore the shoreline where herons often search for a feast from the rocks.
Just a short walk from the town center is the Kenmare Stone Circle, believed to date back to the Bronze Age. Horseback riding, hiking, golfing, and a fantastic food scene can all be enjoyed here too.
Doolin
Doolin is considered a gateway to one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, but there are plenty of other things to do here too. In addition to the cliffs, it makes a great base for visiting Burren National Park and Doonagore Castle. Or, catch the ferry to one of the Aran Islands from the Doolin Pier.
The main reason I like to stay in Doolin is that it’s one of the best small towns in Ireland for live music. McDermott’s hosts it nightly between early spring and late fall, while Gus O’Conner’s features local and Irish artists from around the country for its nightly music session, including ballads where everyone can join in.
Baltimore
Baltimore is a fun seaside town with narrow lanes that nearly tumble into the Atlantic in western County Cork. It’s a favorite summertime destination with lively festivals and boat tours that will bring you to enchanting Cape Clear. There are many other activities based on the water too, including kayaking, sailing, and even snorkeling.
The town sits in the shadow of 13th-century Dun na Sead Castle and hosts a colorful cluster of pubs around the harbor. You’re likely to find some great traditional music along with an abundance of fresh seafood.
Want to know when to go to make the most of your trip? Check out my post When is the Best Time to visit Ireland.
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