17 Small Towns in Ireland
Are you searching for travelling in one of the prettiest small towns in Ireland? I prefer staying in small towns and villages when I’m in Ireland because they provide less tourism and a more genuine Irish experience. This list of the most beautiful towns in Ireland will assist you to find out the best former Irish villages to stay in.
I have visited to Ireland a lot times that I have forget count, and there is always something fresh to see and do there.
There are many legends and stories linked to each Irish countryside town. If you’ve already visited to Ireland you know it is a very magical place soaked in folktales. The finest way to experience all that enjoyable and history is to stay in cute Irish towns.
17 Small Towns in Ireland
1.Dingle
Dingle, a charming coastal town, invite with its colorful streets, traditional pubs, and incredible landscapes. Explore the rugged Dingle Peninsula, tasty fresh seafood, and involve yourself deeply in Irish culture.
From the chance to meet Fungie, the local very notable bottlenose dolphin who’s been enjoyment to visitors to Dingle for more than 30 years to scenic drives along the Wild Atlantic Way, Dingle guarantees an exceptionable adventure for every visitor.
Where To Stay In Dingle
Dingle has some beautiful guest houses and bed and breakfasts, and Greenmount House is one of the finest! This family run guesthouse is working since 1977 and it’s only a 5-minute walk from Dingle’s town center.
2.Westport
Westport, one of the most charming towns in Ireland is settled in the center of County Mayo When you visit you should explore the vibrant town center, hike the nearby Croagh Patrick, and find out the rich heritage of this region.
There are so many astonishing activities to do in Westport such as, cycling along the Great Western Greenway or going to the Westport Arts Festival in end of July.
Remember to take pictures, this small town in Ireland is absolutely gorgeous, with unbeaten views!
This small Irish town also is home to Westport House, built in 1650 by a family of the Irish pirate queen Grace O’Malley! actually, the property has a theme park called Pirate Adventure Park. The grounds also include Grace’s castles and a strong underground prison cell in castle which you can still go into and tour!.
Where To Stay In Westport
The Wyatt Hotel is a pretty yellow hotel is Located in the center of Westport, with lovely architecture. The rooms are fashionable, and the prices are very reasonable.
3.Howth
Howth is the best option out of the charming with old fashioned towns in Ireland if you want to get to small Irish town by rail. Going to this town is too easy! Taking the fast train from Dublin’s city center is the best way to going to this town and has stunning views.
This stunning old small town is located about 30 minutes right outside of Dublin in Ireland. If you l seaside towns and walking to your destinations, this small Irish town has worth it all.
When you visit, you must to go hiking on the Howth Cliff Walk Loop, it is an simple trail that follows the cliffs and has gorgeous views.
Where To Stay In Howth
The King Sitric a very luxurious and fashionable spot to stay during your visit in this town. The rooms are very elegant and the hotel is known for it’s amazing fresh seafood.
4.Cobh
Cobh is a small town in Ireland is a surely travel destination because it has such a distinctive and gripping history.
This town was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic ocean liner. There is a museum in the site of the original White Star Line Ticket Office, Titanic Experience. If you are a history enthusiast and have seen the movie Titanic, I definitely recommend you check out this before quit the town.
When you’re in this seaside village , looking at all of the beautiful scenery and visiting the historic landmarks, don’t forget to visit Spike Island! from the 1850s the world’s biggest prison to the 1980’s riot exhibition and prisoner cells.
This old Prison is welcome to everyone who wants to see over 130 years of history. placed about 2 miles away from Cobh, you won’t want to miss this experience.
Where To Stay In Cobh
When staying in Cobh, if you want to be near by history, the Commodore Hotel is undoubtedly the place to stay. It is one of the earliest purpose-built hotels in Ireland.
5.Sneem
One of the smallest towns in Ireland on this list with a local population of only 557, Sneem has beautiful views and places to visit.
Blueberry Hill Farms is my best choice place in Sneem. When you visit the farm you can be near and personal with the farm animals and feed them yourself. At the end of the tour, you can even make your own candles, and believe me, they are amazing!
Sneem is an stunning place full of ethereal, scenic areas and makes for a great stop if you are driving to the Ring Of Kerry. going to this small town can be the highlight of your visit because it have local pubs and unrevealed walking ways. There is much to look at and visit here.
Where To Stay In Sneem
Parknasilla Resort and Spa is placed 3 miles away from the center of Sneem. This hotel provides bird’s eye views of Kenmare Bay and the Kerry Mountains.
6.Adare
I unexpectedly find out this adorable village in Ireland by accident but you should definitely visit on purpose! The colorful cottages roofs are covered with straw and these cottages lining the main street are so historic and beautiful.
The string of stunning cottages were built in the 19th century by landlord Earl of Dunraven. These cottages are used to house the workers from Adare Manor but now they used to house craft stores and fine dining restaurants.
Extremely charming, this small Irish village is designated a Heritage Town by the Government of Ireland. Note that because Adare is famous for its beauty it is a pricier option as far as old villages in Ireland go. .
Where To Stay In Adare
Adare is an delightful Irish town, so expect the accommodations to be delightful as well! Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel is set on the edge of Adare and offers some beautiful rooms.
7.Cashel
Cashel was on my list to visit for years and when I finally made it in this year and it did not disappoint me. This small Irish village have picturesque charm As well as home to a beautiful medieval complex known as the Rock of Cashel.
The Rock of Cashel is a hulking fortress containing the ruins of a 13th-century cathedral and Hall of Vicars. This is something you definitely don’t want to miss out because it is so historic as well as it’s a great place to get awesome pictures of your trip.
If you like concerts and dancing? During the summer season, the Brú Ború Cultural Center near Cashel conducts live traditional Irish music and dancing.
Where To Stay In Cashel
The Horse and Jockey Hotel is only 15 minutes away from Cashel and is a very good option.
8.Kinsale
Kinsale, a vibrant small town in County Cork, Ireland, ravishes visitors with its renowned colorful streets and prolific history.
Visit historic sites like James Fort and Charles Fort, roaming through the alluring and brightly colored town center, and I lost myself in delicious Irish seafood rich cuisine. Don’t miss out the chance to soak in the breathtaking coastal views and involve yourself deeply in the town’s welcoming weather.
Where To Stay In Kinsale
Located in the town center, The Blue Haven Hotel is a fashionable boutique hotel. This hotel provides total Irish breakfasts and its own restaurant that specializes in seafood.
9.Kilkenny
Kilkenny has so many well-preserved historic buildings, travelling there gives you a feeling of time travel! There is an stunning array of castles, abbeys, cathedrals, and more creating this one of the most charming small cities in Ireland.
I Suggest you check out Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195 by the Normans.as well as impressive views around the castle grounds, so when you go, click pictures!
If you are a nature lover , Kilkenny has one of the finest gardens out of the small villages in Ireland. Called the Woodstock House and Garden, this stunning area has largest trees that seem to go on forever and crumbling architecture to take beautiful pictures at.
This Village has something for everyone. This Irish village also organize many art shows, festivals, and celebrations. Make sure yourself to check out what festivals are on when you’re going to visit.
Where To Stay In Kilkenny
Langton’s Hotel is located at right the center of medieval Kilkenny, close to everything you’ll want to see.
10.Clonakilty
Clonakilty has some of the finest beaches in Ireland! On a hot day, Inchydoney Beach is the perfect place to go, the water is cold and the sun is warm. On a cold or wet day, dress warmly and move to the beach anyway, the environment and views are spectacular.
If you don’t know who is Michael Collins before visiting Clonakilty, be prepared to learn! Michael Collins, an Irish revolutionary, and leader in the Irish’s struggle for independence was from Clonakilty.
This small town in Ireland also brag a model train village for all ages. This spectacular place called West Cork Model Railway Village and shows what Clonakilty looked like in the 1940’s.
Where To Stay In Clonakilty
There are some pleasant hotels in this town, but one of the beautiful is Clonakilty Park Hotel. This luxury hotel in the center of Clonakilty provides lovely accommodations and some awesome comfort.
11.Malahide
Malahide is probably one of the best towns to visit in Ireland. Brag historic character and a lovely beach, there are so many things to do in Malahide. It’s also placed shockingly close to the Dublin International Airport which creates it a convenient first or last stop on your epic Ireland road trip.
Malahide’s most renowned attraction is Malahide Castle, which is one of Ireland’s earliest castles. You can take a tour to see the inside of the castle and learn all about the secretly figures that haunt the caste!
There are also the botanical gardens outside the castle that are honestly stunning. As well as provides gorgeous views of Dublin Bay, and a alluring beach to stroll down. You definitely add Malahide to your list of small towns near Dublin to visit.
Where To Stay In Malahide
There are many unforgettable places to stay in Malahide, one of the most comfortable hotels is the Grand Hotel.
12.Athlone
Placed in the heart of Ireland, Athlone is an oldest crossing point on the Shannon River.
This River is the Immense river in Ireland. During the summer season you can discover many yachts and cruise boats floating down the river. Features a stunning castle and the oldest pub in the world, Athlone should definitely be on your list of picturesque towns in Ireland to visit.
If you are a nature lover while visiting the best small Irish towns, then you should move to nearby Lough Ree.
Where To Stay In Athlone
Prince of Wales Hotel is a lovely hotel located in the Center of Athlone. It provides free parking and delicious Irish breakfasts.
13.Killarney
Killarney is a well known option out of all the Irish hinterland towns, and for good reason. Lots of visitors use Killarney as a starting point for driving the Ring of Kerry, which is a world-renowned scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula that takes about ½ a day.
Nearby Killarney National Park was the first national park in Ireland, and it is astonishing! It has more than 25,000 acres, and you can drive or cycle through the park or go for a hike.
Another one of Killarney’s well known attractions is Muckross House, a charming Tudor style mansion that was built in 1843. Killarney also has three different lakes that all sit in a stunning low valley surrounded by mountains. Around the lakes, you will find various luxury hotels.
Where To Stay In Killarney
Killarney Court Hotel is only a 10-minute walk from Killarney town center and provides fashionable rooms at an affordable price. There is a traditional Irish pub in the hotel and a spa!
14.Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire is a pleasant seaside town at the heart of one of Ireland’s Massive harbors. It was originally a the fort 5th century Irish kings would use to launch European raids. Now the town is much more calm, and it one of the ravishing small towns in Ireland.
East Pier at Dún Laoghaire Harbor is just over half a mile long and is the best place for a walk at sunset. You should also consider going paddle surfing, kite surfing, or wakeboarding in Dún Laoghaire.
Make sure yourself to stop at the 250-year-old 40 Foot promontory swimming area. It has a very interesting history. Once upon a time it is restricted to men only, but in the 1970s it became a major part of the Irish women’s liberation movement.
Where To Stay In Dún Laoghaire
Overlooking Dublin Bay Haddington House provides lovely rooms with gorgeous harbor views.
15.Clifden
If you are searching for small Irish villages where you can visit the outdoors, then you definitely consider Clifden. This town is surrounded by beaches, trails to hike, and some lovely architecture.
If you find yourself in Clifden on a Friday, then move to Market Day where farmers and craftsmen sell their products in the town square.
One of the draws of Clifden is its closeness to Connemara National Park. Connemara National park has one of the three fjords in Ireland, Killary Harbor, also eleven square miles of land filled with wetlands and bogs, in addition to this bridges to cross them, and Kylemore Abbey with its amazing architecture and walled gardens.
Another enchantment that makes Clifden one of the best small Irish towns is Sky Road. This road is a lovely 10-mile section of epic coastal highway. It provides tons of picture opportunities and will take you by Clifden Castle.
Where To Stay In Clifden
What could be better than staying in a castle while visiting small villages in Ireland? Make that dream come true at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel placed along Sky Road, just a short distance from Clifden, this castle provides some of the best accommodations.
16.Letterkenny
Letterkenny has worth it all: scenic drives through mountains, promontories, forts, and it is very near to Glenveagh National Park.
Glenveagh is a large park made up of forest and mountain slopes that were once part of the estate of Glenveagh Castle. This park has a massive social grouping of red deer in Ireland. One of the trails here will take you straightly to Glenveagh Castle, which was built in the 1870s.
If you are interested to know the history of Letterkenny and the surrounding areas, then definitely consider visiting the Donegal County Museum or the Newmills Corn and Flax Mill.
Where To Stay In Letterkenny
Radisson Blu Hotel provides modern accommodations with a contemporary Irish style and a convenient place for visiting the surrounding area.
17.Ardara
Settled in the picture worthy County Donegal, Ardara achieved the title of the ‘best village to live in’ by the Irish Times in 2012. While its architecture may not be as amazing as other Irish villages, Ardara charms and delights visitors with its cozy pubs and high quality dining spots.
Visit nearby natural wonders like Glengesh Pass, Silver Strand, and the great Slieve League Cliffs, all just a short drive away. Ardara provides as an ideal hub to find out the wild beauty and well known hospitality of County Donegal. You don’t want to miss this entry on my list of the best towns in Ireland to visit.
Where To Stay In Ardara
Hillhead House is a cozy bed and with outstanding breakfast and a lovely garden in Ardara.
Map Of The Prettiest Towns In Ireland
If you were wondering where all these beautiful towns in Ireland are located, I took out the leg work and created this map just for you.
This map of the all the stops on my small towns in Ireland list shows you exactly where each and every one of them is placed.
When you are planning your visit to Ireland, make sure to check out my map of Irish towns so you can look which towns you might be able to visit on your trip.
Pro Traveler Tip: Make sure yourself to download this map “offline” on the Google Maps app so you can use it during your visit to Ireland even when you don’t have cell service, as many of the quaint villages in Ireland don’t have reliable 4G.
Click Here To Access Google Maps Locations
I hope you loved some of my favorite small towns in Ireland to visit. Ireland is one of my lovable countries and I have visited so many times I have honestly forget count.
If you visit any of the spots from my best towns to visit in Ireland list, let me know how you liked it. If find other picture worthy towns in Ireland I would love to hear about them too!