It’s impossible to visit the Emerald Isle and not fall in love with the genuine warmth of the country. Everything from the people to the pubs charm even the most experienced traveler. While the cities of Ireland have a variety of things to offer, the small towns of Ireland are really where its personality comes to life.
Similar to my list of the best things to do in Ireland guide, this post is organized from Dublin in a counter-clockwise
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Howth, Dublin
Explored by Me of The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Howth is one of the most beautiful seaside towns near Dublin and one of the best small towns in Ireland. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes because Howth is best seen on foot. Whether it’s walking down Howth pier for views of cliffs around the village or taking the entire Howth Cliff Walk, you’ll be glad to be out in nature. The hike isn’t too bad in terms of difficulty and has amazing panoramic views.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, check out Howth Market for local food and souvenirs. If you’re craving fresh seafood, head to Octopussy. Their seafood comes from Dorans on the Pier right nearby. For a great walking tour, use Hidden Howth Experiences for a local guide!
At the end of the day, relax at O’Connels with a pint. If you’re staying overnight, be sure to check out King Sitric Inn for views of the water!
Donegal, Donegal
Explored by Kathryn of Wandering Bird
Donegal is, confusingly, both a small town and a county up in the northwest of Ireland. If you’re campervanning in Ireland, you’ll probably recognize it as the start of the Wild Atlantic Way- Ireland’s most famous road trip.
Still, don’t rush past the town of Donegal- there are loads to do there before you move on. The most famous is probably the 15th-century Donegal Castle, which lay in ruins for years but was fully restored in the 1990s. The history of the castle is amazing- and so are the views across the town.
Nearby is the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre, which has a wonderful museum and shop (do not leave your husband here unattended!) There are also lots of games and things to entertain younger kids- perfect for a rainy day.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Donegal on a sunny day, head to Bundoran Beach, which is surprisingly sandy and with a great ice cream shop. You can book surfing lessons here and there’s an adventure park nearby for the kids.
If you want some traditional Irish music, head to the Reel Inn, which serves great food and has live music or entertainment 7 nights a week. Occasionally there are Irish dancers, who are not shy about pulling tourists up to join them! You can also stay in Lough Eske Castle for an incredible experience (and bragging rights!)
Westport, Mayo
Explored by Alexa of 52 Perfect Days
Westport is a beautiful town located in County Mayo on the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast corner of Clew Bay on the west coast of Ireland. Just three hours from Dublin, this is a perfect town for a weekend getaway.
The picturesque town is filled with lovely shops, restaurants, and pubs. One of the most iconic things to do when there is to visit Westport House; a heritage home museum, amusement park, campground, and train ride rolled into one.
Westport is also a great town to explore the outdoor beauty of Ireland. Sea kayaking and paddling among the 365 islands of Clew Bay is one of the most popular outdoor activities. With the breathtaking backdrop of Croagh Patrick, there isn’t a more peaceful way to spend a few hours in Westport.
An Port Mór, is an award-winning restaurant from chef Frankie Mallon. The food is inspired by local produce and is rustic, quirky, and delicious. There is no better way to finish a day in Westport than with a craic and a pint at Matt Molloy’s! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight, check out Ardmore Country House for a quaint place to relax at the end of the day.
Inis Mor, Galway
Explored by Jade of The Migrant Yogi
The charming village of Kilronan is situated on the largest and most-populated of Ireland’s Aran Islands, Inis Mor. The Aran Islands are a small archipelago located off Ireland’s Western coast. Kilronan is definitely worth a stop if you’re staying in Galway for a few days, particularly as a base to explore the rest of Inis Mor.
Though Kilronan is very small, Inis Mor has plenty to keep you busy. Explore the island by bike or on foot to learn about the labyrinth of stone walls, or make the trek up to Dun Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort perched atop a cliff. Visit the seal colony to see some of the island’s other inhabitants basking in the sun. Take a dip in the wormhole, a natural rectangular swimming pool, if you need to cool off.
There are many bed and breakfasts scattered around Kilronan Village, though the ferry does have a return in the evening to get you back to Galway. If you want to stay on the island, check out Aran Thatch Cottage or Radharc Na Ceibhe B&B. There are only a handful of restaurants and pubs to choose from, but the food is quality and the locals are friendly.
Don’t forget to stop by Aran Sweater Market for some fine Irish wool to take home as a souvenir!
From Galway, take a bus to Rossaveal, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, you can take a ferry to Kilronan Harbor. The ferry ride lasts around 40 minutes.
Dingle, Kerry
Explored by Cath of Travel Around Ireland
One of the most beautiful small towns in Ireland is Dingle in County Kerry. This small fishing village located on the peninsula with which it shares its name is popular with visitors to the southwest corner of Ireland.
Dingle is often visited by those spending time in Killarney and the Ring of Kerry. It is located one hour west of Killarney, making it an ideal place to visit for a day. It is best to drive because, although you can get public transport, you have to go via Tralee in order to reach Dingle, making it a 2-hour journey each way.
However, once you arrive in Dingle you won’t be disappointed. This picturesque town with its quaint fishing harbor is the perfect place to explore and there are lots of cafes, pubs, and restaurants if you want refreshments. Some of the best fish and chips in Ireland can be enjoyed in Dingle. And make sure you don’t leave without having Murphy’s ice cream.
Dingle is pretty and as well as simply exploring the town, you can also visit the Dingle distillery, see the Gallarus Oratory, and the nearby Famine Cottages. For families, the Dingle Oceanworld is worth visiting and you can also take boat tours from the harbor. If you are lucky you may spot some dolphins, although not the famous Fungie who unfortunately has not been seen since October 2020. Dingle is a must-visit small town in Ireland.
If you’re staying overnight in Dingle, check out Ocean View B&B or Dingle Bay View hotel so you can really enjoy the waterfront!
Blarney, Cork
Explored by Me of Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the most charming small towns in Ireland is also one of the most famous – Blarney. Known for it’s iconic Blarney Castle and being home to the gift of gab when you kiss the Blarney Stone, there are plenty of other things to do here.
Explore over 100 acres of beautiful wetlands at Clogheenmilcon Sanctuary – a remnant of the last ice age. Take a walk on the Martin Valley Trail for panoramic views of the meadows and River Martin. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Muskerry tram route which connected Blarney to Cork before being closed down in 1934.
One of the more interesting things to see in Blarney is the Gunpowder mills. It’s the largest industrial archaeological site in Ireland. There are 19th-century mills that produced over 15,000 barrels of gunpowder!
If seeing the best small towns in Ireland is on your bucket list, then do not miss Blarney! Spend a night in the Blarney Castle Hotel for easy convenience to the town!
Cobh, Cork
Explored by Anuradha of Country Hopping Couple
If you are dreaming of visiting one of the picture-perfect towns in Ireland that you want to flaunt on your instagram feed, you must visit Cobh. Pronounced as Cove, Cobh is only 30 minutes train journey from Cork, one of the major southern cities in Ireland.
Steeped in history and with its deep association with Titanic ship, Cobh was the last port of call and a gateway of new life for many Irish immigrants. Today, you can walk back in time and learn about the story of 123 passengers from Cobh who lost their life in Titanic. Visit Titanic Experience Cobh, a museum that is located right on the very spot that used to be original White Star Line Ticket Office. Alternatively, explore St.Colman’s Cathedral, a gorgeous church that dominates the skyline of Cobh.
One of the insta-worthy things to do in Cobh is a visit to Deck of Cards, colourful row houses located on the West View Street. Cobh can be combined with Cork and Blarney Castle as a day trip from Dublin. There are various coach tours that operate from Dublin. If you are driving from Dublin, Cobh is roughly 3 hours away. So, we suggest a night stay at Cork, to be able to enjoy the surrounding areas and Cobh comfortably, without any pinch of time.
Cahir, Tipperary
Explored by Cath of Passports and Adventures
Cahir in County Tipperary is a lovely little small town to visit in Ireland. Often overlooked by its neighbor Cashel and the famous Rock of Cashel, Cahir is a beautiful town in Ireland you shouldn’t miss.
Located on the banks of the River Suir, Cahir is a busy little country town where you can easily spend a day. Cahir is located two hours south of Dublin, so could be visited as a day trip from the Irish capital. It is closer to both Waterford and Cork, lying only an hour from these cities, so would be better visited as a day trip from there.
The best thing to do in Cahir is visit Cahir Castle. As one of the largest castles in Ireland, Cahir is well preserved and dates from the 13th century. As well as the towers and keeps to explore, there is an interactive model of the castle in one room which kids will love. There are also cannons, gardens and an audiovisual show providing visitors with an insight into its history. It is one of the best castles in Ireland for kids.
Just a short drive from the castle is the Swiss Cottage, an ornamental thatched roof cottage which is worth a visit. Glengarra Woods are within a 30-minute drive and are ideal for a walk, and if you are looking for somewhere for lunch, there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants, with one of the best being the Lazy Bean. If the sun is shining, sit outside and watch the world go by.
If you are visiting Ireland and heading south, make sure to stop by one of the best small towns in Ireland – Cahir.
Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Explored by Jacqueline of Your Travel Flamingo
Kilkenny is a historic, medieval town located in the southeast of Ireland. A visit here is a step into the past of Ireland, as you’ll be walking in the very streets that witches and other notable people of the past walked through. A main highlight of Kilkenny is just wandering the beautiful historic streets of the Old Town, where you’ll find quirky shops, hidden alleyways, and some cosmopolitan eateries.
The most visited place in Kilkenny is definitely Kilkenny Castle, whose walls can be seen all throughout the town. Even if you don’t want to tour the interiors, a walk through the gorgeous castle grounds and garden are free. Also not to be missed are the Black Abbey, and the St. Francis Abbey.
If you want to dive deeper here, you’ll also discover more about the dark history of Kilkenny. From tragic deaths to violent sieges, and even witch burnings, the story of Kilkenny is an intriguing one. For the more eccentric traveler, Kilkenny is known as one of the most haunted places in Ireland, which you can learn more about by booking a ghost tour. If you love beer, you’ll also be happy to discover that the Kilkenny brewery offers tours and tastings at Smithwick Brewery. Kilkenny also offers beautiful natural scenery within the town itself. After a day of exploring, you can wind down and enjoy a drink at the Riverview Bar & Terrace, which offers amazing views of the river and Kilkenny Castle.
How to Get There
You can easily reach Kilkenny by car or by public transport. From Dublin, you can take a direct train to Kilkenny, departing from Heuston Station and arriving at Kilkenny Station in 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Tramore, Waterford
Explored by Nathan & Family of Love Life Abroad
Tramore started as a small fishing village and quickly turned into a vacation resort town – meaning is a beautiful small town in Ireland! Located on the southeast coast of Ireland, directly on the waterfront, Tramore is around a 2-hour drive from either Dublin, Limerick, or Cork. The best way to get there would definitely be by car. That said, it’s also possible to reach the town by train or buses transiting to Waterford City.
Tramore offers a wide variety of activities, from indoor adventure playground to surfing, fishing, hiking and spa relaxation. For a first-time visit, the followings activities are an absolute MUST:
- A day at Tramore Beach. This beach is located in the city center and stretches for 3 miles (5 km) along the Atlantic coast. This beach is also good for surfing and the surfing program Freedom Surf School is nearby.
- A day at the spa. There are a few spa options in town, but the seaweed bath experience at Sola Namara Spa is worth trying.
- A walk through one of the 11 gardens at Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens.
- A step back through time at Copper Coast Geopark. This outdoor museum of geological records where you can learn about volcanoes, oceans, and deserts.
There are a few options for lodging in Tramore: B&B, hostels, and hotels. The Sands Hotel is definitely an excellent place to stay. It’s located just 100 meters from Tramore beach and overlooks the Atlantic sea.
Also, for a great evening, make sure to go to The Vee Bistro and Cocktail Bar. In addition to great food and cocktails, they also host live music on Saturday evenings.
Wexford, Wexford
Explored by Me of The Directionally Challenged Traveler
An hour south of Dublin sits the quaint small town, Wexford. With the nickname “The Sunny South East”, because it has a lot of sunshine – the perfect place in Ireland to get a tan! (Ever see a tan from Ireland? It’s a special type of glow.) There are miles of beach in Wexford, the most famous being Curracloe. This beach was the filming location for the D-day landings in Saving Private Ryan.
If you didn’t come to Ireland to relax on the beach, but to see castles – don’t fret. Wexford is home to four incredible castles. Enniscorthy Castle is home to the Wexford County Museum. Johnstown Castle has wonderful gardens to explore. Ferns Castle and Ballyhack Castle have a ton of history to walk through.
If you prefer getting out in nature, head to The Saltee Islands. They’re about five kilometers (3 miles) off of the coast. It’s a haven for sea birds – including puffins!
Bonus: Londenderry, Northern Ireland
While exploring Ireland, it is very easy to cross the border into Northern Ireland. I wanted to include a bonus small town in case you wanted to do the same. Londonderry is a great small town with a ton of history.
Explored by Olivia of Girl with Blue Sails
Londonderry, also referred to as Derry, is the only completely walled city in Ireland. It sits atop a hill, overlooking the river Foyle below, its cannons still aimed as if ready to defend the city. Commonly a day trip via car or train from Belfast, Londonderry is one of the beautiful small towns to visit in Ireland.
With its walls built in the early 1600’s, Londonderry is famously historic. It has been nicknamed the Maiden City because its walls have never been breached. One of the main attractions for visitors is to take a historical walking tour, learning about the conflicts of the past and present as they walk the walls. The city walls span about one mile total, making it a popular walk for locals and tourists alike.
Another unique feature of Londonderry is the art murals, some of which date back to the early 1900’s. Most are political, but not all. Visitors who book an art mural tour will see art varying from the dark political turmoil of The Troubles to the town’s pride of the 2018 light-hearted Netflix show Derry Girls.
Despite its conflicted past, Londonderry has much charm and beauty to offer. The locals are more than welcoming and there are some amazing restaurants and bars. Highly recommended is the Walled City Brewery. Serving award-winning food, local craft beer, and gorgeous views of the river below, it is the perfect place to reflect, enjoy some good food and company, and raise a glass to Londonderry.
Read More about Ireland
15+ Must-Visit Castles in Ireland
15 Tips for Driving in Ireland
Awesome Things to do in Dublin
Pin “Small Towns in Ireland” for Later!
Ireland is super high on my bucket list. So amazing to see all of the incredible spots beyond Dublin and all the natural beauty. Thanks for the future inspo!
These towns look absolutely charming! I had planned to visit Ireland last year but unfortunately we had to cancel due to COVID. I’m hoping to travel there soon and I’m saving this post to reference later! I’m especially eager to visit the Blarney Stone.
I love visiting small towns & Blarney sounds great. I’ll save this for later when we can travel again.
So many beautiful places! I really loved Dingle and the whole area around the Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. I’d love to visit some more of these lovely places when I’m next in Ireland.