The best small towns in Ireland are the beating heart of the country, despite the fame of cities like Belfast, Dublin, and Cork. In these small towns, you’ll find the warm communities, culture, and food that define Ireland for many visitors.
From Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland to Clonakilty in the south of Cork, there is a geographic spread covering the whole island. Their draw is equally wide in range, from ancient castles to wonderful sea views.
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
Only 20 minutes by train or car from Belfast, Carrickfergus is a historic market town known for its imposing castle. Dominating the harbor, the Anglo-Norman fortress, dating to 1177, is one of the best-preserved in Ireland.
Beside it is a picturesque marina, where a seaside walkway offers delightful views across Belfast Lough. The historic town center is the obvious next stop.
Beside the castle is The Dobbins Inn, one of many great pubs in the town. Why not find one and ask about the battle fought offshore here in 1778 by U.S. Navy Captain John Paul Jones?
Cushendun
Cushendun
Cushendun is a quiet seaside village, much of which is owned by the National Trust. This body protects places of exceptional beauty or heritage throughout Great Britain & Northern Ireland.
Here, it safeguards a cluster of whitewashed cottages designed by Cornish architect Clough Williams-Ellis. Built in the 1920s, they bring a slice of English country life to this northeastern corner of Ireland.
Just beyond the harbor, with its former hotels, are the Cushendun Caves, a set of dramatic sea caves. Used as a filming location for the George R.R. Martin HBO series, they are well worth seeing.
Bangor
Bangor
Just 30 minutes from Belfast, Bangor is a Victorian seaside town on the shores of Belfast Lough. Its long seafront promenade and marina make it one of Northern Ireland’s most favored seaside destinations.
The town center has a good mix of independent shops and cafés along Main Street. Bangor Castle, now used as the town hall, sits in attractive walled gardens that are free to explore.
Walk the coastal path toward Crawfordsburn Country Park for woodland trails and quiet beaches. The town also has strong connections to early Christianity—it was home to a monastery that sent missionaries across Europe in the sixth century.
Dalkey
Dalkey
Only ten minutes by DART train from Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey is an upscale seaside vacation destination. Famous residents include Irish writers, singers, F1 drivers, and actor Matt Damon.
The village is a place of quaint streets, excellent pubs, and characterful bookshops. Standing over it is Killiney Hill, a steep climb that delivers one of the best coastal views in Ireland.
Dalkey Castle, dating to 1390, has a Heritage Center whose interactive tours bring medieval history to entertaining life. James Joyce fans will want to see nearby Sandycove, with its famous Martello Tower and Forty Foot swimming spot.
Howth
Howth
Another seaside town connected to Dublin by DART train, Howth is still a fishing port. Watch trawlers unload in the harbor, then eat the fresh catch in one of many seafront restaurants.
In the grounds of Howth Castle & Gardens, you’ll find the National Transport Museum. The serene Rhododendron Gardens here are a kaleidoscopic sight beloved by photographers.
Follow the Howth Cliff Path Loop for wonderful views of the Irish Sea and the island of Ireland’s Eye. A good destination is the solid white bulk of Baily Lighthouse on the tip of Howth Head.
Enniskerry
Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry
Enniskerry, on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains, only ten miles inland from Dublin, is one of the best small Irish towns. Popular with day-trippers from Dublin, it’s a perfect base for walks amid some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.
With its Georgian buildings and views toward Sugarloaf Mountain, Enniskerry is a picture-postcard come to life. The spectacular Powerscourt Estate nearby has gardens ranked among the best in Ireland.
Tour the estate, taking in the tumbling waterfall, then return to Enniskerry for its restaurants. A drive or walk in the Wicklow Mountains is another must-do for any visitor.
Glendalough
Glendalough
The name Glendalough means “valley of two lakes” in Irish. That’s an exact description of the scenic setting for this ancient settlement in Wicklow.
St. Kevin founded a monastery here in the 6th century. There’s a remarkably preserved round tower, stone churches, and several Celtic crosses.
Repeatedly raided by Vikings, the monastery finally dissolved in the 1500s. What remains attracts thousands of visitors to one of Ireland’s most evocative and dramatic ancient sites.
Tramore
Tramore
Only 15 minutes from Waterford City, Tramore is a wonderful place to experience a classic Irish seaside holiday. Its main attraction is a three-mile-long sandy beach that’s usually busy with surfers.
Yes, you can surf in the Irish Sea, but you’ll want to rent a thick wetsuit with your board. Wild swimmers do brave the water, but saner people stick to paddling in the shallows or walking.
The town caters to vacationers with fish and chip shops and cafés that do a roaring trade in ice cream. Walk the scenic promenade, enjoy the amusement park, or soak up the atmosphere in a cozy pub.
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Kilkenny
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a bustling market town often called Ireland’s “Medieval Capital.” It sprawls around the impressive 12th-century Kilkenny Castle on the River Nore.
The castle is open to visitors and holds a fascinating collection of art, tapestries, and other furnishings. The “Medieval Mile,” lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafés, connects it to St. Canice’s Cathedral.
Take in the panoramic view from the Round Tower of St. Canice’s, the second-longest cathedral in Ireland. Another key stop you might enjoy is the 14th-century Kyteler’s Inn, celebrated for its odd history and splendid pints.
Lismore
Lismore
Lismore is an inland town in the gorgeous Blackwater Valley. It’s centered around one of Ireland’s best castles and a cathedral.
While the castle is still a private home to the Duke of Devonshire, you can explore the grounds and gardens. Lismore Cathedral sits on the site of a 7th-century monastery and is notable for its stained glass and medieval gravestones.
Main Street is ideal for shopping or tea and scones at The Lismore Food Company. Lismore Heritage Center has stories of famous residents, such as dancer Adele Astaire, who married into the Devonshire family.
Ardmore
Ardmore
About 50 minutes from Waterford, Ardmore combines beach and heritage beautifully. Its Blue Flag beach is one of the best in the southeast, perfect for swimming or walking.
What makes Ardmore special is the round tower and cathedral ruins standing on a cliff above the bay. Dating to the 12th century, they’re among the finest Irish examples of early Christian architecture.
The village itself is small and unspoiled, with good pubs and cafés dotting the main street. The cliff walk has sweeping coastal views and takes you past St. Declan’s Well, named for an Irish saint who may predate St. Patrick.
Cobh
Cobh
Cobh is a quaint small Irish town that really punches above its weight with its history. Dominated by a massive cathedral, it looks out over Spike Island, from where millions of immigrants left for America.
Cobh was also the last port of call for the RMS Titanic, and a small museum tells that tragic story. In the deep waters nearby lie the remains of the Lusitania, whose sinking brought the U.S. into World War I.
That’s a lot to pack in, but do leave time to appreciate the rows of multicolored houses on the hillside. Watched over by St. Colman’s Cathedral, the town is picturesque in a delightfully haphazard way.
Kinsale
Kinsale
This harbor town’s former importance is shown by the two large forts protecting its entrance. The star-shaped Charles Fort and James Fort were built in the 17th century.
Kinsale is now known for its gourmet restaurants, art galleries, and craft shops, and visiting is one of the best things to do in Ireland for couples. Its narrow medieval streets are filled with Georgian and Victorian buildings, now painted in bright, modern colors.
The town is the official start of Ireland’s scenic Wild Atlantic Way. This beautiful road trip follows the rugged coastline all the way to Donegal at the northwest tip of Ireland.
Clonakilty
Clonakilty
Clonakilty is a market town in West Cork, well known for its food scene and colorful streets. Winning multiple awards as a Tidy Town also helps make it one of the best small towns in Ireland.
It’s most famous for Clonakilty black pudding, which is a protected regional product. That’s helped the town gain a reputation for its many excellent restaurants.
Just outside town is a museum devoted to Michael Collins, the revolutionary Irish leader who was born nearby. Three miles away is Inchydoney Beach, one of the best beaches in Ireland.
Youghal
Youghal
Youghal—pronounced “Yawl”—is a characterful seaport about 45 minutes from Cork. Its medieval town walls are among the most complete in Ireland, and a long stretch can be walked along.
Youghal Clock Gate Tower is an 18th-century gate straddling the main street. Built in the handsome Georgian style of the time, it also served as a prison.
Even older is St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, dating to the 13th century. Standing on the site of a 5th-century monastery, its graveyard has peaceful sea views.
FAQs
What are the most beautiful small towns to visit in Ireland?
Lismore Castle
Few places in Ireland are more beautiful than Glendalough for its dramatic setting amid lakes. Enniskerry mixes elegant Georgian houses with mountain views.
However, Lismore adds a castle and cathedral to its River Blackwater backdrop. The result is almost fairytale-like in its atmosphere.
What are the prettiest seaside towns in Ireland?
Howth
Howth has a proper fishing village feel, with scenic cliff walks and a lighthouse. All that puts it among the prettiest seaside towns in Ireland.
Other strong contenders are Cobh for its rows of multicolored houses rising to a skyline dominated by its cathedral. Youghal is also pretty for its long beach and medieval walls running down to the sea.
What small towns in Ireland are best for local pubs and food?
Kinsale
Kinsale calls itself the gourmet capital of Ireland and lives up to it with excellent restaurants and good pubs. Clonakilty also has a serious reputation for good Irish food, especially for its black pudding and lively bars.
Howth is well known for seafood, usually landed that day in its port. Neighboring Dalkey also packs several strong restaurants into a small area.
Which small towns in Ireland are best for photography or walking tours?
Glendalough
Glendalough can’t be beaten for its ancient ruins, lakes, mountains, and forests. Any photographer will be delighted with the almost clichéd Irish views.
Howth will also tempt photographers with the cliff walk views across Dublin Bay and the busy harbor. Kinsale is another very photogenic town, with colorful buildings, a harbor, and the dramatic setting of Charles Fort.
Cobh
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