Some of my favorite places in Ireland aren’t the major cities. They are the colorful harbor towns, small villages, and historic communities we have discovered while driving around the country.

I have personally visited every place on this list, some of them more than once. A few were destinations we planned around, while others were places we stopped for lunch or discovered while driving routes like the Ring of Kerry. Each one gave us a different glimpse of Ireland.

These are eight of the best towns to visit in Ireland, including peaceful villages, seaside towns, and Waterford—a small city I love too.

 

Dingle

Dingle is in such a beautiful part of Ireland. Because it sits on a peninsula, the sea feels closer here than it does in many other parts of the country. Everywhere you go, the coast seems to be just around the corner.

One of my favorite things to do is drive the loop around the Dingle Peninsula. The views of the water, rolling green hills, and rugged coastline are some of the prettiest in Ireland. Afterward, I like walking around the colorful seaside town and stopping for fresh fish and chips. I have ordered them every time I’ve visited, and they have never disappointed.

https://www.viator.com/tours/Dingle/Dingle-Peninsula-and-Slea-Head-3-Hour-Group-Tour/d25813-126858P5?pid=P00320992&mcid=42383&medium=link

Kinsale

Kinsale is one of the most colorful towns I have visited in Ireland. Its brightly painted buildings make even an ordinary walk through town feel cheerful. I also remember how far removed it felt from other parts of Ireland, tucked along the southern coast with the harbor beside it. It is the kind of place where you want to slow down, wander the streets, and enjoy being somewhere that feels a little separate from everything else.

Kenmare

We stopped in Kenmare while driving the Ring of Kerry, and it made a lovely break from being in the car. It is a cute, colorful town with inviting shops lining the streets.

We didn’t have a long list of attractions to see while we were there. Instead, we spent our time walking around and window-shopping. Kenmare is an easy place to explore for an hour or two before continuing along the Ring of Kerry, especially if you want to stretch your legs and enjoy a little time in town.

Cobh

Cobh is one of my favorite towns in Ireland. The colorful row houses climbing up the hillside are every bit as pretty as they look in photographs, and the views across Cork Harbour make the entire town feel special.

We booked a kayak tour that would have taken us around the islands in the harbor, but unfortunately, it was rained out. That was disappointing, although hardly surprising in Ireland! I was also fascinated by Cobh’s connection to the Titanic. The town was the ship’s final port of call before it crossed the Atlantic, and learning about that history made our visit much more meaningful.

Killarney

Killarney is larger and busier than many of the other towns on this list, and you can easily spend an entire day here. We visited Ross Castle and walked around the beautiful grounds beside the lake before taking a short walk through Killarney National Park.

The national park is the biggest reason to include Killarney on an Ireland itinerary. Even if you don’t have time for a long hike, you can still enjoy some of the scenery and then return to town for its shops and restaurants. Killarney makes a good base if you want more to do than you will find in some of Ireland’s smaller villages.

Cong

Cong is technically a village, but it is easily one of the most charming places I have visited in Ireland. Small streams wind through the village, and the old stone buildings and historic ruins make it feel almost magical. It is also peaceful and a little off the beaten path compared with Ireland’s busier tourist towns.

You can explore the ruins of Cong Abbey, see the Monk’s Fishing House, and look for filming locations from The Quiet Man. Ashford Castle is just outside the village and is worth seeing even if you aren’t staying there. There are also beautiful walks through the woods and along the water. I have an entire guide to the best things to do in Cong if you want to spend more time here.

Donegal Town

Our visit to Donegal Town was fairly short, but it was an easy and enjoyable stop. We had lunch in town and then visited Donegal Castle, which sits right in the center and is easy to reach on foot.

The castle was the highlight for us and gave us a chance to learn a little more about the history of the area without committing to an all-day attraction. Donegal Town is compact and walkable, so it works well as a lunch stop or a place to spend a few hours while exploring County Donegal.

Waterford

Waterford is technically a city, but it feels compact enough to include with Ireland’s best towns. I especially love the House of Waterford Crystal. I have toured it a number of times, and I still enjoy watching the craftspeople transform molten glass into intricate crystal pieces. It never gets old for me.

Waterford also has fascinating Viking heritage. We did an excellent Viking virtual-reality experience that made the city’s history feel much more real and engaging. As we walked around, I was surprised by how many beautiful murals we found throughout the city. Between the crystal, Viking history, and public art, Waterford has much more to see than I expected on my first visit.

You won’t be able to visit all of these towns in one short trip without spending far too much time in the car. Instead, choose towns that fit naturally into the region you are already exploring.

Dingle, Killarney, and Kenmare work well together on a trip through County Kerry. Kinsale and Cobh can be combined while visiting the Cork area. Cong fits easily into a western Ireland itinerary, while Donegal Town is better for travelers heading farther north.

Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially when visiting smaller villages and driving scenic routes. If you only have a week in Ireland, I would choose two or three towns rather than trying to rush through the entire list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prettiest town in Ireland?

Dingle is my favorite for natural beauty because the town is surrounded by the scenery of the Dingle Peninsula. If you prefer colorful buildings and harbor views, Kinsale and Cobh are also beautiful choices.

What are the best small towns in Ireland?

Some of the best small towns and villages in Ireland include Dingle, Kinsale, Kenmare, Cobh, Cong, and Donegal Town. Each offers something different, from coastal scenery and colorful streets to castles and historic sites.

Which Irish town is best for first-time visitors?

Killarney is a good choice for first-time visitors because it has plenty of shops, restaurants, historic attractions, and easy access to Killarney National Park. It also works well as a base for exploring the Ring of Kerry.

Do you need a car to visit Ireland’s small towns?

You can reach some Irish towns by public transportation, but renting a car makes it much easier to visit smaller villages and scenic areas. A car also gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints and unexpected places along the way.

How many towns can you visit in one week?

I would choose two or three towns that are located in the same region. Trying to cover the entire country in one week means spending too much of your vacation in the car.

Which towns work well together?

Dingle, Killarney, and Kenmare fit naturally into a County Kerry itinerary. Kinsale and Cobh can be visited while exploring the Cork area. Cong works well with Galway and Connemara, while Donegal Town is best included in a northern Ireland road trip.

Is Waterford a town or a city?

Waterford is officially a city and is Ireland’s oldest city. I included it because its historic center is compact and walkable, and it remains one of my favorite places to visit in Ireland.

Finding Your Favorite Town in Ireland

The towns and villages of Ireland are often where the country feels most memorable. Some of my favorite travel moments have come from driving along the Dingle Peninsula, wandering through colorful streets, exploring old castles, and stopping somewhere simply because it looked interesting.

You don’t need to visit every town on this list in one trip. Choose the places that fit naturally into your route and leave yourself enough time to walk around. Whether you prefer Dingle’s coastal scenery, Cong’s quiet charm, or Waterford’s Viking history, you are likely to find at least one Irish town you will want to visit again.