Ireland receives close to 9 million visitors annually and around 60% of them spend all or part of their time in Dublin. However, even though Dublin has plenty to offer as a day trip or even a weeks-long vacation, it’s worth venturing outside the capital of Ireland for a taste of small town Irish life. From the north to the southeast of the country, there are picturesque villages and pretty towns in every corner of Ireland. These are ten of the most charming small towns to visit in Ireland on a road trip that takes travelers beyond Dublin.
10 Dingle, County Kerry
Dingle is located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the Dingle Peninsula. The charming port town offers sandy beaches, hiking trails to explore, and waterfront views. Dingle is around 350 km from Dublin and takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to reach by car. Hardware pubs are also found here, which are where travelers can get a drink and some rubber boots. Plus, the stunning Atlantic Coastline here is worth making the journey for. One of the best ways to see the charming town of Dingle and the rest of Kerry is by hiking the Dingle Way trail.
- Reason To Visit: It’s the only town on the Dingle Peninsula and offers the spectacular Dingle Way hike.
- Top Attraction: Gallarus Oratory
9 Kinsale, County Cork
Located on the southern coast of Ireland in County Cork, Kinsale is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland. It's also a quaint small town with a rich history and amazing cuisine. Additionally, there are colorful shops lining its narrow streets, along with a beautiful harbor.
- Reason To Visit: There’s a fantastic culinary scene.
- Top Attraction: Charles Fort
8 Adare, County Limerick
Located in County Limerick, southwest of the city of Limerick, Adare is a small Irish town with immense charm. It’s been designated a heritage town by the country’s government and is a quiet place that makes travelers feel like they’re stepping back into history.
- Reason To Visit: Beautiful historic buildings and hotels.
- Top Attraction: Adare Manor
7 Westport, County Mayo
On the west coast of Ireland, travelers will find the unassuming town of Westport, a seaside destination. Beautiful scenery, beaches, and pubs are all part of the appeal of Westport.
- Reason To Visit: See Croagh Patrick, a gorgeous mountain and important pilgrimage site.
- Top Attraction: Westport House
6 Doolin, County Clare
Located on Ireland’s west coast, Doolin is a small village in County Clare. It’s known as the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher, which are worth visiting, and is the ideal place to base oneself when exploring the County Clare region. Gus O’Connor’s Pub is the place in town to go for traditional Irish pub fare and live music sessions daily.
- Reason To Visit: It’s the music capital of Ireland
- Top Attraction: Cliffs of Moher
5 Donegal, County Donegal
Donegal is in northwest Ireland in County Donegal. An untouched and stunning part of Ireland, Donegal is Ireland's northernmost wild region known for its surrounding epic landscapes and nearby Bundoran, which is the Irish surf capital. Surf enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers will fall in love with the moody Irish landscapes of Donegal for sure.
- Reason To Visit: Hiking in nearby Errigal and Glenveagh National Park.
- Top Attraction: Donegal Castle
4 Cobh, County Cork
Located on the south coast of Ireland and once called Queenstown (before 1920), Cobh is a charming town in County Cork with an interesting history. As a port town with coastal views, Cobh was the last port of call for the famous Titanic before its maiden voyage. The town has colorful homes, pubs, and an interesting Heritage Centre.
- Reason To Visit: Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912.
- Top Attraction: Titanic Experiencee Cobh
3 Kenmare, County Kerry
Kenmare is located in picturesque County Kerry and has everything travelers could want in an Irish small town destination. From gourmet food to golf courses and quaint accommodations, Kenmare is a hidden gem of Ireland. Travelers who want to splurge on a special night of accommodation at some point on their Irish road trip should save it for Kenmare because there are lots of fun options to choose from.
- Reason To Visit: Vibrantly colorful buildings and charming streets.
- Top Attraction: Molly Gallivans Cottage & Traditional Farm
2 Roundstone, County Galway
Roundstone is northwest of Galway city in western Ireland. This village has many intriguing attractions and is located close to other parts of the country that are popular among tourists, such as Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. For the artistic traveler who appreciates locally made goods, this is a fantastic spot for shopping and purchasing some souvenirs for the trip.
- Reason To Visit: Lots of unique arts and crafts shops.
- Top Attraction: Roundstone Ceramics (pottery store)
1 Inistioge, County Kilkenny
Inistioge is located southeast of Kilkenny, Ireland, in County Kilkenny. The small village on the River Nore is a historic destination that is one of the most popular attractions in Ireland’s South East. The Jewel of the South East, Inistioge offers activities like golf, cycling, boating, fishing, trails/walking, and visiting the Mermaid Gallery.
- Reason To Visit: Lots of cute bed and breakfast accommodation options for a traditional Irish small town experience.
- Top Attraction: Jerpoint Abbey