21 Most Charming Small Towns in Ireland

Looking for small towns in Ireland?

Ireland’s charm and culture are found in the small towns and villages. You haven’t really experienced Ireland’s warmth and character until you’ve been to some of its small towns and villages.

When it come to “small towns” in Ireland, I’m talking about villages with less than 10,000 people.

These kinds of small towns have a completely different pace and environment than some of the major Irish cities, but many of them have some hidden gems that make them well worth a visit.

Let’s jump in – the cutest small towns in Ireland to pass through (or stay in) during a trip to Ireland + what makes them worth visiting

The Cutest Small Towns in Ireland (Worth Visiting)

Here’s a map showing you where the most visitable, charming small towns in Ireland are located. Find out below more information on each town; especially what makes them worth a visit while you’re in Ireland

1. Kinsale

County: Cork
Population: close to 6,000 people
Nearest major city: Cork (27 km or 16 miles)

Kinsale is a remarkably colourful village on the southwest coast of Ireland. (By the way, there are a lot of charming small villages in that area, so it’s worth considering to head down there.)

What makes Kinsale worth visiting?

• Very quaint and colourful town centre; buildings painted in purples, yellows, reds, and pinks
• It’s foodie scene. Kinsale is known for its great food – it even has its own food tour, and a Michelin-star restaurant, called Bastion
• Many Irish-style pubs, and its own distillery – Kinsale Mead Co.
• Two 17th-century forts nearby – Charles Fort and James Fort (both less than a 10-minute drive away)

As mentioned, there are a few very cute small towns in this area. If you come to Kinsale, you should also check out the town of Clonakilty, and the small coastal city of Cobh (both under an hour away.)

2. Westport

County: Mayo
Population: almost 7,000
Nearest major city: Galway (75 km or 46 miles)

Westport is another colourful Irish village located on the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a great place to visit, or use as a home base while exploring the northwestern tip of Ireland.

Westport is located inland, with the Carrowbeg River running through it – and it’s only a 5-minute bike ride or a 15-20 minute walk to the sea.

Why visit Westport?

• It’s very walkable and quaint, lots of shops, restaurants and pubs
• It’s near Croagh Patrick, which is one of the most beautiful hiking summits in Ireland.
• Drive less than an hour to get to Anchill Island – Ireland’s largest island, with dramatic coastal landscapes
• The historic Westport House, right outside the main town, is known as one of Ireland’s most beautiful homes. Book tickets to tour the inside, or to do the adventure course
• The W Cinema for an old-fashioned theatre experience
• County Mayo, where Westport is located, has its own local delicacy, called boxty (its a type of potato pancake.) There are many places in Westport to try it – the best being a breakfast and lunch restaurant called Christy’s Harvest

3. Cahersiveen

County: Kerry
Population: around 1,300
Nearest major city: Limerick (155 km or 96.3 miles)

Cahersiveen, while touristy, is a real working town with a colourful main street. Many local shops are owned by small businesses, and there are several great places to eat in town.

Why visit Caherseveen?

• There are lots of places to stop for good food on the main street. If nothing else, check out Lazy Cat Café or K&T Bakery for coffee and/or sweet treats
• There are several ruined forts and castles nearby. Less than 10 mins drive, you can find Cahergal Stone Fort, and the abandoned Ballycarbery Castle (the castle is on private land, but you can get glimpses from the road.)
• Go snorkelling or kayaking in Ballinskelligs Bay with Sea Synergy Marine Awareness Centre in Caherseveen

4. Dalkey

County: Dublin
Population:
Nearest major city: Dublin (14 km or 8.6 miles)

Dalkey is a charming small heritage village that is so close to Dublin. (On the map, it looks like its apart of Dublin.) If you don’t have a lot of time in Ireland and still want to experience the small-town atmosphere – Dalkey is your place.

Dalkey is also a good place to stay while visiting Dublin if you want the small town atmosphere while still being close to the city – Dublin city centre is less than an hour’s drive.

Things to do in the town of Dalkey

• Dalkey is located on what’s known as “Ireland’s Almafi coast.”
• It’s a wealthy area – traditionally, its been the home of many famous actors, artists and writers.
• The Dalkey Book Festival is held every June, and is one of the most famous festivals in Ireland. Famous people like Tom Hanks and Bernie Sanders have spoken there before
• Lot’s of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants
• The ruined Dalkey Caslte is right in the town centre, and creates such a picturesque view of the town centre. The castle has actors that bring the Irish almost 1000-year history to life
• Take a Dalkey boat tour – it’s possible to see wildlife, like jellyfish, seals and dolphins
• Drive 20 minutes south of Dalkey to the town of Bray, and there are some gems there too – a swan sanctuary right on the ocean

5. Kinvara

County: Galway
Population: around 1,200
Nearest major city: Galway City (29.3 km or 18 miles)

Kinvara is a very colourful (mostly purple) town right across from Dungaire Castle on the Wild Atlantic Way.

We stumbled upon the town of Kinvarra after visiting Dungaire Castle, and would recommend it as a place to stop – or stay -for a couple days while exploring Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and other gems to see in this area (personally its one of my favourite areas in Ireland.)

What makes Kinvarra worth visiting

• Very close to the medieval Dungaire Castle – close enough to walk or bike there
• Very cute little town centre, with some cute cafés. Check out Wild Beans and SIAR
• Kinvarra has its own farmer’s market which runs on Fridaysd. You can get foods, local handicrafts. Great place to find special or unique Irish souvenirs
• Only a 2-minute drive to the Burren Nature Sancutary; great place to visit especially if you’re with kids

One thing to keep in mind about Kinvarra is it isn’t the most ‘quiet’ and walkable. It has sidewalks, but it also has the N67 running through it. You can still get around on foot of course, with the sidewalks.

6. Enniskerry 

County: Dublin
Population: just over 2,000
Nearest major city: Dublin (39 km or 24 miles)

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Dublin, Enniskerry is another cute small town near Dalkey mentioned above. (About a 20-minute drive.)

Unlike Dalkey, Enniskerry is located inland, surrounded by woodland – but its only a 10 minute drive to the beautiful ‘Irish Almafi coast’.

What kinds of things to do in Enniskerry

• Explore the village square, which is what makes Enniskerry one of Ireland’s cutest towns. Its a small, but walkable little area with colourful bakeries, art galleries, cafés
• Visit the Powerscourt House and Gardens, plus the waterfall (Powerscourt Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Ireland and is less than a 10 min-drive from the town centre)

7. Roundstone

County: Galway
Population: around 1,200
Nearest major city: Galway City (76 km or 47 miles)

Roundstone is a small seaside village in northwest Ireland, in the Connemara area.

The whole area surrounding Roundstone is very beautiful, and there are many things to do and see. It’s a great home base while visiting all the things there are to do in the County Galway. (Whether you stay in Roundstone or not, it would make a nice visit while in the area.)

What makes Roundstone worth a visit

• It’s one of the oldest Irish fishing villages on the west coast
• It is still a traditional fishing village with boats out front that serve the local restaurants (I’m not a seafood person, but yes – Rounstone great place for food seafood)
• Has cafes and pubs along the main street, which runs along the harbour
• Beautiful views of the mountains from the harbour
• It has a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. It can get busy on summer weekends
• You may hear the Irish language being spoken by some locals
• Roundstone has a Sunday market where you can buy locally-made handicrafts and products

8. Moville 

County: Donegal
Population: around 1,200
Nearest major city: Belfast (144 km or 89 miles)

Moville is right near the northmost tip of Ireland, right where the Republic of Ireland meets Northern Ireland.

Needless to say, Moville is a unique and picturesque little place.

What makes Moville worth visiting

• Moville is located on what’s known as the Inishowen Peninsula, the largest and northernmost peninsula in Ireland. It has some of the most scenic drives and trails
• Walk along the Moville Shore Path Walk from the town, which takes you 8 km (5 miles) along the Inishowen peninsula. If you do the whole walk, you will end up in another town called Greencastle
• Lots of colourful, cozy restaurants and cafés in the downtown.
• Do kayaking or boating right off the shore with Inish Advenutres

9. Clifden

County: Galway
Population: around 1,200
Nearest major city: Galway City (77.6 km or 48.2 miles)

Clifden is one of the cutest small towns near Galway City, and is worth a visit whether or not you plan to stay there.

Clifden has some major tourist attractions right nearby, while still maintaining a cute small town atmosphere.

What makes Clifden special?

• Clifden is home to the medieval Clifden Castle, one of the coolest-looking abandoned castles in Ireland. You can walk, bike or drive there from the main town
• Drive along the Sky Road for some incredible scenic views (about a 20 minute drive)
• Clifden is also only a 20 minute drive to Kylemore Abbey, one of the most sought after attractions in Ireland

10. Waterville

County: Kerry
Population: around 500
Nearest major city:

Waterville is a beautiful beach town on the Ring of Kerry in southwest Ireland. We stumbled upon it and spent the afternoon on the beach.

It was the most picturesque little setting, and surrounded by views of mountains.

We stumbled upon Waterville by surprise while driving around the Ring of Kerry, and I’m so glad we stopped there.

What makes Waterville worth a visit

• There’s a lake on one side of Waterville (Lough Currane) and the ocean on the other
• Waterville is the only seafront town on the Ring of Kerry.
• Walk along the beach promenade, or play in sand or swim at the beach. Eat at one of the waterside restaurant or café
• Visit stone forts in the area – Loher Stone Fort (10 minute drive away) or Staigue Fort (35 minute drive)

11. Cong

County: Mayo
Population: around 900 people
Nearest major city: Galway city (41.5 km or 25 miles)

Cong is a nice small town in northwest Ireland, but not so much for spectacular coloured buildings or cottages like other Irish small towns.

It’s a touristy little town that happens to make a really nice afternoon visit.

What makes Cong special?

• The ruins of Cong Abbey is the biggest must-see in the area. It dates back to 1200s
• Cong was used in a 1950s film The Quiet Man. It was once famous for this movie, back when the movie was big (it starred John Wayne.) There is still a Quiet Man statue in town in a garden where you can get photos
• It has a lovely river running through it. (My daughter loved watching the ducks.)
• Plenty of great foods and pubs
• Home to Ashford Castle, which is one of the fanciest castle hotels in Ireland

12. Adare

County: Limerick
Population: 1,200 people
Nearest major city: Limerick city (18 km or 11 miles)

Adare is one of the most famous small towns in Ireland. If you ask anyone which small town you should visit in Ireland, Adare is highly likely to come up as a suggestion.

We stayed at an Airbnb in a nearby town called Croom, and the hosts wanted us to see Adare so much that they offered to drive us to it!

And it didn’t disappoint. I was glad I spent a bit of time in Adare, even though it was too shore.

Adare is known for colourful buildings, thatched rooves, medieval stone buildings, and great food. I came to realize that its one place a lot of people don’t want to miss when they’re in Ireland.

What makes Adare special or unique?

• It’s one of those places in Ireland that feels like you just stepped into a storybook. The bright coloured stone buildings (orange, pink, blue) plus the little thatched roof cottages, and cozy pubs and restaurants. It’s just so nice.
• It has a market every Saturday, where you can buy local handicrafts from small businesses
• The Adare Desmond Castle dates back to the 1200s
• Lovely parks – take a stroll in Adare Town Park
• Adare is home to Adare Manor, which is one of the most well-known and prestigious castle hotels in Ireland

Here’s the link to the Airbnb I stayed at in the nearby Croom in case you’re interested. Croom doesn’t particularly stand out as one of the best small towns in Ireland, but it has a lovely playground and is a good place to stay for exploring the Limerick and Adare area

13. Doolin

County: Galway
Population: just over 300 people
Nearest major city: Galway city

Doolin is one of the tiniest towns on this list of cute Irish towns, with only a few hundred fulltime residents. (Keep in mind, are lots of accommodations and lots of tourists too.)

Doolin is only a 10 minute drive from the Cliffs of Moher and allows you to experience the Cliffs of Moher in ways that others don’t, such as being able to hike to them or seeing the cliffs at sunset.

This is why Doolin (and some of the surrounding small towns, like Liscannor) are a popular place to stay near the Cliffs of Moher.

What makes Doolin special

• The corner of bright colourful cottages. There’s a pub, and ice cream shop and a craft store
• There are many hidden gems in the area – Doolin Cabes,Ailwee Caves, abandoned castles, stone forts, and one of my personal favourites – the Burren Perfumery (45 minute drive)
• Only 10 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher

The first time I visited Ireland, I was ignorant about how many things there were to see and do in Doolin, so the second time – I decided to spend four nights in the area. Read my post on things to do in Doolin to see lots of great ideas

14. Allihies

County: Cork
Population: Unknown, but less than 500
Nearest major city: Cork (144 km or 89 miles)

Allihies is a tiny villages nestled in some very rugged landscape on the Beara Peninsual. It’s name in Irish means “the cliff fields.”

If you dream of a remote, idyllic Irish village – then this is the place.

The Beara peninsula is one of those dramatic Irish landscapes that hasn’t been overwhelmed with tourists. It has a few small towns on it, including Allihies and Eyeries

Why visit the town of Allihies?

• Do the Ring of Beara drive, and get a breathtaking view of the town from above
• Allihies Copper Mine Museum (ACMM), which is located in a church right on the Wild Atlantic Way
• There’s also a scenic Copper trail
• Drive along the R575 and see many scenic spots, towns and hidden gems along the way. Drive out to the town of Eyeries, which is about a 30-minute drive from Allihies.

15. Eyeries

County: Cork
Population: 6,000
Nearest major city: Cork (144 km or 89 miles)

I know I’ve used the word “colourful” to describe most of these cute Irish towns, but Eyeries is colourful in a different way. Most of its colours, rather than bright and vibrant, are more pastel.

Eyeries probably has more amenities than Allihies; there are more overnight accommodations and more restaurants. It still is very small, with the aire of being out in the remote, Irish seaside.

Eyeries is probably also a bit more family-oriented; with a few playgrounds for kids and an family fun festival.

Things to do in Eyeries:

• Choose from many pubs and cafés in the town. Causkeys Bar has amazing vieww
• You can step into history nearby by visiting old stone circles and forts nearby. The tallest Ogham stone that has old Irish inscriptions on it
• Similar to Allihies, drive along the R575 to explore the dramatic Beara peninsula views
• Join for the Eyeries Family Festival which is held annually in July

16. Dingle

County: Kerry
Population: around 1,670 people
Nearest major city: Cork

Dingle is a town on the Dingle Peninsula. The Dingle peninsula is known for Sleahead drive, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland.

Dingle is actually quite touristy, there are a LOT of places to stay and eat, but lots to do in the area too.

My first visit to Ireland, I did the Ring of Kerry – I decided to do drive the Dingle Peninsula next time. Naturally, that means getting to explore the charming town of Dingle.

What makes Dingle worth a visit?

• Walk along the Dingle Marina, and check out the the Dingle Dolphin sculpture
• Spend an hour or so seeing sea creatures at the Dingle Aquarium
• Meet birds of prey at the Kingdom Falconry, just outside town
• Grab mouthwatering pastries at the Bean in Dingle, right in town
• Do a tour of the Dingle Distillery (18+ only) and learn how they make Irish whiskey, gin & vodka

17. Kenmare

County: Cork
Population: close to 3,000
Nearest major city: Cork (95 km or 59 miles)

Kenmare is probably the cutest small town to Killarney National Park.

What makes Kenmare worth a visit

• Visit the small city of Kilarney, as its only 40 km (24 miles.) Kilarney and the surrounding areas are all vistable from Kenmare, as they’re only a 30-40 minute drive away. Be sure to see Muckrosee Abbey and Ross Castle
• Walk from the town centre to the Kenmare pier, and get views of the Our Lady’s Bridge
• Go scuba diving in the clear waters of the bay with Kenmare Bay Diving
• Check out mysterious structures just outside town, such as the Kenmare Stone Circle, or the Cromwell’s Bridge

18. Thomastown

County: Kilkenny
Population: 2,500
Nearest major city: Dublin (127 km or 78 miles)

Thomastown is an often overlooked charming little town in County Kilkenny.

It’s far out from where most visit, being an hour and a half’s drive from both Limerick and Dublin.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit off the typical tourist beaten path but with a lot of amazing things to see, then I think Thomastown is worth considering.

Why visit Thomastown?

• Visit the Jerpoint Abbey ruins which date back to the 1100s. Just 2km from the town centre
• Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, a stunning nature preserve with a charming thatched roof cottage and a waterfall – less than a 10 minute drive from Thomastown. Open in the warm months only
• See the remains of Grennan Castle just outside town
• A few great food and pub options. For a real foodie experience, try the amazing Tābú restaurant in town

19. Carrick on Shannon

County: Leitrim
Population: around 5,000
Nearest major city: Galway city

Carrick on Shannon is believed to be one of the prettiest riverside towns in Ireland. It has great history, a few hidden gems, good food – and there’s also lots to do in the area.

Why visit Carrick on Shannon?

• The Costello Chapel downtown is believed to be the smallest chapel in Europe
• Carrick on Shannon has a surprisingly good selection of restaurants, pubs and nightlife for a town of its size
• It has a nice marina walk along the river
• It hosts the Carrick Carnival, a 10-day festival every June

I was glamping outside the small town of Boyle. Carrick on Shannon has a surprisingly good selection of restaurants and pubs for a town of its size. Plus, if you’re in Ireland with kids – there’s the Lough Key Forest Park nearby which is great for families.

19. Clonakilty 

County: Cork
Population: about 5,000
Nearest major city: Cork (53 km or 32 miles)

Clonakilty (sometimes called Clon for short) is a touristy resort town in what is called West Cork.

Clonkality is close enough to Cork that you can easily get there via West Cork Connect bus or by car; it’s about a 50-minute drive. It’s a bustling seaside town with many things to do.

Why visit Clonkality?

• Visit the Clonkalitty Black Pudding Visitor Centre to learn about the history of black pudding, which is a type of sausage
• Inchydoney beach is 16 km (9 miles) from Clonkality. It’s long and sandy, and great for swimming.
• Walk through the Model Railway Village which is a remodel village (you’ll feel like a giant walking through!)
• Visit the Michael Collins Centre Museum, he fought for Irish independence
• Do a Clonakilty Distillery Tour (1 hour 15 minutes, about $25 per person)

Other Notable Small Towns in Ireland

While the above towns I mentioned are the best for visitors, its impossible to cover each lovely town that exists in Ireland. Here are a few other towns in Ireland that you may want to consider

• Tubbercurry (also spelled Tobercurry) a town in County Sligo
• Courtmacsherry, a small seaside village in West Cork, about 20 minutes from Clonkality
• Tullamore, located halfway between Dublin and Galway. Has a whiskey distillery, and
• Cashel, a small town near the famous Rock of Cashel
• Carnlouhg, a cute small seaside town in Northern Ireland
• Knights Town, the largest town on Valentina Island
• Ardgroom in the southwest coast in the Slieve Miskish Mountains, near Eyeries and Allihies that were mentioned on this list
• Inistioge, a tiny village near Thomastown

Small Irish Towns FAQ

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about small villages in Ireland and choosing which one(s) to visit

What is the most quaint town in Ireland?

Adare is considered to be the most quaint town in Ireland. If you’re in Limerick, I recommend visiting Adare. However, Adare is also quite touristy and I don’t think it should be the only small Irish town you visit if you’re looking for quiet, small town vibe.

What is the least touristy town in Ireland?

There are many towns in Ireland that aren’t very visitable at all, but that may be for a reason. There are villages in Ireland that have less than 500 people, some less than 100.

Final Thoughts on Small Towns in Ireland

I hope that this article has added some charming, picturesque villages to your Ireland itinerary. Whether you’re only visiting for one week, or more – I believe its definitely worth it to see at least one small town.

These small Irish towns are the kind of idyllic villages where fictional books set in Ireland take place.