7 Pretty Villages And Towns In Ireland To Visit

There are so many incredibly beautiful places in Ireland to explore! It’s a country steeped in history (and gallons of Guinness) that is a must-experience when exploring. From the stunning hikes, the ancient east coast to the iconic castles that reside over the rolling hills, Ireland has it all. Plus, there’s a shed load of pretty villages and towns in Ireland to visit that are dotted all across the country.

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For me, Irish charm comes no more authentic than in its tiny little villages and pretty towns where you get a true sense of what life in Ireland is like. Now, the first thing you’ll realise is how warm and friendly people are in Ireland; there’s also a cheeky charm and directness that, I swear, is so amazing.

This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the prettiest villages and towns in Ireland to visit on your trip. Oh, and if you’re planning on exploring Northern Ireland, make sure to visit these iconic spots, too.

With that in mind, take a little gander at some of the best towns in Ireland to visit. Now, it’s easiest to get around Ireland by car, so hook in a driver and hire a rental to explore the Emerald Isle. Plus, by doing this you’ll get to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, too.

Anyway, enough rambling, take a look at the prettiest villages and towns in Ireland to visit. Have the best time.

1.) Doolin

Perched on Ireland’s west coast, Doolin is one of the best towns in Ireland to visit after seeing the iconic Cliffs of Moher. You see, the town is not too far away at all and a really easy spot to explore for an hour or so before carrying on your road trip to Ireland.

Once here, make sure to see the Doolin Cave, explore the little streets and gorge at Fitzpatrick’s Bar which serves up a feast. Alternatively, head to The Ivy Cottage for their salmon broth served with salty butter and bread. It’s so good!

2.) Lahinch

Nestled within the bay of Liscannor, Lahinch is a cosy little town in Ireland to visit that’s about 80 minutes from Galway.

With a massive beach area, it’s the kind of place that’s perfect to chill out on a sunny day. However, watch out for that wind chill! Oh, and don’t forget to explore the surf, too. The beach is one of the best surfing spots in the region and well worth it if you’re up to ride the waves.

About 25 minutes from Doolin, it’s really easy to stop off as you trail the Wild Atlantic Way.

3.) Dingle

Dinge is a totally gorgeous seaside town in Country Kerry that’s got a charm of its own!

For centuries, Dingle has been a significant harbour town, that has stood the test of time. Even if it’s just with around 1,920 residents, it is a close-knit community that you will find more than welcoming when you visit.

It’s one of the best little villages and towns in Ireland to visit; especially to see Fungie the Dolphin.

Oh, and don’t forget to gorge at Out of the Blue. It’s one of the most famous little foodie spots on the coast here. Yes, it might be small, but it’s totally kitsch and the food is incredible. Honestly, you’ll get some of the freshest seafood that’s easily Michelin Star-worthy.

4.) Adare

A-Dare you say? Challenge accepted!

Jokes aside, Adare is one the perfect little villages you can visit in Ireland if you fancy a spot of golf (it’s got a brilliant golf course here) or generally just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

It’s also situated about 10 miles from Limerick city so if you do ever tire of village life, you can always pop in Limerick for a quick city-life top-up. Though I very much doubt that will be the case here.

We loved it here and staying at Adare Manor, which is totally fancy and so beautiful to see. It is one of the best towns in Ireland to visit in this region. For a tasty and special dinner, reserve a table at The Oak Room at Adare Manor. The tasting menu is incredible.

Also, for a tasty lunch, pop into Wild Geese Restaurant. I totally loved their duck spring rolls!

5.) Kenmare

Also located in Country Kerry, Kenmare is one of the more colourful towns in Ireland to visit.

Located on two main routes in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, there’s literally no excuse for not stopping by.

Around the area, you’ll find a heap of the best hikes in Ireland and a load of places to go horse riding, too. Oh, and pop into the No.35 Restaurant, too. They serve up some tasty Irish classics.

6.) Cobh

The biggest of the towns in Ireland to visit, Cobh has almost 10,000 residents and a lot of amazing historical sites to go with the population.

Once here, make sure to head inside St. Colman’s Cathedral which overlooks the whole of Cobh.

Oh, and don’t forget to wander the colourful little streets. If you’ve got time, take a trip over to Spike Island and see Fota House & Gardens, too.

If hunger beckons, get yourself over to the Titanic Bar and Grill. Here, they serve up one of the best fish chowders in the region. It’s so good.

7.) Inistioge

Inistioge is truly defined by the beautiful countryside that surrounds the village itself.

In truth, the village itself is tiny but it’s a great little stopping point if you’re planning on visiting some of the trails or hiking routes that crisscross this region of Ireland.

After arriving, make sure to take a short drive to Woodstock Gardens And Arboretum which is totally stunning. However, if you fancy a much larger town, pop over to Waterford that’s about 40 minutes away.