Ireland’s big cities may draw the crowds, but its soul lies elsewhere, in seaside villages where boats bob in quiet harbours, Georgian squares alive with music, and communities that still gather for markets, festivals and storytelling. Step beyond Dublin and Belfast, and you’ll find places where history isn’t confined to museums but lived out in cobbled streets and castle ruins, and food that doesn’t just fill you up, but connects you to the land and the sea it came from. Here are eight beautiful towns and villages in Ireland worth adding to your itinerary, where you’ll discover the Ireland locals know best.
Castletownshend, County Cork
Perched above a sheltered inlet, Castletownshend feels like one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. The village tumbles down a steep hill towards the water, where fishing boats cluster and the 17th-century castle still keeps watch. Its single main street is lined with historic houses, many once belonging to Anglo-Irish families, and it’s home to St Barrahane’s Church, famous for its Harry Clarke stained-glass windows. Life here moves at a gentle pace, with coastal walks along Castlehaven Bay and evenings spent watching yachts drift across the water. It’s also a great base for exploring West Cork’s wild peninsulas and islands.
Don’t miss: a seafood lunch at The Fish Basket, and an evening by the water watching the sunset over Castlehaven Bay. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, book yourself onto this Castlehaven Bay night kayaking tour and witness the otherworldly sparkle of bioluminescence.
Dingle, County Kerry
Wrapped around a colourful harbour and backed by the dramatic Dingle Peninsula, this town feels both lively and timeless. Days here might start with a Dingle Sea Safari to spot dolphins and whales, or a bracing walk along Slea Head, followed by chowder and fresh crab at one of the harbour’s many seafood restaurants. Dingle is also a designated Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region), so you’ll hear the lilt of the native tongue in pubs where traditional music sessions continue long into the night. The town comes alive during festivals – from the famous Dingle Food Festival to music-filled Féile na Bealtaine in spring.
Don’t miss: Sea kayaking or a boat trip along Dingle Bay, and a visit to Dick Mack’s pub and brewery, where history and craft beer come together under one roof.
Glenarm, County Antrim
One of the oldest villages on the Antrim Coast, Glenarm is known for its limestone cottages, historic harbour, and castle demesne with walled gardens open to visitors. Walk along the coastal path, explore artisan workshops, or time your visit with the Dalriada Festival in summer, when the castle grounds host music, games and local food. Glenarm is also a perfect base for exploring the Causeway Coastal Route, with stops like the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge nearby.
Don’t miss: Glenarm Castle’s tearoom for homemade scones.
Westport, County Mayo
Designed in the Georgian era but brimming with Irish spirit, Westport is one of the country’s most inviting towns. Its tree-lined streets are full of cafés, shops, and traditional pubs where live music is almost guaranteed. The town is also a gateway to adventure. Cycle the Great Western Greenway, climb the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, or take a boat to Clare Island. Westport is also known for its food scene, from artisan bakeries to high-end dining. Throughout the year, festivals celebrate everything from music and food to adventure sports.
Don’t miss: A pint and a session at Matt Molloy’s, owned by the famous Chieftains flautist.
Kinsale, County Cork
Known as Ireland’s gourmet capital, Kinsale blends small town charm with a cosmopolitan edge. Its narrow, winding lanes are painted in bright colours, with galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops tucked between pubs and restaurants. Food is the big draw here: order lobster at Fishy Fishy or sample the catch of the day straight off the boats. Beyond food, Kinsale is a gateway to history, from the 17th-century Charles Fort to pirate tales of old. The harbour buzzes with yachts in summer, while nearby beaches and cliff walks make for unforgettable day trips.
Don’t miss: The Kinsale Gourmet Festival each October, a feast of local food and drink.
Clifden, County Galway
The unofficial capital of Connemara, Clifden is a vibrant market town with an artistic spirit set against a backdrop of mountains, boglands and the Atlantic. Its streets are lined with colourful shopfronts, cafés, and art galleries, while the surrounding landscape offers some of the best walking, cycling, and horse riding in Ireland. A drive along the famous Sky Road is a must, home to landmarks like Clifden Castle and with panoramic views across the Twelve Bens and the wild coastline. In September, the Clifden Arts Festival transforms the town into a hub of music, theatre and performance.
Don’t miss: Traditional music at Lowry’s Bar, one of Connemara’s most famous pubs.
Carlingford, County Louth
Steeped in medieval history, Carlingford’s narrow streets are dotted with castle ruins, old stone gates, and reminders of its past as a Viking settlement. It sits on the shores of Carlingford Lough, framed by the Cooley and Mourne Mountains – perfect for hikes, biking trails, and water sports. Seafood lovers should try Carlingford’s famous oysters, best enjoyed in a local pub with a pint of Guinness. In summer, the village hosts lively seafood and music festivals, while autumn brings a quieter charm with misty mornings over the lough.
Don’t miss: Climbing to Carlingford Castle for sweeping views across the water.
Adare, County Limerick
Often called Ireland’s prettiest village, Adare is a picture book blend of thatched cottages, flower filled shopfronts and medieval ruins. Wander along the River Maigue to Desmond Castle, explore the Franciscan friary, or spend an afternoon browsing the craft shops along the main street. Food lovers can linger over quality pub grub or try fine dining at the celebrated Adare Manor. In summer, the town buzzes with outdoor concerts and festivals, while winter brings cosy evenings by the fire with a pint of local stout.
Don’t miss: a pint and hearty Irish lamb stew at Aunty Lena’s pub.
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Beth Tingle
Beth is our Marketing & Content Coordinator, who uses her experience in all things content to get to the heart of the stories and people behind our places and paint an authentic picture of what makes them truly special. She then helps the SEO team to ensure that content reaches as many people as possible. Raised in the small seaside town of Clevedon, she then studied English at Falmouth University and is happiest when swimming in the sea. A huge foodie, she enjoys travel that involves finding the best local markets and cooking up the produce in a self-catered stay.