The true Irish experience comes from spending time in its spectacular towns and villages. Dramatic landscapes, rolling green pastures, and glorious coastal views are just some of magical gems you can uncover as you explore the country’s incredible and varied locations. Here we present Irish towns and villages that are so beautiful you’ll want to move to them right away!
1. Kilkenny
Kilkenny is located in the County Kilkenny in the province of Leinster, Ireland. A medieval town, Kilkenny possesses a buzzing arts scene and incredible architecture. Its grand Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by Norman occupiers. Visitors can explore the gardens and take a stroll along the River Nore.
Kilkenny Castle.
2. Killarney
Another of Ireland’s prettiest towns is Killarney. Located in the south west corner of the country in the glorious county of Kerry, Killarney serves as one of the main stops on the Ring of Kerry. Killarney National Park is a popular tourist attraction, sprawling over 10,236 hectares, it encompasses the famous Lakes of Killarney and MacGuillicudd, and forms a beautiful backdrop to the town. Killarney is also home to many beautiful historic buildings, namely Muckross Abbey and St. Mary’s Cathedral.
3. Rosses Point, Sligo
Rosses Point in Sligo is technically both a peninsula and a village. The name Rosses Point comes from the Irish “Ros Cheide,” which translates as “promontory fort of the hill.” The quaint and quintessentially Irish seafaring village is located just 8 kilometres north of Sligo town and has a population of only 750 people. Its most notable landmark is the Metal Man lighthouse, which was constructed in 1921. Every corner of the village seems to have be taken straight from a postcard.
Rosses Point beach at sunset, Co. Sligo, Ireland.
4. Sneem, Kerry
Sneem is arguably one of the most charming villages in the whole of Ireland, and certainly one of the country’s prettiest locations. Positioned on the Ring of Kerry, Sneem is also referred to as The Knot, which is a translation from its Irish name. Sneem itself is a quaint, peaceful Irish village, with a sheltered harbour and a strong focus on history and tradition. But it is also surrounded by rugged Irish countryside, which provides it with a unique beauty. Sneem is home to many walking and cycling routes for tourists to enjoy.
5. Adare, Limerick
Nestled on the River Maigue, just beyond Limerick City, is one of the oldest villages in Ireland – Adare. Often referred to as ‘Ireland’s Prettiest Village’, Adare is known for its rows of thatched cottages, which were built by 19th-century English landlord, the Earl of Dunraven. The village is also home to a number of abbeys and fortresses, which add to Adare’s architectural interest. Cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops give Adare its unique atmosphere. The village is the very definition of Irish charm.
Traditional Irish cottages in Adare, Limerick.
There is no better way to come to understand Ireland than by exploring its many glorious towns and villages, which are undoubtedly some of the prettiest in the world.