A Rundown of Ireland’s Most Idyllic Villages

Idyllic cottages fringed with moss, dramatic shorelines that appear both beautiful and imposing, and swaths of lush green landscapes–the quintessential Irish terrain consists of all of the above and more. Landscapes as diverse as Ireland's are hard to come by, which is why visitors should take advantage of the country's spectacular natural beauty. 

Spread across its length are charming villages, new and old, soaked in idyll and awaiting exploration. Here’s a look at some of the prettiest towns to visit in Ireland:

Adare - Home of Fairytale Thatched Cottages

This charming little heritage town in County Limerick is not to be missed. Adare's pretty skyline is dotted with thatched roof cottages seemingly dressed in every color of the rainbow, soaking in an undeniable historic atmosphere. Visitors can also go shopping near Main Street, where most of the town's local shops, from cute little women's boutiques to souvenir shops, are huddled together. 

After visiting the Heritage Centre, stroll through Adare's beautiful historic streets, where landmarks such as Desmond Castle, Trinitarian Abbey, and the Franciscan Friary stand as sentinels of the city's medieval history.

Later, return to Adare's Main Street and unwind with a beer at one of its intimate pubs.

Clonakilty - Musical Seaside Town

Clonakilty, affectionately known as Clon to soften its somewhat complex name, nestles along the West Cork coast and embraces its wild, windswept beauty. It has previously received several awards for its scenic beauty, including 'Best Town in Europe' and 'Ireland's Tidiest Small Town.'

Aside from its stunning coastline, Clon's inland streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings, many of which are embellished with hand-painted signs that add to its charm. Convent Road, its main thoroughfare, is lined with live music bars and pubs like De Barra's and O'Donovans, where local musicians belt out familiar Irish tunes nightly.

Clon is also well-known for its Model Village, which features full-scale replicas of nearby towns as well as its own. Other attractions near the area include Michael Collins House and the Inchydoney Island beach.

Kinsale - Historic Town with a Dramatic Coastline

Kinsale, located at the southernmost point of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, has dramatic seaside landscapes that have witnessed a nearly 1000-year history. It is best known as the location where the ocean liner RMS Lusitania sank during World War I in 1915.

The majority of the town's charm is concentrated in its centre, which is characterized by pretty cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted houses and street lamps. Next, take in the sights from the harborfront Charles Fort, a star-shaped bastion built in the 17th century, for a taste of the town's history. 

Explore Celtic ruins and marvel at the historic lighthouse on the property as you make your way to the peninsula's tip.

The allure of Ireland's charming coastal and historic towns has remained consistent over time. With plenty of attractions to please all types of visitors, a trip to this Emerald Isle and its charming towns is sure to be one to remember.

Author Name
Advaita Raut