What to do in Ireland’s 5 best small towns
Below is a subjective list of what I believe are some of Ireland’s best small towns. A big factor on which towns made the list was authenticity. Which places are you likely to meet real Irish people and create true indelible memories. Of course there are hundreds of Irish towns similar to the ones listed below but nevertheless here’s my favorite 5:
Dingle, Kerry.
Tucked away in Ireland’s famous south west coast, behind green Rolling hills through tiny roads alongside majestic coastline is beautiful Dingle town. The town is loved and visited by Irish people and tourists alike. Dispute the quaint nature of the charming town it has so much to offer in terms of amenities. With so many bars it’s hard to believe that any of them stay in business in such a remote location however given the vast number of visitors the town has the pubs are always packed with friendly locals, visitors and musicians there to curate that quintessential Irish atmosphere.
Pubs range from underground speakeasies housed in a local families historic home (“Kennedy’s”) to vibrant, music filled old taverns very much out of a guidebook, O'Flaherty's Bar. Oh and did we mention the food? Dingle is located on a peninsula with the most variety of fish Ireland has to offer (including famous dolphins), so naturally it has some of Ireland’s best seafood restaurants and arguably the best fish & chips (chipper) in the “The Fish Box”.
Our favorite thing to do in Dingle is take a tour of the peninsula by boat by while watching out for dolphins and being reminded of the small towns rich history. Another must do when in dingle is stop by “Dingle Distillery” one of Ireland’s best up and coming whiskey distilleries. Here you will get an authentic look at an Irish distillery behind the scenes while meeting it’s young owners and master distillers. Be blown away by the thorough tasting you’ll receive at the end of the 2 hours tour. Your guaranteed to leave being a self proclaimed whiskey expert and few bottles from the gift shop
2. Kinsale, Cork.
Yet again another amazing south west town in Ireland. Located on Cork's southern coast Kinsale is known by locals as Ireland’s Gourmet capital. Even though it’s only a small town it holds Ireland’s most highly rated and sought after restaurants. We highly recommend taking a private food tour in this colorful picturesque town as you will get to hit 5 of the amazing eateries while learning about Kinsale and its historic connections to the Spanish Armada.
Our must visit restaurant in Kinsale is the lesser known but out of this world “Man Friday”. It’s not the fine dining restaurant you’d expect when you see all of its awards but you’ll have some of the tastiest steak and seafood found on the Emerald Isle. If you're staying in this town for a weekend, there are ample amounts of fun things to do. There are a few captivating castles at the edge of the Kinsale peninsula along a breathtaking drive or stroll called Charles Fort and James fort that you definitely should not miss.
If you’re a golfer or not, Ireland’s most beautiful golf course is worth visiting, Old head in Kinsale is a challenging links course where you're as likely to spot an Irish pro golfer as you are epic hidden landmarks like an old lighthouse. Another unique attraction is Kinsale Mead Company, these guys make Ireland’s oldest and least heard of beverages in “Mead”, the honey based liquor is usually associated with ancient kings and big beard Vikings.
3. Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire and Killiney
These three south Dublin towns are very much there own but they are located right next to each other sharing a captivating coastline and coastal road so we thought it best you visit all. The history preserved and dotted around these towns is so unique. Having been changed hands by so many medieval empires South Dublin is riddled with castles, churches, towers and old architecture from a variety of different eras and cultures. You’ll be walking down what seems like standard Main Street in a busy town when you stumble upon a regal castle or landmark.
Although many outside Ireland may not have heard of them, these towns are very well known in Ireland for their restaurant scenes, famous pubs but most of all there amazing short walks in places like Dun Laoghaire pier, Killiney hill and beach, and Dalkey harbor. The best thing about this particular area is that it’s located 40 minutes from Dublin city leaving it relatively free from tourists. Giving you an opportunity to experience authentic Irish and Dublin culture.
This famous area was home to the famous “James Joyce '' and it’s not hard to see how such inspired writers come from this area, there is an intangible, very unique and ancient aura that this rustic part of Ireland holds. Our favorite pub and eatery here is actually located in a dungeon of an old Fitzpatricks castle hotel on the border of Dalkey and Killiney. Dalkey Main Street is packed with unique restaurants and pubs so a crawl in the classy old town is a must. These pretty towns are made for exploring the area while killing a few hours in the farmers markets and antique shops
4. Birr, Offaly
Now, this one comes with a full disclosure. I know that it isn’t the most fairy tale Irish town out there but that’s what gives it its authentic charm. Wedged in the middle of Ireland surrounded by bogs and hills this hidden gem will definitely leave you with an indelible mark.
The people of this town are Ireland’s most friendly and hospitable people once you get past the rough accent. The town is filled with real Irish culture, all the businesses are locally owned, no restaurant chains, no supermarkets, just charming people enjoying their calling. From potters, bakers, cotton weavers, antique specialists to street performers who do it for the love of the craft. Birr is a quintessential Irish town with a doors open energy, so be prepared to be stopped and spoken to by the slow paced locals.
One of the most surprising things about this town is that one of the last Irish monarchs or earls lives in it! Bordering the unassuming town is Birr castle and demesne one the most beautiful occupied castles in Europe! You can take a walk around the grounds that feature 120 acres of gardens and parklands, the beautiful grounds host many surprises like mazes, giant telescopes, fairy bridges and a huge variety of plants and species. With Indelible Travel by Dunne and Ryan we can even plan a meet and greet with the Earl of Roses himself in his private castle usually closed off to visitors!
5. Straffan, Kildare
The last one on our list of amazing small towns is one only known by locals and those who have stayed in the amazing K-Club hotel or visited the famous professional golf courses on the property. Straffan Kildare is an amazingly well kept quaint town in the remote countryside of Ireland’s ancient east. It is home to beautiful little pubs and restaurants that will enchant and entertain you with charming aesthetics and live music.
The amazing grounds of the K club, brings you a vintage high society feel. The regal manor house is home to fine dining and finer cocktails. Just a few miles away from straffan is a unique shopping experience in Kildare village.
This bespoke shopping center offers Europe’s most elegant and luxury high end brands in a cottage like setting. Another must do if staying in straffan is taking the back roads to the Wicklow mountains over the sally gap and visiting top attractions Glendalough, powerscourt, and Enniskerry.
