Most Beautiful Towns, Villages and Hotels in Ireland

Located on Kinsale Harbour, Kinsale is a historical fishing town on the Bandon River. The town’s narrow streets are decorated with charming shops, galleries and pubs, providing a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Cork city centre. The old ring fort provides spectacular views of the harbour and of Kinsale. The yacht club and marina also attract annual visitors, with numerous fishing boats regularly bobbing in the inlet. The town also hosts an annual arts festival, which is well worth a visit on this tour.

Rosses Point is both a village and peninsula in County Sligo. With views of Coney Island and Oyster Island, it was the summer residence of writer William Butler Yeats and his younger artist brother, Jack, who both wiled away the days at Elsinore House. The name Rosses Point comes from the Irish “Ros Cheide,” which roughly translates as “promontory fort of the hill.” Notable landmarks in the village include the Metal Man lighthouse built in 1921, the Waiting on Shore sculpture, the Sligo Yacht Club and the County Sligo Golf Club. In 1985, archaeologists also uncovered shipwrecks of the Spanish Armada from 1588. Rosses Point is famous for its various sea-faring activities, with deep sea angling, reef and shark fishing and island visits available to tourists.

Lying on the border between County Galway and County Mayo, Cong is an island village. There are a number of streams in the area that converge at Cong, forming the land mass of the village. The Irish name for the village is “Cúnga Fheichín” which means “Saint Feichin’s narrows,” referring to the convergence of rivers. These rivers connect Lough Corrib with Lough Mask. Cong has famous literary connections, as it was the home of Sir William Wilde, the father of Oscar Wilde, the prominent Irish playwright. Notable attractions in the village include Ashford Castle, which was converted into a hotel by the Guinness family, and the medieval Cong Abbey – which once housed the Cross of Cong, now in the National History Museum in Dublin. The town was also used a location for John Ford’s 1952 Oscar-winning film, The Quiet Man.

Housed in an enormous Georgian property, Long Quay House will have you feeling like the lady or lord of the manor. Throw open your enormous wooden shutters in the morning to take in views over the harbour with your coffee, after which you’re a short stroll from all the sights and restaurants in the centre of Kinsale. Your friendly hosts Peter and Rosa are more than happy to fill you in on their favourite local spots too.

Meaning ‘rough glen’, Glengarriff is situated on the Beara Peninsula in Cork. It is a renowned tourist location thanks to spectacular views and picturesque landscapes. The town is surrounded by rugged mountains that are home to Lady Bantry’s Lookout, which provides an amazing vista of the area.

>> The town itself offers visitors a wide variety of shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants so make sure to see it all on this tour!

Located in County Kerry, Derrynane sits on the Iveragh Peninsula, and has ancient historic roots. The village is home to a Stone Age portal dolmen, which dates to around 3000BCE. There are other historic remains around the village, dating from 2000BCE. These ancient artifacts are linked to the Beaker people, who mined for copper during the Bronze Age. The village has other historic attractions such as Staigue Ringfort, and the home of famous politician and activist Daniel O’Connell. Derrynane now has a national monument and heritage park around the house. During the summer, visitors to Derrynane can take boat trips to the Skellig Islands.

With its spectacular views of Sherkin Island, Cape Clear and the Roaringwater Bay, Baltimore in County Cork is a picturesque gem on the south coast of Ireland. Baltimore is the Anglicisation of “Baile an Tí Mhóir” which means “town of the big house.” This refers to O’Driscoll Castle, which overlooks the village. In the early 1600s, Baltimore was largely an English pirate base, but was invaded in 1631 by Barbary pirates from Algeria. A few pubs in the village bear names referring to this incident. Baltimore is renowned for its outdoor pursuits, such as sailing, fishing, scuba diving and exploring. Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first marine nature reserve, is located nearby. In the bay, there are a variety of shipwrecks, such as a World War II submarine and the Alondra from 1916.

Set on the shores of Glengarriff Harbour, the site of Eccles Hotel and Spa has accommodation records dating back to 1745. Its present-day iteration is a mesmerising place to stay with plenty to explore in the surrounding area. After an active day of sea kayaking on the bay or cycling along nearby trails, you can return to a soothing massage in the spa and fresh seafood with bay views at Garinish Restaurant.

Found at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains, Lismore is a historical town in Waterford. The town’s main tourist attraction is its 800-year-old castle, which is situated on the site of the town’s old monastery. Built during medieval times, the imposing castle is located on a steep hill, providing impressive views of the town and neighbouring Blackwater Valley. Important artefacts from Lismore Castle include the Book of Lismore, now located at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, and the Lismore Crozier, now housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Experience the castles in augmented reality on this tour and get a grasp of what life use to be like in the castle.

Situated on the Ring of Kerry, Sneem is a charming village. It’s also known as the Knot, a translation from its Irish name. Sneem is famed for its art and sculpture, such as the work of Vivienne Roche, Alan Hall, James Scanlon and Tamara Rikman. The village is divided by the river and there are two green areas in Sneem, one to the north and one to the south. There is a great selection of restaurants, pubs and shops in the village. For those who love the great outdoors, Sneem has numerous walking and horse riding trails.

Looking out over the ocean, at the junction of a number of spectacular coastal walks, Cliff House Hotel seems to sit at the edge of the earth. The modern rooms are simple and homely, but don’t skimp on the details that matter, like cushy armchairs positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views. Dining at the hotel’s one Michelin-star restaurant is an experience unto itself. Book a table on the enormous terrace, set above the rocks, and dine on a seasonal tasting menu of freshly caught seafood with the ocean swirling below.

Valentia on Valentia Island is located on the Iveragh Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland. The island is connected to the mainland via a bridge from Portmagee, as well as a car ferry from Reenard Point. In 1993, fossilised footprints dating from 385 million years ago were discovered and are some of the oldest remnants of vertebrate life on land in the world. Another key attraction in Valentia is the beautiful Glanleam House and its sub-tropical gardens. Due to their geographical location, these gardens have a unique microclimate and, as a result, house a collection of rare plants.

>> From Valentia, you can also travel to Skellig Michael, an ancient monastic island.

Adare is nestled on the River Maigue, just outside of Limerick city. The village is often boasted as one of Ireland’s most beautiful villages and has historic roots. It was once a marketplace during the Middle Ages, and later became part of the Dunraven estate. As a result, the village’s appearance is more planned than others in Ireland, with the architecture a mixture between traditional Irish and a more English style. Golf lovers will enjoy the village’s 18-hole golf course at the Adare Golf Club. There are also a number of old abbeys and fortresses in the village, adding to Adare’s architectural charm.

The enormous Gaelic-inspired rooms at the Royal Valentia have four-poster beds, thick drapery and tartan textiles. Opt for a sea-view room to wake up to the sight of rolling waves in the morning, and in the evenings cosy up at the window with a whiskey for some stargazing. Found in an International Dark Sky Reserve, the hotel is one of the best places in the world for admiring the night sky.

Strandhill is known for being a surfer’s haven. The coastal town is situated at the western base of Knocknarea Mountain, which is west of Sligo town. For history enthusiasts, the 200-year-old traditional thatched cottage called Dolly’s Cottage is an interesting visit, as are the megalithic tombs of Carrowmore, which are some of the biggest in the country. There are also a number of festivals held in Strandhill, such as the Warrior Festival. A stay in the award-winning Strandhill Lodge and Suites is guaranteed to make your visit to Strandhill a memorable one.

>> Make sure to pick up private surfing lessons!

A translation from “Cloch na Rón” which means “seal’s rock,” Roundstone in County Galway is known as a creative hub in the west of Ireland. Located in the Connemara region, Roundstone and its bay have attracted a number of Irish and international artists to the area, who recreated the village’s scenic beauty in their work. Famous Irish artists who were fond of the village include Paul Henry, Jack Butler Yeats, Nano Reid and Gerard Dillon. There is an annual arts week in Roundstone which celebrates the village’s artistic creativity. There are also a number of galleries and studios in the village, such as Roundstone Ceramics in Michael Killeen Park, and the Stable Gallery at Errisbeg House.

Situated on the River Barrow, Leighlinbridge in County Carlow is a village of winding streets and ancient ruins. It’s won numerous awards for its geological beauty, and picturesque features of the village include the limestone malt houses and the 14th-century bridge over the river – believed to be one of the oldest functioning bridges in Europe. Leighlinbridge Castle is also noteworthy as it is one of the country’s earliest Norman settlements – but only ruins of the castle remain today. Leighlinbridge is also the birthplace of John Tyndall, the famous 19th-century physicist, and Myles Keogh, the notable American Civil War military officer.

Considering that it’s sitting on a river and built to resemble a ship, you’d perhaps expect the Glasshouse to be rife with nautical influences. The opposite, however, is true here. Ultra-modern inside, the hotel features pops of colour throughout, from one bright-orange room all the way to the vivaciously decorated bar and restaurant. With two bars and a fine dining restaurant on the premises, there is much to be consumed within the hotel’s (glass) walls, and there are a number of beautiful walks in the area to help you work up an appetite.

The name of the town Carlingford is derived from the Old Norse meaning ‘narrow sea-inlet of the hag’. Over the years, the town has managed to maintain its Viking heritage, with many of the town’s streets showing evidence of the medieval age. One example is the Tholsel or ‘town gate’, which is one of the very few left in Ireland. The gate was originally taller than it is now, but there is still evidence of its original function as a town jail and toll. The heritage centre displays the history of the town, from the Viking and Norman days to the present. The town itself is located between Carlingford Lough and Slieve Foy and, as a result, has spectacular panoramic views. Carlingford is also known for its fishing, as oysters and crabs are often the catch of the day from the nearby harbour. There is also an annual Carlingford Oyster Festival that celebrates the town’s sea cuisine.

It’s hard not to notice McKevitts Village Hotel, which is striking from the get-go thanks to its gloriously fuschia building. Inside, there are a number of secret little corners to hide away with a drink or a meal of locally caught seafood chowder, be it in the traditional-yet-upbeat pub or the fairytale-like outdoor patio. Rooms are homely and comforting while still feeling a little bit special, and they come with breakfast included so you can fuel up on a full Irish or traditional smoked kippers before a day wandering around the adorable town.

A popular tourist destination in the southeast of Ireland, Dunmore East is situated on the west side of Waterford harbor. Known for its fishing and listed as one of the five National Fishery Harbors in Ireland, the village also bears evidence of Norman and Viking settlements. Numerous travelers come to Dunmore East every year for sailing, with yachts and dinghies often dotted about the harbor. There is also a golf course located on the cliff top which overlooks the bay – perhaps one of the most scenic golf courses in the country. For food lovers, there are many seafood restaurants with the most tantalizing dishes to try. The annual Guinness International Bluegrass festival takes place in August, so there is something for music lovers in Dunmore East, too.

Gweedore is a Gaelic-speaking town in Donegal in the northwest of Ireland. Gweedore is also the largest Irish town where residents speak Irish and, as a result, is a cradle of Irish culture. The area is also known for its breathtaking scenery of long sandy beaches and mountains. A notable site in Gweedore is Glenveagh National Park, which is the largest national park in Ireland. Looking out to sea, visitors will spot many small islands, such as Gola and Tory islands. Evidence of the area’s harsh weather conditions is visible on Magheraclogher Beach with the famous shipwreck ‘Friend of the Sea’.

Make the most of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way with a stay at Carey’s Viking House Hotel, hidden among the greenery above the crashing ocean. Opt for a room at the front of the house for sprawling sea views, where you can watch the waves batter the coast from the warmth of your bed. Regular live music in the bar downstairs is the perfect way to delve into the local community while meeting fellow travellers and sipping on a perfectly creamy Guinness.

In east County Clare on the River Shannon, the village of Killaloe has connections to ancient Irish history, such as the 6th-century monastic site of Saint Lua and the 10th-century settlement of Brian Boru. Killaloe also has literary connections, as it was the hometown of Phineas Finn, the protagonist from two of Anthony Trollope’s Palliser novels – Phineas Finn and Phineas Redux. Killaloe and the surrounding area is a popular destination for hill-walking, with many trails to follow.

Situated on the southeast corner of Clew Bay, Westport is one of the few planned towns in Ireland. The town centre was designed by the architect James Wyatt in 1780, and the town is a prime example of Georgian architecture. The design cleverly incorporated the river into the town, and it features quaint streets and promenades lined with trees. There are several small bridges over the Carrowbeg River, which further add to the town’s charm. The town is also home to Westport House, which was once the stately home of the Marquess of Sligo. The house was built on the site of the O’Malley Castle, and the dungeons of the castle still remain. Westport is also located near the famous pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, known as ‘The Reek’, which attracts hundreds of visitors every year, particularly on ‘Reek Sunday’.

Classic, elegant and sitting in an incredible location, Knockranny House Hotel is a jaw-dropping spot. Its restaurant makes the most of it with panoramic windows and the opulent bar – centred around a grand piano – creating the perfect place for a decadent nightcap. The grandeur has also made its way to the rooms, where you can expect enormous mahogany four-poster beds, luxurious drapery and art deco touches like gilded lamps and mid-century furnishings.

Birr is one of the most notable Georgian towns in Ireland and has been carefully preserved over the years. Wide streets and elegant buildings make this town a charming place to visit. The houses in John’s Place and on the Oxmantown Mall are good examples of Georgian fanlight windows. Emmet Square and Emmet Street have some of the earliest examples of Georgian-style buildings in the town. These are contrasted by John’s Hall, which is built in the style of a Greek temple. The monastery in the town was founded by St. Brendan and produced the famous Gospels of MacRegol. These can be seen in the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Other ancient artefacts in Birr include the Seffin Stone, which is said to mark the centre of Ireland.

Aughrim in County Wicklow is famed for its beauty. Situated where the Ow and Derry Rivers meet to become the Aughrim River, the village won the Tidy Towns competition for tidiest village from 1996 until 2007. The word Aughrim translates as “horse ridge,” and may refer to the scenic valley that surrounds the village. Aughrim was once a granite mining village, and much of the village’s architecture reflects this – many of the terraced houses are faced with granite. The Rednagh Bridge in the village was also the site of a battle between Crown forces and rebels during the 1798 rebellion. Due to its location, Aughrim is also a notable spot for walkers and explorers.

Near the border of Cavan and just north of Kells – the home of the Book of Kells – is the village of Moynalty. On the Owenroe River, Moynalty was built during the 19th century and is believed to have been based on a Swiss design. However, the village was only constructed on one side of the river, and it wasn’t until the following century when the village spread across to the other side. Moynalty is famed for its lace-making industry, with the wife of King George IV using lace from the village. Moynalty hosts an annual steam thrashing festival, which originally began in 1975.

As the waves lap along the shores of Lough Leane, any Ring of Kerry traveller will be tempted to spend ages surrounded by Killarney’s serene landscape. The colourful village of Killarney is far from an undiscovered Irish gem – but there are ways to enjoy Ireland’s adventure capital aside from touring the 15th-century Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey. Make like the elusive red deer and hide away from the crowds in Killarney National Park – adventure lovers can hike to the top of Carrauntoohil, abseil down the Gap of Dunloe, and kayak the three Lakes of Killarney. Those who prefer to take it slow will love soaking up the lush greenery on a leisurely guided hawk walk with a local falconer.

Housed in a Georgian building, and decorated accordingly, Townsend House in the vibrant town of Birr is a delightfully quaint B&B. It’s exactly what you’d want from a small-town stay with homely rooms, friendly staff and a delicious breakfast. Should you fancy a night in, the hotel serves an extensive tapas menu, alongside a series of cocktails and wines, allowing you a delicious dinner without even needing to step off the property.

Enniskerry is a translation of ‘rugged ford’, and the town is located on the Glencullen River and at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. The area is famous for the Powerscourt Estate, which comprises a large house and 47-acre (19ha) gardens. The house is built in the Palladian style and dates from the 18th century. The gardens were destroyed in a fire in 1974, but both the house and gardens were restored in 1996 to their former glory. Also located on the estate is the Powerscourt Waterfall, which is said to be the highest waterfall in Ireland, at 121m (396ft) high.

Westport proves that you don’t need to visit the Mediterranean to fall in love with a seaside riviera. Along the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, humpback whales and basking sharks splash around the Clew Bay islands while visitors kite surf, snorkel and sail nearby. On land, the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail and Great Western Greenway offer miles of walking and cycling solitude. A monument to the Great Famine sits at the foot of Croagh Patrick as a solemn reminder of the country’s history. But if the kids aren’t interested in a history lesson, the Westport House is a fun family amusement park within an 18th-century residence. Or go on a short cruise and see the best views from off the island!

A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher is a must for most visitors to Ireland, but why not spend the night in Doolin and discover everything the traditional music capital of Ireland has to offer? A ferry ride to the Aran Islands to view the Plassy Shipwreck is an unforgettable experience. Watch the lamb and cattle graze around the fertile rock of the Burren in the winter, or cool off in the summer under the hanging stalactite of Doolin Cave. Delicious local plates and pints are available throughout the town – just follow the sounds of fiddles, flutes and harps to find a perfect pairing of traditional Irish music and menus.

These are hotel rooms at their best: enormous, dreamy beds, pillowy duvets and sumptuous drapery in a palatial space. The bathtubs are big enough for two, and the romantic terraces off most rooms are delightful spots for a sunset drink while you bask in the country air. Access to award-winning golf courses, a fully-equipped fitness centre and a spa with an otherworldly lap pool means there’s lots onsite to keep you busy, and the three onsite restaurants shouldn’t be missed.
Molly Codyre contributed additional reporting to this article.
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