17 Best Fairytale Villages & Small Towns In Ireland

Looking for all the best fairytale villages and small towns in Ireland?

 Many people are drawn to Ireland from what they’ve seen on postcards or depictions in the media.

Some movies, such as The Quiet Man and PS I Love You, display the beauty and magic of Irish towns and villages. The strong tradition of storytelling and folklore also adds to the fairytale image of Ireland.

Ger and I have traveled around Ireland and we think it’s the most magical place on Earth. 

If you want to check out this beautiful country and its magical villages then you’ve come to the right place. 

Summary Of Best Fairytale Villages & Small Towns In Ireland:

1. Killarney

2. Cong

3. Achill

4. Dingle

5. Kinsale

6. Leenane

7. Westport

8. Howth

9. Adare

10. Cobh

11. Clifden

12. Ardara

13. Clonakilty

14. Kilkenny

15. Sneem

16. Doolin

17. Baltimore

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Photo Credit: @killarneyjauntingcars

1. Killarney

Killarney is one of the most popular tourist towns in Ireland. It has a vibrant town with great bars, cafes, and restaurants but it also has some of the most picturesque landscapes in Ireland.

County Kerry is my favorite place in Ireland and along with Killarney, there are two more fairytale villages and small towns on this list!

Keep reading to learn more about them!

Places To Stay:

Luxury: The Europe Hotel & Resort

Value: The Victoria

Glamping: Killarney Glamping At The Grove

Things To Do:

Go on a Ring Of Kerry Tour.

Check out Killarney National Park on a Jaunting Car Tour.

Kayak On The Lakes Of Killarney.

Photo Credit: @ridster_photography

2. Cong

Cong is a beautiful little village in County Mayo. This is also where the famous movie ‘A Quiet Man’ was filmed. You can even explore different filming locations from the movie.

You can explore the surrounding landscape, Lough Corrib, and the stunning Ashford Castle during your time in Cong.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: The Lodge At Ashford Castle

Value: Ryan’s Hotel

Budget: Michaeleen’s Manor B&B

Things To Do:

Check out The Quiet Man Museum.

Go on the Lough Corrib History and Scenic Lake Cruise.

Explore the landscape on a Bike Tour Around Cong.

Photo Credit: @tashiechat

3. Achill

Achill Island is located off the west coast of Ireland in County Mayo. It is the largest of the Irish Isles.

‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ was filmed on parts of Achill Island including the famous beach of Keem Bay.

The deserted village on Achill Island is an incredible historic site to visit on the island.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Mulranny Park Hotel

Value: The Valley House Hostel & Bar

Budget: Achill View B&B

Things To Do:

Go for a dip at the famous Keem Bay Beach.

Explore the historic Deserted Village.

Check out Kildavnet Castle.

Photo Credit: @kase_krupicova

4. Dingle

Dingle is a fishing town in County Kerry. It is a colorful town with lots of amazing pubs and restaurants. It also offers some stunning sea and mountain views.

You can see the traditions of old Irish towns preserved in some of the bars and restaurants in Dingle.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Dingle Skellig Hotel

Value: The Lighthouse

Budget: The Grapevine Hostel

Things To Do:

Set sail on a Dingle Sea Safari.

Have a day out on the Dingle Peninsula And Slea Head Drive Tour.

Experience Irish cuisine on a Dingle Tasting Tour.

Photo Credit: @gigi_nasca

5. Kinsale

Kinsale is probably the most colorful town in Ireland. Every building in the town is painted with bright pink, yellow, and blue colors!

It also has some great coffee shops, bars, and restaurants and has a great night scene.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Trident Hotel Kinsale

Value: Kinsale Hotel & Spa

Budget: The Old Dispensary

Things To Do:

Explore the impressive Charles Fort.

Check out The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower.

Visit the Kinsale Mead Co.

Photo Credit: @galwayviewfinder

6. Leenane

Leenane is a small village in County Galway. It is most famous for being the filming location for ‘The Field’ by John B. Keane.

You can even explore the village and surrounding areas to check out the location of scenes from the film.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Delphi Lodge

Value: Country Cabin

Budget: Wild Atlantic Hostel

Things To Do:

Take a trip to the Killary Sheep Farm.

Explore the Fjord on a Killary Fjord Boat Tour.

Try something new at the Killary Adventure Centre.

Photo Credit: @helendawson_

7. Westport

Westport is a beautiful town on the west coast of Ireland. It’s a scenic spot along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The town has brightly colored buildings, tree-lined avenues, bridges dotted around, and a great atmosphere.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Knockranny House Hotel & Spa

Value: The Wyatt Hotel

Budget: Westport Coast Hotel

Things To Do:

Visit the stunning Westport House And Gardens.

Go on a Walking Tour Of Westport.

Enjoy the views on Clew Bay Cruise.

Photo Credit: @backpacksandbubbly_

8. Howth

Howth is a peninsula on the east coast of Dublin. It’s an area of natural beauty that’s not far from Dublin City.

There are golf courses, hiking paths, and coastal walks all over this suburban peninsula.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Clontarf Castle Hotel

Value: Marine Hotel

Budget: White Sands Hotel

Things To Do:

Go on a Dublin Coastal Hike with Howth Adventures.

Check out the coastline on a Howth Cliff Cruise.

Enjoy the cuisine on a Dublin Coastal Craft Beer & Seafood Trail with a Local.

Photo Credit: @bridget2naughton

9. Adare

Adare is a picturesque village in County Limerick. It is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. This means there are initiatives in place to sustain and promote the distinct features of the historic Adare village.

Adare has some amazing thatched cottages where you can see the architecture of old Ireland.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Adare Manor

Value: Hazelwood Country House

Budget: Ballycannon Lodge

Things To Do:

Explore the town on a Private Walking Tour of Adare.

Check out Desmond Castle.

Visit the Golf Course At Adare Manor.

Photo Credit: @silviarpetit

10. Cobh

Cobh, previously known as Queenstown, is a popular tourist town in County Cork. The town offers an incredible view across the bay.

Cobh has some incredible architecture from the impressive St. Colman’s Cathedral on the hill to the fortress of Spike Island.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Fota Island Hotel and Spa

Value: West Beach House

Budget: Lucys Loft

Things To Do:

Explore Cork and Blarney Castle Visit from Cobh by Train.

Go on the Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour of Cobh.

Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre.

Photo Credit: @irlanda_nel_cuore

11. Clifden

Clifden is a coastal town in County Galway. It’s the largest town in the Connemara region. There are amazing views of the Irish coastline and landscapes around Clifden.

It’s a very popular place to stay when exploring Connemara. 

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Abbeyglen Castle Hotel

Value: Alcock & Brown Hotel 

Budget: Errismore House

Things To Do:

Check out the views on the Sky Road.

Visit the Alcock and Brown Landing Site.

Explore Clifden Castle.

Photo Credit: @chrisirish00

12. Ardara

Ardara is a quaint little town in County Donegal. It’s close to a lot of the most popular attractions in the south of Donegal. The surrounding landscape is incredible and well worth a visit.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Lough Eske Castle

Value: Woodhill House

Budget: Bridge Inn Studio Apartments

Things To Do:

Go on the Highlights Of the South Donegal Day Tour.

Take a trip through the beautiful Glengesh Pass.

Enjoy the views on a Sliabh Liag Cliffs and Glencolmcille Tour.

Photo Credit: @clonakilty.ie

13. Clonakilty

Clonakilty is another coastal town in County Cork. It is a popular tourist destination with impressive churches, castles, and other historic buildings.

There is a popular beach called Inchydoney just south of the town.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens

Value: O’Donovan’s Hotel

Budget: Joan B&B

Things To Do:

Check out the Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting.

Visit the Michael Collins Centre.

Go for a swim at Inchydoney Beach.

Photo Credit: @davehaworthphoto

14. Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a vibrant town, well technically it’s Ireland’s smallest city, but it’s still a beautiful place to visit. It has a rich history, amazing architecture, and a great nightlife.

You can immerse yourself in the history of Kilkenny by going on tours or visiting Kilkenny Castle.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Lyrath Estate

Value: Hotel Kilkenny

Budget: Club House Hotel Kilkenny

Things To Do:

Check out Shenanigans Walks for a Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny.

Go on a scenic Kilkenny Boat Trip.

Try some tasty food and drinks on a Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour.

Photo Credit: @ohclarebear

15. Sneem

Sneem is a village that’s situated on the Ring of Kerry. It is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer.

The village has some great restaurants and bars and the local scenery is beautiful.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Parknasilla Resort & Spa

Value: Sneem Studios

Budget: Dromid Hostel

Things To Do:

Check out Sneem Waterfall and Eagles Lake Guided Walk

Listen to some traditional music at D O’Sheas Bar.

Check out some artwork at Brushwood Studios.

Photo Credit: @headwestireland

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16. Doolin

Doolin is a village on the coast of County Clare. It is just 6 kilometers from the Cliffs of Moher and the village is famous for its traditional music and lively pubs.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: Aran View Country House

Value: Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel

Glamping: Doolin Glamping

Things To Do:

Explore Doolin Cave.

Check out the views on the Clare Coastal Walk Project.

Enjoy the natural landscape on the Beauty Of The Burren Walks.

Photo Credit: @williamhillyard

17. Baltimore

Baltimore is a beautiful village in West Cork. There are some amazing coastal walks and hikes in the area.

This little fishing village is also a ferry port to the picturesque islands of Cape Clear and Sherkin.

Places To Stay:

Luxury: The Waterfront Hotel

Value: Caseys of Baltimore Hotel

Budget: Rathmore House Bed & Breakfast

Things To Do:

Go for a hike to the Baltimore Beacon.

Take a boat to Sherkin Island.

Visit beautiful islands with Cape Clear Ferries.

How To Get Around

The best way to get around Ireland is by car. Public transport is a good option if you’re in the cities, but if you want to go further afield then a rental car is the best bet.

I would highly recommend DiscoverCars, this is the rental company I used when I was traveling around Ireland.

What To Bring

The most important thing to bring on a trip to Ireland is a raincoat. No matter what time of year you are visiting, it will probably rain at some stage.

Ireland’s climate is quite mild, it doesn’t get extremely hot or cold, but it does rain a lot. 

So make sure you bring a raincoat!

FAQs On Best Fairytale Villages And Small Towns In Ireland:

What Is The Most Picturesque County In Ireland?

Kerry is the most picturesque county in Ireland. It is considered one of Ireland’s most spectacular counties for scenery and we are blown away by its beauty every time we visit. The Ring of Kerry, Lakes of Killarney, and the Dingle Peninsula are just a handful of the picturesque places in County Kerry.

What Are The Fairy Circles In Ireland?

A fairy fort, often referred to as a fairy ring fort, is an ancient archaeological site found across the landscapes of Ireland.  They are the remains of prehistoric dwellings such as ring forts, stone circles, or hill forts. Some fairy forts to visit are Cahergall Stone Fort in Kerry and Grianan Of Aileach in Donegal.

Are There Any Irish Fairytales?

Irish fairytales and legends include fairies, a banshee, Kings and Queens, Giants, Devils, and the world-famous Irish Leprechaun. The most famous stories include Fionn Mac Uail and Na Fianna (his band of hunter-warriors), the Salmon of Knowledge, the warrior hero, Cu Chulainn, and Oisin in Tir Na n-Og (the Land of Youth).

What Is The Most Colorful Town In Ireland?

Kinsale is the most colorful town in Ireland. The buildings of Kinsale town are painted bright pink, green, blue, and yellow. This little town is picturesque but it also has a great atmosphere and lively nightlife. There are lots of great restaurants and bars in Kinsale that have live music.

Now that you have this list of the best fairytale villages and small towns in Ireland you can plan out your next trip around the magical Emerald Isle.

Every time Ger and I wander around these fairytale villages and small towns we feel like we’re in a movie. The landscape, architecture, and traditions make these areas so unique and interesting.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Ireland, with this list you can narrow down to your favorites and plan a trip around them!

If you want to know more about Ireland and its beautiful areas you can check out these articles.

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