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Charming European Towns Ireland

Irish towns

By Rasma RaistersPublished 7 months ago • 4 min read
Rock of Cashel

Enjoy the amazing string of beautiful cottages that line the main street of the quaint town of Adare. These were built in the 19th century by the landlord Earl of Dunraven. The cottages used to be homes to the workers from Adare Manor but now house craft stores and fine dining restaurants. Adare has been designated a heritage town by the Irish government. The town is located in County Donegal and was awarded the title of the “best village to live in” by the Irish Times in 2012.

Nearby you can explore natural wonders such as Glengesh Pass.

Silver Strand

The Slieve League Cliffs

Right in the heart of Ireland, Athlone is an ancient crossing point on the Shannon River, the longest river in the country.

Visiting Athlone Castle, a historic landmark in Ireland dating back to the 12th century, originally built as a timber fort and later evolved into a stone castle to control a strategic crossing over the River Shannon. Today, Athlone Castle serves as a visitor center, offering exhibitions and guided tours that delve into its rich history.

Nature lovers enjoy Lough Ree, a significant lake in Ireland, known for its natural beauty and historical importance. The archipelago of islands within Lough Ree holds a rich tapestry of Irish history, from prehistoric times through various invasions and settlements. It is popular for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation, making it a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cashel is a picturesque small village that is home to a medieval complex.

Visit the medieval complex, the Rock of Cashel, a fortress with the ruins of a 13th-century cathedral and Hall of Vicars (pictured above)

The town of Clifden is surrounded by beaches and places to go hiking.

Visitors come because the town is close to Connemara National Park, which has one of the three fjords in Ireland.

Killary Harbor has wetlands and bogs with bridges to cross them.

See the beautiful and impressive Kylemore Abbey with amazing architecture and walled gardens.

Take the Sky Road, an epic coastal highway.

Stop by to visit Clifden Castle. It is a ruined manor house west of the town of Clifden in the Connemara region of County Galway, Ireland. It was built c. 1818 for John D'Arcy, the local landowner, in the Gothic Revival style. 

Some of the best beaches in Ireland are near the town of Clonakilty.

Inchydoney Beach is popular during the summertime.

Visit the Michael Collins House, a museum dedicated to Irish patriot and revolutionary hero Michael Collins. Visit to learn about the “Big Fella” himself, his life story entwined with the history of the fight for Irish independence. The museum is presented in an accessible manner through guided tours, interactive displays, audiovisuals, artifacts, and more, bringing the history to life for all the family. 

Enjoy the West Cork Model Railway Village and see what Clonakilty looked like in the 1940s.

The town of Cobh was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic ocean liner.

You can visit the museum in the site of the original White Star Line Ticket Office, Titanic Experience.

Visit Spike Island, which in the 1850s was the world’s largest prison. This former prison is welcome to anyone who wants to see over 1300 years of history. Spike Island has been used as a military fortress and a notorious prison since the 18th century. It was notably a site for political prisoners and those condemned during the Great Famine. The prison was officially closed in 2004, but it remains a point of interest for its dark past and historical significance.

A charming coastal town, Dingle has colorful streets, traditional pubs, and is surrounded by amazing landscapes.

Considered a local celebrity, the bottlenose dolphin entertains visitors along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The seaside town of Dun Laoghaire has one of the largest harbors in Ireland.

The East Pier at Dun Laoghaire Harbor is over a kilometer long and great for strolling.

See the 250-year-old, 40-foot promontory swimming area.

The town of Howth is located just 30 minutes from Dublin. It is a beautiful seaside town.

Outside of town you can enjoy hiking on the Howth Cliff Walk Loop, a trail that follows the cliffs and offers amazing views.

A popular Irish countryside town, Killarney is the starting point for visitors who want to drive the Ring of Kerry.

Among the popular attractions is the Muckross House, a Tudor-style mansion built in 1843. It is situated on the Muckross Peninsula, between Muckross Lake and Lough Leane, approximately 6 kilometers from Killarney town. The house was designed by Scottish architect William Burn in the Tudor style, showcasing the lifestyle of the landed gentry during the Victorian era.

The Ring of Kerry is a well-known scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula.

Enjoy the Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland.

The beautiful town of Kilkenny has many well-preserved historic buildings. There are castles, abbeys, and cathedrals.

Visit the Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195 by the Normans, and enjoy strolling the grounds.

The Woodstock House and Garden is one of the best gardens among the small villages in the country.

The town closest to the Gleveaugh National Park is Letterkenny.

The park consists of forests and mountain slopes, once part of the estate of Glenveaugh Castle.

The park has the largest herd of red deer in Ireland. The trails take you to the castle.

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About the Creator

Rasma Raisters

My passions are writing and creating poetry. I write for several sites online and have four themed blogs on Wordpress. Please follow me on Twitter.

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    Written by Rasma Raisters