I enjoy visiting picturesque and well-preserved historical towns in Europe. What towns would you seasoned Ireland experts suggest I consider?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
In the west, Adare, and in the east, Avoca.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Kinsale
Posted by
New York, NY
319 posts
Kinsale is a great choice. Perfect little town squeezed in between the coast and the hills surrounding it, which offer gorgeous views of the harbor. Charles Fort is a well preserved 16th C. fort. Great restaurants as well.
Kilkenny is another good choice for a well-preserved medieval town.
Finally, the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula do not contain much in the way of "towns", but they have the most spectacular scenery anywhere. The town of Dingle still retains its small town charm. Waterville is also nice. My wife and I had some great coffe, tea, and pastries at a hotel right on the main street overlooking the beach, which is a beautiful view. I can't remember the name of it right now but it's easy to find. Apparently, Chaplin spent a lot of time there in his later years.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
I would vote for Cong in the west along with Adare. Also if you are doing the Ring of Kerry, I loved Waterville.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Westport. Not to far from Cong. Not too historical, but very picturesque. Rick's got a great section on it in his Ireland book. PS - we were able to find great 1 week house rentals there and in Cong for just $350USD in May!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Galway
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
530 posts
Towns already suggested are great. I'd add Inistioge and Lahinch.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
The name of the delightful hotel in Waterville where Charlie Chaplin vacationed, is "The Butlers Arms".
Posted by
Sacramento
39 posts
Cobh is a great little town as well - just east of Kinsale.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
Kenmare is a pleasant little town. It received a "Tidy Town" award.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I definitely agree with Cobh and Kenmare!
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
Get away from the crowds and check out Donegal Town.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2775 posts
Dingle is my favorite -- gorgeous scenery, cute town, lots to do. I also like Kinsale very much -- also scenic with good food and an amusing ghost tour at night.
My only caution about Adare is that it has a busy road running through the middle. I think that kills the charm.
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, USA
147 posts
Dingle, Kinsale, Kilkenny.
We also liked dunmore east.
Posted by
Germantown, MD
111 posts
another vote for Cobh...stayed there for 2 days and nights in September 2007...did the Titanic tour walk...went to Blarney Castle, Jameson Distillery tour. When we left we drove to the Ring of Kerry...amazing views and scenery