Small Towns, Big Magic: Ireland’s Most Overlooked Gems

Ireland may be known for its headline acts – Dublin’s buzz, Dingle’s drama, the Wild Atlantic Way. But, beyond the usual showstoppers, lie towns with quieter charms– places where you might not plan to stop but, if you do, you’ll be glad you lingered.

Here are nine underrated towns across Ireland, each one with a lively story to tell and something lovely to offer.

Ardara | County Donegal

Tucked between moody mountains and winding inlets, Ardara once thrived as a center for Donegal tweed. Its woolen mills brought weavers and traders to the heart of the county, and it’s a legacy that’s still stitched into the storefronts and shops.

Music, too, pulses through Ardara’s pubs, and it’s a tradition that carries through the air most nights.

Many of us rush past Ardara in pursuit of Slieve League or the sea cliffs farther north, but pause here for lunch and you’ll find yourself drawn in. Stop by Nancy’s Bar for oysters and chowder, wander down to the old weavers’ workshops, and follow the Glengesh Pass just outside town for views that will stretch into your soul.

Roundstone | County Galway

This fishing village on the edge of Connemara has long drawn artists and dreamers to its rocky coastline. Founded in the 1820s by Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo, Roundstone became a quiet cultural hub where the light dances in a way that begs to be painted.

The beaches nearby, Dog’s Bay and Gurteen, curve in perfect pale crescents, ideal for long barefoot walks. You can hear the sound of traditional bodhráns being handmade at Malachy Kearns’s workshop, or simply sip a pint at O’Dowd’s as the tide rolls in. With the Twelve Bens (a beautiful mountain range)  looming in the background, Roundstone is wildness wrapped in peace.

Ennistymon | County Clare

Ennistymon has its own rhythm, and it’s just a short drive from Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. Its market-town roots date back centuries, with shopfronts and stone bridges that tell tales of trade and travel long before the tourists came. The cascading Falls River runs right through the heart of town, carving out a little drama between the rows of Georgian buildings.

Ennistymon is a great base for exploring Clare, but worth lingering in itself. There’s homemade cake at Oh La La, pottery studios, and the hum of conversation outside The Cheese Press café. You can make this your base because you’re close to everything: Lahinch’s surf, the Burren’s majesty, and Doolin’s dance.

Killaloe | County Clare

Once the seat of High King Brian Boru, Killaloe was a political and spiritual powerhouse in the 11th century, commanding the River Shannon. Today, it stretches along the riverbank with a grace that hasn’t faded. Its cathedral, stone bridges, and old streets still echo with stories.

The twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, just across the bridge in Tipperary, make for a perfect weekend escape. You can cruise along Lough Derg, stroll the heritage trails, and watch rowing teams glide by.

There’s something timeless about Killaloe – something soft and steady in the way it holds its past close to its beating heart.