TravelPOIIreland's coastline is dotted with working fishing towns rather than big resort developments — places where the day still revolves around the boats coming in, fresh seafood on every menu, and a pub session most evenings. Here's a round-up of some of the best.
Dingle, County Kerry
Often named the favourite coastal town of seasoned Ireland travellers, Dingle sits at Ireland's westernmost point on its own dramatic peninsula. Its harbour is lined with brightly painted shopfronts and pubs, and the surrounding Dingle Peninsula is scattered with prehistoric sites and the spectacular Slea Head Drive.
Kinsale, County Cork
Known as the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland," Kinsale pairs a genuinely excellent food scene with real history — Charles Fort, a star-shaped 17th-century fortification, overlooks the harbour, while the town's colourful streets have twice won Ireland's Tidy Towns award.
Westport, County Mayo
A rare planned town, Westport's Georgian streets sit beside Clew Bay with its scattering of islands and views to Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain. It's a natural base for cycling the Great Western Greenway or climbing the mountain itself.
Cobh, County Cork
A colourful harbour town with a poignant history as the Titanic's final port of call, Cobh's steep, pastel-painted streets and waterfront cathedral make it one of the most photogenic stops on Ireland's south coast.
Kenmare, County Kerry
Another Tidy Towns regular, Kenmare combines vividly painted shopfronts with an ancient stone circle, traditional markets and easy access to the Ring of Kerry — a good, quieter alternative base to the busier towns nearby.
Clifden, County Galway
The unofficial capital of Connemara, Clifden sits surrounded by rugged mountains and Atlantic coastline, with the scenic Sky Road loop offering some of the best coastal views in the west of Ireland.
Dunfanaghy, County Donegal
A quiet base for exploring Donegal's dramatic coastline, including the towering Slieve League cliffs — among the highest sea cliffs in Europe — without the crowds found further south.
Howth, County Dublin
Just a short train ride from Dublin city centre, Howth offers a proper coastal escape with harbour-side seafood, a lighthouse walk, and one of the best cliff paths in Ireland.
Plan your own coastal road trip. Save towns, beaches and viewpoints to your TravelPOI bucket list, and read reviews from other travellers before you go.