Where to Find Ireland’s Most Beautiful Coastal Villages

After your walk, head to the lovely town of Carlingford and visit the ancient King John’s Castle

The medieval town of Carlingford is snug up against the wondrous Carlingford Fjord, which is the natural border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Mixing both colourful houses with sombre medieval ruins, Carlingford is a town steeped in history. Not too far from the childhood home of C.S. Lewis, Carlingford Fjord was an inspiration to him in creating the world of Narnia (though mainly from the Northern Irish coastline). Lewis even went so far as to say, “That part of Rostrevor which overlooks Carlingford Lough [Fjord] is my idea of Narnia.”

The lovely (if unpronounceable!) seaside village of Dunfanaghy hugs the northern County Donegal coast in the shadow of Muckish Mountain. According to National Geographic Traveller, Co. Donegal is rated the #1 Coolest Place – and it certainly lives up to its reputation! Not only is Dunfanaghy both chill and picturesque, but it’s also only a stone’s throw away from Glenveagh National Park, a desolate landscape of castles, peaks, loughs and glens. Lovely as it is, Dunfanaghy is but one of many cool coastal villages in Co. Donegal.

Explore Donegal on our hiking trip, Hike the Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal. 

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Clinging to the edge of County Galway’s northern coastline is the quaint village of Roundstone. At the foot of Errisbeg Mountain, Roundstone is the gem of the Connemara region. Colourful boats bob in the harbour, and equally colourful houses hug the shore. Less than an hour from Connemara National Park, Roundstone is located in the beautiful backcountry of northern Galway – a great place for an outdoor adventure in the Connemara region!

Why not check out our Hike the Mountains of Connemara & Mayo?

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Far from its American twin, the village of Baltimore is a quaint, little harbour at the very bottom of Ireland. Baltimore has a troubled past – in 1631, a motley group of Moroccan, Algerian, Turkish and Dutch pirates attacked the town and captured, kidnapping between 100 and 200 people during the terrible Sack of Baltimore. Today, Baltimore enjoys Ireland’s mildest climate, and is the gateway to explore the lovely surrounding region – like Roaring Water Bay, the Baltimore Beacon, or any of the outlaying islands, including Cape Clear and Sherkin.

Visit Baltimore, the islands and other coastal villages on our exciting Hiking and Island Hopping in Cork & Kerry adventure! 

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