It’s the most mystical, Celtic, spiritual and rugged region of Ireland — and the towns along the way are just plain cute. ADVERTISINGEvery year, the Irish government holds a Tidy Town contest — and competition is fierce. About a half hour south of Cork, Kinsale is a pint-sized Tidy Town winner, with 5,000 people, 25 pubs, and a super-sized history. Farther north along the coast, colorful little Dingle — my favorite town in all of Ireland — perches on Ireland’s westernmost point. When the next Tidy Town competition rolls around, I’ll be rooting for Kinsale, Kenmare and Dingle.

Source: The Herald January 11, 2026 10:34 UTC