Looking for a holiday with a difference? Why not take a tour around some of Ireland’s many top heritage towns. No trip to Ireland is complete until you have visited and explored some of the many heritage towns peppered throughout the country. In this article we take a look at just a selection of some of Ireland’s wonderful heritage towns.

Kilrush – County Clare

Kilrush or ‘Cill Rois’ in Irish meaning ‘The church of the woods’, is a town located in County Clare near the mouth of the Shannon Estuary. Towards the end of the 18th Century ‘The Vandeleur Family’ were the local landlords, during their reign the Vandeleur family contributed to the development and infrastructure of the town. Today there is a restored walled garden and impressive 420-acre of woodlands. Kilrush is a pleasant little market town with an excellent marina and maritime activities.

Kinsale – County Cork

Kinsale is a beautiful and colourful fishing town located in West Cork that sits at the mouth of the River Bandon. This is an extremely popular tourist destination with much to see and do. Steeped in rich history it was here The Battle of Kinsale took place in 1601 – this was a big turning point in Irish history.

Visit the 17th century military fort of Charles Fort and the amazing Desmond Castle. Other historic sites to see include: Saint Multose Church which dates back to 1190 and is still in use today, The Courthouse, The Almshouse, The Regional Museum and The International Museum of Wine! Kinsale is considered the Gourmet Capital’ of Ireland and includes a fantastic selection of exceptional restaurants and cafés.

Listowel – County Kerry

Listowel is located on the banks of the River Feale in north County Kerry and is a beautiful thriving inland heritage town. Also referred to as ‘The Literary Capital of Ireland’, it is home to many famous writers such as Brian McMahon and John. B. Keane to name a few. Every June, Listowel plays host to ‘Writers Week’ which is a popular festival and celebration of Irish writers.

Listowel has an impressive Arts and Heritage Centre with a theatre which features traditional Irish music and exhibitions, Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church dating back to 1829, Listowel Castle: of which consists of two remaining 12th Century square towers, and Teach Siamsa Folk Theatre located in Finuge just a mere 3 miles away.

Cashel – County Tipperary

The town of Cashel is located in County Tipperary and was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. Cashel once lived under the protection of the Rock of Cashel which is one of Ireland’s most visited heritage sites, this is an amazing cluster of medieval monuments that rises spectacularly out of Tipperary’s Golden Vale.

The Cashel Heritage Centre is located in City Hall and here you can learn about the rich heritage of Cashel. At the foot of The Rock of Cashel you will find the Bru Boru Heritage Centre which is a celebration of native Ireland, here you can enjoy live shows of Irish song, dance and culture. Also on-site is a restaurant, craft centre, recreation chamber, information centre, and genealogy suite.

Westport – County Mayo

The heritage town of Westport is located in County Mayo overlooking the spectacular Clew Bay. James Watt, a well-known 18th Century architect, designed this beautiful town which is the larges costal town in County Mayo. Croagh Patrick is located nearby and it is here St. Patrick is said to have fasted for forty days and forty nights. It is one of the most famous places of religious pilgrimage in the world.

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