Hollywood has, since ages, relied on the Irish countryside for the most perfect backdrop for fairytale movies. Now is your time to go live your P.S. I Love You dreams in the small settlements that dot the Emerald Isle and discover the island without big cities, well except Dublin and Belfast. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Dingle
https://instagram.com/p/B0Ad6aKA2HH/
Dingle is a quaint-little place that exudes a modern yet old-school charm and is a haven for all culture-enthusiasts, shopaholics and souvenir-collectors. Like every traditional irish village, Dingle doesn’t have a dearth of Irish pubs, (one every forty residents!) where you can order a pint and let things roll our at their own pace. Artisan shops, galleries and craft businesses are aplenty in Dingle, meaning this is the perfect place for the ‘shop-till-you-drop’ frenzy.
2. Westport
https://instagram.com/p/BzF4HePCWDF/
The minute you step into its picturesque cobbled streets, you’ll know why the genetry folk of the 18th century came to Westport for their summer holidays. Colourfully-painted pubs with Georgian buildings, Westport is all that and much more with the Carrowbeg river navigating through this village-cum-town under triple-arched bridges that are perfect for that Gram. The town is overlooked by the holy Croagh Patrick mountain, and the Atlantic ocean is at a stone throw’s distance.
3. Rosses Point
https://instagram.com/p/BzqhBkRCyxK/
Rosses Point at County Sligo is where William Butler Yeats and his youngest artist brother Jack whiled most of their time during the summer at their residence, the Elsinore House. Views of Coney Island and Oyster Island, Metal Man Lighthouse (1921), Waiting on Shore sculpture, the Sligo Yacht Club and the County Sligo Golf Club are some of the things that excite the visitors who come to Rosses Point to discover what inspired Yeats. Sea-faring activities, with deep sea angling, reef and shark fishing and island visits can be enjoyed here at Rosses Point. Perfect vacay plan, right?
4. Cong
https://instagram.com/p/B0iSXFeA4JH/
The island village of Cong, situated between County Galway and County Mayo has rich literary history—it was the home of Sir William Wilde, the father of Oscar Wilde. Besides, Ashford Castle, Cong Abbey and the sites where the Oscar-winning movie The Quiet Man was filmed are the best places to while away some time when at Cong.
5. Adare
https://instagram.com/p/Bz2lDVugAnq/
Meaning ‘Ford of the Oak’, Adare is hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in Ireland. It was the market place during the Middle Ages and a part of the Dunraven Estate. The well-planned architecture of the village is a charming mix of English and old Irish styles, evident from its fortresses and old abbeys. Golf afficionados will LOVE the 18-hole Golf Course at the Adare Golf Club.
Related: A Royal Holiday: You Can Stay at These Castles in Ireland
