Barrow Region, Ireland

This “Medieval city” (now officially a town) is the arts and artisanal center of Ireland. From April to October, its streets buzz with local and tourist shoppers in search of unique clothing, gifts, and homewares.

They come in the winter months, too, though in lesser numbers.

The big event in town is the annual Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in June that attracts comedy fans from around the world, while November’s Kilkenomics Festival—a quirky marriage of economists and comedians from around the world—is growing in popularity.

And, any time boredom strikes, you can reach Dublin in 70 minutes by direct motorway.

The whole county of Kilkenny deserves to be explored, particularly those towns and villages along the Nore and Barrow rivers.

Dotted between patchwork fields representing every shade of green, you’ll find potters, glassmakers, and jewelry designers, all inspired by the natural beauty surrounding them.

While Graiguenamanagh has all the appearances of a sleepy Irish village, the river is a hub of activity. Visitors here don’t come for the nightlife. They come to swim, jump from the diving boards, kayak, barge, fish, and eat some of the tastiest home baking from local tearooms and cafes.

Golfers have great options. Just 2 kilometers outside Graiguenamanagh, on the Carlow side of the river, is 18-hole Carrigleade Golf Course.

Other notable courses in the county are Kilkenny Golf Club, Callan Golf Club, and the prestigious Jack-Nicklaus-designed Mount Juliet Golf Course that has twice hosted the WGC-American Express Championship.

And, if you’re not a golfer, the Mount Juliet resort is ideal for a leisurely stroll and a treat of afternoon tea.