Holiday homes with a difference from the Irish Landmark Trust

25 years on and 25 properties later, the Irish Landmark Trust continues to breathe life into some of Ireland’s most unique buildings. Ever dreamed of renting out a castle, sleeping in a mill or in a lighthouse? Well you can, writes Robert Hume

OLD buildings can become so much more than stuffy museums, housing dusty exhibits for hundreds of visitors to peek at over a rope as they file around a one-way system under the beady eyes of custodians.

In the properties managed by the Irish Landmark Trust (ILT) — a non-profit-making educational charity — guests are free to browse, handle and wander to their heart’s content. No chivvying to pass through rooms quickly. No killjoy signs such as “Visitors must remain with the guide at all times”, “Strictly no photography”, and “Please do not touch curtains”. Just be careful not to break things.