Holiday rentals with a difference
From thatched cottages to light houses to gypsy-style caravans, rounds up some of Ireland’s most unique holiday homes.
The Fairytale ‘Cottage’
The Sheen Falls pays no heed to the fusty, austere stereotype of a five star hotel. Warm welcomes (yet always with that touch of the professional), this is a luxurious home away from home.
So it stands to reason that their holiday homes would be every bit as unique. If the gated entrance, with its electronic coded gates, doesn’t capture the kids’ attentions, then the houses certainly will.
Take Villa Rosa for example, with its pink walls and thatched roof. Little imaginative minds will think themselves transported straight to the pages of Hansel and Gretel.
Staff call it the cottage but this four bedroom house, with its mezzanine and dining table long enough to seat 10 people, is anything but.
While the kids (and foreign tourists) will appreciate the quaint exterior, the grown ups will soak up the lush interiors, the showstopping chandelier and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the bay being the standouts.
The beds, meanwhile, are large enough to sleep three people, each ensuite has a double sink, and the personal Sky boxes in each bedroom, complete with full movie packages, are a great touch.
The welcome hamper — a stocked fridge, and pantry, plus newspapers delivered each morning to the door — is the icing on the cake. And then there’s the nespresso and ice machine.
A fairytale holiday for everyone.
Keep An Eye On The Sea
If the wild Atlantic is calling, then consider a stay in a real lighthouse keeper’s house this summer.
There are two houses to rent at Galley Head Lighthouse in West Cork, both perched on dramatic cliffs about 130 feet above sea level.
Both sleep four and are simply decorated and functional — the bonus here is the location.
Holiday Like A Rockstar
Just a few kilometres outside Clonakilty and surrounded by coves and beaches, Dunowen House is the former home of Noel Redding, the bassist with the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Today, the house is a lesson in understated luxury.
You can opt to rent Orchard Cottage, the three-bedroom house within the estate’s walled garden.
Sleeping up to five people, it has a full kitchen, but we suggest availing of the onsite catering service and enjoy a private dinner on one of the nights.
The Urban Idyll
Nestled into a back street just 300 metres from Leinster House, Merrion Mews sits over an old stable and overlooks a yard.
The cottage has three double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a full farm-style kitchen and is deceptively spacious.
It sleeps up to six people and has its own wood-burning stove.
Go Back In Time
Thatcher’s Rest is an award-winning thatched cottage nestled right onto the beachfront of Bettystown in County Meath.
Restored with utter reverence to its original style, there’s a sitting room with vaulted ceilings and a fully fitted farmhouse kitchen should you wish to cook up a storm.
The cottage sleeps up to six people comfortably.
Sleep On Hushabye Farm
Lullaby Lodge at Hushabye Farm Alpacas in County Laois is an utterly gorgeous self-catering experience.
This newly renovated two-bedroom cottage is tucked away in a quiet corner of a working Alpaca stud farm and sleeps up to four people.
As well as sleeping under Alpaca duvets and bedding, it’s a great opportunity to learn all about Alpacas – the owners will even let you take them for a walk.
Independent Luxury
If you want all the ease of a self-catering holiday but the facilities of a five star hotel, then look no further than the holiday homes at The Park Kenmare.
The Townhouse is their self-contained holiday home in the centre of Kenmare town, just minutes walk from the hotel proper.
Sleeping up to six people, it has all the high-end luxury that we would expect from The Park, like surround sound, ensuite bedrooms and the softest of towels.
The benefit of staying here is that visitors can enjoy all the guest facilities at the hotel itself.
Design in Rural Paradise
Designed by award-winning architect Niall McLaughlin, Skyros in Schull has been created with poured concrete and clad entirely in Irish Kilkenny Limestone, fusing modern architecture with minimalist style.
Flush with all mod cons, including a smart television, sound system and underfloor heating, this home sleeps up to six people.
A Fisherman’s Hideaway
Muckno Lodge in County Monaghan was originally a gamekeeper’s cottage and dates back to 1869.
The five-bedroom property looks out onto its own private lake, whilst original features include old stone fireplace and Bath coat of arms above the door.
It has been tastefully redecorated and sleeps up to ten people.
Sleep Like Royalty
A miniature medieval castle, Annes Grove in Castletownroche, County Cork, was designed in 1853 as a vanity project.
The purpose of its creation was to impress visitors enough to head up to the main house – Annesgrove House and Gardens.
Today, the mini castle has been restored and sleeps two people comfortably - and a dog!
A Cowshed, But Not As You Know It
Conservation building specialist, Tom Howard, along with his wife Lilian, has faithfully restored his old family farmstead just outside Doolin, and now has two luxury properties — cowshed included — for rental this summer.
The Hazel, which was the original cowshed, sleeps four and features two bedrooms, a double height ceiling and a galley kitchen.
Get Lost In Kerry
Lost Cottage in Kerry featured on the last series of Room To Improve and is now available for holiday rentals.
This super amazing traditional cottage has been redesigned with modern touches that are utterly sympathetic to its original architecture, and enjoys views out onto the lake beyond.
It sleeps up to four people.
Holiday On The Water
Take a trip on Ireland’s tranquil canals by renting Anam Cara, a super cosy 40-foot traditional barge.
With a basic kitchen and shower room, the barge sleeps up to four people.
Bed linen, towels and crockery are all provided, and the owners advise that a little boating experience is helpful when driving her; but not essential.
Stay In A Grain Barn
The Granary is a converted grain barn on Ballard Farm in County Wicklow.
Sleeping five, and furnished with both oil and solid fuel heating should the weather turn during your stay, this is an exceptionally cosy cottage.
Pets are welcome here and guests are welcome to loll in the hammock in the garden for as long as they like.
Camping, But Not As You Know It
If you think you want to experience the great outdoors, but a few nights at a music festival has dampened your enthusiasm for tents, then consider a stay in a camping pod.
Pods Ireland are wooden cabins that are insulated with Earth wool and sleep up to five people.
The pods can be found in 25 locations around the country. Our favourites are in Belmullett, Portumna and Drimoleague.
Follow The Stars Grouse
Lodge Recording studio in Westmeath has recorded albums for stars including Michael Jackson, Will.I.Am, Snow Patrol and REM and you too can be part of its history.
Stay in Bishopstown House, a self contained house on its grounds, which boasts eight spacious bedrooms and extra accommodation in the courtyard area, two large sitting rooms and a massive country kitchen.
The house can accommodate groups of up to twenty sharing, making it a fantastic getaway for group holidays.
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