Updated August 2025–If you’re looking for an experience rather than simply accommodation, then these 7 cool places to stay in Ireland will definitely satisfy.
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Aside from the many hotels and B&Bs that can be found in Ireland’s cities and countryside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the range of alternative forms of accommodation available in the Emerald Isle these days.
Some of the properties mentioned below are under the care of the Irish Landmark Trust.
Since 1992, the Trust has been saving some of Ireland’s most iconic buildings and preserving history at the same time.
Its 31 properties include castles and towers, lighthouses, lodges, and mews, as well as cottages and houses, to name a few.
Even though rates for the Trust properties that are highlighted in this blog post are accurate at this time, rates for all of its properties will vary depending on the time of year and whether visitors are staying midweek or on weekends.
While there are many cool places to stay on your next visit to Ireland, I’ve chosen 7 that are located in different parts of the country to give you a taste of what’s available.
The currency exchange rates mentioned below are based on information obtained in August 2025.
1. Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House, Whitehead, County Antrim
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping in a lighthouse? For many, lighthouses are fascinating places.
Both engineering marvels and beacons of safety for passing ships, staying in one provides a glimpse into another way of life.
Not to be confused with the Blackhead Lighthouse in County Clare, this lighthouse was built at the turn of the 20th century, making it older than the Clare lighthouse, which was constructed in 1936.
The iconic Antrim lighthouse once guided the ill-fated Titanic on its initial journey out of Belfast Lough and into the Irish Sea before landing in Southampton, England.
While the lighthouse is still actively managed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, no lightkeeper has lived at the station since 1975.
The self-catering Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House 1 is located about 20 miles north of Belfast by car and a 26-minute train journey from Belfast’s Lanyon Place Station to the nearby seaside resort of Whitehead.
The accommodation has oil-fired central heating throughout and contains many of the modern conveniences that you’ll find in other rental properties throughout the island of Ireland.
Adding to its charm is the antique furniture and seafaring artifacts that you’ll find, as well as an open fire if you choose to use it.
In the morning, wake up to spectacular scenery and if you’re up for it, I’d suggest taking the lovely 2.4-kilometer/1.5-mile coastal walk nearby called the Blackhead Path that is also suitable for cycling.
Enjoy the rocky shoreline, with views of Scotland and nearby islands from there, and a woodland area known locally as “the magical forest.
The area is famous for its bird population and you may see a few different species of birds on your route. Keep walking until you end up in the seaside town of Whitehead.
Cost of Accommodation at the Blackhead Lighthouse:
The cost to stay at the Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House 1 is approximately £435 Sterling/$585 US/€502/$804 CAD/$896 AUD for 2 nights. Sleeps 5.
Given that the lighthouse is close to Belfast, be sure to put this lively city on your list of places to visit in the region.
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2. Shepherds Huts, Blackstairs Eco Trail, Borris, County Carlow
For more cozy accommodation, check out the Shepherds Huts on the Blackstairs Eco Trail.
The 4 huts are owned by Robert and Mary White, who run a guided wildlife walking company out of their nearby Victorian-style home.
The Shepherds Huts are ideal for couples looking to get away from it all in a serene environment in the County Carlow countryside and might be interested in trying out glamping, a luxurious form of camping.
Equipped with double beds and central heating, these quirky huts are just 50 meters (164 feet) away from a restored 19th-century barn that has all the modern-day facilities you might still crave, including Wifi.
There is enough privacy between each hut to make this a truly cool and memorable place to stay.
The Barn includes a wet room, showers, a modern, well-equipped kitchen, as well as space to relax.
Outside, indulge in the wildflower meadow and rose garden.
If you are interested in taking a nature walk, going on a hike or you want to explore the beautiful Carlow countryside, you should definitely stick around.
The Whites offer a number of eco-friendly experiences at their wonderful accommodation. They include a foraging workshop, stargazing, a search for wild mushrooms of all shapes and sizes, and much more.
The facility is a popular spot for local civil marriages.
See the video below to get an idea of what’s in store at this magical spot.
Cost of Accommodation at the Shepherds Huts:
€110/$127 US/£95 Sterling/$175 CAD/$196 AUD per night for one hut, which includes an organic breakfast. Sleeps 2.
3. Annes Grove Miniature Castle, Castletownroche. County Cork
Feel like a royal when you stay in this miniature medieval castle, designed in 1853 to impress visitors to its larger nearby property called Annesgrove House and Gardens.
Located in the quiet County Cork countryside about 16 km (10 miles) outside of Mallow, this renovated house, one of the 7 cool places to stay in Ireland this year, has electric central heating throughout, a wood-burning stove and all of the other modern conveniences you’d expect from a rental property.
Like the lighthouse in Antrim, it, too, is managed by the Irish Landmark Trust.
Perhaps the most enticing part of this quirky, Gothic-inspired house is the narrow winding stairway that leads to the bedroom. A wood stove is available for use on days where it is cooler. However, electric central heating can also be used.
The nearby Annes Grove Estate & Gardens, which are open to the public from April through September, cannot be directly accessed from the lodge. Instead, you will need to go to the main entrance of the estate.
Cost of Accommodation at Anne’s Grove Miniature Castle:
€352/$409 US/£304 Sterling/$652 CAD/$627 AUD for 2 nights. Sleeps 2.
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4. Bookeen Hall, Athenry, County Galway
Fancy staying in a 200-year-old converted Church of Ireland chapel?
Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Well, this place certainly is.
Located about 20 miles/32 kilometers from Galway City and within easy reach of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, as well as Connemara, Bookeen Hall was constructed in 1820 but deconsecrated in 1920, which is why it can now be used as a family home.
The church was part of the Dunsandle Estate (owned by Lord Dunsandle, who had large tracts of land throughout Galway) and was used for its Church of Ireland congregation.
It had been left vacant until it was lovingly restored into a two-bedroom home that also includes an open-plan living/dining room and plenty of architectural evidence from its days as a place of worship.
The guest bedroom (for visitors) has access to its own bell tower/reading room with great views of the surrounding County Galway countryside.
A private bathroom includes a claw-foot bathtub.
Bookeen Hall can accommodate up to 5 with the use of the second bedroom, which includes a king and a single-sized bed.
You’ll be treated to tea/coffee along with a home-baked treat once you arrive, and an additional warm welcome from the owners’ two dogs.
A continental breakfast is served each morning.
Cost of Accommodation at Bookeen Hall:
€144/$167 US/£124 Sterling/$230 CAD/$256 AUD per night for 2 people. Sleeps up to 5. There is an additional Airbnb service fee of approximately $25 added on to the cost.
5. Yurt Self-Catering Accommodation, Teapot Lane Glamping, Mallanyduff, County Leitrim
There’s really something for everyone at Teapot Lane Glamping, an adult-only accommodation.
You can choose from one of the 3 forest domes (sleeps 2-4) on the site, which contain super king beds and a glass wood stove to keep you cozy if it’s chilly outside, as well as a couples treehouse, and the Bluebell Cottage (accommodates larger groups and those with pets) and is more suitable for those who are not interested in the traditional glamping experience.
Shower facilities and a communal cooking area are both nearby.
This accommodation is located on the border between three counties, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal, giving you the chance to explore parts of each.
If you’re into the outdoors, there are lots of activities to explore in this region, including surfing, horse riding, and hillwalking.
Cost of Accommodation at Teapot Lane Glamping:
Rates are from €175/$167 US/£124 Sterling/$230 CAD/$311 AUD per night. Sleeps from 2 and up.
6. Cuckoo Wood Hexagon, Westport, County Mayo
Located on a piece of property that is part orchard, part-woodland, this hexagon-shaped wooden hut is another one of the 7 cool places to stay in Ireland this year.
Located 5 km (3 miles) outside of Westport in County Mayo, the hut is ideal for two people.
It includes a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, wood-fired stove, and all the other modern amenities you might expect in a rental.
There’s also a cool deck to relax on during the summer months.
There are plenty of opportunities to hike in the area, including a climb of nearby Croagh Patrick. A nearby river is ideal if you’re up for fishing, and a native woods, only 2 kilometers away, is waiting to be explored. If you’re up for a day of cycling, I suggest you take to the Great Western Greenway.
Cost of Accommodation at the Cuckoo Wood Hexagon:
The average cost of a stay at the Cuckoo Wood Hexagon is $127 US/€109/£94 Sterling/$174 CAD/$194 AUD per night. Sleeps 2.
7. Finn Lough Bubble Domes, County Fermanagh
Is sleeping under the stars something that you crave while in Ireland? Well, Finn Lough Bubble Domes in County Fermanagh will most definitely satisfy that need.
This unique form of accommodation first opened in 2015 with the launch of two domes on the woodland shores of Finn Lough.
Today, there are a total of eight forest domes, six premium domes and three river domes.
The stylish domes include four-poster beds, with the premium domes, a combination of two bubble domes, containing a free-standing stone bath that overlooks the woodland.
Each bubble dome can only accommodate 2 adults; no children are allowed.
Larger lakeside villas equipped with three bedrooms, a private lounge, a wood-burning stove along with a private garden are perfect for bigger groups.
Breakfast is included and is delivered each morning in a hamper. Nespresso coffee machines are in each bubble dome, as well as a supply of Irish spring water and freshly baked cookies.
Additional luxuries include Marshall speakers throughout each bubble dome for great surround sound, a spa experience to die for, an on-site restaurant, and so much more.
Cost of Accommodation at Finnlough Bubble Domes:
Rates per night for a Forest Bubble Dome are approximately £289/$388 US/€334/$534 CAD/$595 AUD. Sleeps 2.
Are you interested in any one of these cool places to stay in Ireland? Let me know in the comments below.
Hello Colette,
I’m looking for a long-stay B&B (two week) in Sligo during August. Could you recommend any and what would be their rate for the long -term stay.
Thank you,
Michael
Michael, the Benbulben Farmhouse B&B is very nice. I don’t know what their rates are but I suggest you reach out to them to see if they might give you a deal given that you want to stay there for a 2-week period. The website is: https://benbulbenfarmhouse.com/