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.
Some are only suitable for couples, while others, like the lighthouse properties near Whitehead in County Antrim and the ring fort huts in Co. Wexford, are more suitable for families.
The currency exchange rates mentioned below are based on rates as of October 2023.
Learn more about these 7 cool places to stay in Ireland this year.
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, the Blackhead Antrim 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.
There are three restored lightkeeper properties for rent, which are all managed by the Trust.
They include the Blackhead Cutter, the Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House 1 and the Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House 2.
The self-catering lighthouse properties are about 20 miles north of Belfast by car and a 40-minute train journey from Belfast’s Lanyon Place Station to the nearby seaside resort of Whitehead.
All of them have oil-fired central heating throughout and contain many of the modern conveniences that you’ll find in other rental properties throughout the island of Ireland.
Adding to their charm are the antique furniture and seafaring artifacts you’ll find in each of them.
Wake up to spectacular scenery from any of these properties, plus there’s a delightful coastal walk nearby called the Blackhead Path that shouldn’t be missed.
The 2.4 km (1.5 miles) coastal path is currently being repaired but it should be accessible to walkers by the summer.
The path will take you past sea caves toward the Gobbins Cliff Path, a popular tourist attraction. Go the other way and you’ll reach the lovely Whitehead.
Cost of Accommodation at the Blackhead Lighthouse:
The cost of accommodation at the lighthouse depends on what property you choose. Expect to pay from $450/€425/£371 Sterling/$624 CAD/$710 AUD t0 $580/€548.27/£478 Sterling/$805/$915 AUD for 2 nights.
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.
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, which is part of the property (guests do not have access to that).
The Shepherds Huts are ideal for couples looking to get away from it all in a serene environment in the County Carlow countryside.
Equipped with double beds and central heating, these quirky cribs 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’re just curious about the popular outdoor activity known as foraging, you should definitely stick around.
The Whites offer a number of eco-friendly experiences at their wonderful accommodation, some at an additional, affordable cost. They include a foraging workshop, The Celtic Tree Trail, a Wild Fungi Experience 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:
€90/$95 US/£78 Sterling/$131 CAD/$150 AUD per night for one hut, which includes an organic breakfast.
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 (about 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.
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 only open to the public from April through September, cannot be accessed from the lodge.
Cost of Accommodation at Anne's Grove Miniature Castle:
$484/€457/£399 Sterling/$671 CAD/$764 AUD for 2 nights.
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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 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 (headed by Lord Dunsandle, who owned 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 Co. 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:
$143/€135/£117 Sterling/$198 CAD/$225 AUD per night for 2 people.
5. Yurt Self-Catering Accommodation, Teapot Lane Glamping, Mallanyduff, County Leitrim
There’s really something for everyone at Teapot Lane Glamping.
You can choose from one of the forest domes, which contains king beds and a glass wood stove to keep you cozy if it's chilly outside, a couples treehouse, or the Bluebell Cottage, 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.
Cost of Accommodation at Teapot Lane Glamping:
Rates are from €175/$184 US/£152 Sterling/$256 CAD/$291 AUD per night.
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.
Cost of Accommodation at the Cuckoo Wood Hexagon:
The average cost of a stay at the Cuckoo Wood Hexagon is $100/€94/£82 Sterling/$138 CAD/$157 AUD per night.
7. Ringfort Stayover, The Irish National Heritage Park, County Wexford
You can’t help but feel like you literally stepped back in time at the Irish National Heritage Park. And when I say back in time, I mean, 1,500 years ago!
You’ll most likely get that feeling as you check in for the night at one of the park’s ringforts, an authentic experience that is intended to give visitors a glimpse into life in Ireland during the Age of the Vikings.
You’ll get to stay in an early medieval ringfort known as the Farmer’s House, complete with stone walls, a thatched roof, and a central hearth.
You can even dress up in an authentic costume if you like and then cook on an open fire. This is an ideal experience for up to 8 people or two families of 4.
Be sure to check out the remainder of this fun 40-acre park, which includes natural woodland, 16 reconstructed historic sites, and a live archaeological dig where the first Norman castle was said to have been built in Ireland.
There are three themed heritage tours available to visitors.
They include Pre-Historic Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, and the Age of Invasion.
Cost of Accommodation at The Irish National Heritage Park:
The cost to stay overnight in either a ringfort or Viking House is €550 per night. The Viking House accommodates 4-8 people and the ringfort accommodates 2-6 people.
Contact the park for more information and to make a reservation.
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/