5 Heavenly Irish Holiday Homes We’d Love To Hide Away In

Want a relaxing summer holiday without the hassle of airport check-in and excess baggage? How about calling one of these blissful Irish holiday homes your own for a week or two?

With our unspoilt shores and rolling green vales, we’re lucky enough to live in a dreamy holiday destination (on those rare sunny days at least) and our miraculous motorways’make staycations a very viable option for the weary traveller. Renting a holiday home can be an ideal way to use your annual leave to authentically experience a different way of life, and we think there’s something for everyone in these five heavenly Irish holiday homes.

1. For clifftop drama

The Cliff Cottage at the Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford The seaside village of Ardmore has long been a favourite for memory-filled family holidays, and now the celebrated five-star Cliff House Hotel can offer a luxury self-catering option overlooking the bay for all the family. The beautifully designed Cliff Cottage has room for up to six adults, with additional space for children, and guests have free use of the Cliff House Hotel’s facilities, including the leisure centre and pool. We love the clean, modern design and, obviously, the amazing location. Sleeps six at €600 per night (reduced rates are considered for stays of four nights or more).

2. For a romantic break (go on, tree yo’self!)

Treehouse 1 at Grove House, Skibbereen, Co. Cork We love the idea of changing up the traditional couple’s weekend by staying in a treehouse with a difference. Nestled in the branches of spruce pines, the treehouses at Grove House in West Cork come with a private outdoor hot tub, an open-plan living, sleeping and dining area, satellite TV and broadband, and a fully equipped kitchen. Even better, it’s completely eco-friendly and constructed from 100 per cent sustainable materials. Sleeps two; prices from €995 per week.

3. For an intriguing mixture of old and new

Drimnamore House, Sneem, Co. Kerry. This recently refurbished holiday home near the famously picturesque Ring of Kerry is based around the structure of an original stone cottage from the 1900s. Attached, though, is an ‘enlarged simulated barn living structure’, which is’surrounded by acres of gardens and newly planted trees. Spacious and tastefully designed, this singular house is both cosy and contemporary, with a stone fireplace and an upstairs den area that’s a perfect place for kids to unwind in their own space. Located just outside Sneem village, it is close to sandy beaches and just over a mile from Parknasilla Resort & Spa. Sleeps up to 12 people (maximum eight adults and four children), priced €2,500-3,000 per week.

4. For old-school opulence

The Cottages, Bettystown, Co. Meath. The traditional Irish thatched cottages on Bettystown beach date back more than 300 years and have been respectfully restored as five-star luxury cottages for travellers looking for tradition with a twist. With vaulted oak-beamed ceilings, solid-oak flooring, feature fireplaces and fully fitted farmhouse-style kitchens with all utilities, these cottages retain their traditional charm but still have all the expected bells and whistles, including satellite TV. Suitable for families, couples and honeymooners, their beach fronting and organic flower gardens ensure a relaxing summer jaunt for all in an idyllic setting. Cottages sleep from two to six people; rates range from €1,900-?2,800 weekly depending on season and accommodation type.

5. For uninterrupted peace and quiet

The Boathouse, Inish Beg, Co. Cork. This award-winning property boasts a stunning location at the water’s edge on Inish Beg island in West Cork. With four luxurious bedrooms, a glass-fronted living area overlooking the River Ilen, and underfloor central heating, it’s a home run in the luxury department – but what really sold us was the open deck with views of the spectacular surrounding scenery: the perfect place for an impromptu barbecue or a drink at sunset. The property isn’t suitable for kids, but would be perfect for a relaxing break with friends. Sleeps eight, prices on request.

Want to book? Click your preference!?1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Looking for a home from home in the big smoke? Check out the four coolest Airbnb rentals in Dublin.

Love our lust list? Then like our Facebook page for more heavenly homes and on-trend interiors daily.

Kate Phelan for @Image_Interiors