From cottages and castles to treehouses and old school buses, these are alternative accommodation options to plan a staycation around.
Hotels are, like, so five years ago.
If, like me, any bit of sunshine sends you down an AirBnB rabbit hole, wildly scrolling through seemingly infinite options ranging from dingy and dreary to extremely extravagant, allow me to save your thumbs some work.
Caravans, cabins, cottages, castles — there are countless alternatives to the standard hotel room, so why not plan your next staycation around the accommodation, rather than the destination?
Here are ten top picks for alternative accommodation to book this summer…
Drummond Castle
4 guests, Drogheda, €240/night
Built as a Folly Tower in 1858 by William Drummond Delap as part of Monasterboice House & Demesne, Drummond Tower was recently restored into a small habitable dwelling so that guests can live inside a little piece of history for a night or two.
Highlights include the first floor study, complete with an extensive library of books to browse through, an illuminated roof terrace ideal for late night stargazing, and an ensuite bedroom fit for royalty with views across the surrounding treetops.
Crab Tree Cabin
2 guests, Raven’s Rock, Co. Waterford, €112/night
This tranquil log cabin is nestled in the Comeragh Mountains in county Waterford, and would make for the perfect lovers’ retreat. Blending nature with luxury, Raven’s Rock is set on a working sheep farm, closer to stunning hill walks like Lough Mohra, Coumshingaun, and the Suir BlueWay.
The site has two identical cabins (in case you wanted to make it a double date weekend away, or a family affair), with private kitchenettes complete with barbeques and cooking facilities. There’s also a shared toilet and hot shower.
E. Gray House
2 guests, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, €198/night
The interiors of this triple-glazed cabin alone would be enough motivation for a sojourn in Dungarvan. From the cork ceiling and carefully selected furniture to the exquisite artwork and sea views, it’s also within a short cycle to plenty of beaches, mountains and coastal walks.
The space comprises 45 square metres, with a mezzanine bedroom, a luxurious bathroom with underfloor heating, a well-equipped kitchen, and — wait for it — a retractable 180cm projector screen for a movie night to remember.
The Hidden Haven at Derry Duff
2 guests, Co. Cork, €337/night
Derry Duff is a remote, organic, mountain farm in the heart of West Cork, and a stay in this luxury lodge (overlooking a lake with mountain views) is like a breath of fresh air. Designed with relaxation in mind, it’s spacious, stylish, light-filled and restfully decorated, with a focus on high quality, Irish made and eco products.
There’s a barbeque area outside, and beach towels, picnic blankets, wellies, etc. for exploring the area. You’ll receive a big breakfast hamper filled with homemade treats, there’s a daily cleaning service, and Swedish massages can be arranged in the guest suite of the main farmhouse.
Tramore Eco Bus
6 guests, Co. Waterford, €206/night
Located on a horse farm between Tramore and the Waterford Greenway, this Eco Bus is a fun option for slightly larger groups, whether you want to escape with your family or friends. The big purple double-decker bus has been renovated with reclaimed materials and offers a semi-off-grid appeal while remaining comfortable.
‘Dervla’ the bus has one king-sized bed, two single beds, and two bunks. There’s a fully equipped galley kitchen, a wood-burning stove, and a wetroom shower and toilet. Outside, there’s a gorgeous furnished deck for unwinding beside the fire pit, or cooking on the asado grill.
Pops Dream
2 guests, Co. Clare, €125/night
Set on the sunny side of Lough Derg, this cabin is a small slice of paradise in Whitegate, Co. Clare. Self-contained with a kitchen, bathroom, and mezzanine bed, there’s also a private veranda with room for two.
There’s also a small barbeque provided, so you can cook up a storm on a summer’s day as you gaze over the water, fully immersed in nature.
ÈALÚ
4 guests, Co. Mayo, €326/night
This little oasis is positioned on a south facing hill, overlooking a wide expanse of valley, tucked away from everything but just a five minute spin from Westport Town. A Swiss-style chalet comprising two floors, this AirBnB’s most attractive feature (of which there are many) has to be the wood-fired hot tub perched on the spacious deck, overlooking the valley.
The internal accommodation is every bit as luxurious, and there’s even a hammock strung out across the balcony for complete and utter relaxation.
Teacup Vintage Caravan
2 guests, Co. Donegal, €52/night
The Teacup Vintage Caravan at the Greenhouse Eco Cabin is set on 18 acres of remote wild countryside in the hills of Donegal. Endeavouring to be as eco-friendly as possible, there are some quirky features around the site including a pump shower that conserves water and a dry compost toilet in the converted barn, as well as a camping kitchen and a chill out space with a wood burning stove and comfy sofas.
There’s also an outdoor fire pit room complete with a barbeque and picnic area that is ideal for warm days spent sipping a cold drink, luxuriating into the evening.
Mamore Cottage
3 guests, Co. Donegal, €100/night
If you’ve always wanted to spend a night in a traditional thatched Irish cottage, this carefully restored (and fully heated) property presents the perfect opportunity. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Urris Hills, this cottage has a bog oak roof, an open turf fire, flagged stone flooring, and antique pine furniture that create a timeless and relaxing atmosphere.
With an open kitchen, living and dining area, an open fireplace, and a double bedroom, you’ll feel like you’re taking a step back in time while still enjoying all the modern comforts.
Tubbrid Castle
8 guests, Co. Kilkenny, €725/night
Tubbrid Castle is a unique 15th-century tower house that is guaranteed to make you feel like royalty. Opulence can be found in every corner, from a rainforest shower to a deep bathtub, and the views from every window are exceptional.
Sip your morning coffee while taking in vistas of forest and field from bespoke velvet cushions in the large original window seats, and in the evening you can dine at the grand oak banqueting table before curling up with a book or a board game in front of a roaring log fire. Sounds pretty blissful to me.
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