7 of the best gastropubs around Ireland
7 of the best gastropubs around Ireland

IMAGE

WIN a luxurious 2-night stay at Fota Island Resort
WIN a luxurious 2-night stay at Fota Island Resort

Edaein OConnell

Cocktail Club: For something out of the ordinary, try this green tea infused tipple
Cocktail Club: For something out of the ordinary, try this green tea infused tipple

Megan Burns

Real Weddings: Sarah and Karl’s festive celebrations in Co Wicklow
Real Weddings: Sarah and Karl’s festive celebrations in Co Wicklow

Edaein OConnell

Lisa O’Connor talks art, activism, and the magic that happens when the two collide
Lisa O’Connor talks art, activism, and the magic that happens when the two collide

Sarah Gill

Friends as family: How the company we keep can change our lives
Friends as family: How the company we keep can change our lives

Roe McDermott

Poppy O’Toole (aka Poppy Cooks) shares her life in food
Poppy O’Toole (aka Poppy Cooks) shares her life in food

Sarah Gill

My Life in Culture: Director Louisa Connolly-Burnham
My Life in Culture: Director Louisa Connolly-Burnham

Sarah Finnan

The IMAGE Weddings 2025 Ultimate Venue Guide is out now!
The IMAGE Weddings 2025 Ultimate Venue Guide is out now!

Ciara Elliot

How to wrap a cylindrical gift: try this step-by-step guide
How to wrap a cylindrical gift: try this step-by-step guide

Megan Burns

Image / Living / Interiors / Travel

5 level three hideaways for a perfect weekend countycation


By Megan Burns
27th Mar 2021
5 level three hideaways for a perfect weekend countycation

Whether you’re looking forward to a trip with your partner to reconnect after a stressful few months or just for a change of scenery while staying within county lines, here are five romantic hideaways where it’s guaranteed to be just the two of you.

It seems everyone is looking forward to a trip away, and it’s Irish destinations that we have our eye on. Lockdown has been tough for plenty of couples, and perhaps you’re planning a romantic hideaway for the two of you now that we’re allowed to travel further afield.

If so, we’ve found five great options on AirBnb around Ireland, from a cute cottage to a real life castle.

Secluded coastal studio, Kilgraney, Co Cork

romantic Irish hideaways

Situated right beside the sea, you can’t get much better than this for a seaside escape. Relax in this contemporary studio, which has large windows to make the most of the spectacular views. Stroll down to the sea, or explore further, walking along the coast. You can end the day watching the sun set over the sea from the patio. It is listed at €126 a night in June, and has a two-night minimum.

Urban Tranquilatree, Cork

For a stay with a difference, why not sleep in the treetops? This unusual hideaway has wonderful views over Cork city. Although it is situated in a back garden, the hosts assure that it is surrounded by other trees, providing privacy, and you can check in by phone, meaning you don’t have to come into contact with anyone.

The treehouse itself is fully insulated and heated, and has tea and coffee making facilities. A breakfast of warm croissants and preserves are delivered to you in a basket by a pulley from the ground. The treehouse is listed at €130 a night in June.

Cottage retreat, Galway

A gorgeous traditional thatched cottage that dates to pre-famine times, this cosy retreat is perfect for those who want to totally unwind. There is no internet or TV, so you can spend quality time together. Situated just outside Galway, it’s close enough that you can also take a trip into the city if you choose. The cottage is listed at €100 per night in June, with a two-night minimum.

Merrion Mews

The stunning and spacious accommodation has a living area which overlooks a stable yard, while two of the bedrooms look back towards the main house, which has one of the few remaining gardens on Merrion Square.

This feels like a country retreat smack-bang in the centre of Dublin’s Georgian heart. Stock up the kitchen with your favourite foods and beverages, batten down the hatches and bed in for a fantastically unique city stay.

The mews is available to hire from €884 for two nights and sleeps six, comfortably.

Drummond Tower, Drogheda

If your idea of romance involves a castle to yourselves, then this is the hideaway for you. Drummond Tower has four floors, including a roof with a view of the surrounding countryside. The bedroom has a queen-sized bed with an en-suite, and with exposed stone walls and decorative windows, you’ll definitely wake up feeling like royalty. The castle is listed at €150 a night in June.

The Granary cottage, Wicklow

romantic Irish hideaways

This converted stone barn dates from the 1640s, and is full of traditional charm. With a seating area with views over the surrounding countryside and a cosy interior, you could happily relax here for a few days. You’ll also have access to homegrown vegetables and fresh free-range duck eggs. The cottage is listed at €50 a night in June.