Features

Introducing Irish Landmark Trust – unique restored heritage retreats that give the past a future

14 March 2025

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to shine our spotlight on Irish Landmark Trust (ILT): an all-island charity whose mission is to save, share, and sustain Ireland’s built heritage.

ILT was founded in 1992, to restore and care for some of the island’s most iconic buildings and offer visitors a chance to stay in a living, breathing piece of history.

As such, curious guests can choose from 33 architecturally distinctive, quirky retreats – including towering lighthouses, defensive fortresses and imposing castles – dotted throughout Ireland, each one with an intriguing tale to tell.

Whichever unique retreat you choose, you’ll find it thoughtfully restored with as many original features as possible, since ILT’s approach is to “repair rather than replace” through traditional craft skills and materials.

You’ll also find your chosen retreat charmingly styled and furnished in a way that evokes a soothing sense of its past… yet with plenty of contemporary creature comforts to ensure your stay is suitably relaxing. And of course, a warm Irish welcome is a given.

Come and get acquainted with our selection of ILT properties today… accompanying pint of Guinness optional!

Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Barbican, County Antrim

Triumphal Arch Lodge

Colebrooke, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Make your holiday a triumph with a stunningly stately stay in the gateway to historic Colebrooke, set by the tranquil lakes of County Fermanagh.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£386 (2 nights)

Magherintemple Lodge

Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Experience all the fun of the seaside while you stay in an charmingly historic chocolate-box haven on the North Antrim Coast.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4 (2 adults 2 children)
From
£380 (2 nights)

Kiln Wing, Old Corn Mill

Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Escape from everyday life with a romantic break in a lovingly converted County Antrim corn mill, where your soundtrack is the gentle rushing river.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£363 (2 nights)

Ketch

Killough, County Down, Northern Ireland
Make memories on the wild shores of the Irish Sea at Ketch, tucked away in the shadow of Ireland's tallest onshore lighthouse.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£386 (2 nights)

Barbican

Glenarm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
An impossibly romantic ‘miniature medieval castle' with gothic windows and a stone turret staircase, beautifully located by the Glenarm River in one of Ulster's oldest villages.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£331 (2 nights)

Drum Gatelodge

Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
On a quiet country road at the edge of the historic Ballylough Estate, discover the utterly charming Drum Gatelodge - a romantic and unique hideaway for two in the stunning County Antrim countryside.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£346 (2 nights)

Elizabeth Fort

Cork, County Cork, Ireland
Two adjoining self-contained retreats with cosy wood-burning stoves and cathedral views, expertly created from a restored 17th century fort in the bustling centre of Cork City .
Bedrooms: 2 per house
Sleeps: 3
From
£380 /2 nts

Latest
Posts

Swipe left
to find out more

What’SUP? Unique Waterside Stays for Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Canoeing

If you want to reduce the amount of stress in your life, take a break on the water. Canoeing gently...

H2O Heaven: Unusual By-the-Waterside Experiences Across the UK

If you’re a true water baby, you know that seas, rivers and lakes hold the key to untold depths of...

Meet the Owners: Loch Venachar Lodges, Perthshire

Meet Debbie and Dene, owners of Loch Venachar Lodges - sumptuous retreats with stargazing hot tubs, nestled directly on the...

New to Host Unusual: Private Pubs, Brilliant Boats, and Heavenly Hideaways for Unique and Memorable Stays

If you’re a fan of a lively lock-in, our latest selection of retreats has plenty to rave about! Unusual whole-pub...
Chillingham Castle looking 'moody' at twilight with dark sky and orange clouds

Grand Castle Stays To Make You Feel Like A Traitor!

A few years ago you may recall that ‘I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' relocated (thanks to Covid...