Two beautiful destinations on one island, there’s a lot to discover in Ireland and Northern Ireland alike. There are 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland, each one bursting with an addictive sense of magic all of its own. Visit the capital city of Dublin to visit the national parliament of Ireland (Oireachtas) and perhaps sink a Guinness or two!
The Republic of Ireland is also rightly famous for the dramatic Cliffs of Moher (which you may have spotted in the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) and the 2,500km-long Wild Atlantic Way… officially the world’s longest defined coastal touring route.
Distinctive and spectacular, the six counties of Northern Ireland are also home to a jaw-dropping selection of natural delights, from Giant’s Causeway to the Glens of Antrim – ideal if you’ve ever fancied a role in ‘Game of Thrones’.
Full of Celtic myth and treasured heritage, you’ll not only discover Narnia’s inspiration amongst the Morne Mountains, but you can mark St. Patrick’s Day in his own beloved city of Armagh, where celebrations are long and loud!
Whichever part of the island you choose to visit, you’ll find it breath-takingly rich in epic landscapes and warmly welcoming charm. Tempted? Browse our incredible – and reassuringly unusual! – selection of Ireland and Northern Ireland retreats right here.
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Mount Congreve Gardens Forest Accommodation, Ireland
Ireland
Wild Cabins Kinvara
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland
Discover a luxury off-grid retreat in the heart of an award-winning, 50-acre nature sanctuary set between the vibrant city of Galway and the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£199 / night
Turin Castle
Kilmaine, County Mayo, Ireland
A luxurious medieval retreat for extra-special celebrations, surrounded by vast, timeless countryside in the ancient County Mayo barony of Kilmaine.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£2980 /wk
Mount Congreve Gardens Forest Accommodation
Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Ireland
An eclectic collection of hand-crafted cabins with private hot tubs, bell tents and historic lodges, magically secluded in the vast, idyllic gardens of an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 4
From
£163 /night
Oaklane Glamping
Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland
Bespoke luxury cabins and a scenic yoga deck, privately secluded on a working sheep farm that overlooks Kenmare Bay on the iconic Wild Atlantic Way in County Kerry.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
From
£159 / night
Glamping Under the Stars
Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland
A private, magical haven with joyfully quirky retreats and idyllic wildflower meadows, peacefully secluded in Ireland’s ‘Ancient East’ close to bustling Dublin.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 6
From
£195 / night
Carraigin Castle
Headford, County Galway, Ireland
An authentic 13th century manor house taken from the pages of an idyllic fairytale, surrounded by seven rural acres on the shores of one of Ireland's largest lakes.
Bedrooms: 7
Sleeps: Up to 12
From
£195 / night
Courtown Beach House
Courtown, County Wexford, County Wexlow, Ireland
A light-filled, pet-friendly retreat for the whole family, charmingly set in a historic village with blissful panoramic views of the Irish Sea.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£529 /week
Granny Kate's
Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland
How does an authentic chocolate-box family cottage sound, with a thatched roof, beautifully set amidst the natural delights of rural Ireland?
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 5
From
£259 (7 nts)
Lough Mardal Lodge Glamping
Ballintra, County Donegal, Ireland
Luscious, off-grid lakeside retreats and a strawbale lodge, mesmerisingly secluded amongst 90 acres of diverse, wild, and unspoilt landscapes on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2-4 per unit
From
£100 / night
The Black Castle
Coolbaun, Tipperary, Ireland
Travel back through time with an ‘over-knight' stay for two in a majestically authentic 16th century Gaelic castle.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£274 / night
Breac.House
Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, Ireland
Offering glorious architecture, exquisite hand-crafted furnishings and the rugged wilderness of North West Donegal, a stay at Breac House is sure to delight, indulge and inspire.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 2 per room
From
£380 / night
Northern Ireland
Boutique Domes
Castlerock, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Luxurious transparent retreats with private hot tubs, saunas, and outstanding views across the sea, beautifully secluded just moments from the coast at Castlerock.
Bedrooms: 1 per done
Sleeps: 2
From
£245 /nt
Finn Lough
Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Plan your perfect getaway to the Emerald Isle with a stay at Finn Lough's amazing accommodation - from luxurious eco-cabins to futuristic Bubble Domes.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£295 / night
Bancran School
Draperstown, County Derry, Northern Ireland
Unique Tiny House, loft and pod retreats with hot tubs and a communal bbq area, set on a friendly family-run site in the Sperrin Mountains, perfectly positioned for exploring the very best of Northern Ireland.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2 or 2 (+2) per unit
From
£90 / night
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)
Quarry Hill Church
Strangford, County Down, Northern Ireland
An award-winning conversion that blends cherished heritage and design-led luxury, for a captivating stay in a timeless Irish village.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£600 / night
Sperrinview Glamping
Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Gaze at the stars from the warm comfort of your cosy pod, dreamily positioned at the foothills of Northern Ireland's Sperrin Mountains.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Up to 5 per unit
From
£110 / night
Belle Isle Castle and Private Island
Lisbellaw, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Gather your favourite people to experience a life of historic luxury, in your very own fairytale castle and private island accommodation set by the sparkling Fermanagh water's edge.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£116 / night
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Burrenmore Nest
Castlerock, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Gleaming glass-fronted treetop lodges with al fresco whirlpool baths, sumptuously nestled amongst scenic forestland on Ireland's sweeping north coast.
Bedrooms: 1 per lodge
Sleeps: 2-3
From
£275 /night
