Staycation Ireland: Best Places to Stay in the Emerald Isle

Updated On: April 21, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

The Emerald Isle is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and has some of the most incredible culture and history to boot. The sort of staycation Ireland provides can be one of tranquillity and beauty, but with plenty of fun as well. The Irish are renowned for their pub culture and their reverence of whiskey, with the founder of Guinness having his own day of celebration in the country. Some of the best places in Ireland are remote but breathtaking. 

 

The Woodcutter’s Cabin: An Ireland Staycation

Just 10 kilometres from Sligo town, Union Wood’s log cabin is hidden down winding country roads and over a quaint bridge. In the wilds surrounded by the Irish flora and fauna, the small but functional accommodation is in close proximity to a wealth of nature activities. From fishing, hiking, and mountain bike trails, The Woodcutter’s Cabin provides a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, it’s easy to sit on the lovely porch and read a novel.

 

Clissmann Horse Caravan: Glamping In The Past

In the rolling hills of County Wicklow, a Rathrdum farm houses an experience that takes guests back to Nature. Clissman’s colourful horse caravans are a unique experience in a farm setting. Fields of blackberries, farm animals, and real camp-fire experience, Clissmann Horse Caravans take you back to a simpler time, were sleeping under the stars was a common occurrence. The caravans come fully equipped with bedding, towels, hot water bottles, cooking facilities, lights, and a barbecue. A family-friendly space, the Greenan maze and farm, Clara Lara activity park, and Squirrels Scramble climbing centre are all close by. There are also donkey walk excursions. A great idea for those who love the outdoors.

 

Kingdom Staycations: Dunloe Hotel and Gardens

The Kingdom of Kerry is a wilderness, a lush landscape of breathtaking beauty. Killarney’s Dunloe Hotel has been reopened to similar dramatic effect. Set on a 64-acre-estate that overlooks the Gap of Dunloe, The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens boasts ruins of a 12th-century castle, as well as the River Laune flowing through it. A luxurious experience, the hotel has 5-star status with incredible scenery and exquisite detail. A divine option for those with a larger budget.

 

Staycation in a Village: Coolbawn Quay

On the shores of Lough Derg, the gorgeous Coolbawn Quay resides. Surrounded by heavy forestation, it is its own private village resort and creates a remote and idyllic experience. Designed to reflect traditional Irish village life, the settings are serene and functional, a truly zen space. A salubrious experience, you can book a stand-alone lodge that is scattered amongst others in the Tipperary ‘village’. Each lodge comes with its own private entrance and drawing room – an elegant touch.

 

Island Staycation: Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites

In the wilds of Inis Meáin in the Aran Islands, the Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites reside. Investing heavily in architecture and design, this luxury nature lodge has become famous worldwide for its stark surroundings and warm hospitality. Opened by Inis Meáin native Ruairí de Blacam and his wife Marie-Thérèse, the couple introduce guests to island life using minimalist decor, panoramic views of the ocean, and phenomenal food to give them a taste of Ireland. With stark scenery and rich offerings, the Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites are often booked out by guests who book a year in advance, so make sure to get in sooner rather than later!

 

In The Battlements: Martello Tower

A stone’s throw away from the city of Dublin lies Sutton, a space between the hallowed docks of the Pale and the Wicklow mountains. Sutton plays host to the magnificent accommodation of the Martello Tower.  Built in 1804 to protect Dubliners from Napoleonic invasion, today it is redesigned to accommodate four guests. The property is on three levels, with two bedrooms and a bathroom at the bottom, a living area with a balcony overlooking the bay in the middle, with a stupendous top floor. For those who have an interest in military history or want to have a Joycean experience (he famously lived in a Martello Tower), the Martello Tower is an exclusive and distinctive experience.

 

Yurts and Islands: Chléire Haven

To abandon civilisation entirely and truly go back to nature, Chléire Haven is the answer you’ve been looking for. Located in Cape Clear in Skibbereen, County Cork, to even arrive in the space requires a 45-ferry trip from Baltimore to the island itself. The accommodation could be described as quirky and spacious, due to the lodging being yurts. Comfortable and snug with nothing but the basic amenities and the elements to contend with, it provides a more holistic approach to glamping.

 

The Barn at Lake Lodge: A Forest Staycation Ireland

If oceans aren’t your thing and you prefer the quiet of the lake, head down to Mullingar in Westmeath for a relaxing and sheltered experience. On the banks of Lough Owel, The Barn at Lake Lodge is a split-level, self-catering stay. Located outside Mullingar, in close proximity to Dublin, it remains tranquil and serene despite being close to the capital city. With gorgeous lake views and plenty of forest walks, this staycation is one of Ireland’s finest.

Failte Ireland: The Best Places to Stay

If you want to hide in the smoke of the city or run free amongst the wilds of the countryside, this is the type of staycation Ireland can offer to you. Ireland has a wealth of options for residential stays and the Republic of Ireland has 26 counties to explore. With plenty of adventures to be had on your own doorstep, consider taking a staycation in Ireland to experience some of the most incredible scenery and established culture in the world.