Holiday cottages in Ireland
Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 9th January 2008
Author: Susan Roscoe (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.
With its combination of bustling cities, breathtaking countryside, beautiful beaches and traditional heritage, Ireland has everything for the perfect holiday.
Dublin may get all the press but Ireland has so much more to offer than just one continental city. With some of the best countryside and scenery in the world, Ireland is the perfect destination for a cottage holiday. Galway and County Clare are a hiker's paradise whilst Cork is one of Europe's whale watching hot spots.
Mixed together, this combination makes Ireland a destination you will want to go back to year after year.
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Susan Roscoe
( Travel Expert)
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Cottage holidays in Dublin
Dublin has the best of both worlds - a pulsating atmosphere of world class bars and restaurants coupled with stunning sea views and culture.
You should start by getting a Dublin Pass which entitles you to free entry at over 30 of Dublin's top attractions and is available from only €15. These include Dublin Zoo, Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse. The home of Ireland's most popular export is a must for any visitor to the Irish capital. As well as seeing how Guinness is made and following the history of the famous Guinness advertising, visitors to the Guinness Storehouse can learn how to pull the perfect pint and even sample a free one at the end of the tour!
Dublin City boasts a huge range of hotels, hostels and B&B's, from basic to luxury standard, but if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Dublin County is worlds away. With castles, outdoor activities and spectacular views, the quaint Southern Dublin villages of Dalkney, Glasthule, Dun Laoghaire and Sandymount are ideal or you could always take a trip north to Malahide Castle.
Cottage holidays in Cork
Like Dublin, Cork offers a contrast of city and country life. Nestled in the South-West corner of Ireland, Cork is the largest Irish county and offers a surprisingly warm climate so don't be surprised to find palm trees when you get there!
Western Cork is home to some of Ireland's best countryside and its beaches and cliffs are perfect for a relaxing stroll. At the opposite end of the spectrum Cork City offers world-class shopping and lively bars and restaurants - perfect for a weekend hotel break. Be sure to also visit Kinsale on the Southwest Coast to discover the picturesque scenery, fishing, and gourmet cuisine available.
Visitors to Cork should also make sure they pay a visit to Blarney and more specifically Blarney Castle. As the most visited area of Ireland outside Dublin, Blarney Castle attracts over 200,000 people each year, many of whom kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, high up on the castle battlements.
But if you're after something more adventurous, Cork is one of Europe's top whale watching destinations and is also popular with dolphins and porpoises. The region is also perfect for cycling and fishing.
Cottage holidays in Galway
County Galway is a rural escape on the West coast of Ireland and will immerse you in traditional Irish culture and language.
Be sure to visit the Aran Islands which lie a few miles offshore and showcase the spirit of Gaelic Ireland. The laid back pace of life, traditional monuments and unique sights make the islands a great place to visit.
Back on the mainland, Galway offers one of Europe's top ten spas (Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa) - an ideal way to relax after the fishing, cycling, horse riding and walking on offer. If you're after a more quirky holiday, why not try one of the Medieval Banquets at the nearby town of Kinvara or the annual Galway International Oyster Festival at Clarinbridge. This makes Galway a perfect destination for a cottage holiday.
Cottage holidays in Kerry
The spectacular Kerry landscape makes the region a paradise for outdoor purists and is perfect for a cottage holiday. The craggy coastline and choppy sea gives the area a remote feel, whilst even experienced hikers will be challenged by Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest peak at over 1000m.
To get the best out of Kerry you're best to rent a car and drive around the Ring of Kerry or the Ring of Beara. That way you can admire the spooky and jaw dropping Kerry landscape from the comfort of your car. Use travelsupermarket.com's car hire price comparison tool that will search a host of providers to find you the cheapest car rental quote.
Kerry is also home to a scattering of quaint villages which dot the landscape. These are often the best way to sample traditional Irish culture and do as the locals do. Dingle, Sneem and Kenmare are just three of such villages where you drink local brew and listen to the sounds of traditional Irish music. The nearby Killarney Summer Racing Festival is also a must for any horse racing fan and even if you're not, it's a great way to see why the Irish are so passionate about it!
Cottage holidays in Shannon
With its own airport and cheap flights operating from many UK airports, Shannon is one of the easiest and cheapest Irish regions to get to. The town revolves largely around Shannon International Airport and Shannon town centre. Although the two are relatively modern (Shannon was given town status in 1982), Irish countryside and tradition lies close by. Bunratty is the nearest village and is close to Shannon town centre. Accommodation in Shannon consists of a range of B&B's as well as three hotels in Shannon town centre.
Shannon town centre has undergone a lot of regeneration over the past few years and is now great for shopping and also offers lots of pubs and restaurants. Rural Shannon is also a twitchers paradise being one of Ireland's most important wild bird sites from autumn to spring.
Cottage holidays in County Clare
County Clare is renowned for its outstanding beauty, rugged cliffs and quaint villages. Packed with top attractions as well as stunning scenery, County Clare is the perfect destination for a cottage holiday and for visitors looking for a mix of countryside and things to do.
The Cliffs of Moher are a great place to start. Eight kilometres long and 214m high, the cliffs give visitors a feel of the sheer remoteness of the landscape. O'Briens Tower is the best place to view the cliffs and also gives you amazing views of Galway and the Aran Islands. The Cliffs also have a visitor centre where you can brush up on your knowledge of the Cliffs and stop off for a cup of tea.
County Clare is also home to Bunratty Castle, one of Irelands most impressive medieval castles. Now restored to its former glory, the castle provides Mediaeval Banquets and is a regular venue for traditional Irish music nights.
Cottage holidays in Waterford
County Waterford is not only home to the world renowned Waterford Crystal but also has stunning scenery and a bustling city life. Waterford City is the oldest in Ireland and as a result is loaded with character. Cobbled streets and historical attractions line the city making any visit one to remember.
A visit isn't complete without stopping at the home of Waterford Crystal. The visitor experience allows you to experience the techniques used for centuries by the craftsmen to create the world famous crystal. At the end of the tour you can also see the world's largest display of Waterford Crystal and even buy some at exclusive prices.
Away from the city you can also visit Tramore, one of Ireland's most popular holiday resorts. In summer months the town is full of holidaymakers attracted by the five kilometres of sandy beaches.
Cottage holidays in Wicklow
The so-called 'Garden of Ireland' is situated on the east coast just below Dublin and a cottage holiday in Wicklow offers some of the most impressive natural beauty in Ireland. Along with mountains, lakes and waterfalls, Wicklow also has beaches and historical sites to see.
Be sure to visit Glendalough which is the home of a 6th Century monastery. Remains of it can still be seen today along with the round tower, the cathedral, the Priest's House and St. Kevin's Church. After exploring them you can also walk along the site's nature trails.
Wicklow is perfect for taking a scenic drive. The purple mountains are an impressive sight for any visitor and the Vale of Avoca shouldn't be missed. The small town of Avoca is also home to the television series 'Ballykissangel' and is certainly worth a visit.
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