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These six?West of Ireland’retreats score top marks?on the snuggle scale – and they’re all available to rent…
If there’s one plus to an Irish winter, it’s that it’s the perfect excuse to have the laziest, snuggliest getaway?ever. With howling gales and torrential rain typical, there’s no pressure to head off hiking or surfing or, God forbid, zip-lining. No,?your only goal is to stay inside and do nothing?while looking out at moody rain-lashed scenery (foul weather actually makes this experience all the better). Curl up with a good book in front of the fire or binge on’the entire’series of The Wire… whatever – we don’t judge. If the weather’s tolerable, you can always’venture out for a gentle walk to acknowledge? your stunning surroundings. We’ve rounded up six?of Airbnb’s most alluring winter hideaways way out west, so get booking now…
1.?THE TREE HUT
Cuckoo Wood Hexagon Hut, Westport, Co. Mayo
Why you’ll love it * Orchard/woodland setting, 2km from Clew Bay, 200m from the Owenwee river, filled with salmon and trout * Decking on both sides for catching morning and evening sun?* Its own cuckoo! (seasonal)?* Wifi?* Pot-belly stove * Freshly baked soda bread, butter,?eggs and peat delivered daily
How much? €75 per night/?500 per week (sleeps 2)
Book Cuckoo Wood
2. THE CLIFFTOP COTTAGE
Dinny’s Cottage at the Cliffs, Liscannor, Co. Clare
Why you’ll love it * 200-year-old cottage?overlooking Liscannor Bay, 1.5km from Cliffs of Moher?* Authentic cottagey interior with mod-con updates?*?Rustic wake-up call courtesy of the cockerels on the open farm next door *?Cable TV * Fireplace * Hot tub
How much? €120 per night/?500 per week?plus cleaning fee of €30 (sleeps 4)
Book Dinny’s cottage
3. ?THE?ECO RETREAT
Carol’s eco house, Oughterard, Connemara, Co. Galway
Why you’ll love it * Stunning lake and mountain views, overlooking Lough Corrib and the mountains of Connemara * Eco-conscious build for a conscience-friendly holiday??* TV and stereo with iPod dock?*?Fireplace * Underfloor heating throughout * Table tennis
How much? €79 per night/?474 per week?plus cleaning fee of €45 (sleeps 5)
Book Carol’s eco house
4. THE ISLAND COTTAGE
Leonard’s fisherman’s cottage, Inis Me?in, Aran Islands, Co. Galway
Why you’ll love it?* 300-year-old limestone cottage, refurbished?with underfloor heating for minimal carbon footprint?and constantly hot water * ?High vantage point with’sweeping?views of Galway Bay and the neighbouring Aran Islands?* Wifi * Roaring fire (or the means to build one) * Neighbouring hens who visit daily
How much???50?per night/?350 per week?plus €75 cleaning fee (sleeps 6)
Book Leonard’s cottage
5. THE COSY CHALET
The Cosy Chalet, Ballyrisode, Co. Cork
Why you’ll love it?* 100-year-old converted shepherd’s shelter’set on 60,000’square metres of?park, forest and lawns * 500m from sandy beaches * TV * Wifi * Indoor fire * Rock pool out back (if you’re brave enough)
How much? €29 per night plus €40 cleaning fee (sleeps 4)
Book The Cosy Chalet
6. THE SCANDINAVIAN-STYLE?LODGE
Clarkwood Lodge, Kilmactranny, Co. Sligo
Why you’ll love it?* Smart wooden Scandinavian-style accommodation in the heart of lakeland Sligo, close to?arresting Lough Arrow and 15 minutes from Lough Key Forest Park * Wood-burning stove * In the grounds of Clarkwood House,?with its resident?dog?and?rabbits, spacious garden and swings *?Breakfast provided
How much? €40 per night/?375 per week (sleeps 4)
Book Clarkwood Lodge