6 of the most romantic Irish hideaways on Airbnb right now

We all love a romantic getaway, and some of the most beautiful hideouts are available right on our doorstep via Airbnb

The post-Christmas blues (yes, we still have them) are a tough time of year — you pray for anything to come along and pick you up out of the winter funk. A getaway, and especially a romantic one, is the perfect place to ignite a spark that will last all year.

We are extremely lucky in Ireland to have beautiful scenery, fantastic hospitality and some pretty amazing places to stay. A luxury hotel, especially before January payday, can be a bit of a stretch, and let’s face it, you almost feel like you’ve been to them all, seeing them second-hand through other people’s Insta-stories.

If you want something different, a fun new experience to while away a weekend, then Airbnb is the answer. They have stunning locations to stay in all over the world, and some of the most beautiful are scattered around Ireland. Hideaways, beachside cottages, and actual castles are all here, and all that’s needed is a bottle of wine.

Mountain chalet in Glenealy, Co Wicklow

If you’re the outdoorsy type, this chalet nestled in the Wicklow mountains is the perfect place for hiking, cycling and relaxing together afterwards. Anya’s property sleeps two guests in a master double bedroom, and has a cosy kitchen and living area to prepare dinner. The real romance comes from outside; the chalet comes with its very own outdoor hot tub, next to a fire pit, that’s the perfect place to enjoy some bubbly under the stars. Prices from approximately €105-a-night.

Beachfront cottage in Lettermacaward, Co Donegal

How does your own private beach on one of the most stunning coastlines in the world sound? Pretty perfect for a romantic getaway if you ask us. Nestled in Lettermacaward in Donegal, Greg and Lukas’s place sleeps four but is a gorgeous escape for two too. A turf fire completes the living room of the original granite cottage, which looks out over the bay. Oh, and pets are allowed too, provided they don’t go on the furniture. Prices from €110 per night approx.

The Gate Lodge in Killoscully, Co Tipperary

If you love to be treated like a princess, then why not go for this lodge that looks straight out of a fairy tale? Nestled away near the village of Killoscully, this isolated lodge is a dream, with two bedrooms, two baths, and a pot-bellied stove in the kitchen for that candlelit dinner. You’ll never want to leave. Prices from €105 approx.

Lough-side cabin in Whitegate, Co Clare

If you love to be lake-side, get booking this dream cabin on the banks of a lake. A lovingly restored boathouse, Barry’s place has a full kitchen, bathroom, mezzanine bed, plus its own private veranda with a small BBQ for dinner for two. The views onto the lake are stunning, and it’s the perfect respite from busy cities for a weekend. Prices from €90 approx.

Blackwater Castle in Castletownroche, Co Cork

Fancy a stay in an actual castle with Prince Charming? This Cork castle has it all, you just need to provide the prince. Blackwater Castle sleeps over 16 guests, so if it’s a party weekend or you want to bring the whole family along, it can be arranged (but then again, we like the idea of having it all to ourselves). It has everything — reception rooms, a tower dating back to the 15th Century, stunning architecture and all on 50 acres of wooded land. This is definitely on the expensive side, at €3,000 for 24 hours, but if you’re in the market for an unusual and stunning wedding venue, it could be the one to beat.

200-year-old church in Athenry, Co Galway

Lovingly restored to one of the most modern properties on the list, Chris’s church feels like a romantic home away from home. A private room and bathroom await you, as well as the two resident dogs Mouse and Birdy, and the space is just what you need to relax — spacious and light-filled, with plenty of charm. Prices from €110 a night approx.

Photos: Airbnb