While hotels will always hold a place in our hearts, there are some occasions – a landmark birthday or a trip with the tiniest members of the family – that demand a little more home comfort. We’ve compiled a list of the perfect crash pads for a minibreak or two-week stint with your nearest and dearest
WORDS by Megan Burns, Melanie Morris and Meg Walker
Limehouse Cottage, Co Kerry
Don’t let the traditional exterior fool you, this open-plan, country abode is unmistakably luxe. The interior hues here have been chosen to reflect the landscape and merge beautifully with natural elements such as raw wood finishes and the lime rendered walls. No more apparent than in the sitting room which benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a patchwork of lush fields and Coomasaharn Lake.
WHAT TO EXPECT
While the building itself houses many traditional features, it is dotted with 21st century comforts: lavender bath oils, reliable Wi-fi and a Nespresso coffee machine, to name but a few. The welcome hamper will get you started with all you need for a delicious breakfast including homemade sourdough, artisan sausages and local cheese. You can even order wine and prepared meals to be left in the fridge for your arrival from local delicatessen Emilie’s. But if you want to go all out, your hosts can recommend caterers that will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay.
SPEND THE DAY
Avid hikers will not miss their chance to explore Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, but the outdoor excitement doesn’t stop there. Soak your tired bones in the incredible al fresco tub carved out of stone. Come nightfall, stargazing takes on a new dimension when you are as far from city lights as this. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve is the only gold tier Dark Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere. On a clear night you can see the Milky Way, satellites, the International Space Station and, if you’re really lucky, a shooting star.
DON’T MISS
Your chance to get up close to Skellig Michael from the eco boat tours or, if you prebook in advance, one of the landing tours and make friends with the resident puffins.
DETAILS
It’s pet friendly and sleeps two guests. Get in touch with Unique Home Stays to organise a bespoke visit. Weekly packages start from £1,595 for two people sharing. uniquehomestays.com
Samsú, Co Wicklow and Co Westmeath
We’re itching to lose ourselves in these off-grid daydream locations. Both destinations are just an hour’s spin from Dublin, the Tigín about ten minutes from Roundwood in Wicklow and the Saoirse located on the Meath and Westmeath border between Athboy and Delvin. The characterful Saoirse cabin is has stylish contemporary design decisions – wireless lamps, pot belly stoves and enamel sinks, for example. Inside the Tigín, it’s more homely than its achingly cool exterior would lead you to believe, with a surprisingly spacious, open-plan kitchen and lounge and almost double-height ceiling.
WHAT TO EXPECT
I bet you didn’t think you would be able to fit king-sized beds in both of these cabins, but you will be pleasantly surprised to know they have prioritised a luxuriously spacious night’s sleep in these tight confines. Your hosts encourage you to digital detox, so make the most of the phone lockbox. We promise there is plenty here to keep you entertained, from their analogue kit including polaroid cameras, board games, books, and radios, and that’s before you step foot outdoors.
SPEND THE DAY
A real treat for nature-lovers, the Saoirse is located in a meadow amongst 350 acres of native woodland, with a lake and outdoor bath available to dip yourself in. Start your day off right by bringing a flask of coffee to the pontoon at the lake for a fresh wake-up swim. The area has been known for its forest for centuries, so bathe your weary limbs amongst the leafy canopy in this bath like no other after a long day’s wanderings. Those in search of a rural retreat will not be disappointed in the Tigín either. Sweat it out in the on-site sauna, five minutes’ walk from the cabin and overlooking the Wicklow mountains.
DON’T MISS
If you are Wicklow bound, stock up on fresh sourdough, local gourmet foods and organic vegetables at The Roundwood Stores housed in the old stables attached to the Coach House Restaurant. If you’re heading for Athboy, it would be rude not to stop off at the picturesque J O’Connell pub in Skreen.
DETAILS
There is a two-night minimum stay at both cabins, and most weekends have a three-night minimum. To feel the full effects of a digital detox, 72 hours is the sweet spot. Both cabins start from €195 per night midweek. samsu.ie
Within the Village, Co Galway
These delightful dwellings are dotted around in the fishing village of Roundstone, fusing wabi-sabi minimalism with west coast charm. If you are wondering how something this beautiful comes together, it’s the collective talents of standout designers. Bathroom worktops were handmade by the neighbouring concrete craftsman Paddy O’Malley, landscaping by Mark Grehan of The Garden and custom furniture and lighting from Ben Gabriel and Peter Murphy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Design-savvy guests will note pieces by some of Ireland’s most celebrated creatives including Dorothy Cross, The Tweed Project, and Joe Hogan, with treats to make your stay more enjoyable from Cloon Keen and Burren Perfumery.
SPEND THE DAY
If you’re holidaying with younger family members in tow, then this is a great option, with beaches galore on your doorstep, including the breathtaking Dog’s Bay, just remember to pack your swimsuit. Gather the troops for Sunday walks or a drive into Clifden to trawl its collection of antique stores and indie boutiques.
DON’T MISS
Take a stroll down to the harbour to Roundstone Bay & Island tours. Damien will entertain the kids with mackerel fishing as you travel to the deserted island of Inishlacken for a private picnic. Once moored back on the mainland it’s time for some Galway Hooker IPAs in O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant only a few metres from the pier.
DETAILS
Extending the holiday invite to your cousins and second cousins? No problem. There’s a total of five townhouses that will sleep up to 28. Prices for upcoming high season dates start at €425 a night for three people sharing at the Bracken Cottage, €750 a night for seven people sharing in the Lichen or Sea Cottages and €750 a night for six people sharing in the Kelp Cottage. Two-night minimum stay. withinthevillage.ie
Sienna, Co Kerry
This property really sings in summer, when you can take lunch on the deck overlooking Kenmare Bay. Here, pared-back furniture sits with earthy ochre tones and rustic rattan details, the overall relaxed environment might make you feel like you’re further afield than the Kingdom. Some of our favourite interior features include a round hanging stove straight out of a mid-century Miami pad and a bohemian side-table with fringed fabric detailing.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A place that begs guests to enjoy themselves, on the deck you’ll find a hot tub, a Weber coal barbecue, a hammock and even a fire pit further down the grounds complete with blankets and extra logs. The hospitality doesn’t stop here, luxury touches include waffle bathrobes and a welcome hamper of local produce, a bottle of prosecco and home-grown goodies from the garden.
SPEND THE DAY
Live like a local and browse the rails of Nest in Kenmare, where you’ll find Scandi-chic dungarees from Henriette Steffensen, Ilse Jacobsen trench coats and Hunter wellies in case the weather breaks. Fuel up on local mussels at No.35 restaurant, followed by some live music at Crowley’s Bar.
DON’T MISS
A refreshing gin and tonic from the extensive collection of native botanical blends at Dromquinna Manor Boathouse Bistro. Pull up a pier side pew and dine on grilled sole on the bone with charred lime and browned butter at one of the most beautiful dining destinations in the country.
DETAILS
The house sleeps four guests across two spacious bedrooms which can either be arranged as super-kings or twin beds. Rental of the whole house for a week starts from £1,895. uniquehomestays.com
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of IMAGE.
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