Tired of staying in the same conventional hotel-style room? We certainly were. We yearned for unique Ireland getaways — something that would whisk us away to an enchanting fairy-tale realm, immersing us in Ireland’s breathtaking, untamed, and authentic natural beauty.
Whether you’re in Ireland for a visit and want to make your trip extra special, living in Ireland and aiming to surprise your partner with a memorable weekend away, or just looking to escape dreary Irish weather and have something to look forward to, well then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most distinctive and unique Ireland getaways, certain to check off not only your Ireland bucket list but also your world bucket list.
That’s enough of a build-up, let’s get to the list so you can start booking the ultimate romantic Irish getaway!
Unique Ireland Getaways – Top 8 Choices
The following list was chosen by two ACTUAL IRISH PEOPLE who know the Irish landscape and locations, who look for off-the-beaten-track stays themselves, and basically know what will WOW you.
Where you are embarking on a 2-week Ireland road-trip or squeezing in a short Ireland weekend break, we are certain you will find something to leave you in awe.
From traditional Irish cottages, forest bathing, and awe-inspiring views of the Wild Atlantic Coast, we are certain you will not be disappointed with any of your Ireland stays here. Your choice merely depends on your personal style and preferences.
We’ve selected our Top 8 of the most unique Ireland getaways, with each one sure to be not just a stay, but an unforgettable experience.
1. Unique Ireland Getaways: Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway
We thought we’d start with the utmost enchanting and fairy-tale vibes! Set in the woodlands of County Leitrim, think forest bathing, zen vibes, seaweed baths, and sheer bliss.
A stay in County Leitrim offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and charm of this hidden gem in Ireland’s northwest.
Visitors can explore scenic landscapes, historic sites such as Parke’s Castle and Creevelea Abbey, and vibrant towns such as the bustling Carrick-on-Shannon.
Enjoy angling on the River Shannon, Irelands’ longest river, and experience traditional music in one of the many local pubs where musicians gather to play traditional tunes on fiddles, flutes, and lots more.
Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway is located just over a 2-hour drive from Dublin, so if you are yearning for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the retreat for you.
This hideaway features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and free bikes to assist in your exploring.
Note the use of a sauna and jacuzzi are part of the wellness center and will be an additional cost. However, don’t worry we have more options coming up where you will have all these luxuries in the privacy of your home.
Some of these recommendations are on the more expensive side BUT they all have their own kitchens so you can make up for the high costs by preparing some of your meals in the comfort of these luxury stays right?!
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2. Unique Ireland Getaways: Russel’s Cottage
For an authentic Irish cozy cottage stay boasting the most epic views of none other than the Wild Atlantic Ocean, Russel’s Cottage is calling your name.
Situated in Doolin, County Clare, and only 4.5 km from the famous Cliffs of Moher. This Irish cottage is the perfect base to explore this breathtaking and ever popular part of Ireland.
Popular tourist attractions close by include Doolin Village, Aillwee Cave, Doolin Cave, and the world-renowned coastal drive of the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover the unique landscape of The Burren, obviously a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, and stop off at the many charming traditional Irish towns dotted along the route.
As we like to do, get lost on purpose in a maze of country Irish roads. You will undoubtedly come across Irish beauty, and a friendly Irish face, at every turn,
After a day of adventure, return to your cozy Irish cottage and unwind by the crackling fire as you soak in the soothing sounds of the untamed Atlantic outside.
This unique Ireland getaway has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
The nearest airport is Shannon Airport, 67 km from Russell’s Cottage and it is a 3-hour drive from Dublin.
3. Unique Ireland Getaways: Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village
The Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village is all about the location, oh and the hot tub overlooking the Wild Atlantic Ocean!
This is yet another recommendation situated in Doolin, in the beautiful County Clare.
Kate from Happy Irish Wanderers is from Clare so there may be a little bias here!
This lodge is only 7 km from the Cliffs of Moher, 4 km from Doolin Caves, 25 km from Aillwee Cave and the nearest airport is Shannon Airport which is 66 km away.
What makes this stand out from #2 Russel Cottage is its closer proximity to the local village of Doolin. Just a short stroll to the charming Fisherstreet with its shops, cafes, and pubs, including Gus O’Connor’s, famous for its traditional Irish music.
Therefore, if you want more of a lively night out in a local Irish village then this is the option for you. Just make sure you read all about important Irish Pub etiquette here first.
As we mentioned above, Doolin is in the heart of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Global GeoPark. From this prime location, you have endless opportunities to explore the local village and its castles or venture further afield along the Wild Atlantic Way.
This luxury lodge features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath, a living room, fully equipped kitchen, but the standout feature is, of course, the hot tub with bathrobes. We all love an accompanying robe right?!
While enjoying your unique Ireland getaway in Doolin, check out all the best things to do during your stay including some of the best day trips from Doolin.
4. Unique Ireland Getaways: The Hazel Hut
The Hazel Hut offers a truly authentic Irish country feel, yet only a 20-minute drive to Westport town, County Mayo.
Westport offers visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality. Explore the colorful streets, sample delicious, hearty local food in cozy Irish pubs, and discover the area’s history through visits to historic landmarks like Westport House and the Clew Bay Heritage Centre.
For those outdoor enthusiasts, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and golfing amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Connemara National Park.
With its unique blend of nature and culture, this part of the country surely has something for every type of visitor.
If “Enchanting Ireland” is calling you then do not miss this unique Enchanting Ireland Guided Tour celebrating Ireland’s nature and history. Dine inside Dublin’s Irish Emigration Museum, indulge your curiosities at Kylemore Abbey, stand atop the towering Cliffs of Moher and so much more.
Now back to the accommodation; let’s paint another fairy-tale scene, shall we?!
Wake to the most incredible views of the majestic mountain of Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland’s “Holy Mountain,” is a revered pilgrimage site associated with Saint Patrick, offering a challenging hiking trail with breathtaking views and cultural significance.
Whether to choose to take on this hiking adventure or not, you can still explore and immerse yourself in the rugged Irish wilderness that surrounds you.
Return to the coziness of the wood burner while reading a novel and listening to the nearby stream. The roaming sheep and donkeys are just an added Irish bonus!
Does this sound like enough of a unique Ireland Getaway yet?!
The lodge consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, 1 bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The nearest airport is Shannon Airport, 2 hours away, and it is a 3.5-hour drive from Dublin.
5. Unique Ireland Getaways: Goleen Harbour
You are now heading towards the most southerly point of Ireland.
Located on the magical Mizen Peninsula and the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Goleen Harbour is referred to as a campground but rest assured this is much more of a glamping experience and you can even book a superior chalet if that is more your style.
This Ireland getaway location is a beautiful, unspoiled, and historic site on the Wild Atlantic Way offering a private beach, sea views, and an outdoor fire – welcome to the unmatched beauty of West Cork!
Kevin from Happy Irish Wanderers comes from Cobh, Co. Cork so there may also be some bias here too!
Goleen Harbour is the perfect base to explore this part of the island, located just 38 km from the tourist town of Skibbereen.
Visit the picture-perfect postcard towns of West Cork on a day trip. These are the colorful towns you will have seen when you Google Ireland!
The nearest airport is Cork Airport which is 117km from the campground.
Goleen Harbour is a nature reserve where you can experience all the elements of this stunning Irish location, you can join one of the water activities, eat homegrown foods, soothe your body and soul with a well-being treatment, or soak in a wood-fired Hot Tub. Oh did we not mention the hot tub?!
Have you guessed by now that we are hot tub fans?!
During your stay, you can find your Ultimate Things to Do in Cork.
Halfway there, how are we doing so far? Have you found a unique Ireland getaway that speaks to you yet? If not, don’t worry we have more enchanting fairy-tale Ireland stays coming your way.
We have tried to mention accommodations across all of Ireland so if you are unsure how to get to these amazing locations, you can rent a car through Discover Cars below.
Discover Cars compares all the rental companies for you and offers you the best deal.
Even better, why not use this as the perfect time to start ticking places off your Amazing Ireland Bucket List?!
6. Unique Ireland Getaways: Aran Thatch Cottage
This article wouldn’t be complete without a mention of a traditional Irish thatch cottage now would it?!
Have you ever wanted to stay in a traditional Irish thatch cottage? Well, look no further. Even more so, you will be staying in an authentic Irish thatch cottage on the most authentically Irish island in Ireland – Inis Mór.
Inis Mór is the largest of the Aran Islands, situated off the west coast of Ireland in Galway Bay. It’s renowned for its rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant Gaelic culture.
Let’s just say, make sure you brush up on your Irish language skills!
This special Aran island provides a glimpse into traditional Irish life, with its quaint Irish villages, friendly locals, and traditional Irish music sessions in local pubs.
Visitors can experience the warm hospitality of the islanders and immerse themselves in the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Imagine this scene: Enveloped by rugged coastal views, with donkey-drawn carts passing by as you leisurely walk to the nearby village for a classic Irish pub dinner and a pint of Guinness – It’s the epitome of Irish authenticity.
Walking through the door of this quaint cottage drenched in Irish charm will have you feeling like you are taken to another realm – yes you guessed it, an enchanting fairy-tale realm!
This thatched Irish cottage offers a terrace and mountain views and has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen.
If you happen to choose two of the recommendations mentioned in this article, then ferries conveniently depart regularly from Doolin in County Clare (just saying!).
The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the departure point. Ferry services are operated by companies such as Aran Island Ferries and Doolin Ferries.
7. Unique Ireland Getaways: Millstone Cottages
If you are looking to explore some of the more remote and northern parts of Ireland, then Millstone Cottages is the option for you.
From this location in County Donegal, you can do day trips to the city of Derry to learn about the history between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Explore the equally breathtaking coastline of the Causeway Coastal Route, a stunning alternative to the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Causeway Coastal Route winds along Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastline, showcasing rugged cliffs, picturesque beaches, charming villages, and must-see attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway.
Now that you know this area is worth visiting. Let’s see where you will be staying; this unique Ireland getaway features a hot tub (surprise, surprise!), a sauna, and an open fireplace – this option is certain to warm you up on those cold dreary nights!
After all the exploring of the northern parts of Ireland, light the fire, sit back, and enjoy that soothing hot tub – are you sold yet?!
Featuring a private entrance, this spacious holiday home also consists of a fully equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, a seating area, and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower.
The nearest airport is Belfast International Airport, 2 hours away and it is a 3.5 hour drive from Dublin.
8. Unique Ireland Getaways: Captiva Wexford
Ok, this last one is more for a group, or family (or if you are willing to spend a lot of money on that romantic Ireland getaway?!) but just wait until you hear about it!
This luxury villa features a cinema room, a bar, a pool table, a hot tub, a tennis court, and an outdoor fireplace – it would be easier to list what it doesn’t have, nothing! All of this is in the privacy of your own Irish villa.
The spacious Irish villa has 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views. This villa also features a patio that doubles up as an outdoor dining area.
The nearest airport is Dublin Airport, 138 km and only 1.5 hours drive from Captiva Wexford.
We are not sure why you would be leaving this accommodation but if you plan to then luckily Wexford, a coastal county in Ireland’s southeast, has lots to offer.
From its rugged coastline (we hope you like coastlines!) and sandy beaches to its rich historical and cultural sites, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore the charming streets of Wexford Town, visit the Irish National Heritage Park and the 12th-century Wexford Opera House, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Rosslare and Curracloe, famous for featuring in the movie “Saving Private Ryan”.
With its blend of natural beauty, heritage, and hospitality, Wexford promises an unforgettable Irish getaway.
For all your Ireland accommodation options make sure to check out Booking.com.
Enjoy Your Unique Ireland Getaway!
So there you have it, our top choices for unique Ireland getaways, sure to offer something different from your average hotel stay. More importantly, they are worth your money.
We’ve made the effort to offer options to thoroughly encapsulate all the Irish beauty, from south to the north, the east to the west, and we even threw in an island stay, so hopefully you will find something to tickle your fancy!
These unique Ireland getaways are more than a simple weekend away, they will be something to remember and cherish with such fondness.
Even better, something to be rebooking for special occasions. It’s all about making memories and staying in places that stand out (for a good reason!).
We hope you have the most wonderful time in Ireland, whatever the occasion is, and we would love to hear how you got on if you chose one of these unique Ireland getaways.
Feel free to leave a comment below, or even better, leave us a message on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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