Are you tired of staying in the same conventional hotel-style room? We certainly were and went looking for the best unique places to stay in Ireland.
Whether you’re visiting the first time and want to make your trip extra special, planning a romantic break in Ireland with your partner, or you’re a local just wanting a relaxing mini break in Ireland
away from the everyday grind — well then you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our top picks for the most unique places to stay in Ireland. All have been chosen by two actual Irish people who know this island, who actively seek out off-the-beaten-track stays, and who won’t waste your time with anything less than brilliant.
So let’s start planning your perfect unique Irish getaway!
Unique Places to Stay in Ireland: Our Top 7
Our list of unique places to stay in Ireland covers the full island — south to north, east to west, and
even a beautiful island off the wild west coast.
We’ve tried to think of every kind of traveller here: the couple looking for a romantic break in Ireland, the group of friends after something a bit special, and the solo adventurer who wants to disappear into the Irish wilderness for a few days.
One thing they all have in common: every single one has its own kitchen. We know these unique
stays in Ireland can be on the pricier side, but having a kitchen lets you cook a few meals
yourselves and make the cost a whole lot more manageable. Stock up at a local market and you’ve
already made the trip even more Irish.
Here are our top 7 unique places to stay in Ireland, in order of our favourites.
1. Unique Places to Stay in Ireland: Irish Cottage – Inis Mór, Co. Galway
No list of unique places to stay in Ireland would be complete without a traditional Irish thatched cottage, and this one takes it a step further by sitting on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland in Galway Bay. It really doesn’t get more authentically Irish than this.
The first time we visited Inis Mór, we genuinely didn’t know what to expect. What we found was an
island that felt like it existed outside of time. Ancient ruins, dramatic limestone cliffs, Irish spoken on
every corner, and a pace of life that made the mainland feel like a distant memory.
We spent an afternoon cycling the island’s narrow lanes, came across Dún Aonghasa almost by accident, this incredible Iron Age fort perched on the edge of a 100-metre cliff and ended the evening in a small local pub with a pint of Guinness and a traditional music session. We wouldn’t have changed a single thing!
The cottage has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with gorgeous
sea views. Ferries depart regularly from Doolin in County Clare and take between 45 minutes
and an hour, which, as you’ll see below, makes it very easy to combine with one of our Doolin
picks for the ultimate mini break in Ireland.
Accommodation on the Aran Islands books up months in advance, so don’t leave it too late – Book now or risk missing out.
2. Unique Places to Stay in Ireland: The Cliffe – Co. Donegal
If you are looking for unique places to stay in Ireland with some top attractions and scenery a short road trip away, The Cliffe at the Quay in County Donegal should be right at the top of your list.
We drove up to Donegal on a grey, blustery day, but the scenery just got better the further north we
went. From Donegal, we did a day trip to Derry city and the famous murals. The following day, we drove the Causeway Coastal Route to Belfast, visiting the Giant’s Causeway along the way.
After every day of exploring and chilly Irish evenings, we returned to our deluxe suite and slipped straight into our private hot tub, Kevin with a pint of Guinness of course! It was an experience we still talk about, and a stay that made our mini break in Ireland feel truly worth every penny.
The nearest international airport is Belfast International Airport, 2 hours away, and it is a 3-hour drive from Dublin Airport to Donegal.
Only a few rooms with a hot tub are available. So, Book your Deluxe Suite now.
❤️ Planning a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day escape? Explore our full guide for unforgettable and romantic experiences across Ireland.
3. Unique Places to Stay in Ireland: Captiva Wexford – Co. Wexford
If you’re planning a group getaway, a big family trip, and want to experience one of the most luxurious, unique places to stay in Ireland, Captiva Wexford is your answer.
We had to read through the list of amenities twice when we first found this place because we
couldn’t quite believe it. A cinema room, a bar, a pool table, a hot tub, a tennis court, and an
outdoor fireplace. All of that in the privacy of your own Irish villa. It really would be easier to list what
it doesn’t have!
The villa sleeps up to 12 people across 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. There’s bed linen and
towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a beautiful dining area, a fully equipped kitchen,
and a terrace with garden views that doubles as an outdoor dining space on nicer days. This is the
perfect place for a family holiday stay in Ireland, or even a group of friends for a weekend break away together.
Nearby activities include Wexford Town, visiting the Irish National Heritage Park, and the beautiful Curracloe Beach, used as a filming location for Saving Private Ryan.
Dublin Airport is only 1.5 hours away, making Captiva Wexford one of the most accessible romantic breaks in Ireland on this list. Plan your weekend break in Ireland here.
4. Unique Ireland to Stay in Ireland: Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway – Co. Leitrim
County Leitrim is one of Ireland’s least visited counties, and finding Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, tucked into its forests, felt like stumbling upon a secret. If your perfect romantic stay in Ireland involves forest bathing, total silence, and genuinely switching off from everything, this is the place.
The setting is enchanting in the truest sense of the word. Surrounded by woodland, the hideaway
has a calm, meditative atmosphere that starts working on you the moment you arrive. We found
ourselves putting our phones away within the first hour, sitting outside with a coffee (or a rum and coke!) It is exactly the kind of place that reminds you what rest actually feels like.
Leitrim itself is a beautiful county in Ireland that many visitors overlook in favour of its more famous
neighbours, which means you get all the beauty without the crowds. During our stay, we visited
the atmospheric ruins of Parke’s Castle and Creevelea Abbey, went fishing on the River Shannon
(Ireland’s longest river), and spent a brilliantly local evening in Carrick-on-Shannon listening to
traditional music in a pub.
The property has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, a fully equipped
kitchen, and free bikes included for exploring the surrounding countryside. There is also a wellness
centre on site with a sauna and jacuzzi available at an additional cost.
Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway is 2 hours from Dublin, close enough to escape to, far enough to feel genuinely away – Book your unique Ireland getaway today.
5. Unique Ireland Getaways: Russel’s Cottage – Co. Clare
For an authentic Irish cozy cottage stay boasting the most epic views of the Wild Atlantic Ocean, Russel’s Cottage is calling your name.
This unique Irish getaway is located in Doolin, County Clare, and is only 4 km from the famous Cliffs of Moher. This stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most breathtaking parts of the entire island, and having it on your doorstep during a mini break in Ireland is something quit extraordinary.
Other Popular tourist attractions near Doolin Village are the Doolin Caves, Aillwee Cave, and the Burren National Park. Doolin Cave.
Coming back to Russell’s Cottage after a day of exploring County Clare and lighting the fire while the Atlantic crashed outside was one of those simple, perfect moments that you remember long after the trip is over. And that’s the whole point of a romantic break in Ireland, and this cottage delivers it effortlessly.
The cottage has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen. Nearby, you can also
Shannon Airport is one hour away, and it’s a 3-hour drive from Dublin. Check availability here.
6. Unique Places to Stay in Ireland: Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village – Co. Clare
This is yet another recommendation situated in Doolin, in the beautiful County Clare. The Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village are all about the location, oh and the hot tub overlooking the Wild Atlantic Ocean! We are, as you may have gathered by now, big hot tub enthusiasts, and this one is genuinely spectacular.
If you want the full, lively, Irish village experience alongside your romantic break in
Ireland, this lodge gives you both. It’s also ideally located for exploring the wider area — just 7 km from the Cliffs of Moher, 4 km from Doolin Caves, and right in the heart of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Global GeoPark.
What makes this option unique among our picks for romantic stays in Ireland is the location within
Doolin itself. You can walk to Fisher Street in minutes, where you’ll find shops, cafes, and some
excellent traditional Irish pubs.
Gus O’Connor’s is our favourite pub in the area and legendary for its trad music sessions, and we spent many fun evenings there listening to fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns. If we’re there at the same time as you, please come over to say hello!
Luxury lodges in Doolin have 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and bath, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and bathrobes for the hot tub. Secure your weekend break in Ireland and Book your spot today.
- 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.
7. Unique Ireland Getaways: The Hazel Hut – County Mayo.
Next up on our list of most unique places to stay in Ireland is The Hazel Hut.
This special Ireland accommodation offers a truly authentic Irish country feel, yet only a 20-minute drive from Westport town, County Mayo.
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, Westport surely has something for every type of visitor waiting to truly experience Ireland.
- 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 Unique Irish accommodation; let’s paint another fairy-tale scene, shall we?!
Picture this: Wake from your unique Ireland stay to the most incredible views of the majestic mountain of Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland’s “Holy Mountain,” it 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 Irish hiking adventure or not, you can still explore and immerse yourself in the rugged Irish wilderness that surrounds you.
Return to the cosiness 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?! This enchanting Irish 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. This one books out fast, Check availability here.
8. Unique Ireland Getaways: Goleen Harbour – West Cork
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 offers an Irish glamping experience, and you can also book a superior chalet if that is more your style.
This unique Ireland getaway offers the most beautiful location in Ireland. Goleen Harbour 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 be some bias here too!
This is the kind of romantic break in Ireland that stays with you for a very long time. 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?! Book Your Unique Ireland Getaway here.
- During your stay in Goleen Harbour, make sure to check out the Ultimate Things to Do in Cork.
Enjoy All These Unique Places to Stay in Ireland!
And there you have it, our seven favourite unique places to stay in Ireland, every one of them
chosen because it genuinely impressed us. And more importantly, they are great value for money.
Whether you’re after a romantic break in Ireland for two, a group adventure with friends, or a proper
solo escape into the Irish wilderness, these stays are more than just somewhere to sleep. They are
the kind of unique places to stay in Ireland that you rebook for anniversaries, birthdays, and those
moments when life gets too loud.
We genuinely hope you have the most wonderful time. If you end up booking one of these romantic stays in Ireland, we would absolutely love to hear about it. Drop us a message on our socials or leave a comment below — nothing makes us happier than hearing that someone had a brilliant Irish getaway.
Slán go fóil
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