Whether you’re a Connemara crusher, a foodie or a forest bather, trying to find a family friendly spot or looking for a venue to host a haute house party – here is where to escape to in Ireland this summer …
Best for: A Secret Garden Experience
Mount Congreve, Co Waterford: This summer an interesting Forest Hotel opens at Mount Congreve, comprising four renovated gate lodges and five eco cabins which each sleep two to four people. Guests have the “keys to the gardens” to explore the 70-acre estate after hours; there is direct access to the 45km Waterford Greenway. Guests receive a welcome hamper, while The Stable Café serves a plot-to-plate menu. Family cabins cost from €229. www.mountcongreve.com.
Best for: Jane Austen Fantasies
Tullymurry House, Co.Down: “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort,” believed Jane Austen. At Tullymurry House, there are comfy sofas, a farmhouse kitchen, elegant drawing and dining rooms and five pretty bedrooms, to sleep ten. There’s also a special wellness area in the garden for a private spa experience. Guests can pre-order from local food company Hara. A week costs €2,127. www.irishlandmark.com.
Best for: Connemara Crushers
Seabrook Lodge, Connemara: Space and sea views abound in this pet-friendly villa with huge private terraces, in Kingstown, Clifden, a short stroll from Eyrephort Beach. It has five en suite bedrooms accommodating up to twelve guests. The open-plan kitchen boasts top-notch appliances but if you don’t feel like cooking, private catering or a chef can be arranged. From €695 per night off-peak and €895 in peak season. www.seabrooklodge.com.
Best for: Family Fun
Center Parcs, Longford Forest: Families can book three, four or seven-night stays in stylish lodges (categories range from comfortable Woodland Lodge to spectacular Exclusive Lodges and everything in between) which sleep up to eight guests and are designed with privacy in mind. Some lodges have extras like hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms. Nine different dining outlets, from authentic Indian to lively American diner, cater to all tastes. www.centerparcs.ie.
Best for: A Cool Mid-Century Cabin
Walden Lakehouse, Co Westmeath: This cabin is a former winner of Ireland’s “Home of the Year.” Its interiors were designed for lingering over leisurely meals watching the swans glide by outside. Guests are spoiled with a welcome hamper and thoughtful touches – a fire laid and ready to light, plenty of board games, fresh flowers, and the owners’ guide to the region. The lakehouse sleeps six, from €1,752 per week. www.uniquehomestays.com.
Best for: Foodies and forest bathers
Longueville House, Co Cork: Longueville House, owned by William and Aisling O’Callaghan, has twelve rooms accommodating up to 26 people. Guests can self-cater (from €2,800 to €3,250 per night) or engage a private chef. Longueville’s Courtyard Mews operates independently and can be booked as additional accommodation or separately with five bedrooms, sleeping ten guests (from €2,100) Packed lunches and picnics can be provided for trips or to enjoy on the 400-acre estate. www.longuevillehouse.ie.
Best for: Soduco Opulence
Lis Na Carrig, Co Dublin: Lis na Carrig is a Victorian mansion on six acres of manicured gardens in South County Dublin which can accommodate up to twelve guests in six ensuite bedrooms. The vibe is comfortable and chic – the drawing room, dining room, private cinema, play den, yoga room and billiards rooms provide plenty of breakout space. Private dining and wellness experiences can be arranged, adding an extra layer of relaxation. From €14,000 per week. www.lisnacarrig.com
Best for: A Haute House Party
Coopershill, Co Sligo: This grand country house, formerly a small boutique hotel, is fully equipped for private rentals of up to twelve guests. Guests have the use of five suites, a fabulous kitchen and a separate dining room for celebrations. A private chef is available. Within the 500-acre estate is a Hawk Walk, tennis and croquet; surfing, kayaking and clay pigeon shooting can be arranged. A minimum seven-night stay applies from June to August, €1,200 per night. www.irelandsbluebook.ie.
Best for: A Peaceful, Private Escape
Sheen Falls Lodge Cottages, Co Kerry: In the heart of Co Kerry, the five luxury thatched cottages set within the grounds of the 300-acre estate at Sheen Falls Lodge have proved so popular that there is just about time to book them for a fabulous spring break. An exceptional five-night getaway is available until April 30th with an exclusive package that offers a five-night stay for the price of three, and features a €200 resort credit per reservation for dining or spa experiences. www.sheenfallslodge.ie/cottages/
Best for: Design-led Luxury
Within the Village, Roundstone, Connemara, Co Galway: This accommodation comprises three renovated village houses converted into five self-catering suites, which can host from two to 28 guests and can be rented individually or together. “The concept will appeal to the traveller seeking immersive, pared back, design-led luxury,” explains owner Keith Kissane. Each suite has a kitchen, comfy sitting room with stove, a communal reception and garden space. Prices from €600 for two nights. www.withinthevillage.ie.
In case you really want to get away… Italy or France? See below:
Best for: Adults only
Il Convento Di Santa Maria Di Constantinopoli, Puglia, Italy: Il Convento is owned by style icon Athena McAlpine, who describes the experience of staying at Il Convento as “Downton Abbey meets Rolling Stones in Marrakech”. With eight bedrooms for up to 15 guests, this is not the place to find fridges in bedrooms or huge flatscreen TVs, rather it’s about enjoying the eclectic mix of antiques and exotic garden. Rates for a full house rental start at €5,000 per night. www.ilconventopuglia.com.
Best for: A French Idyll
Le Moulin Sur Célé, Lot, France: Owned and managed by former hoteliers, the Gysling family (of Harvey’s Point Hotel, Donegal) the newly renovated 16th-century watermill in the Lot region is available to rent for up to ten guests on a weekly basis from May to October. Guests enjoy the privacy of the grounds, swimming pool and riverbank, as well as the option of exploring the region. Rates start at €670 per night, for a minimum of three nights. www.lemoulinsurcele.com.