10 great Irish self-catering spots

Experience life as a Gaelic lord with a vacation in a fifteenth-century Gaelic tower house. This protected monument sleeps eight and has a stone spiral staircase leading up to its imposing Great Hall.

Feel on top of the world with an overnight in a lighthouse standing watch over the Irish Sea. The striking octagon-shaped lighthouse dates from 1781 and sleeps four. Watch the sun come up and wander the nearby cliffs.

Step into a quintessentially Irish experience and delight in the charm of a nineteenth-century thatched cottage sitting on the shores of a shimmering lough. Offering five-star comfort, the two-bedroom cottage is a great place to relax after a day spent exploring Fermanagh’s beautiful Lakelands.

Relax in the elegant surroundings of this period home on the Wild Atlantic Way, dating from 1840. Perfect for a vacation at any time of year, the house has spacious indoor and outdoor areas and is furnished with authentic period pieces.

Be the star of your own fairytale in this miniature medieval castle in the beautiful grounds of Annes Grove Estate and Gardens. The perfect romantic getaway, the cosy castle sleeps two and offers a unique, authentic experience.

Get away from it all to the dramatic Blasket Islands and stay in a cottage overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With no electricity, TV or Wi-Fi you can experience a complete tech detox and immerse yourself in the beauty of this rugged landscape.

Bring friends and family and enjoy this luxurious contemporary accommodation overlooking the beach on Northern Ireland’s spectacular Causeway Coast. Sleeping up to 14, it boasts a roof terrace with expansive ocean views, cinema room and outdoor hot tub. Royal Portrush Golf Club is just a mile away.

Indulge yourself with a holiday in a luxury 300-year-old thatched cottage on the beach front in Ireland’s Ancient East. Enjoy beach walks or head off to explore the amazing history and heritage of the Boyne Valley, including the famous Newgrange Neolithic passage tomb.