Discover Charming Irish Cottages for Rent – Your Perfect Holiday Escape

Imagine waking to the sound of Atlantic waves crashing against ancient cliffs, or opening your cottage door to views of medieval castles shrouded in morning mist. This is the magic of staying in an Irish cottage—an experience that transforms a simple holiday into an immersion in Ireland’s living heritage.

Irish cottage rentals have evolved from humble traditional dwellings into sophisticated retreats that honor their historic roots while embracing modern comfort. With over 3,482 properties scattered across the country’s diverse landscapes, these cottages offer more than just a place to rest; they provide a genuine connection to Ireland’s soul, its people, and its traditions.

Why Choose a Cottage Experience?

Unlike standard hotel accommodations, Irish cottages offer:

Authentic cultural immersion in local communities

Private spaces to create your own Irish home

Flexibility to explore at your own pace

Direct access to Ireland’s most stunning landscapes

Opportunities to connect with local traditions and customs

The chance to live like a local, not just a tourist

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The Perfect Base for Exploration

Irish cottages serve as ideal launching points for discovering the country’s treasures. From coastal properties perfectly positioned along the Wild Atlantic Way to historic homes near ancient monasteries, each rental offers unique advantages for exploring Ireland’s diverse regions. Whether you’re planning to hike the Cliffs of Moher, explore medieval castles, or simply seek solitude in the rolling countryside, there’s a cottage perfectly suited to your adventure.

A Year-Round Destination

Each season brings its own charm to the Irish cottage experience. Summer offers long, light-filled evenings perfect for outdoor exploration. Autumn paints the landscape in rich colors and provides perfect weather for cozy pub visits. Winter transforms cottages into snug retreats with crackling fires and storm-watching opportunities. Spring brings new life to cottage gardens and surrounding landscapes, making every view a pastoral masterpiece.

Wild Atlantic Way Regions

Northern Headlands (County Donegal)

For me County Donegal is home and when I leave it for my travels the thing I remember most is the smell – it smells of burning turf, the ocean and mountains.  I love Slieve League’s impressive cliffs – the highest in Europe – where the rocky face meets the Atlantic waters below. In Glenveagh National Park, I find myself surrounded by untamed wilderness and discover a castle and outdoor swimming pool where Marilyn Monroe once swam.

The pristine blue flag beaches along the coastline make for superior surfing and water sports and for the little ones great swimming. What makes Donegal special to me is its authentic Irish culture. In the traditional Irish-speaking communities, I experience a genuine slice of Ireland’s heritage. From Malin Head in Inishowen to the quiet coves and beaches along the shore, Donegal shows me a piece of Ireland that remains beautifully wild and authentic.

Why Choose This Region:

Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League

Pristine beaches and hidden coves

Glenveagh National Park and Castle

Traditional Irish-speaking communities

Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point

Popular Cottages

Seaview Cottage: Seaview Bungalow in Inch Island offers a recently renovated holiday home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property includes a garden and free WiFi throughout.

Cecil’s Cottage: Buncrana – Cecil’s Cottage in Ballynary, Buncrana offers direct beachfront access with stunning sea views. Guests can relax on the terrace or in the garden, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Biddy’s Cottage: Biddys Cottage in Stranabrooey offers a holiday home with three bedrooms and a living room. The property features a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and free WiFi.

Best For: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those seeking authentic Irish culture

Surf Coast (Counties Sligo and Mayo)

Sligo is one of the most under-visited and underrated counties in Ireland. It combines Ireland’s most dynamic surfing waves with deep literary heritage and spiritual significance. This remarkable stretch of coastline, where Strandhill and Mullaghmore’s world-class waves meet Yeats’ Benbulben offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and culture.

In County Mayo the region is crowned by Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, while Achill Island presents some of the country’s most dramatic coastal scenery. In vibrant towns like Westport, traditional music flows nightly from pub doorways, giving you that Irish moment that makes it feel like you came home.

Why Choose this region:

Strandhill and Mullaghmore surf beaches

Yeats Country literary landscapes

Croagh Patrick pilgrimage mountain

Achill Island’s dramatic scenery

Traditional music in Westport

Popular Cottages

Clover Cottage: Clover Cottage in Sligo offers a cosy holiday home with two bedrooms and a private bathroom. Guests enjoy a spacious living room with a fireplace and garden views.

Sligo Cottage: Sligo Wild Atlantic Cottage in Sligo offers three bedrooms and a bathroom. The ground-floor unit features a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a cosy living room with a sofa.

Achill Island Cottage: Achill Island Holiday home by the Sea in Achill Sound offers a recently renovated holiday home with three bedrooms and a private bathroom. Guests enjoy free WiFi throughout the property, a sun terrace, and a spacious garden.

Birch Tree Cottage: Birch Tree Cottage in Westport offers a holiday home with three bedrooms and a bathroom. The ground-floor unit features a private entrance, garden views, and a quiet street setting.

Best For: Surf enthusiasts, literary buffs, hiking enthusiasts

The Coast of County Galway

As you explore Ireland’s Galway Bay Coast, you will find a remarkable blend of nature and culture. Walking through Connemara National Park’s mountain paths and driving along the Sky Road near Clifden, you can take in some of Europe’s finest coastal views.

On the Aran Islands, traditional Irish life continues among the stone walls, with Irish (Gaeilge) remains the everyday language. In Galway City, street musicians and performers entertain the crowds while at Kylemore Abbey you can admire the Victorian walled gardens. This part of Ireland combines natural landscapes with rich cultural heritage, making it a perfect place to experience both the country’s scenery and traditions.

Why choose this region

Connemara National Park

Clifden’s Sky Road

Aran Islands

Galway City’s cultural scene

Kylemore Abbey

Popular cottages

Traditional Stone cottage: Traditional Stone Cottage 300 years+ in Ballymullen, Kilchreest, Loughrea, Co. Galway, offers a spacious holiday home housed in a historic building. The property features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for guests.

Dunguaire Cottage: Dunguaire Thatched Cottages in Galway offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property features a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy sea views and a cosy fireplace.

Tigh Kate: 393 Tigh Kate in Cor Na Mona offers a holiday home with three bedrooms and one bathroom. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, oven, and TV.

Best For: Cultural enthusiasts, landscape photographers, history buffs

Cliff Coast (County Clare)

You’ll find the essence of Ireland’s western coast in County Clare, where towering cliffs meet rich musical traditions. The Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically from the Atlantic, while the unique limestone landscape of the Burren supports some of Europe’s rarest plants.

Visit tiny Doolin, where you can experience traditional Irish music every night as local and visiting musicians gather to play. Head to Lahinch for excellent surfing, or explore the unspoiled coastline of the Loop Head Peninsula. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders or authentic Irish culture, County Clare delivers both in abundance.

Why choose this region

the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

Traditional music in Doolin

Lahinch beach

Loop Head Peninsula

Popular Cottages

Doolin View: Cois Na hAbhann in Doolin offers ground-floor units with private bathrooms, walk-in showers, and parquet floors. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries.

Molly’s Cottage: Molly’s Cottage Lahinch in Lahinch offers a spacious holiday home with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property features a living room, family rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Limestone Cottage: Limestone Cottage in Kilfenora offers a 3-star holiday home with two bedrooms and a private bathroom. Guests enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and free WiFi throughout the property.

Best For: Music lovers, nature enthusiasts, photographers

Southern Peninsulas (County Kerry)

You’ll find some of Ireland’s best outdoor experiences in Kerry. Drive the Ring of Kerry for stunning coastal views, or explore the Dingle Peninsula’s mix of mountains and seaside scenery. Visit Killarney National Park to see castle ruins and pristine lakes, or take a boat to the Skellig Islands to climb ancient monastery steps. At night, the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Kerry is ideal for experiencing Ireland’s natural landmarks at their finest.

Why choose this region

Ring of Kerry scenic drive

Dingle Peninsula

Killarney National Park

Skellig Islands

Dark Sky Reserve

Popular Cottages

Cromane Cottage: Lovely 2 bed Cottage in Cromane offers a holiday home in Killorglin, Ireland. The property features two bedrooms and a living room, providing ample space for relaxation.

An Cnoc cottage: An Cnoc in Knocklyne offers a holiday home with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Guests enjoy a private entrance and free WiFi throughout the property.

Orchard Cottage: Orchard Cottage in Dingle offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The living room features a cosy fireplace and parquet floors. Guests enjoy garden and mountain views from the terrace and patio.

Best For: Scenic drivers, star gazers, history enthusiasts

Haven Coast (County Cork)

In Cork, you can explore both rich history and excellent food. Visit Blarney Castle and its famous stone, then head to Kinsale for some of Ireland’s best restaurants amid historic streets and fortifications. The West Cork coast features quiet coves and charming villages, while Baltimore offers sailing trips and island excursions. At Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point, you can take coastal walks and watch for whales. Cork combines great food, culture, and coastal views with genuine local hospitality.

Why choose this region

Blarney Castle

Kinsale gourmet town

West Cork coastline

Baltimore sailing harbor

Mizen Head

Popular Cottages

Cosy Cottage: The Cosy Cottage in Bandon offers a cosy holiday home with one bedroom and a walk-in shower. Guests enjoy free WiFi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity during their stay.

Cute Cottage: Cute cottage for weekend getaway in Bandon offers a cosy one-bedroom holiday home with a private bathroom and a spacious living room. The property features a fully equipped kitchenette, dining area, and parquet floors, ensuring a pleasant stay.

The Beacon: The Beacon Kinsale County Cork in Kinsale offers a holiday home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property features a spacious living room, family rooms, and a private entrance.

Best For: Food lovers, sailing enthusiasts, history buffs

Ireland’s Ancient East

Meath and Louth in the Ancient East showcase Ireland’s ancient past. Visit the UNESCO site of Newgrange, a passage tomb older than the pyramids that still aligns with the winter solstice. Explore the Hill of Tara where Ireland’s High Kings ruled, and Trim Castle, the country’s largest Norman fortress.

In Louth, you can see Monasterboice’s detailed high crosses and visit the historic Battle of the Boyne site. These counties offer Ireland’s most important historical sites, all well-preserved and easy to access.

Why choose this region

Newgrange passage tomb

Hill of Tara

Trim Castle

Battle of the Boyne site

Monasterboice

Popular cottages

The Groom’s Cottage: The Groom’s Cottage in Navan offers a holiday home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property features a spacious living room, family rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Shepherds Lodge: The Shepherd’s Lodge in Tullyallen offers a one-bedroom apartment with a terrace and garden views. The ground-floor unit features a kitchenette, dining area, and a private entrance.

Best For: History enthusiasts, archaeology buffs, heritage seekers

Celtic Heritage (Counties Tipperary and County Kilkenny)

This area lets you step into medieval Ireland. See the Rock of Cashel standing above Tipperary’s countryside, and walk Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile past merchant houses and into a preserved castle. Visit monasteries like Jerpoint Abbey to see detailed stone carvings, or join modern pilgrims at Holy Cross Abbey.

Why choose this region

Rock of Cashel

Kilkenny Medieval Mile

Cahir Castle

Jerpoint Abbey

Holy Cross Abbey

Popular cottages

Lover’s Lodge: Lovers’ Lodge in Kilkenny offers a spacious holiday home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property features a private garden and free WiFi throughout, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Oak Cottage: Oak Cottage offers a spacious holiday home in Cashel, Ireland. Guests enjoy a sun terrace, garden, and free WiFi throughout the property.

Maggies Cottage: Maggie’s Cottage in Thurles offers a holiday home with three bedrooms and one bathroom. Guests enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a cosy fireplace.

Best For: Medieval history enthusiasts, photographers, culture seekers

Maritime Counties (Waterford and Wexford)

In Waterford and Wexford, you can experience Ireland’s maritime history and crafts. Tour Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, known for both its Viking past and crystal making.

See the Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark’s geological formations and visit Hook Head’s 800-year-old working lighthouse. Relax on Curracloe Beach’s long sandy stretch, or learn about emigration history aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship. This area combines beach activities with historical sites and traditional crafts.

Why choose this region

Waterford Crystal Factory

Hook Head Lighthouse

Copper Coast UNESCO Geopark

Dunbrody Famine Ship

Curracloe Beach

Popular Cottages

Tadpole Lodge: Tadpole Lodge features a garden. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi. Mount Juliet Golf Club is 48 km away and Waterford Institute of Technology WIT is 7.1 km from the holiday home.

The Old Thatch: The Old Thatch in Lemybrien offers three bedrooms and a bathroom. Family rooms provide ample space for relaxation

Seaside cottage: Seaside Cottage in Duncannon offers three bedrooms and a private bathroom. The ground-floor unit features a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and a cosy living room with a fireplace.

Best For: Beach lovers, maritime history enthusiasts, geology interests

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Shannon Region (Counties Westmeath, Offaly, and Laois)

You’ll discover Ireland’s riverside heritage in the Shannon Region, where the country’s longest river connects historic sites and natural wonders.

Visit the monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise with its preserved round towers along the Shannon’s banks. Explore Birr Castle’s gardens and see the world’s oldest working telescope, or hike the gentle trails of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Take a boat or kayak through Lough Ree to spot its many islands. Less crowded than other regions, the Shannon area lets you enjoy quiet waterways and historical sites at your own pace.

Why choose this region

River Shannon waterways

Clonmacnoise monastic site

Birr Castle and Gardens

Slieve Bloom Mountains

Lough Ree

Popular cottages

St John’s Schoolhouse:  St Johns old Schoolhouse in Knockskehan offers a holiday home with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Family rooms provide ample space for relaxation.

Curraghchase Cottage: Curraghchase Cottage in Kilcornan offers a two-bedroom apartment with a private bathroom and a spacious living room. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an outdoor seating area.

Best For: Water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, peaceful retreats

Midland Counties (Longford, Roscommon, and Leitrim)

Away from the busy tourist spots, you’ll find Ireland’s quieter side in the Midland Counties. Visit Strokestown Park House to explore Europe’s largest collection of Great Famine documents, or spend a day at Lough Key Forest Park combining outdoor activities with historical sites.

See the Iron Age engineering of the Corlea Trackway, preserved in the region’s distinctive boglands. Take a boat along the Shannon-Erne Waterway through peaceful countryside, or stop in Carrick-on-Shannon for its mix of riverside views and cultural events. The Midlands are ideal if you want to experience everyday Irish life at a relaxed pace.

Why choose this region

Strokestown Park House

Jamestown Abbey – Leitrim

Corlea Trackway

Shannon-Erne Waterway

Carrick-on-Shannon

Popular Cottages

Goggin Cottage: Goggin Cottage in New Kildimo offers a cosy holiday home with one bedroom and one bathroom. Family rooms provide ample space for relaxation.

300 Year Old Cottage: Guests enjoy free WiFi throughout the property, a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee machine, microwave, dishwasher, and oven. Additional amenities include a washing machine, patio, and outdoor furniture.

Best For: Fishing enthusiasts, boating lovers, rural retreat seekers

Practical Information for booking rental cottages

Booking Tips

1. Best Times to Book:

• Summer (June-August): Book 6 months ahead
• Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): 3 months ahead
• Winter (November-March): 1-2 months ahead

Essential Amenities to Check

• Heating systems
• WiFi connectivity
• Kitchen facilities
• Parking availability
• Washing facilities
• Outdoor spaces

Transportation Considerations

• Rural properties often require a car so you will need to rent one
• Check public transport accessibility
• Verify parking arrangements
• Consider proximity to attractions

Seasonal Guide

Summer (June-August)

• Peak prices
• Longest daylight hours
• Busiest tourist season
• Best weather
• Most attractions open

Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)

• Moderate prices
• Mild weather
• Good availability
• Less crowded
• Beautiful scenery

Winter (December-February)

• Lowest prices
• Shortest daylight hours
• Cozy atmosphere
• Some attractions closed
• Perfect for peaceful retreats

Making Your Booking

Research Phase

• Compare properties across regions
• Read recent reviews
• Check exact locations
• Verify included amenities
• Consider seasonal activities

2. Booking Platforms:

• Booking.com (3,482+ properties)
• Ireland’s Blue Book: luxury stays, BnB’s, Castles and more
• Bed and Breakfast Ireland
• Tourist office recommendations

3. Important Considerations:

• Cancellation policies
• Payment terms
• Check-in/out times
• Local contact information
• Emergency services nearby

Conclusion

Whether you choose a Wild Atlantic Way cottage with ocean views, an Ancient East property steeped in history, or a Hidden Heartlands retreat surrounded by nature, Ireland’s cottage rentals offer unique experiences that hotels simply can’t match. Each region provides its own distinct flavor of Irish hospitality, from the rugged coastlines of Donegal to the medieval streets of Kilkenny.

Remember that your choice of location shapes your entire Irish experience. Consider what matters most to you—be it proximity to historical sites, peaceful surroundings, or access to traditional music sessions—and choose accordingly. With proper planning and this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to find your perfect Irish cottage and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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