Beautiful Irish cottages to rent for your dream holiday

The dream of staying in a traditional Irish cottage has long been part of the charm of visiting Ireland. Whether the cottage is thatched or slate-roofed the vision of thatched and whitewashed Irish cottages with roses around the door and a pretty front garden is a lifelong dream of many visiting Ireland.

Looking for the perfect holiday cottage in Ireland can take forever. In this article, I’ve carefully selected 22 traditional Irish cottages located all over the country. From snug 2 person Irish cottages to luxurious traditional stone buildings that will sleep 6 and up these traditional Irish cottages will make all your Irish dreams come true.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can read my privacy policy here.

Irish country cottages for rent

County Galway Irish cottages

The Swallow Loft

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 4

The Swallow Loft accommodation offers a combination of contemporary and vernacular features and furnishings. It is bright, cosy, comfortable and spacious. The main living space is located on the first floor which is accessed through an interesting stairwell full of the barn’s original texture – white-washed stonewalls, Liscannor stone flag floors, and recycled church and shop doors all lead into a bright welcoming living space.

Large roof lights and a glass patio door leading out to a garden which is located at a higher level of the ground at the back of the barn. This is very private with a small timber deck with a table and chairs for relaxing in the garden… when looking out at the flowers and fruit trees it’s hard to believe the centre of Galway is only 2 miles away!

The kitchen is modern and bright – with good appliances including a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, microwave, and well-stocked drawers with pots & pans, casseroles, cooking utensils, toaster, electric kettle and coffee press (cafetiere)- and whatever else you may need.

Errislannan Stone Cottage

sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms

Experience an authentic historical cottage based in rural Ireland. Sit back, relax and enjoy the breath-taking, green scenery and Wild Atlantic Way that Ireland is so famous for.

With three bedrooms and a sofa bed this delightful cottage can cater for all wishing to experience a break from daily life. The master bedroom has a king size bed. There is also a double bedroom and a twin room. Up to six guests at a time can relax and unwind in this idyllic country paradise.

As a quiet retreat or a base to tour the west of Ireland, this property is the perfect spot for both. Experience all that the West has to offer in this stunning location. This is the perfect base for sightseeing or exploring Connemara and Galway City. Or sit and watch the world go by in this stunning scene of uninterrupted views of the countryside and distant hills.

County Mayo Irish Cottages

Katie’s Cottage – Achill Island

Katie’s cottage is an 90 year old traditional stone built cottage that has been extensively modernised in 2012. The property consists of 2 bedrooms. One double and one twin, open plan kitchen, dining room and sitting room. Shower room. It has the benefit of oil central heating and a solid fuel stove. Modern kitchen complete with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer machine, kettle, toaster. Tiled and wooden floors throughout. Enclosed garden front and rear. All bed linen, towels, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils supplied.

It is situated in the traditional Achill Village of Bunnacurry overlooking the Harbour, Fintan Bay and the Neiphin mountain range. Large storage facilities for outdoor activity equipment. Pets welcomed.

Clooncorraun Cottage – Ballinrobe

This stone cottage is located near to Lough Mask just outside Ballinrobe and sleeps seven people in three bedrooms.

Clooncorraun Cottage is a delightful, stone built cottage in an idyllic location near to Lough Mask and just two miles from Ballinrobe in County Mayo. The cottage has three bedrooms – one ground floor double and one king size double which leads into a family room making it suitable for up to seven people. The cottage also contains a family bathroom, a compact fitted kitchen, a dining area and a sitting room with a woodburning stove.

Outside the cottage is an enclosed lawned garden with a feature stone circle, garden furniture and a BBQ as well as plenty of off road parking. Clooncorraun Cottage is situated in a quiet location and makes a perfect holiday home for a family looking to get away from it all. Smart TV with extensive selection of movies, DVD, WiFi, video, CD, radio, extensive selection of books and DVDs (owner can provide list of books and DVDs). Selection of games & toys.

County Sligo Irish Cottages

Hawthorn Farm Cottage

This ground floor cottage is located near the village of Curry and can sleep six people in two bedrooms.

Hawthorn Farm Cottage is a ground floor cottage near the village of Curry in County Sligo close to the border with County Mayo. The cottage sleeps six people and has one double bedroom and one family room with two double beds and a family bathroom. Also in the cottage are a fitted kitche, dining area and sitting area. Outside is off road parking for three cars and a lawned garden. Situated close to the border with County Mayo, Hawthorn Farm Cottage is a lovely base from which to explore this lovely part of Ireland.

Lissadell on the Sea

This is perhaps the most spectacular setting on the Atlantic Sea Shore that you could experience. When stepping out the front door of the property you step straight out onto the golden sands of Lissadell Beach, with the most enchanting ocean views against the dramatic backdrop of Knocknarea and Ben Bulben mountains.

‘Lissadell on the Sea’ has been extensively restored to capture all the drama and beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, yet elegantly designed and furnished with all modern conveniences to ensure your comfort. The house and furnishings have been specially designed to make the most of the spectacular ocean frontage and views.

County Donegal Irish Cottages

Cookies Cottage

Cookies Cottage is a quaint cottage near Ballyshannon in County Donegal. The cottage can sleep seven people in four bedrooms which are made up of a ground floor double, a double, a twin and a ground-floor single as well as a separate bathroom and a ground floor bathroom. The rest of the cottage is made up of an open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove and a sitting room with open fire. To the outside is ample off road parking and a large enclosed lawned garden and gravel area to rear of property. Set in a stunning location, Cookies Cottage is a great place to enjoy at any time of the year.

Tar ar Ais

Tar ar ais is a detached thatched cottage near the village of Lettermacaward just eight miles from Dungloe. The cottage sleeps six people and has two double bedrooms, one twin with en-suite shower room and a family bathroom. Also in the cottage is a fitted kitchen with dining area and a sitting room with open fire. Outside is ample off road parking and a shared front lawned garden. Situated on the west coast of County Donegal, Tar ar ais is a lovely family holiday cottage from which to explore this beautiful part of the country.

Whispering Willows

This semi-detached thatched cottage near the town of Carndonagh, County Donegal sleeps two people.

Whispering Willows – The Thatch is a luxury thatched, semi-detached cottage situated next to another holiday home, one mile from the town of Carndonagh, County Donegal. This single-storey cottage sleeps two people in a super king-size double bedroom, as well as a separate bathroom with roll-top bath. The cottage also has a kitchen and a sitting room with multi-fuel stove. Outside there is ample off road parking and a front patio with furniture. Whispering Willows – The Thatch is an ideal romantic retreat in a lovely location.

County Clare Irish Cottages

Burren Cottage

Burren cottage is just 1 mile inland from the Wild Atlantic Way, nestled between the Kyber pass to the west, and Slieve Elva to the east surrounded by the Burren hills of the Caher Valley. This unique karst landscape with its alpine flora is a haven for botanists and geologists.

The fauna, including foxes, badgers, pine martins and wild goats roam freely over the hills and can be spotted using the binoculars that we provide for our guests. The Caher River is only a short stroll from the cottage offering a tranquil atmosphere for our guests and the Caher Valley Nature Reserve is located nearby. The cottage is perfectly situated as a starting point to many of the walking trails with spectacular views of Galway Bay. We provide maps and brochures featuring these trails.

The cottage is wheelchair accessible throughout so it’s ideal for seniors. The master bedroom has a large ensuite bathroom and walk in closet. The main bathroom has a full/power shower and bathtub. Pitch pine floors throughout. Solar panels for heated water.

Rose Thatched Cottage on Wild Atlantic Way

Fully-equipped with all modern comforts but is decorated in traditional old world style. Mature gardens surround the cottage. Green fields extend down the valley and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Rose cottage was constructed fifteen years ago. Located in a peaceful country setting at the edge of the Burren close to the famous villages of Doolin and Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare, Rose Cottage is perfectly situated for you to explore the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Burren and beautiful Wild Atlantic Way coast of Ireland.

County Kerry Irish Cottages

Thatched Cottage Castleisland

Newly restored Thatched Cottage in the heart of the Kerry countryside. Uninterrupted views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks; Ireland’s highest mountain range peaking at Carrauntoohil. This historic cottage is oozing with character and original features. Enjoy total peace and tranquility with long nature walks on the doorstep. Pets welcome. The cottage sleeps 8 with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Historical Cottage steps from Killarney National Park

The Little Cottage with the big heart Ivy Cottage circa 1840 steps from Killarney National Park & Lakes. Beautifully restored with all modern amenities and a beautiful magical garden to enjoy & plan your adventures in Kerry. Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.

County Cork Irish Cottages

Charming old stables studio cottage

A charming and stylish studio cottage, recently renovated from old stables, the cottage sits on a lovely one-acre organic vegetable and flower garden 10 mins equally from Clonakilty and a variety of local beaches. It is located 500m from the birthplace of Michael Collins near the lively market town of Clonakilty, it is perfectly situated as a quiet haven for exploring the beautiful landscape of West Cork.

Guests have access to a small private garden with patio and also to the family organic vegetable and flower garden.
The family live in the adjacent renovated school house and will be very happy to advise you on any queries you may have on the locality.

Historic Cottage

Beautiful, restored historic cottage available to guests for the first time in 341 years. Built by Sir Robert Southwell in 1682 for widows of Protestant tradesmen, this charming cottage is one of five houses within a unique compound overlooking spectacular Kinsale harbour. 1 bedroom sleeps 2.

Glenlohane Cottage

Glenlohane Cottage in Kanturk Cork is a charming country cottage, accommodating up to 5 people (suitable only for children over 12 please). Originally built in the 1600’s, and continuously updated, the cottage has 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. There are separate dining and living rooms and a fully equipped kitchen.

As a part of the 250 acre Glenlohane Estate, we have extensive walking and hiking opportunities on this established game sanctuary. Though it has been here for centuries, this charming cottage retains many of its original features but it is now fully updated for modern comfort.

County Waterford Irish Cottages

Comeragh Mountains Cottage

Nestled in the foothills of the Comeragh mountains just 8 kms (10 minutes) from the bustling harbour town of Dungarvan this beautiful cosy 2 bedroom cottage offers a truly relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Recharge your batteries in the peaceful surrounds of the spectacular Comeragh mountains.

Enjoy nearby tracks and trails from your doorstep over the Comeragh mountains or in nearby Colligan woods (just 2kms away) or surf the waves and have a refreshing sea swim in nearby Clonea beach (8kms away). Located just 20 minutes drive from Clonmel and Youghal in Tipperary 40 minutes from Waterford and one hour from Cork airport, this pretty cottage in Cúl na Sméar is the perfect tranquil getaway. Comfortable accommodation with a warm welcome to facilitate upto 4 guests with solid fuel stove, oil fired central heating and a gorgeous outdoor decking area for your evening drinks or alfresco BBQ. 

Visiting South East Ireland: Wicklow, Waterford, Wexford, East Cork

County Wexford Irish Cottages

Rose Cottage

Rose Cottage is a superbly-presented, detached cottage set next to the owners’ working livestock and arable farm, in a rural position less than three miles from Duncannon. Set all across the ground floor, the cottage offers two bedrooms, one double with an en-suite shower room and one twin, sleeping up to four people.

There is also an open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with a warming open fire. To the front of the cottage is off road parking for 3 cars plus a gravelled garden area with furniture. Rose Cottage provides friends, families and couples with a comfortable base from which to discover the sunny South East of Ireland. Note: There is a working livestock and arable farm directly behind this cottage, fenced off and only accessible via gate at end of driveway, children should be supervised at all times and dogs kept on a lead when outside.

Cob Cottage

Cob Cottage rests in Tomhaggard, sleeping six people in three bedrooms. The living areas in the property consist of an open-plan living area with a kitchen with an oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dining seating for six, and a sitting room with TV and woodburning stove. The bedrooms consist of a double, a ground-floor double and a twin, along with a bathroom and a cloakroom.

Outside, there is a small garden with lawn and furniture, as well as parking. Within 2.2 miles, you will find a shop, and within 0.1 miles, a pub, and please note that this is a non-smoking property. WiFi, fuel, power, bed linen and towels are all included in the price. Stables are available if guests want to bring their own horses, cost at €25 per horse which includes on site stable, paddock, straw and hay. The woodburning stove can supplement the oil central when in use, if not used you will have up to four hours of heating free, after that it is payable on usage.

County Wicklow Irish Cottages

Swallow Cottage

Swallow Cottage is a large luxuriously refurbished cottage located beside Newcastle Village, Co. Wicklow in the Garden of Ireland. The property is part of an old courtyard complex which has been recently renovated. The property is on two levels and comprises Large Living and Open Plan kitchen area with one large Bedroom and ensuite shower room on the upper level and a very large bedroom on the ground floor with an adjacent shower room, entrance hall and utility room. The property sleeps four persons comfortably and a fifth (with an extra bed) can be accommodated in the very large ground floor bedroom Equipped with WIFI and TV’s.

The property is located on a working farm and beside the Birdwatch Nature Reserve in Co. Wicklow. Located in North Wicklow and literally 20 minutes from South County Dublin, it is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, 40 minutes from the Centre of Dublin and 10 minutes from the village of Greystones to the North and 10 mins from the town of Wicklow. The Wicklow National Park, Glendalough, the Powerscourt Estate, and Kilruddery are all within easy driving distance.

Abhainn Ri Farm

Abhainn Ri Farm is situated overlooking the rolling Wicklow hills and Kings River (Abhainn Ri) as it flows into the spectacular Blessington lakes. Enjoy a truly Irish Farm Experience for families in this stunning lake side location and step into this stunning landscape. On site farm trails.

So much exciting things to do and see along Irelands Ancient East and just one hour drive from Dublin. Wicklow the county of Saints and Scholars with magical Glendalough 20 mins away. Abhainn Ri is off the beaten track on the gateway to Wicklows National Park. While staying enjoy the freedom to escape and recharge at Abhainn Ri.

There are many activities within easy reach, such as hill walking in the Wicklow mountains, horse riding, golfing and many historic sites to visit such as Powerscourt Estate, Glendalough, Avondale House (the birthplace of Parnell), Wicklow head and Avoca otherwise known as Ballykissangel. The area also includes miles of unspoiled sandy beaches which are ideal for swimming (with life guards on duty during the holiday months). Brittas Bay is one of the finest beaches on the east coast, a 3 mile stretch of white sand dunes and golden sands This popular location has something to offer all the family.

Any of these Irish cottages would be perfect for your visit to Ireland or even if you are planning a staycation. Which one will you choose?

Did you know you can also stay in a haunted castle in Ireland?

What about staying in a luxury castle in Ireland?

• Author
• Recent Posts

Faith Coates

Faith was born in Ireland and raised in Canada and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

Latest posts by Faith Coates (see all)

• Pros and Cons of Living in Cyprus
• Waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales
• How to get an EU passport and get EU citizenship