Where to rent perfect Irish Cottages

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 life long dream of many visiting Ireland.

Looking for the perfect holiday cottage in Ireland can take forever. In this article, I’ve carefully selected 44 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.

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44 Irish cottages to rent

County Galway

Thatched whitewashed cottage

This whitewashed and thatched cottage has been charmingly refurbished one-roomed cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way, a stone’s throw from the village of Kinvara, on the edge of the Burren. The cottage has a kitchenette but the house is not suitable for children.

Bridgies Cottage 

Bridgies Cottage is situated in the seaside village of Cave, just 2 miles from Clarinbridge, It is a traditional thatched cottage, which has been renovated inside but still keeping most of the old charm and character. The views are stunning. The cottage sleeps, 5 adults and 2 children. Brown bread and scones on arrival with a full fridge.  

Tonroe Cottage

Tonroe Cottage is a beautiful 200 yr old listed building. It has two comfortable double bedrooms. Kitchen with all the essentials including washing machine, dryer, cooker, hob, fridge, toaster, microwave, etc. The cottage has been newly restored and offers all modern conveniences. Irish cottages like this one are found all over Ireland but thatched cottages are rarer and tiny little jewels like this are hard to find.

Thatched Cottage on Stunning Seafront Setting

Authentic Irish thatched cottage situated on one of the most stunning locations on the Wild Atlantic Way. Its peaceful seafront setting with stunning views of the Burren makes for the perfect rural retreat.

The cottage has an open kitchen/living room area, dining room, utility, 3 double bedrooms with one en-suite and a main bathroom. The kitchen has an electric oven, fridge, kettle, toaster, iron and ironing board, and essential crockery, cutlery, and cookware. There is also a washing machine and dryer and an outside clothesline.

Thatch Cottage near the Burren  

Wonderfully comfortable thatched cottage near The Burren in County Galway / Clare border… Great base to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, The Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands or relive history at Coole Park in the footsteps of poet W.B.Yeats and The Lady Gregory. Retreat from the hustle and bustle in front of a log fire in this magical house – 5 minutes from a lively pub down the road and a short drive to the sea.  

Craigs cottage  

Enjoy your stay at our traditional 200-year-old Irish thatched cottage, located conveniently in the heart of Clarinbridge village, home of the oyster! You are within a two-minute walk of charming local pubs, a selection of restaurants, coffee shops, the supermarket, the post office, and a pharmacy.

Clarinbridge is conveniently located 15 minutes from Galway City by car or bus, and is the gateway to the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and much more!

The cottage is located just off the main street, so very convenient, but also very quiet. Two bedrooms and a mezzanine bedroom so sleep 6.

Cloch Na Scith Thatched Cottage

Charming self-catering cottage, situated west of Galway city and within walking distance of the quaint village Spiddal. With Connemara, the Burren and the Aran Islands on your doorstep why not have Cloch Na Scith as your base for your Irish adventure.

Mentioned in Frommers Ireland/Lonely Planet/Michelin Guide/ The Rough Guide/ Travel 101/ Le Guide du Routard.

Mary’s Cosy Cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way

 A beautifully restored cottage in a rural setting surrounded by lacy stone walls located 2 minutes from the village of Ballinderreen in South County Galway. This charming, bright 3-bed cottage provides a kitchen, living/dining area, a wet room, and a utility. It boasts a beautiful king bedroom with mezzanine, a double and a twin bunk.

Farmyard Cottage

This traditional Irish cottage sits in an enclosed walled garden on the 9-acre grounds of Kilcolgan Castle overlooking Galway Bay. Spacious and cozy very quiet and peaceful yet so close to super restaurants, pubs, and tourist attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way. Walk to the local village or to Tyrone House.
 
The walled garden is home to horses, chickens, and a cat. There are greyhounds and other dogs on the grounds. The Castle is open for accommodation and tours.

Traditional Stone Cottage

The cottage has two bedrooms, one bathroom, an open plan living room, a wood stove, and a relaxing sauna. Located in a peaceful setting in the west of Ireland. 3 minutes from Cloughan Castle, 35 minutes from Galway city, and 5 minutes from a lively local pub.

County Mayo

Traditional Country Cottage on Greenway

Traditional Irish cottage on an Irish farm situated in the Westport countryside along the Greenway. Our place is close to Westport Town (only a 10 minute drive/20 minute cycle) and just a short trip to Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, and many beautiful beaches.

Our cottage has been in the family for three generations and has recently been refurbished and freshly painted. It is a bright and cosy space with a traditional style sitting room and spacious high ceiling bedrooms. It has been maintained  

Fisherman’s Cottage

A charming cottage nestled at the foot of Croagh Patrick a short drive from Westport town. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland (Old Head, Bertra) it also boasts its own secluded private beach.

Rusheen Cottage

Rusheen Cottage is a charming little farm cottage only a stone’s throw from Westport and its wonderful amenities: Carraholly equestrian centre with local beach treks, Rosmoney Sailing Centre, Westport Rugby club, and Westport Golf course. A cosy cottage with off-road parking, close to the Greenway, you will enjoy a lovely wood fire stove and a full kitchen for your comfort. Easy taxi ride to all of the local bars and restaurants

Westport country cottage

Westport country cottage is a unique space overlooking a secluded pond /patio garden with the use of BBQ. It includes one large ensuite double bedroom (sofa single bed also), ensuite bathroom, and one living area consisting of a fully equipped kitchen, dining and sitting area with TV, and Free Wi-Fi.

Croagh Patrick cottage

Situated just a 5-minute walk from Croagh Patrick and only 7 km from the large town of Westport, is the newly renovated Cottage Hillside. Its interior includes 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4 people & travel cot), a spacious living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Outdoors, guests can take full advantage of the expansive lawn & garden patio. Just 1min walk down the lane to The Tavern Bar & Restaurant, It is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure for families or couples looking for a peaceful escape.

Fisherman’s Cottage

Fisherman’s Cottage near Westport town is the perfect getaway for your family holiday or romantic retreat. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland (Old Head, Bertra) it also boasts its own secluded private beach.

County Sligo

Katie Ann’s Cottage (close to beach)

Escape away to Katie Ann’s Cottage, nestled along the magnificent Sligo coast of the Wild Atlantic Way. This 150-year-old cottage has a large cozy open stone fire, 2 bedrooms, beautiful gardens, and a converted stone barn BBQ area. A 10-minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean, 1.5km from Dunmoran Strand, under a 10-minute drive from Beach Bar, Aughris (thatched restaurant). World-renowned surfing beaches at Easkey (19km) & Strandhill (27km), both under 30 mins by car.

Masters Cottage

The Master’s Cottage is a listed 2 story 150-year-old stone cottage newly restored, 15km north of Sligo. A small cozy residence is suitable for one/two or couple. Nice comfortable house with a vaulted ceiling upstairs. Bright inside. Known locally as (the Witch’s house).

County Leitrim

Rural Traditional Cottage

Filled with books for every interest makes this rural traditional Irish cottage situated on a secluded country lane, both private and peaceful. 7 kilometres from the village of Dromahair, and 8 kilometres from the town of Manorhamilton. Close to the River Bonet.

It’s also just a short drive away from Boa Island where you can see the Janus Head and of course the Stairway to Heaven hike.

Lavender Lake view Cottage  

Nestled on the shores of Lough Melvin with stunning views at Lavender Lake View you can step back in time with all mod cons – a lovely quiet area just a short car ride to many places of your choice, five minutes to Bundoran and Tullan Strand, a few miles from the Wild Atlantic Way.

County Donegal

Mamore Cottage

Marmore cottage is a (pet-friendly) traditional thatched Irish cottage that has been carefully restored and is fully heated with all mod cons. Features such as the bog oak roof, open turf fire, flagged stone floor, and antique pine furniture create a timeless and relaxing atmosphere. Mary’s cottage is featured on the stunning ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Urris Hills and beaches. 

Wild Atlantic Way Cottage  

Beautiful Old World Stone Cottage on the grounds of historic Killaghtee House overlooking St. Johns Point with its lighthouse, ancient ruins, and sandy beaches. Ideally situated on Wild Atlantic Way between Donegal Town and Killybegs Fishing Harbour, beside Dunkineely village.

It was once a cowshed and hayloft and now oozes with both luxury and comfort. You will love the open-plan space, patio, and lovely gardens that go with it.  

Biddys Cottage

Biddy’s Cottage is a recently refurbished one bedroom thatched cottage located halfway between the towns of Culdaff and Malin. The cottage provides for a unique self-catering experience in a peaceful setting and is an ideal base to explore the rugged beauty of the Inishowen Peninsula

Whispering Willows

A luxury thatched cottage situated on a quiet lane, 1 mile from Carndonagh. This superbly presented semi-detached cottage is an idyllic haven for anyone looking a unique break. Furnished to a high standard, this cottage is surprisingly spacious and has been lovingly renovated to provide contemporary fittings combined with traditional aspects that won’t fail to charm you.

Mary Carpenter’s Cottage

Mary Carpenter’s Cottage is a beautifully restored original thatched cottage located in Clonmany Co. Donegal on the Inishowen Peninsula. This house is over 150 years old and has been tastefully renovated to include its beautiful original features alongside modern conveniences. The house has recently been featured in a documentary on vernacular houses in Co. Donegal.

County Sligo

Yeats Cottage under Benbulben  

Located in North Sligo on the Wild Atlantic Way, Yeats Cottage is a self-catering apartment nestled under Sligo’s mythical mountain Benbulben. In a rural tranquil setting, it’s a five-minute walk to Davis’s pub & restaurant, Drumcliffe Tea House & Drumcliffe Church, the final resting place of Ireland’s famous poet W.B. Yeats. It is a short drive to Lissadell House, the birthplace of Irish Revolutionary Countess Markievicz, and the stunning Glencar Waterfall.

County Clare

The Blue Stonecutters Cottage

Follow the slate and sedum to The Blue Stonecutters Cottage atop Doonagore, a lovely high point with Atlantic views. The home enchants with original features, including beams, recessed windows, and period furnishings, such as the 100-year-old range. The cottage dates from just after the famine and was lovingly restored a few years ago.

The Red Stonecutters Cottage

The Red Stonecutters Cottage sits atop Doonagore, a spectacular high point that has views to the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands, the Burren, and the music village of Doolin. It is situated on a quiet country road with nothing but gorse and fresh air.

Doonagore is quiet and rural, yet the buzz of the coastal villages of Doolin, Lahinch, and Liscannor are only a few minutes away.

The Old Schoolhouse on the River Shannon

The Old Schoolhouse is a beautifully renovated house that was originally the local national school built-in 1887. All rooms in the house have breathtaking views of the Shannon estuary. The house has wooden floors and ceilings throughout and a balcony where guests can sit and have breakfast overlooking the river. Labasheeda is a peaceful village on the Wild Atlantic way within easy reach of Kilimer Car ferry, Loop Head, Kilkee, the Cliffs of Moher any many more beautiful sights.

County Kerry

Thatched cottage  

Imagine an Irish thatched cottage with a turf fire set in five acres of organic meadow and gardens. A choice of spectacular beaches are a short drive away; Banna Strand with miles of golden sand and Ballybunion where you can take a traditional seaweed bath before plunging into the Atlantic.
The nearby market towns of Listowel and Tralee are full of independent shops and retain the feel of the recent past.

Converted Stone Barn

A self-catering apartment on a working sheep farm. Situated 1hr 15mins from Dublin, 10mins off the N4. Experience the peace and tranquility of the countryside within easy access of the coasts and cities of Ireland.

An inviting, two-story apartment with two bedrooms complete with underfloor heating. Wellies at the ready on reception for those ready to explore the farm!

County Cork

Cosy Seaside Cottage Baltimore

Our warm and welcoming cottage boasts an original inglenook fireplace with solid fuel burning stove and exposed stone. The walls are at least one meter thick and the cottage predates the Irish famine.

This unique cottage is 5 kilometers from the village of Baltimore. There is a music studio on-site and the hosts offer a range of creative options, such as recording, songwriting, and video. There is no light pollution, so star gazing is fantastic. The property overlooks the Atlantic and the area is well known for whale and bird watching.

Coach House At Glashnacree  

Coach house on the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way set in 10 acres of woodlands and tropical gardens. We are a private garden estate overlooking the Kenmare bay connected to miles of walkways through a woodland, meadow, and tropical gardens. The Coach House is spacious and very comfortable 2 bedrooms with en suite, kitchen and a large sitting room with flat screen tv and wood-burning stove.

Rós Dearg

Rós Dearg is the perfect getaway, offering you peace and tranquillity lying at the foot of the northern lower slopes of the MacGillycuddy Reeks at the head of Caragh Valley.

The Rós Dearg bungalow is typical of what one should expect for a getaway in the Irish countryside. A traditional and cozy open plan bungalow scented by the wood-burning fireplace. This space makes you feel relieved of the unnecessary complications of everyday living.

This enchanting bungalow is centrally located for touring the Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park or visiting the World Heritage site, Skellig Michael (Star Wars filming location) and an array of other beautiful tourist attractions.

County Waterford

Rustic cottage with panoramic views

This is a 300-year-old stone cottage, a converted cow holding ( barn)which is situated in the courtyard of the main house. This property is Split level property. The living accommodation is on the first floor, which consists of TV area with comfy sofas, also on this floor is a shower/ toilet and two bedrooms. One which consists of a double bedroom and the other a single bedroom.

Ground floor is the Kitchen dining area and the family bedroom ( sleeps 3) which has a double bed and a single bed. Also added recently a large spacious bathroom.    

County Wexford

Foley’s Cottage – Restored 18th century Farmhouse

Foley’s Cottage is an old (18th century), restored, traditional, a stone-built farmhouse on a working family farm. The cottage has been restored sympathetically using original and locally sourced recycled materials. The roof timbers for example were sawn from trees grown on the farm.

There are old wooden ceiling beams and traditional real pine boarded floors. In addition, the cottage has all modern conveniences (ie. Wifi, ensuite shower room, Jacuzzi bath, power showers, wetroom, full oil fired central heating, washer, drier, dishwasher microwave, satellite tv, DVD player).

Converted Old Stone Barn

Hogans Cottage is a 300-year-old traditional style, converted stone barn, near our historic old farmhouse “Somers’ Fort “. It retains many original features such as the original old natural slated roof, old timber beams, traditional natural slate floors, and exposed original stone walls It is very quiet and peaceful, on a small working tillage farm. Originally the building was the cowhouse where the cows were sheltered and fed for the winter months.

Rock Lodge Cottage

Nestled at the end of a pot-holed lane adjacent to Rock Lodge, this cottage is a lovely converted stone-built stable block in a peaceful rural location. Situated a few minutes from the beautiful Tintern Abbey and within 15 minutes of the lovely beaches at Duncannon, Cullenstown, and Fethard. Both Wexford town and New Ross are within easy reach as are the popular tourist destinations of Hook lighthouse, Dunbody Famine ship, and the Irish National Heritage Centre.

County Wicklow

The Granary cottage

The Granary is a stonewalled self-catering cottage, secluded, great views, excellent walks, close to Avoca, Arklow and Wicklow towns. An hour from Dublin, Queen size bed and double sleeper couch, separate bathroom, kitchen/living room.Remote location, wifi available.

County Meath

The Snug Cottage

The Snug is a recently renovated charming little cottage, self-catering. Just a very short drive to Loughcrew megalithic cairns, wake up early in the morning and enjoy the beauty of Loughcrew. You can see 16 counties from the top of Slieve na Calliagh, watch the beautiful sunrise over the cairns, when you are done you can go by the little coffee shop and museum. Loughcrew is the highest point in the Boyne Valley.

Just about 4 miles out side Oldcastle Co Meath. It is a short drive to Loughcrew megalithic cairns, Newgrange, Hill of Tara, 15 mins to Kells, 15 minutes to lough Sheelin, other local amenities include Fishing, Hill walks, Horse Riding

County Down

Mourneview Cottage

Mourneview is a traditional cottage set in a rural area with fantastic views of the Mourne Mountains. Close to 2 forest parks, Newcastle, and the Mourne Mountains 13 miles. Walking, cycling, and riding tracks close by. Pets welcome, a livery facility for your horse on site.

The Gardener’s Cottage

A charming little stone cottage set in 20 acres of stunning gardens and woodland in County Down. Explore the garden setting of this cosy stone cottage amid the gentle bustle of a working smallholding with geese, chickens, sheep, goats, and even the occasional peacock.

Many historic and prehistoric sites nearby including filming locations of the Game of Thrones. Close to beaches and hill walking, National Trust properties and, though a rural location, close enough to Belfast to access the city.

This cosy cottage sits in the lush gardens and yard of Knocknamorney house. Originally a spiritual retreat, rumour has it that the cottage was built for the Dalai Lama when he visited Northern Ireland. It has its own front door, a bedroom, a shower room with a separate dressing room, and a small kitchen. It is located in the yard that is shared with the main house. It also has a private parking space

County Fermanagh

Traditional Irish Thatched Cottage

Delightful, listed, 250-year-old thatch cottage named after the famous explorer Eduardo-Alfred Martel is famous for charting Marble Arch cave system. Local Folklore claims that Martel resided within this beautiful cottage in 1895 during his Caving adventures. Suitable for walkers, climbers & fishermen. The cottage is heated by oil and a lovely range cooker. With a log burner in the lounge.

County Limerick

The Thatch

Cozy thatched cottage set in the tranquil countryside of Adare. Ideal space for a weekend getaway with family or friends. Combines country style living with modern amenities. Beautiful garden and orchard. 7 mins drive (5km) from Adare Village.

Lovely comfortable and unique historical thatched home set in the countryside of Adare. The house has 3 bedrooms – two double and one twin. The master bedroom is ensuite and there is a main bathroom with bath and shower. There are a spacious living and dining room that has a wood-burning stove. Perfect setting for a weekend away or ideal if you are visiting Adare for a wedding.

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?

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