12 Charming Irish Cottage Rentals That Cost Less Than A Hotel

Like something out of a fairytale, this authentic 200-year-old thatched roof cottage is a traditional Irish cottage that has been recently restored. Its two double bedrooms sleep four, with a fold-out couch for a fifth guest. This old Irish country cottage offers easy access to Ireland’s enchanting Connemara region.

Looking to unplug? With no Wi-Fi to speak of, this charming, cozy cottage in County Leitrim offers the opportunity to relax and unwind. Located in a beautiful rural area, this holiday cottage features large private gardens and is surrounded by forest and farmland. Several hikes and fishing lakes can be found nearby. The Ballyconnell Canal, which can be explored on foot or boat, is a 10-minute drive away.

Just a few miles from the picturesque village of Keshcarrigan, it makes for a great jumping-off point for exploring the northern and western parts of the country. Supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment can be found within a 15-minute drive. This cottage is great for those traveling with children, as it has a travel cot for a baby, baby gates, and a high chair available upon request. There is also a public playground for small children within walking distance.

The perfect place to enjoy some peace and productivity, this stone cottage promises a relaxing retreat for couples looking for a change in scenery. About an hour south of Dublin, the cottage can be found in County Wicklow. Although this is a rural patch of Ireland, the cottage is within reach of major attractions. A prehistoric stone circle is just down the road, along with a host of lesser-known charming spots seldom written about. The home is rustic on the outside but features modern decor within. High ceilings soar above the living room’s fireplace, a hearth that just begs to be lit regardless of the weather. 

Built from rough stone and age-old timber, this centuries-old cottage in County Kerry is yet another excellent place from which to explore the many facets of Ireland. Once a workshop for local craftsmen, it is now a guest house and an elegant mixture of contemporary comforts and weathered materials. Enjoy magnificent views of the estuary from the comfort of the private terrace before setting off to discover the many charms of the Irish countryside. Best of all, the home welcomes dogs who will enjoy the rural lifestyle as much as any person.

Swathes of vines and other plants cover a stone structure, making Coolbeg Lodge as green as Ireland itself. Travelers often have some trouble when their romantic image of a destination fails to match reality; that is not a problem when staying here as this cottage doubtless bears a strong resemblance to the Ireland of your imagination. A small structure, it has two bedrooms (one with a double and a twin bed, the other with two singles) and cozy interiors. The kitchen appliances and the bathroom facilities are modern but retain echoes of past eras in their design. Located near the village of Adare in Kildimo, the home is a short drive from the city of Limerick.

A converted carriage house with a pleasing facade of stone and glass, this lovely cottage is another excellent base for couples and solo travelers drawn to Ireland. Located outside the charming and picturesque town of Sligo, it is ideal for exploring the island’s enchanting Atlantic coast. Inside, the home is a mix of wooden beams, brick walls, and ceramic surfaces. A spiral staircase leads to the main bedroom, a space directly connected to the living area, a space whose comforts are enhanced by the use of the wood-burning stove. The outdoor space is covered in gravel. It has a hammock, sitting areas, and views of local farms.

Nested in northwestern Ireland (not to be confused with Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, not Ireland), this single-story cottage is near Donegal and Mountcharles. It makes for a great jumping-off point for exploring Donegal, including Letterkenny, the largest town. Its two double rooms can sleep up to four guests and is pet-friendly for one well-behaved dog. There is a deck and yard out back where you can sip your coffee and take in the emerald-green fields. Both a shop and a pub can be found within a few miles.

Enjoy the idylls of rural Ireland from this charming cottage on the Ashford Estate in County Galway. Built by the Guinness family in the mid-19th century, the quaint home promises a true Irish experience. The area boasts two large loughs, green forests, and delightful Irish towns (the pubs and inns of Cong are a 20-minute stroll away). The estate has pleasant footpaths and a myriad of activities from falconry and horseback riding to ziplines. Remodeled and comfortable even by today’s standards, the cottage has a full kitchen and two bedrooms and sleeps up to five guests.

Not only is this splendid modern cabin near the geographical center of Ireland, but the property it sits on very much gets to the heart of what Ireland is all about, capturing an indicative slice of its history, landscapes, and lifestyle. Though just an acre in size, the land has a stream, mossy ruins, and gorgeous walkways. Located on a hill, there are commanding views to be had from the fire pit, deck, and interiors as well. The cabin is stylish and elegant, as modern and streamlined as the surrounding area is ancient and mysterious.

Set out in any direction from any place in Ireland, and it won’t be long before you reach the sea. This incredible home in County Clare, however, is far nearer the blue waters that wash the shores of the Emerald Isle than most. Visually and aurally, the sea’s presence can be felt in almost every room. The 10-acre property on which the cottage sits has rocky coves, walking paths, and limitless potential for exploration. The cottage itself is a cozy three-bedroom retreat. It has a wood-burning stove and other features to enhance a sense of seclusion and comfort.

Located on the edge of the picturesque seaside village of Kinvara, this thatched cottage sleeps up to 10 people in five bedrooms. The Well House is a wonderful place for a group and makes for a great base for exploring Galway. In Kinvara, visit Dunguaire Castle and explore quaint Kinvara Harbour as well as the town’s shops, pubs, and eateries. On Fridays, shop the renowned farmers market. Galway and Burren National Park are within driving distance.

Situated near Duncormick in County Wexford, Fort Mountain House is just 4 miles from the beach. Known as the “Sunny South East,” the region offers miles of sandy beaches and scenic drives, with both the mountains and coast at your door. The cottage’s two bedrooms sleep four folks, but the hosts specify that the vacation rental is not suitable for children under 10. There is no Wi-Fi, but a shop and pub can be found nearby. The hosts assure that the nearby “counties of Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, and Tipperary offer everything you could need for a dream holiday in Ireland.”