As the nights draw in, it’s good to plan a little getaway to break the winter chill. In this blog we’re just sharing a few of our favourite romantic breaks for anyone who needs a cosy getaway. If you’d like to get away with a warm fire, beautiful walks and cosy beds look no further!
This recently updated historic cottage is nestled peacefully on the north shore of Bantry Bay. With a terraced garden sloping down to the water; it’s a perfect respite for two couples looking to get away from it all.
The West Cork microclimate keeps winters mostly warm and wet; though the cottage has central from an oil-fired range and an Oisín woodstove to keep any chill far from our guests.
Bantry town is just ten minutes drive away, and the market there is one of the best in the country for organic produce and any other little thing you might need..
Held every Friday from 9:30 til 1:00 PM under the statue of Brendan the Navigator, it’s a must visit! Bantry Market’s information:
Centrally located for adventures further into West Cork or Kerry, you shouldn’t lack for beautiful walks or quick jaunts by car to see some of the best this country has to offer.
Just over an hour from Dublin on the grounds of Lumcloone Estate in Carlow is the beautiful Bell House. This very ‘Unique’ property has stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains, A beautifully appointed dining room and living area, and two lofted bedrooms with king size beds.
The home consists of two smaller cottages now joined at the dining room, meaning though the cottage is compact, the bedrooms are peaceful and private.
Offering easy access to Mount Leinster and the surrounding peaks, The Bell House would suit any looking to take advantage of cooler temperatures for mountain walks; with a wood burning stove to unwind and warm up after…
The Bell House is available by the weekend from October to May, though to see the best of the area may take longer! Book Here:Rates and Availability
This eclectic and interesting conversion lies on the grounds of Gurtalougha Estate, close to Lough Derg, on the Shannon River’s Tipperary side.With two queen-size beds and a charming rural aesthetic, it makes for a perfect escape for any city dwellers.
As the name implies, the cottage is built into the Walled Garden for the estate – with wonderful sculpted walks, the garden itself and two tennis courts for the competitive couple – provided the weather holds!
Despite the beauty of the surrounding estate one could easily lose a day just exploring the cottages shelves and decor, bursting with little historic details.
Lough Derg itself is the other main attraction, Ireland’s third largest body of water, on the British Isles’ largest river. For a relaxing repast on the water’s edge, Terryglass is less than 15 minutes away with a historic harbor and great food to boot.Driving south for 30 minutes will have you in Nenagh, county capital and home to great restaurants and plenty of history, with a beautifully preserved castle.
The Walled Garden Cottage is available for weekend/ midweek bookings from November to May and has only recently been redone. To book check the details here: Rates and Availability
Just a short jaunt from Bundoran on the south end of Donegal is Lily’s Cottage. The image of a traditional cottage on the outside, the inside displaying a modern, minimal and welcoming interior.
With the help of a concealed extension to the rear the cottage’s footprint has been doubled, giving room for an ample kitchen/diner and two spacious bedrooms.
A 5 minutes drive will take you to Bundoran, a historic seaside town with much to offer. For beautiful nature it cannot be beat, being close to The Fairey Bridge natural formation and the Rougey cliff walks.
With a double and a twin room, Lily’s Cottage is perfect for a smaller group looking for an intimate getaway in Ireland’s wilder reaches. Book here: Rates and Availability
Is a trip to Ireland on your travel bucket list? It’s time to tick it off! What are you waiting for?
We may be biased, but Ireland is one of the most magnificent places in the world for a long visit or short trip.
From the rolling green hills and sparkling sea to the culture, people, and food – there are sooo many reasons to book a trip to Ireland this summer!
Here are five reasons to visit Ireland this summer of 2022!
1. The culture
There’s a reason why people love Ireland and Irish people worldwide – the culture.
Ireland’s rich culture spans across our language, traditions, festivals, literature, music, dancing, art, folklore and mythology, cuisine, and sport. And when visitors get to experience a little bit of all of these, they dream of them forever – and keep coming back for more!
2. The people
Irish people are as friendly as you’ll find – to locals and visitors alike!
Tourism in Ireland is welcomed with open arms. We love showing guests from abroad the beauty of Ireland, and tourism is one of our largest industries.
Be sure to say hello and strike up a conversation when you meet people in Ireland, if they don’t beat you to it!
3. The food
Access to the freshest, organic produce and incredible Irish seafood means one thing – amazing local cuisines are easily found all around Ireland.
When people think of Ireland, they often think of stew and soda bread – but the creativity and sheer level of gastronomical sophistication that can be found in the Irish food scene today is astounding. Young, pioneering chefs are continuing to open up restaurants all over Ireland, resulting in some of the most mind bowing dishes and dining experiences.
If you would rather enjoy some Irish cuisine from the comfort of your own Unique Irish Home, please reach out to us about booking a private chef for your stay!
4. Nature & the great outdoors
If you’re the outdoorsy type, you must visit Ireland this summer. It’s the perfect place for you!
Hiking, biking, walking, surfing, kayaking, sailing, swimming – you name it, you can enjoy doing it in Ireland – and with the most stunning surroundings and views all over the country just waiting to be enjoyed. Check out some outdoor activity ideas here.
Courtesy of us! Our exclusive collection of luxury self catering homes are located all over Ireland. From castles and cottages to estates, manors, and more in every gorgeous inch of Ireland – from Kerry to Dublin and up to the North!
There’s something about staying in an actual home, rather than a hotel, that makes a trip to Ireland that bit more authentic and personal. We recommend checking out our home collections to find your perfect place to call home while visiting Ireland.
With summer on our doorstep, Unique Irish Homes has partnered with the wonderful Kildare Village to give you an additional 10% savings* on the Village price.
Explore unmissable savings and new arrivals at over 100 boutiques from world-leading fashion and lifestyle brands, before unwinding at one of the Village’s wonderful cafes and restaurants, such as Saba or Sprout & Co.
If you’re thinking of getting away in the quiet months, a good kitchen is an absolute must. When the weather keeps you indoors, explore the pages of a good recipe book instead!
Here we’ll list some of the stand-out kitchen and dining options in the UIH Collection
#1. Stream’s End – Moyard, Co. Galway
This beautiful coastal Connemara home is a chefs delight. With a bright, airy and spacious twin island kitchen; open-plan with a 12 seat dining area.
Driving north from Galway Town along the coast you’ll find yourself overstocked with great options for farm to table markets and some tip-top catering options if that’s more your speed…
Another wild, Atlantic retreat, The Ridge House will give you picture perfect surroundings for any dinner party.
With a pale granite island matching the counterr and oven space in the lofted open-plan diner; The Ridge sets the perfect vibe for a sophisticated getaway.
The Blind Piper (just 2km away) in Caherdaniel serves a contempary menu with plenty of fresh seafood and allow takeaway provided notice is given. They can be contacted here: The Blind Piper
In-house catering is available from the wonderful Just Cooking in Killorglin, contactable here: Just Cooking
#3 Aherlow Castle, Aherlow Co. Tipperary
Aherlow Castle is one of our favourite historic houses, with a high vaulted kitchen with room for all.
A 20 minute drive will have you at the Rock of Cashel; and The Rock House Restaurant which offers catering for all occasions.
Mount Corrinis a contemporary Haven, nestled close-in to Blairs Cove, in Cork. With a kitchen garden making fresh vegetables available to all guests; and a second, conservatory diner should you need some sunshine with your meals.
For a quick outing nearby the Blairs Cove Restaurant comes well-reccomended.
We’ve worked with Ralph Schuler, an independent chef who works in many of our homes in Cork.
Perhaps our most popular larger home; Candlewick Cottage is close in to Donegal town and an array of fantastic eateries and diners.
FeastaCatering offer an array of modern takes on Irish traditional eats, and are happy to help at Candlewick.
They are contactable here: Feasta Catering
For a simpler repast, a range of hearty ready cooked meals Kavanagh’s SuperValu comes well-reccomended; and offers delivery.
They are Contactable here: Kavanagh’s Supervalu Donegal
Drombeg Cottage is perhaps the best situated house on Beara, with Panoramic views of Kenmare Bay, Caha and Kerry Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean stretching outwards from the coast. Set on a hilltop just two miles from Drombeg Village.
A respectfully modernized traditional Irish farmhouse, Drombeg Cottage has every convenience and plenty of character for any family hoping to make the most of a week on the Beara Peninsula
With gentle sloping hills surrounding the terraced gardens offers shaded seating to the North, East and West of the cottage. A morning coffee and a survey of the surrounding hills will offer you an early opportunity to see the routes of the 15 marked loop trails that will suit any walker. See the Beara Loop Walks Guides: Beara Looped Walks
Drombeg Cottage is perfect for an easygoing summer days of touring West Cork and Kerry.; in the words of one guest:
“A wonderful magic place-both this cottage and Beara. The view was incredible and our cow neighbours fun and friendly. Beara itself was beyond words: the beauty, not touristy, just a beautiful, haunting, spectacular world that we will always cherish and hopefully come back to.” – John and Karen June 2019
There is no place more magical to spend Christmas than in Ireland. With classic wintry conditions, and great proximity for Santa to travel, Ireland is a winter wonderland. Whether traveling from abroad, or staying put, consider renting a Unique Irish Home for the most memorable Christmas gathering in Ireland.
These are the best self catering holiday homes to rent for Christmas gatherings in Ireland…
When it comes to homes to rent in Ireland over Christmas and the festive season, Danieli is utter perfection. This generous stone cottage sleeps eight across five bedrooms with classic Connemara seascape views, uniquely suited to cross generation family vacations.
As for a kitchen to cook up a serious feed in, an expansive and comprehensively equipped family kitchen complete with Aga range, annexes the southerly aspect of the cottage. Just off the sitting room, this space is shared with a generous dining table, leather and chrome chairs, marble floors, and a wood burning stove. Check out every nook and cranny of Danieli here and find some nearby activities here!
Sheltered in the crook between Mizen and Sheep’s heads, the sensitively restored Mount Corrin in West Cork is a festive oasis in a wilderness landscape.
A very special home to rent for Christmas in Ireland with space for up to 11 guests (not including the additional self contained cottage). Filled with incredible details, paintings, and delight at every turn, the unique property also features a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness centre, and enclosed garden hermitage in the grounds. The organic kitchen gardens are magnificently maintained to ensure fresh herbs and vegetables – the perfect addition for Christmas dinner.
Dear Santa, can we have Doolin Lodge for Christmas? The larger of two meticulously restored 18th century farmhouses, Doolin Lodge’s surprising interior shows great attention to detail, and brings an international five star quality to a remote rural cottage.
The traditional rustic stone hearth is now occupied by a more serviceable wood burning stove – perfect for getting toasty beside during the winter. Bedrooms don’t get much cosier than those at Doolin Lodge, perfect for curling up and snoozing in during Irish winters. The home sleeps 8 people across four double bedrooms.
Check out the area here and the full holiday home listing here.
Celebrate Christmas in style at Hunters Lodge, an elegant, peaceful country cottage with classic period interiors in the heart of rural Ireland. Enjoy exceptional views of the Kilkenny landscape from the lodge, just half an hour from the delights of the Medieval City itself and less than an hour from the south coast.
The kitchen is well equipped while the intimate, oak furnished dining room seats six. Outside you’ll find the most tranquil gardens with magnificent views across the Nore valley, cascading downwards from the front terrace, and feature an ornate fountain and pond and a broad sloping lawn.
A total gem for a Christmas get together. View more of Hunters Lodge here.
The perfect pair for larger groups at Christmas. Together, Castlehaven Lodge and Castlehaven House sleep a total of 16 people. Just a short jaunt from the main house which sleeps 12, you’ll find the charming lodge which sleeps an additional four – perfect for keeping the peace this holiday season. ⠀
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The whimsical estate offers plenty of space to entertain, dazzling views of the Atlantic, acres of maintained gardens, and a private walk through an historic glen to the secluded seashore. This home is everything you’ve dreamed of, and so much more. Follow the links above to view more and book now.
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