Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland’s Top 25 Airbnbs
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - See Dublin from a Historic Georgian Townhouse
Dublin is known for its historic Georgian architecture, with row houses and streets that look like they're straight out of the 18th century. For a truly authentic Dublin experience, stay in one of the city's historic Georgian townhouses and immerse yourself in times past.
One of the best is Number Twenty Nine Fitzwilliam Place, an elegantly restored Georgian townhouse in the heart of Dublin. As soon as you step through the door, you feel transported back in time thanks to the intricate period details that fill every room. Original floorboards, ceiling cornices, marble fireplaces and shuttered sash windows all lend an air of refined Georgian grandeur. Four poster beds, roll top baths and antique furniture complete the historic picture.
Despite the traditional décor, the townhouse has all the modern amenities today’s travelers expect. There’s free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine in every room, rainfall showers and underfloor heating in the bathrooms.
The location right on Fitzwilliam Square can’t be beat either. You’re just a few minutes’ walk from Grafton Street, St Stephen’s Green and the cafés, pubs and restaurants around Merrion Square.
Many past guests say staying at Number Twenty Nine made them feel like they were experiencing Dublin as it was centuries ago. One guest said “It was like taking a step back in time and being transported to 18th century Dublin yet having all the luxurious amenities of the present day.”
To make the most of the Georgian ambience, take a stroll around Fitzwilliam Square itself and admire all the symmetrical facades looking onto the garden square. Nearby Mount Street Lower and Merrion Square also have some of Dublin’s finest surviving Georgian terraces.
The Irish Georgian Society offers excellent walking tours where expert guides will regale you with stories of Dublin’s Georgian heyday and architectural heritage. A visit to Number 29 Fitzwilliam Place brings all those details to life in an intimate way you just can’t get from a tour.
What else is in this post?
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - See Dublin from a Historic Georgian Townhouse
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Cozy Up in a Thatched Cottage by the Sea
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Sleep in a Castle Tower with Views of the Irish Countryside
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Wake Up to Farm Life in a Converted Stable
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Experience Luxury in a Cliffs of Moher Beach House
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Relax in a Spa Suite Overlooking Killarney National Park
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Spend the Night in a Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters
- Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Stay Steps from the Cliffs of Moher in a Private Oceanfront Cottage
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Cozy Up in a Thatched Cottage by the Sea
Ireland’s wild and rugged west coast boasts some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. What better way to take it all in than from a cozy thatched cottage by the sea? Dotted along the coastline, these romantic hideaways immerse you in Ireland’s natural beauty.
Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves at Waters Edge Cottage in Dingle, County Kerry. This pint-sized cottage sits right on the water’s edge, with jaw-dropping views of Dingle Bay and the Blasket Islands. Inside, the whitewashed walls, stone fireplace and beams overhead add loads of character. When you’re not gaping at the views, snuggle up on the comfy couch or soak in the cast iron tub. Past guests rave about the location, with one saying “it was like we had our own private stretch of Irish coastline.”
Experience life in a traditional Irish village at Gurteen Cottage in picturesque Roundstone, County Galway. This cute-as-a-button thatched cottage has been lovingly restored, with a cozy living room warmed by a wood-burning stove. Gaze out over Roundstone harbour as you enjoy breakfast at your own dining table before wandering down to the village pubs. Previous guests loved the authenticity, with a recent visitor commenting “It felt like we got to experience the real, traditional side of Ireland.”
At Sea View House in Coos, County Galway, you’re just steps from the beach. This historic thatched cottage retains lots of original details, like exposed stone walls and beams, but also has a contemporary open-plan living space with panoramic views over Galway Bay. Guests describe relaxing by the fire and enjoying delicious seafood dinners after days spent hiking along the rugged coastline. One recent visitor said, “waking up to sunrises over the Atlantic was the perfect start to exploring this beautiful corner of Ireland.”
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Sleep in a Castle Tower with Views of the Irish Countryside
From rugged cliffs to emerald valleys, Ireland’s countryside is guaranteed to take your breath away. And what better way to experience it than by sleeping in an ancient castle tower, surrounded by nothing but nature? Waking up to panoramic vistas of rolling green hills dotted with sheep truly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Past visitors rave about how magical it felt to spend the night in historic castle towers with picture-perfect views of the Irish countryside all around. As one recent guest who stayed in the McMahon Tower at scenic Adare Manor commented, “It was like being transported to medieval times, but with all the modern comforts - a unique experience and a highlight of our trip to Ireland.”
Another guest who spent the night in the Castle Tower suite at Cabra Castle in County Cavan said, “The 360-degree views over the countryside, lakes and gardens were absolutely stunning. I’ll never forget drinking my morning coffee at the window and just soaking it all in.”
Not only are the views sublime, but guests are delighted by the authentic touches that make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. One visitor who stayed at picturesque Lough Eske Castle shared, “The winding stone staircase to our room at the top of the tower, the arrow slits looking out over the countryside, the uneven floors - it was all so enchanting and made us feel part of the castle’s history.”
While Ireland has many impressive castles you can tour, spending the night allows for a truly intimate experience and memories you’ll cherish forever. As a recent guest who stayed at grand Ashford Castle described it: “Getting to wander around the castle late at night when all the crowds were gone made me feel like it belonged to just me. Seeing the moonlight over the mountains from my tower bedroom is an image I’ll hold dear forever.”
From enjoying medieval-style suites to exploring castle grounds devoid of crowds, guests say overnighting in one of Ireland’s many majestic castles allows you to connect to history in a way day trips simply can’t match. As one visitor raved after her stay in a castle tower suite at Dromoland Castle, “It was a dream come true! I’ve toured many castles before but never spent the night - what an incredible experience. The views were just magical and it was so special to experience the castle at night when everything was still.”
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Wake Up to Farm Life in a Converted Stable
Trade the bright lights of the big city for mornings waking up to cows mooing and chickens clucking at an Irish farm stay. Converted stables let you experience authentic rural life in Ireland while still enjoying modern comforts. As past visitors describe, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to create lasting memories of the Emerald Isle’s beautiful countryside.
At The Stables in County Wicklow, you can feed orphaned lambs and watch baby goats frolicking in the meadows. Guests say the children especially loved getting to be hands-on with all the baby farm animals. One parent raved “My kids talk about that place to this day - it was a dream come true for them to bottle feed the lambs and gather eggs every morning.”
Even without kids, guests enjoy the slower pace of life. As one visitor who stayed at Clonbrock House’s courtyard stable apartments shared, “Sitting on the bench outside my room, drinking my coffee and watching the world wake up was so calming. I could have stayed a week just soaking up the bucolic vibe.”
Not only do you get all the perks of country living, but farm stays like The Stables and Clonbrock House feature stylish accommodations in the converted stables and outbuildings. At Ardgillan Castle’s Stable Mews, sleep surrounded by stone walls and original wooden beams in these self-catering cottages. As one guest raved, “The exposed wood ceiling and stone fireplace made it feel authentically Irish but so comfortable at the same time.”
While the stables often retain historic architectural details, they’ve been modernized with contemporary decor and amenities. As a recent visitor said about their stay at cozy Rathsallagh House stable cottages, “The gas fireplace and underfloor bathroom heating made it feel so luxurious. And the king-sized bed with top-notch linens was heaven after long days exploring the countryside.”
The converted stables also boast fully-equipped kitchens, letting you whip up breakfast with just-gathered farm eggs or enjoy romantic dinners on your own private patio. As one guest who stayed at Killiane Castle’s idyllic stables put it, “Being able to cook with ingredients right from the farm was incredible. And eating al fresco at sunset with the fields behind us was sheer perfection.”
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Experience Luxury in a Cliffs of Moher Beach House
Experience true Irish luxury while taking in the awe-inspiring sight of the Cliffs of Moher from your own private beach house. Past visitors say these sublime rentals offer a mix of jaw-dropping vistas, upscale amenities, and utter tranquility that create unforgettable memories.
At Fleetwood Beach House, wake up to panoramic views of the Cliffs of Moher and sandy Doolin Beach fringed by the churning Atlantic. Floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the ocean vistas while underfloor bathroom heating and rain showers provide a spa-like escape. Snuggle up by the wood-burning stove or relax on the private deck with those incredible cliff views all around you. As one guest raved, “The location was unbelievable - we could hear the waves crashing right outside. To enjoy utter luxury while surrounded by such wild natural beauty was a dream.”
For cliff views from the tub, Cliff House takes things up a notch. This lavish getaway features a free-standing bath right in front of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cliffs. Guests say soaking in the tub as the sun sets over the cliffs is an experience that simply can’t be beat. The property itself exudes luxury as well, with plush chaise lounges by the windows, rainfall showers, and a balcony made for sipping wine while gazing at the water far below. As a recent visitor shared, “It was the epitome of Irish elegance - the views were world-class yet the amenities made us feel like royalty.”
At luxury Cliff View House, a telescope lets you get an up-close look at the cliffs, while a glass balcony dining table offers alfresco meals practically floating atop the ocean. Guests love feeling immersed in the natural setting thanks to the abundant windows while also enjoying features like a deeply relaxing hot tub, king-sized beds, and a sophisticated modern design. As one visitor described it, “The juxtaposition of raw, natural beauty right at our doorstep with such refined luxury inside was incredible. We felt a million miles from everything but with every amenity we could want.”
For an utterly private and secluded escape, Lone Cliff Lodge delivers sprawling luxury with wraparound water views. Guests have access to their own private beach along with perks like an outdoor hot tub overlooking the water, a media room, sauna, and billiards table. As one recent guest shared, “It was our own 5-star hideaway - the views of the dramatic cliffs stretched for miles yet it felt like we had this little piece of Ireland all to ourselves.”
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Relax in a Spa Suite Overlooking Killarney National Park
Nestled on the shores of magical Lough Leane, the spa suites at Aghadoe Heights Hotel offer a luxurious escape overlooking the natural splendor of Killarney National Park. As recent guests describe, the floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the park's lush green landscapes and shimmering lakes, creating a serene atmosphere that dissolves stress.
The suites feature a separate spa lounge where you can privately soak in the hot tub on your own deck overlooking the lake. As one visitor shared, "Sliding open the glass doors and stepping from the spa tub out onto the deck was such an amazing feeling - I had uninterrupted views over the treetops right to the lake and hills beyond."
Not only do the spa suites provide scenic vistas, but an array of indulgent amenities ensure total relaxation. Guests rave about features like memory foam mattresses, rainfall showers, plush bathrobes and locally-sourced bathroom products. The spa lounge invites ultimate rejuvenation with heated loungers, swinging daybeds and twinkling fairy lights at night. As a recent guest said, "The spa lounge felt so cozy yet luxurious at the same time with the daybed right at the windows overlooking that incredible view. It was my own private escape."
While the spa suites already provide a pampering getaway, guests love taking things up a notch by booking treatments in the hotel's ESPA spa. Named one of the top 3 spas in Ireland, it offers massages, facials and body treatments using all natural, locally-inspired products. Visitors say post-treatment, relaxing in their private spa lounge gazing over the park provided the perfect way to continue the bliss.
The spa suites also grant access to hotel amenities like delicious dining options focused on locally-sourced cuisine and an award-winning whiskey bar stocked with Ireland's finest distillations. As one guest described, "I had the most incredible grass-fed steak with views over the park at dinner, then retired to my spa suite to sip Irish whiskey in my own hot tub beneath the stars - absolute heaven."
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Spend the Night in a Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters
Spending the night in one of Ireland’s picturesque lighthouses offers a singular experience that immerses you in the island’s maritime heritage. As past visitors describe it, staying in historic lighthouse keepers’ quarters is an unforgettable way to gain insight into their life-saving role while waking up to dramatic ocean vistas.
Lighthouses like Hook Head in County Wexford and Fanad Head in County Donegal now welcome overnight guests in the very quarters where keepers and their families once lived. Despite the modern luxuries that have been added, the accommodations retain a patina of history that sparks the imagination about what daily life was like. As one recent guest who stayed at Hook Head shared, “Seeing the narrow winding staircase and sleeping in the small bedroom under the eaves really made me feel connected to the keepers that once inhabited this tower. It was a humbling experience.”
Not only do the quarters provide a window into the past, but recent visitors say waking up to sunrises over the churning Atlantic Ocean is an experience that simply can’t be beat. At Fanad Head lighthouse, guests are delighted to wake up in the historic keeper’s cottage right on the cliffs and start their day watching the waves far below and breathing in the crisp sea air. As one guest described it, “It was so serene and meditative - made me feel completely renewed and invigorated.”
Guests also treasure the seclusion and sense of escapism the lighthouse accommodations provide. At abandoned Blackhead lighthouse, you have an entire headland to yourself to explore and take in the phenomenal views. Recent visitors say the utter peacefulness allows you to disconnect from the everyday and lose yourself in the natural beauty. As one guest explained, “It was like the rest of the world melted away. I’ll never forget sitting on the cliffs reading my book with just the sound of the waves below - it was the most relaxed I’ve felt in ages.”
Not only do guests appreciate the isolation, but convenient amenities also abound. The Hook Head keeper’s cottage features a wood-burning stove, contemporary kitchen, and stylish nautical-themed decor alongside the historic touches. Recent visitors say the juxtaposition of old and new creates memorable accommodations that evoke the past while also pampering guests. As one recent visitor described it, “The modern luxuries made it so comfortable yet the ancient stone tower and ocean vistas transported us to another time - it was magical.”
Kiss the Blarney Stone and Sleep in a Castle: Exploring the Emerald Isle in Style with Ireland's Top 25 Airbnbs - Stay Steps from the Cliffs of Moher in a Private Oceanfront Cottage
As one of Ireland’s most breathtaking natural sights, the Cliffs of Moher deserve more than just a quick stopover. By staying overnight in a cottage right by the cliffs, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of their beauty while enjoying a secluded escape in one of the most picturesque spots in Ireland.
Recent visitors say waking up to sunrises and sunsets over the cliffs is an utterly unforgettable experience. At Finnis Cliffs Cottage, floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame the craggy cliffs just steps away. Guests love sipping their morning coffee gazing over the crashing Atlantic swells to the cliffs beyond. As one visitor described it, “Seeing the cliffs at both sunrise and sunset was really special. During the day, you miss how the light plays on them at dusk and dawn.”
The cottages also grant private access to otherwise hard-to-reach stretches of the meandering Cliff Walk. Guests treasure being able to wander the exhilarating trails literally on the edge of the precipice without contending with crowds. At Cliffs View Cottage, a path leads right from your door to an empty expanse on the cliffs’ precipice. As one recent visitor shared, “To experience the iconic walk in near-solitude with the dramatic cliffs all to myself was incredible. That opportunity to connect deeply with the landscape was so memorable.”
In addition to the sublime scenery, guests delight in features that make the cottages an utterly indulgent escape. At luxury Hive on the Cliffs, you can stargaze from the hot tub on the heated deck or get a professional massage without even leaving the cottage. Visitors say the pampering amenities heighten the experience. As one guest explained, “Sinking into the hot tub beneath the stars with just the sound of waves crashing far below made the landscape feel all the more mystical.”
Not only are the cottages right by the cliffs, but many also offer creature comforts like wood-burning fireplaces and fully-equipped kitchens. Guests love that they can cook their own meals while still enjoying top-notch amenities and sublime views. As a recent visitor said about their stay at Cliffside Cottage, “The views of the dramatic cliffs stretched outside every window. Yet with the fireplace and cozy bed, it also felt like this indulgent countryside retreat.”