
Recently, I covered real-life castles in Ireland that you can rent on Airbnb.
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Some of the properties date back all the way to the 12th century, meaning a stay is like stepping into the Emerald Isle’s distant past. Other properties are more modern, built as recently as the 1800s, and then updated with state-of-the-art renovations. Whether you want to go rustic or regal, there’s an option.
But I also found a long list of castle-adjacent properties: Cottages. From Galway to Kilkenny, you can find dozens of Airbnb-listed properties that feel like something out of The Holiday.
If you’re looking for Airbnb cottages in Ireland that feel like they’re straight out of the movies, here’s where to start. I’ve rounded up some of the most charming properties that you can rent for your next adventure in Ireland.
Picturesque cottages in Ireland you can rent on Airbnb
Murphy’s Thatched Cottage (Mitchelstown)

- Bedrooms: One (sleeps two)
- Attractions in the area: An hour from Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, & Waterford
- Great for: A traditional thatched cottage experience. This cottage has been in the Murphy family for over 250 years, giving you an authentic stay that has been lovingly maintained since first constructed in the 1700s.
River Fane Cottage Retreat (Inniskeen)

- Bedrooms: One (sleeps two)
- Attractions in the area: 1 hour south of Belfast, 1 hour north of Dublin
- Great for: Relaxation and downtime for couples. This cottage comes with a private hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge. It’s also located on the River Fane, giving you a gorgeous little outpost in nature.
Distiller’s Lodge (Carrickmacross)

- Bedrooms: One (sleeps two)
- Attractions in the area: Close to Belfast & Dublin
- Great for: Spa-lovers and whiskey-lovers. This cottage (technically a lodge) is located on the grounds of the functioning Old Carrick Mill Distillery. You can take a private tour between whiskey tastings. This rental also comes with a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, letting you refresh yourself after a long day of whiskey-sipping.
Redgap Cottage (Monasterboice)

- Bedrooms: Two bedrooms (sleeps five)
- Attractions in the area: ~35 minutes from Dublin and nearby attractions like Hill of Tara, Popes Cross, Slane Castle, and more
- Great for: Historic stays and village attractions. This two-floor cottage is over two centuries old and has been carefully maintained to showcase its historic features. You’re also smack in the heart of Boyne Valley, one of Ireland’s most picturesque stretches.
Charming cottage on castle grounds (Clonmellon)

- Bedrooms: Two (sleeps four)
- Attractions in the area: Killua Castle and around ~1 hour to Dublin
- Great for: Architecture lovers who also want to explore Killua Castle. This cottage is called the Gardener’s Cottage and is located on the grounds of Killua Castle. You’ll share a large outdoor courtyard, giving you the chance to soak up the castle views and natural surroundings.
Charming thatched cottage with panoramic views (Cordal)

- Bedrooms: Four (sleeps eight)
- Attractions in the area: Crag Cave and Killarney
- Great for: Large groups who want an authentic experience. This is an upscale, high-design cottage with natural features like a thatched roof. It’s also more remote, letting you soak up the wonders of rural County Kerry as you unwind with loved ones and take in the views.
Patsys Cottage (Recess)

- Bedrooms: Three (sleeps four)
- Attractions in the area: Galway
- Great for: Traditional stays with special perks. This cottage dates back to 1820 but has been updated with modern features. It also has a private hot tub and sauna, letting you unwind between days spent hiking and exploring. As a plus, there’s also no TV, letting you truly settle into cottage-living.
Aughry Yard (Drumod)

- Bedrooms: Two (sleeps four)
- Attractions in the area: River Shannon and Dromod Harbour
- Great for: Stone architecture and coastal ambiance. This cottage is housed inside a converted milking shed and hay shed. It’s located on the grounds of a working yard, meaning you might see farmers doing their thing. You also have access to the walled courtyard and many other parts of the grounds, letting you immerse yourself in rural Irish living.
The Cottage at Lakefield (Killorglin)

- Bedrooms: Two (sleeps four)
- Attractions in the area: Dingle and Killarney National Park
- Great for: Lake adventures and space to roam. This property is located on the shore of Carragh Lake and is surrounded by four acres of private gardens. Just know that this rental has two bedrooms with twin bedrooms, meaning any couples won’t be sleeping together. This cottage is also located in a Dark Sky Reserve.
The Tailor Shop (Skibbereen)

- Bedrooms: Two (sleeps four)
- Attractions in the area: Louge Kyne Forest and Inish Beg Gardens and Trails
- Great for: Alternative cottages. This rental is located inside a converted tailor shop—meaning it isn’t a traditional cottage. Still, it’s got cottage-core vibes and a vintage décor that cottage-lovers are likely to appreciate. As a perk, it’s also located in the heart of Skibbereen, meaning you have everything you need just a short walk away.
Glengarriff Lodge (Glengarriff)

- Bedrooms: Four (sleeps eight)
- Attractions in the area: Killarney National Park
- Great for: Regal, historic stays set in nature. Glengarrif Lodge, formerly known as Lord Bantry’s Cottage, is located inside the former hunting grounds of the Earls of Bantry. That means one thing: The grounds stretch for 50 acres, home to mature oaks and lush, magical greenery. The interior of the lodge is just as impressively grand.
Spruce Lodge (Bandon)

- Bedrooms: One (sleeps four)
- Attractions in the area: Castle Bernard Estate, Cork Airport, and small towns like Kinsale
- Great for: Exploring Ireland’s Atlantic Coast. Bandon is known as the Gateway to West Cork and is a prime jumping-off spot for adventures on Ireland’s rugged west coast. The grounds are also home to unique activities, from trampolines to go-karts—along with green gardens.
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