10 Best Country Cottages In Ireland - Updated 2024

Aarti
Aarti 
Updated
| 5 min read

The folklore, the history, and the beauty of Ireland attract wandering souls from all over the world. While you’re in Ireland, you can’t escape the lush countryside, rugged coastline, and the wild. If you want to enjoy every bit of the country, you’ll need a lot of stamina to do so. And if you’re planning to have the utmost fun by walking, cycling, or even driving, consider yourself lucky. There are plenty of remote regions to do so. And these remote regions are deep in the countryside, where you’ll be rewarded with the best places to set base in the country. It’s a fine example of true escape amidst nature. Check out these best country cottages in Ireland.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and a countryside location. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2024.

1. Charming dwelling by the mountainside in Connemara (from USD 108)

Encompassed by lush greenery, mountains, and rivers, this cottage gives guests a genuine wilderness experience there is. While you stay here, you’ll be hearing sounds of waterfalls 24/7. And when you want to explore, there are plenty of areas to stroll around, soaking in the blissful nature. Along with this, you can also go fishing and mountaineering, which is right at the doorstep. This two-bedroom cottage easily accommodates four people and comes with basic amenities that are required during your stay. The cottage is close to Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and more.

Stayed at this property?
Connemara , County Galway, Ireland
60.57 km (37.7 mi) from Eyre Square
339 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
also wifi was brilliant
wifi worked well and netflix as well
lovely cozy cottage in beautiful surroundings
we loved waking up every morning to the views of the mountains and loch from the breakfast table
really comfortable beds and fully equipped kitchen
Cleanliness:
spotlessly clean and cosy
clean comfy bed warm house and warm shower
it is spotlessly clean
super clean and warm even in the winter
very clean and comfortable with everything you need
Host:
lovely and friendly host
triona is very welcoming host
scenery is stunning host is very accommodating
dramatic landscape and wonderful hosts
wonderful place and perfect host
Location:
wonderful location beautiful landscapes
perfect location for a connemara visit
this is an amazing location surrounded by moutains and lakes
this place is paradise on earth
kylemore hideaway is the perfect location if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle
Read more reviews

2. Cozy cottage on a seven-acre land in Lettermacaward (from USD 154)

Who wouldn’t want to live right by a private beach? This Donegal stone cottage sitting right by a sandy beach is located in County Donegal, Ireland. The property is detached from the main house and you get plenty of private space on this 7-acre (2.8 hectares) land. With free parking space, this two-bedroom stone cottage has amenities like free internet, a central heating system, and a functional fireplace. The property dates back to over 100 years ago and it was fully renovated only recently but still maintains that old-world charm. The lounge area of the cottage features a fully equipped kitchen and a dining space. You can also tag your pets along as it is a pet-friendly rental. And the best part of it all? You will be welcomed with beautiful views of the seals chilling by the beach.

Stayed at this property?
Lettermacaward, County Donegal, Ireland
183.92 km (114.3 mi) from Eyre Square
398 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the panoramic views offered from the open plan kitchen/living area are amazing
we brought our great dane who had lots of room and loved the outdoors and the beach
so remote and peaceful and the views from the living room are amazing
stunning coastal views perfect for relaxing in front of the fire very comfortable and spacious
the perfect place for us to slow down we felt very comfortable
Cleanliness:
everything was spotless clean and accommodating
very clean and quaint
clean and comfortable too
the place was very clean and had everything we needed
the place is immaculately clean
Host:
host was also very friendly and helpful
greg & lukas were great hosts and really responsive to our questions
extremely nice and attentive hosts
annie was vey helpful and friendly as were all the locals we met
lovely family friendly restaurant in loch an uir that we would highly recommend
Location:
great place location and facilities
wonderful location so calm and peaceful
a beautifully designed house in a fabulous location
the house is very nice and the location is even better
so relaxing and in a beautiful location
Read more reviews

3. Beautifully restored stone cottage in Dunkineely (from USD 108)

Ever wondered how a cowshed can be restored into a stunning cottage? Well, here’s your chance. Sitting on the land of the historic Killaghtee House, this stone cottage offers a warm interior and exterior that creates the ultimate comfort for all the guests. It has one bedroom, a living area, and a bathroom, which makes it easier to accommodate two people comfortably. Take a nice stroll around St. Johns Point lighthouse’s ancient ruins and sandy beaches that’s just a few steps away from the property. It’s also just minutes away from downtown, restaurants, and other entertainment elements.

Stayed at this property?
Dunkineely, County Donegal, Ireland
157.29 km (97.8 mi) from Eyre Square
536 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
really beautiful comfortable pleaaantly outfitted cottage in stunning donegal
tom's cottage is absolutely beautiful and very comfortable and cozy
the shower was hot the bed so comfortable and the cottage so lovely
it was lovely comfortable and had everything you needed
it’s also very comfortable and has a beautiful backyard
Cleanliness:
very clean and warm and comfortable
place was sparkling clean too
this was the most spotless clean place i've stayed in
it was spotlessly clean i can not fault it any way
brilliant place fantastic hosts spotlessly clean we’ll be back
Host:
sylvia was the perfect host making us feel at home within seconds
wonderful hosts who went the extra mile
tom and sylvia are wonderful hosts
highly recommend this place and hosts
the hosts are very helpful and gracious
Location:
great location near donegal town but far enough away for hustle and bustle
great location for exploring donegal
ideal location for slieve league
great location and a great place to stay
nice accommodation in a great location
Read more reviews

4. Modern Irish home offering Beara Peninsula views in Cork

Located in Cork, this charming little cottage offers picturesque views of the ocean from the windows and the deck. The red-hued doors and window frames add aesthetics to the exterior outlook. With two bedrooms and a bathroom, the property houses four people easily. Other amenities include a small kitchen, a dining area, a living space, and a garden. Enjoy going on wonderful walks, fishing, and swimming nearby the property. Some of the popular landmarks nearby the property include Blarney Castle & Gardens, Fota Wildlife Park, and the English Market among others.

Stayed at this property?
Castletown-Bearhaven, Cork, Ireland
185.75 km (115.5 mi) from Eyre Square
396 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was surprisingly good
the cottage itself is very comfortable and has all amenities listed
laraine’s cottage was conveniently located for all our adventures had amazing views and was quite comfortable
fully equipped kitchen and a nice wood burning stove
there were some extra touches that made our stay more comfortable too
Cleanliness:
very clean peaceful and a overwhelming landscape
the accommodation was very clean and well kept
a very clean character cottage with alot of love put into it
the cottage has everything one could wish for and was clean tidy and well furnished
we got a great welcome on arrival and the house was spotless
Host:
exceptionnel host made us feel extremely welcome
laraine and mick were lovely hosts
laraine was a great host very thoughtful
laraine was a great host providing us with lots of info and a breakfast package
laraine was a great host
Location:
the location is amazing
great location to explore beara
there was an excellent walk nearby and close to a great breakfast in town
its in a great location for exploring the local area
beautiful and cosy cottage situated in an amazing location
Read more reviews

Ireland Tour Guide

Diana M

Diana M

Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a local perspective. As your guide, I want to open you the door to Ireland's untouched beauty, from scenic cliffs to fairytale like forests and would point out many details you wouldn’t uncover on your own. You might also like to do an activity which can be difficult without local knowledge, like hiking or horse riding, - I am here to help and guide you.  I’ll handle all the planning and the driving on the left hand side of the road, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak in the beautiful sights and compelling stories. Ireland won’t leave you untouched and I will be delighted to be your guide and ‘local expert’ here. Hope to see you on one of my trips to the heart and soul of our beautiful country!

Tours by Diana

5. Seaside cottage with modern amenities in Cork (from USD 124)

An absolute haven for music lovers and creators, this magnificent cottage comes with a private music studio on site that’s perfect for recording music, making videos, and writing songs. Because of little to no light pollution in the area, the skies are clear at night, making it perfect for stargazing in the evenings. Overlooking the Atlantic, the surrounding areas of the property are also great for bird-watching. Some of the amenities in this historic cottage include an inglenook fireplace, a garden, a patio, and many other convenient amenities that make this place a beautiful home.

Stayed at this property?
Baltimore, Cork, Ireland
200.25 km (124.5 mi) from Eyre Square
584 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 3 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage was so cozy and extremely charming
the cottage was very comfortable cozy and charming
it is a restored old stone cottage but quite comfortable with nice outdoor spaces when the weather allows
the space was so cozy and in the most beautiful setting
the cottage is even more lovely and cozy than advertised
Cleanliness:
beautiful surroundings hospitable hosts clean and comfortable accommodation and plenty of space to tire out the dog
their accommodation is so cosy comfortable and clean
it is very cosy and clean and had everything we needed for a relaxing break
lovely cottage in a scenic location very clean and had everything we needed
spotless charming easy to get the hosts very accommodating
Host:
the hosts were absolutely amazing
hosts were lovely and friendly
thank you to our hosts for a wonderful experience
aisling is a wonderful host
thank you for being such great hosts
Location:
the location is absolutely beautiful
absolutely amazing location with stunning scenery surrounding the perfect place to get away from it all
great location and charming little cottage
fantastic spot great house lovely location
the location is beautiful and the surrounding countryside gorgeous and full of magic
Read more reviews

6. Family cottage at the seafront in New Quay (from USD 186)

Set in the pristine location of Burren aka the Great Rock, known for its limestone landscapes, this cozy family cottage comes with three bedrooms. The sea-facing house is close to a wide selection of pubs, restaurants, farmers’ markets, and shops. While here, if you’re looking forward to exploring the nearby area, there are plenty of archeological and historical sites, and several other attractions that you’d absolutely love. This home also features a garden where you could have a barbecue party with your family or even friends. The decor of the house, in both interior and exterior, is kept simple, exuding a warm aura.

Stayed at this property?

13.17 km (8.2 mi) from Eyre Square
58 reviews   Wifi Available
House 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 6
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is in splendid shape: well kept up and very comfortable
Cleanliness:
it was good cleaned except for the kitchen faucet and extractor fan
Host:
the owner is very kind and friendly
great home in sunny fresh green friendly ireland
pre-rental communication with owner and duration messaging with property manager perfect
the house caretaker was very kind and helpful
communication with owners was superb: they were very responsive and friendly
Location:
" the location is central and all local attractions are handy and well marked
we did take the once-a-day bus into galway with good experience
this home is amazing great location overlooking galway bay i highly recommend staying here
Read more reviews

7. Traditionally styled abode by Ballinskelligs Bay in Emlaghmore (from USD 65)

One of the best ways to relax during a vacation is when you do nothing for days, amidst a beautiful setting. Located just off Ring of Kerry, this elegant property comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen and a dining section. The major highlight of this vacation rental is its stone fireplace that’s an absolute stunner. The kitchen is fully equipped so you can prepare your favorite meals without having to step out. But, if you aren’t into cooking, know that there are plenty of eatery options nearby the property that will satisfy your tastebuds.

Stayed at this property?

177.47 km (110.3 mi) from Eyre Square
87 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable cottage with a beautiful view on the ocean
Cleanliness:
the cottage was extremely clean and comfortable with plenty of room for everyone
Location:
lovely place to stay hope to go back house has great views loved the short walk to the beach
large clean well equiped comfortable located in a very quiet area offering a view on the sea
Read more reviews

8. Unique lighthouse property by the oceanside in Cork (from USD 260)

This luxurious lighthouse cottage is next to Roches Point Lighthouse that offers only picturesque views all around. The style of the cottage features a blend of modern and minimalist decor that sets a peaceful atmosphere. And its three bedrooms with two bathrooms comfortably accommodate a family of six. The entire house is equipped with all the modern amenities so you’ll have a comfortable stay throughout your vacation. The location is everything. You’re close to all the popular attractions and the convenience of the city just steps away from the property.

Stayed at this property?
Whitegate, County Cork, Ireland
170.21 km (105.8 mi) from Eyre Square
cottage 5 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
unforgettable view from a beautiful comfortable home
Host:
malcolm is a perfect host who is charming very responsive and welcoming
the neighbors in the houses on the road to the lighthouse are also very friendly and welcoming
malcolm was super helpful and we took a number of his recommendations
Location:
very peaceful and definitely a one in a million location
just a wonderful place to relax
if you are looking for something unique different and quiet i would thoroughly recommend this property
this property was the closest to heaven i will be on this earth
Read more reviews

9. Modern home with panoramic views in Carrigaholt (from USD 171)

Sitting on the edge of Loop Head’s Kilbaha Bay, this is a beautifully refurbished cottage sitting on a 10-acre (4 hectares) land. After the renovation, the cottage features a sauna, a wood-burning stove, and a wet room. This three-bedroom cottage has all the modern amenities that one would seek for a perfect holiday. If you’re a book lover, you can enjoy the loft room above the kitchen which also boasts mesmerizing views of the bay. Although you’ll feel the remoteness in Loop Head, you’re not too far away from the city center and all its offerings.

Stayed at this property?

94.39 km (58.7 mi) from Eyre Square
65 reviews  
cottage 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 7
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we were lucky enough to see dolphins swimming in front of the cottage
kilbaha cottage is quant cozy and comfortable
we were there the first week of november and the house was well heated and comfortable
Cleanliness:
very cosy clean house with everything you need
the cottage is very clean and comfortable
the cottage is well kept and very clean
Host:
ciara is very responsive & accommodating
the owner takes real good care of the place and of us
great local pubs and very friendly people
Location:
spectacular location beautifully furnished
if you are looking for a quiet place in comfortable surroundings this is the place to be
Read more reviews

10. Coastal Irish cottage boasting sea views in Dunfanaghy (from USD 143)

If you seek luxury, along with comfort, you can’t go wrong with this one. Nestled between tranquil villages of Falcarragh and Dunfanaghy, Ballyboe Cottage offers picturesque views of both the countryside and the coastline towards Tory Island. The cottage is spacious enough to accommodate eight guests in the four bedrooms. You also get to cook your favorite meals in the fully equipped kitchen and dine at the patio outside overlooking the countryside. If you’re not into cooking, there are many restaurants and pubs nearby that’ll satiate your taste buds.

Stayed at this property?
Ballyboes, Dunfanaghy, Ireland
218.08 km (135.6 mi) from Eyre Square
Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille
cottage 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we appreciated the space comfortable beds tasteful modern decor and lovely views to the sea
all the beds and furnishings are comfortable and the house is well heated
Cleanliness:
clean and spacious with its own little garden
house was beautiful spacious and clean
a very comfortable spacious clean home in a very picturesque location
Host:
wonderful for dogs and owners alike
we had an issue with one on-suite toilet the owner/manager responded quickly to resolve this
Location:
great location close to beaches and not far from shops
close to pubs and restaurants yet far enough away for peace and quiet
clean well situated we were extremely impressed with the location and facilities
great place to stay and relax to get away from it all
well equipped tastefully decorated property and good location for discovering the most beautiful part of donegal
Read more reviews

Enjoy both the outdoors and the indoors of Ireland

The cottage stays in Ireland provides the right opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside, as well as the bayside. Not just that, you also get to enjoy the cottages that offer the luxury and comfort you seek for a relaxing vacay!

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Born in Mumbai and brought up in Bangalore, India, Aarti is a full-time freelance writer by profession. She is a lover of everything the ‘blue dot’ offers—world cultures, off-the-beaten tracks,...Read more

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