The typical Irish cottage evokes a vision of warmth and coziness. It’s a classic whitewashed structure, often with brightly colored front doors and always with a thatched roof. Turf smoke lazily spiraling from the chimney completes the picture as the fire was the heart and hearth of the home. Today, there are cottages of all types, including the traditional ones, many of which serve as Vrbo rentals for a truly unforgettable stay. Whether you’re looking for something small and charming or a space for a large group, you’ll find plenty of cottages on this list providing a special treat for your escape to the Emerald Isle.
Country Retreat Ideal for Touring - Mallow, County Cork
‘Ivy Bridge’ is a cottage that not only offers the chance to experience Old World Ireland but it’s surrounded by panoramic views of the lush countryside, combining traditional features with modern comfort. Sleeping up to seven in three bedrooms, it includes a full kitchen with a dishwasher, a satellite TV with a DVD player, and a washer/dryer. You’ll have a great base for exploring attractions in the South of Ireland like Blarney Castle, less than 30 minutes away, while many others can be reached within an hour, including the Rock of Cashel and Killarney National Park. The city of Cork, about a half-hour’s drive away, has become well known for its booming foodie scene.
Sleep to the Sounds of the Sea - Carrigaholt, County Clare
Located so close to the water you’ll be able to fall asleep to the sounds of the waves, this three-bedroom cottage for six sits at one end of Kilbaha Bay providing panoramic views over the Atlantic. You’ll be able to gaze out at the ocean, watch the ships and fishing boats that come and go, and the local fishermen empty their lobster pots. It sits on a 10-acre property just off the famous Wild Atlantic Way and includes all the essentials, plus a traditional Scandinavian sauna, perfect after a refreshing dip off the rocks.
Luxury Stone Cottage in the Wicklow Mountains - Donard, County Wicklow
Just a short drive from Dublin in the Wicklow Mountains, this self-catering stone cottage is surrounded by a zen garden in a peaceful setting with cattle, sheep, and birds your only neighbors. There is a shop and pub about a 15-minute walk away while a 5-mile trail winding through the forest is just out your door. You’ll have a cozy log-burning stove in the living room, a full kitchen, and a separate double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, providing accommodation for up to four.
Secluded Private Cottage on 4 Acres by a River - Ninemilehouse, County Tipperary
A private cottage in the same family for 500 years, renovated to add all the modern comforts, the “Old House” looks like something out of a storybook. It sits along an old boithrin (small, country lane) on four private acres by a river. While it offers plenty of tranquil seclusion, it’s just a 20-minute drive from the medieval city of Kilkenny and Kilkenny Castle. It sleeps up to eight in two double loft bedrooms and two extra-space double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. You’ll have all the conveniences too, including free Wi-Fi and a full kitchen with a dishwasher. Your hosts are happy to provide insider tips about the best pubs, restaurants, and visitor attractions too.
Traditional Irish Cottage Surrounded by Outstanding Scenery - Ballymacarbry, County Waterford
This historic Irish cottage is the real deal, located in the Comeragh Mountains near the small village of Ballymacarbry, about an hour’s drive from Waterford City and less than 25 minutes from the coast. An L-shaped dwelling, it was built at least 120 years ago and includes the old thatch. The kitchen is the central part of the home, complete with modern appliances. It serves as a warm gathering place encouraging human connection with no Wi-Fi or TV. Located on a private two-acre lot, enjoy the fresh air and serenity from the secluded wrap-around garden or fenced-off front garden.
1st Class Cottage Location Teach Mor at The Priory Killarney Courtyard - Killarney, County Kerry
An ideal base for exploring Killarney National Park with its boundaries just steps from the door, Teach Mor is a two-story 3-bedroom cottage that comfortably sleeps up to eight guests. Tucked into a walled courtyard with three other cottages, it has an open floor plan with an extra-cozy great room that includes vaulted and exposed beam ceilings, a fireplace, full kitchen, TV with a DVD player and DVDs, and a washer/dryer.
Cottage That's a Newly Refurbished Wing of an Old Victorian Gate Lodge Of Ashford Castle - County Mayo
The Ashford Old Schoolhouse sits among gorgeous surroundings between Lough Corrib and Mask, bordering the gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds of Ashford Castle, while the pubs and restaurants in Cong village can be reached with a 20-minute walk through Ashford Estate. The historical cottage was built by the Guinness family in 1853 and provides guests with access to activities that include professionally guided fishing and fly-fishing instruction, with boat rentals possible too. Within a 5-minute walk, it’s possible to enjoy boat trips, horseback riding, ziplining, archery, and falconry. The space sleeps up to five in two bedrooms and includes a kitchen/living room with a wood-burning stove downstairs.
Right by the Sea with Panoramic View, Stunning Cottage Drimlaghdrid - Lettermacaward, County Donegal
Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Oyster House overlooks Traighenna Bay in a serene coastal setting. You’ll enjoy beautiful views right at the water’s edge and easy access to two of the region’s most beautiful beaches, Maghery Beach and Dooey Strand. After a day of exploring, come back and relax on the covered outdoor terrace, ideal for watching colorful sunsets. The indoor living spaces, including the open-plan kitchen/dining/ living area, have windows and patio doors for natural light and picturesque views. There’s a wood-burning stove, TV, and DVD player too.
Self Catering Cottage in Picturesque Inagh Valley - Recess, County Galway
This beautiful traditional-style cottage sits at the foot of the Maum Turk mountain range in the heart of Connemara providing magnificent views of the Twelve Bens and Lough Inagh. It makes a great base for exploring idyllic beaches, Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park with its miles of trails for hillwalking and climbing. There are two bedrooms, sleeping up to five, with a kitchen/dining area that has an open fire to cozy up to.
Restored 18th-Century Coast Guard Cottage on the Shores of Beautiful Kenmare Estuary - Kenmare, County Kerry
Enjoy a unique stay in this restored 18th-century Coast Guard Cottage. It can be rented as two totally separate, self-contained units or as one interconnected cottage. Located just off the famous Ring of Kerry, only about 165 feet from its own beach, you’ll be able to watch the seals splash around and enjoy glorious sunsets over the Atlantic too. The host even provides a small rowboat and life jackets for paddling around. It also includes a full kitchen, open fire, two BBQ grills, and a large lawn with two picnic tables overlooking the estuary.
