There are lots of fantastic Airbnbs throughout Ireland – no matter where you’re planning to stay, you’re bound to find some good options. But if you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, it can be hard to sort through the countless listings. As a big fan of more unique stays that can enhance any trip, we present you these Airbnb stays that include everything from floating homes to the world’s first self-catering pub.
The Worlds 1st Self-Catering Pub Rental, County Tipperary
The title gives it away – this Airbnb is a pub that was converted into a very unique accommodation in a little village in County Tipperary. Conroy’s Old Bar is said to be the very first self-catering pub, and while it’s totally dry of alcohol now, you’re welcome to bring your own. Enjoy a slice of Irish history, complete with lots of charm, character and an open fire. It includes the original mahogany bar and bar pumps, a full kitchen, a dartboard and a large beer garden with chickens that provide guests with fresh eggs.
The Wonderly Wagon, Donegal, Ireland
Located in a small village in the hills of Donegal, The Wonderly Wagon is a traditional bow-top gypsy caravan set that enjoys a woodland setting, providing a very unique, cozy stay on a farm that produces vegetables and herbs. It sleeps up to a family of four, two adults and two children, with two double beds, and includes an electric heater, running water, cooker, refrigerator, kettle, and toaster. Although there isn’t a bathroom inside, a shower and toilets are just a few steps away.
The Ark Floating Home, Boyle
The Ark is a floating apartment in Boyle which sits at the foot of the Curlew Mountains in County Roscommon. It features two double en-suite bedrooms, a living room/dining area and a kitchen, along with a forward deck, rooftop garden and a floating boardwalk. Bright and colorful, there are large floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and the bedrooms have picture windows showcasing mountain, water and wildlife views. Look forward to waking up to the peaceful sounds of the river and the birds while taking advantage of the many things to do in the surrounding area – your friendly and welcoming host, Paddy will provide all the tips you need to enjoy it.
Leck Farm Negrange
Located less than 40 minutes from Dublin in the Boyne Valley, this self-catering Airbnb apartment offers something that’s very hard to find – a view of Newgrange. Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza, it was constructed around 3200 BC and is one of the most fascinating sites in the country. The one-bedroom apartment with its original stone walls and exposed roof beams sits on a sheep, cattle, bee and hand-crafts farm that’s been in the same family for five generations, known especially for its flock of prize-winning Jacob sheep, with their wool-processed right-on-site in the farm’s craft center.
Sea Stay Galway - Polaris Popcorn, the Pink Boat
This former Irish fishing trawler was transformed into a two-person floating hideaway in June of 2019. She offers a comfortable, luxurious stay with a studio apartment-style until below deck that has a fully fitted galley, TEAC sound system and turntable, as well as a bathroom with a shower and central heating throughout. The wheelhouse doubles as a heated morning room that provides a 360-degree view over Galway Bay and the Long Walk and there’s a fully enclosed glazed private aft deck for dining in rain or shine.
Nanny Murphy's Cottage, Longford
Nanny Murphy’s Cottage is one of the most popular Airbnbs in Ireland, having been featured in the Irish Times and Independent, among other publications. Located in Longford, about 90 minutes northwest of Dublin and an hour from Sligo, it’s also a very unique property for experiencing authentic, traditional Irish culture and heritage. The thatched cottage was renovated using century-old techniques, with the 24″ walls made from wall and straw, while the thatched room is made from Irish reed. There’s an open fireplace using Irish turf blocks that are supplied, although it also offers some modern comforts like Wi-Fi. It includes three bedrooms, sleeping up to six guests in five beds.
Tubbrid Castle: Your 15th-Century Irish Castle, Kilkenny
This unique and authentic 15th-century Irish tower house in County Kilkenny will make you feel as if you’re royalty. Step back in time while enjoying plenty of luxuries like a four-poster bed, a deep soaking tub and a rain shower. There’s a fireplace for cozying up to the warmth of a roaring fire, a fully stocked kitchen and a grand oak banqueting table. From the large, original window seats with velvet cushions, you can enjoy the picturesque forest views.
Quirky Land Boat Close to the Beach with Donkeys - Ballinspittle, Cork
This unique and quirky Airbnb is a boat. The 37-foot vessel was transformed into a rental for up to three with one bedroom and two beds, electricity, cooking, toilet, and shower facilities. It’s tucked into a private garden overlooked by donkeys while being within walking distance from the village of Ballinspittle, just five minutes from beautiful beaches and 10 minutes from the charming and picturesque town of Kinsale in County Cork.
16th Century Medieval Towerhouse - Cuffesgrange, Kilkenny
If staying in a real castle is something you’ve been dreaming of, this 16th-century medieval tower house is ideal. Less than a 15-minute drive from the popular city of Kilkenny and stunning Kilkenny Castle, it accommodates up to 10 guests with four bedrooms and seven beds. The host’s father spent a quarter of a century restoring the 500-year-old building while maintaining its historic character, making it feel as if you’re living in medieval times, yet it comes with all the modern amenities. You’ll have fireplaces to cozy up to, along with Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer.
Great Blasket Island Cottage - Great Blasket Island, Kerry
The Blasket Islands lies off the coast of County Kerry near Dingle, providing the opportunity to enjoy one of the most scenic areas of Ireland without the crowds. While Great Blasket is a popular day trip, few visitors stay on the island with limited accommodation. But the two-bedroom Great Blasket Cottage offers the chance to stay the night, enjoying an especially tranquil, secluded retreat. There’s no electricity, but candles and head torch lights, plus two stoves, provide lighting and heat. And you’ll have access to the unspoiled island landscapes with everything from mountainous terrain to idyllic beaches and abundant flora and fauna.
Boat House on the Beach - Valentia Island, Kerry
Just a short drive off the Ring of Kerry, the Boat House on the Beach is located on Valentia Island, which is connected by a bridge to the mainland in the village of Portmagee. Here, you’ll enjoy a unique stay surrounded by peace and quiet at Glanleam Estate. The 250-year-old structure sits right on the beach while the property also includes 40 acres of woodlands, subtropical gardens, a healing well, an ancient healing energy point, and many animals, including donkeys, Connemara ponies, sheep, geese, and chickens. You’ll have a spectacular view that includes the sea, Beginish Island, and a lighthouse, with a huge window that showcases it all while bringing plenty of natural light in.
Wild Atlantic Bus at Aishling Cottage - Oughterard, Galway
The Wild Atlantic Bus is a converted double-decker bus that offers the perfect unique stay in the small town of Oughterard, nestled in the beautiful Connemara region just a short drive northwest of Galway. From here, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the surroundings inside or out while being just five minutes on foot to the sparkling waters of Lough Corrib, one of Europe’s last remaining native brown trout lakes. It includes a luxurious outdoor shower, a fire pit for gathering under the stars, a wood-burning stove inside, and a full kitchen.
Lighthouse Keepers Home of the Year Finalist 2020 - Youghal, Cork
This home has gotten lots of attention, including being voted one of Ireland’s top 50 places to stay by the Irish Independent. It served as the home for every lightkeeper who manned the Youghal lighthouse from the 19th century until it became automated in 2007 and sits at the edge of a cliff, providing awe-inspiring views of the bay. The owners spent two years renovating the home while retaining much of its original character, like the old windows and fireplaces in all three bedrooms. It accommodates up to six and also includes a full kitchen, washer/dryer, Wi-Fi, and TV.
Beautiful Restored 19th Century Gothic Church - Portlaw, Waterford
Guilcagh Church has gotten a new life, now serving as a unique Airbnb with many luxurious comforts and whimsical features. You’ll reach it by approaching via a long avenue lined with mature lime trees and then stepping through iron-gated double doors to enter. A Gothic treasure, it sits on a property with an old graveyard and headstones visible throughout. From the south-facing terrace, enjoy sipping your evening wine and then curl up next to the wood-burning stove for the evening. It includes underfloor heating, sparkling chandeliers, and a wooden spiral staircase that leads up to the curved balcony overlooking the pulpit. There are original floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows, and you’ll also have a full kitchen, BBQ grill, TV, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
