Embracing a culture of hospitality that ages back over a thousand years, the people of Ireland have the art of hosting that is ingrained in their DNA. Although along with inns during medieval times, nightly rates arrive, there still lies a good selection of properties that are available without any sort of cookie-cutter service and bedroom design of general sort. From a stone castle to an island hideaway, there lie several opportunities that you can choose for traveling beyond the comfort zone of the standard tourist for lodging in some of the extraordinary properties of Ireland.
Medieval Tower House, Quin, County Clares
Ballyshannon Castle is here to satisfy the idea of being lord or lady of an Irish castle, it has the trappings that satisfy even the most demanding chieftain. It is built in the golden age of stone masonry of Ireland over 500 years ago, this County Clare tower has its availability for renting in its entirety. It is equipped with a stone spiral staircase, minstrel’s balcony, and rooftop battlements that serve with views across the neighboring counties.
Bubble Pods, Finn Lough Resort, County Fermanagh
Quoting Oscar Wilde had said, who was also born in Ireland, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” And, I don’t think there exists any better way to test this theory by making our stay in a sky-view bubble dome on the County Fermanagh’s Lakelands’ shores. With a 180 degree transparent ceiling and wall, it is not for the ones who have this irrational fear of being watched by a fuck. And, in that quote, while staying here, you have to forget that gutter part, each of the Finn Lough pods comes with a four-poster bed, fluffy slippers, and coffeemaker.
Delphi Hunting Lodge, Connemara, County Galway
If you ever wondered what experiencing and attending a country house party of the sort depicted in an Agatha Christie novel, or Merchant-Ivory movie, only without a fatal plot twist, then this place is for you. That experience is offered by Delphi Lodge, the Marquis of Sligo’s 1830s, in a lakeside valley in the remote and wild Connemara countryside. Guests have their dine-in on a single oak table and retreat to the library or by a roaring fire that shoots the breeze after a day of fishing or exploring the mountains, lakes, and local bogs.
Batty Langley Gate Lodge, Leixlip, County Kildare
This lodge is an example of Gothick design, which is a frivolous and rare form of architecture. Back in the 18th century, the lodge was taken as a guest retreat for the guests who were well-heeled to offload their worldly trappings for a while, and also fulfilling their fantasy of doing whatever they wish to do like common people in County Kildare. This riverside gate lodge to Castletown Estate has the idiosyncrasies of its time along with the modern conveniences.
Martello Tower, Sutton, County Dublin
Martello Tower Sutton now welcomes visitors through its thick fortress walls, built as a deterrent to unwelcome naval advances to the shores of Dublin in the early 19th century. Panoramic bay views serve as a standard, but the open brickwork, sleek furnishings, and domed ceiling are seen to be a world away from the Spartan origins of the buildings. On the ground floor, there are two bedrooms, one with external access, and another with an upstairs living space that is reached by a stone stairwell.
Bookeen Hall Bed and Breakfast, Athenry, County Galway
For the tourism industry around the fields of Athenry, the deconsecration of Bookeen Hall was a blessing in disguise. The early 19th century County Galway meeting place then had its conversion into one of the most extraordinary bed-and-breakfast accommodations of Ireland.
Ireland chapel’s former Church has probably served the guests with the best guest room, with views across the countryside, and a doorway that leads to a belfry. In the open hall, guests can congregate with the open hall which serves as a large gothic window.
Gypsy Wagon, Beara Peninsula, County Kerry
The appeal of sampling life on the road is grasped by the free spirits with the bonus of remaining in staggeringly beautiful County Kerry. Chez Shea Gypsy Wagon is a refurbished traveler’s caravan that has its full attention to detail. However, with the doubling of site, the farm also doubles, and there lies plenty of time for making friends with the chickens, donkeys, and ponies.
Barge Hotel, River Shannon
The Shannon Princess is a luxury barge hotel, that tends to offer a unique way for discovering the ancient heartland of Ireland. In its entirety or by the cabin, the barge can be booked, with creature comforts that include a BBQ area up the deck, a spa pool, as well as handpicked antique furnishings with different showering products that could be equipped by the guests.
Clare Island Lighthouse, County Mayo
For more than two centuries, Clare Island Lighthouse has withstood the brutal force of the Atlantic Ocean, offering warnings and refuge to seafarers from its rocky perch. These days County Mayo inn hosts world-weary guests in a complex of cutting-edge living quarters on Europe’s coastline of the westerly rim. What’s included in it is a tower house with an upstairs bedroom, a lantern tower for sunset cocktails, a sauna suite, and an upstairs bedroom.
Collamore Island, Clew Bay, County Mayo
This is a Cliffside lighthouse or Martello Tower won’t scratch your itch to get away from it all, then there lies nothing that is quite like acquiring a full island catering as a secret sanctuary. The sleeping capacity of the lighthouse is 22, Collanmore Island Lodge, on one of Clew Bay’s 365 islands, and it can also be your perfect place for partying. The property acquires a large BBQ area, personal bar, private beach, as well as a nine-seater hot tub overlooking the bay with the Wild Atlantic Way’s western fringes.
