Ireland

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You could sit for hours watching the boats bob into the bay of Valentia Island from the storybook armchairs of this crisp, contemporary lodge. And that's precisely how the architect of this newly-built home intended things to be. Set right on the island's edge, every room and picture window offers tremendous views of the ever-changing seas and green hills beyond on this oh-so-peaceful isle. 

The setup from the stylish main bedroom with a separate sitting room to drink up the jaw-dropping vistas is dreamy. And don't get us started on the unparalleled seascapes outside on the vast lawns wrapping around this home – the spot for sundowners as the sea crashes onto the cliffs below.

Should you ever be persuaded to leave this home, you'll discover you're right in the heart of Knightstown Village with its quirky shops and traditional inns for whiskey in the jar, singalongs and all the Irish charm you're chasing. And of course, there's always the sea – how could we forget. You're just a five-minute drive or a half-an-hour walk to the delightful pebble beach, Glanleam Beach for kite flying and picnics. Or, for sand-castle building days, hop on a boat to the neighbouring Beginish Island. 

Treasure Isle

We're completely enchanted by this home in County Clare. Formerly an old coach house, its quintessential stone facade provides the framework for an exquisitely renovated interior which strikes the perfect balance between authentic charm and contemporary comfort. It's proof that the best things do, in fact, come in smaller packages and provide a beautifully equipped base for couples and solo travellers.

Inside, it's an open-plan canvas of high ceilings, exposed brickwork and reclaimed hardwood floors. A sweeping archway connects the living spaces, creating a free-flowing ambience primed for relaxation, and we especially love the bedroom, perched up high on the mezzanine floor. Every detail promises comfort, from the fully-equipped kitchen and sweet dining nook to the cosy sitting room, complete with a majestic fireplace – the perfect place to snuggle up after long walks through the countryside. Positioned in the village of Clarecastle, you're surrounded by gloriously green pastures and just a nine-minute drive from the historic town of Ennis, with its narrow winding streets, picturesque architecture and bustling market town atmosphere.

Coach House Cottage

Combining winning architectural choices – like floor to ceiling windows, a charming entry hall, and a mezzanine lounge that creates interest and adds depth to the space – with spectacular, sprawling views of Kenmare Bay, this home is the ideal setting for a tranquil holiday. We bet you can already see yourself stacking logs in the lounge’s fireplace and curling up on the sofa with a good book. The statement brick wall goes a long way in adding a rustic, cottagey touch to the home, that goes a long way in making you feel at home.

Breakfast has never looked as good as it does from the vantage point at the dining table, and that’s all thanks to the windows – almost as if they’re trying to creep skyward, they sprawl from floor to ceiling and curve around to let in ample light. Of course, the view you’re able to observe from here also gets some of the credit in making it special. For a closer look of the panoramic landscape, you can take up your post at the bench outside. 

When you’re ready to wander, drive eleven minutes to the historic little town of Kenmare. Origins can be dated all the way back to 1775 and it’s somehow retained some of that old world charm. Window shop at the quaint stores before sitting down for lunch at one of the colourful pubs. 

Kenmare End

Built on the footprint of a fisherman's cottage, this gorgeous home offers peace and tranquillity by Ireland's River Shannon. The large wood-burning stove and welcome hamper with baked goods and essentials will help you settle right in. Outside you'll find a porch with space for alfresco dining and even a small sandy beach with rock pools where you can dip your toes into the water. You'll be very secluded here – there's a playground for little ones nearby, but the only pub within walking distance is closed between October and April, so we definitely recommend having a car.

Wild Atlantic

Made for all you travellers searching for postcard-worthy views, there are sea and mountain landscapes aplenty at this oh-so-private County Kerry coastal escape.

Tucked away within nearly three acres of verdant green private lands between the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, you could feel a million miles from civilisation here. But hop in the car, and in just ten minutes flat, you can be mooching about the vibrant town of Kenmare. Or even closer (a four-minute drive or ten-minute walk), you’ll find the little beach of Coss Strand for shell-combing and swimming (if you’re brave enough). 

Though we wouldn’t blame you if your ensemble decided to hunker down at home and ground yourselves in the extraordinary landscapes instead. On sunny days, fold the bifold doors right back and take things outside onto the raised deck for lazy days lolling about on the manicured lawns, drinking in the vistas and exploring the vast grounds and lakes. Then keep the night flowing with the barbecue and fire pit. In the winter months, snuggle up in front of the stove in the sunroom and break out the board games – those views of Kenmare Bay will be right there through the floor-to-ceiling windows. And at the day’s end, catch a shooting star with the home’s telescope. Thanks to its setting on the edge of the Dark Sky Reserve, the stargazing is phenomenal from here.

Rewrite the Stars 

On the outside, this stone-clad cottage is as traditional as can be. But step through the front door and you'll find a stylish, contemporary home packed with modern comforts. Gather together in the cosy lounge and watch a flick on the smart TV as the wood-burning stove flickers in the vintage hearth. In the kitchen, you'll have everything you need to whip up an Irish stew – best enjoyed around the dining table with a side of soda bread, of course. 

When the sun is shining, head to the enclosed garden and fill your lungs with fresh country air – Kenmare is noted for having some of the cleanest in all of Europe. Dotted with pretty plants and green grass, it's the perfect spot to savour a cocktail or a pint of Guinness as the little ones play in the evening light. And, of course, the views aren't too shabby either – upstairs, the main suite has a gorgeous outlook of the surrounding mountains.

Nestled in between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to adventures in the great outdoors. Kenmare has ample rambling routes nearby – including walking trials through The Kerry Way, hikes up Carrauntoohil and treks through the foothills of the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Sail on Kenmare Bay, take a day trip to Killarney or Cork City or simply spend the afternoon roaming Kenmare's historic lanes – village shops, local pubs and mouth-watering restaurants are just steps from your door.

Briar Stone

Located on the shores of Lough Derg, this recently refurbished home offers you a fantastic opportunity to leave behind the daily grind and relax and recharge among the ancient limestone landscapes of County Clare. With three bedrooms – one twin and two king-sized – the layout is perfect for a multi-generational family getaway or a remote retreat with a group of friends.

The interior benefits from an open layout that allows light to flow in through the French doors and skylights, and heat from the fire to warm it. When the weather's set fair, step through the French doors and onto the patio. We can think of little better than spending long summer evenings sitting around the outdoor dining table, tucking into local produce cooked on the barbecue. Meanwhile, at the other end of the home, the elegant bedrooms take inspiration from the surroundings, offering a soothing sanctuary and either lake or countryside views, depending on which one you select.

Nearby, West Lake Aqua Park and the adjoining coffee shop offer a family-friendly day of epic adventure just ten minutes away. The promise of hot drinks and tasty treats to refuel afterwards is just the icing on the cake. If you haven't had your fill of sweet delights, Wildes Chocolate Shop is just a few miles in the opposite direction. Finally, East Clare Golf Club will serve up a challenge to even the most seasoned golfers.

A little over an hour west lies Clare's rugged coastline, where spectacular cliffs drop sharply into the wild Atlantic at Moher. We'd suggest walking a small section of the Wild Atlantic Way before hunkering down in a pub to sup a pint and listen to some traditional Irish music.


Lady of the Lough

Leave behind the daily grind and flourish in this grand country house, surrounded by the ancient limestone landscapes of County Clare and fields carpeted in daisies. If you like to stay somewhere with a bit of character, you'll love it here – this historical home dates all the way back to 1778, when it was originally a soldier's barracks. But it's since been lovingly restored and refurbished, all while retaining its traditional charm, and the care that's gone into every nook and cranny is more than apparent. 

The grandiose furniture has a regal feel to it but somehow oozes comfort, you'll love curling up on the cosy armchair beside the fireplace, a book in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. The kitchen, which is cloaked in exposed brick, wooden beamed ceilings, and Victorian-style kitchen tiles, is one that demands to be cooked in. It's perfectly open and bright –preparing dinner will be a breeze. Or, your host can arrange a private chef to take care of that for you – perfect for special occasions and celebrations. And you'll want to take all the time you can to enjoy the stately yet cosy dining room. Gather around the solid oak dining table for the best kind of family dinner – great food, delicious wine, laughs, stories, talking over each other, and probably the occasional bicker. All the while the wood-burning stove flickers beside you, warming you from the inside out. 

There's history everywhere you turn here. Even right outside your door, you'll see the ruins of a crumbling castle to explore. Then meander down to the heart of Clarecastle, it's just a four-minute walk but a beautiful one as you pass through expansive fields and cross the River Fergus. You could take a walk down the river, learning more about the history of the river's walled banks along the way, before looping back to Clarecastle. There's no better way to round it off than with a nice pint of Guinness. 

Master of the House

History and elegance are two of the things we loved most about this stay in the drumlins of north County Meath. The warm and majestic ambience of the stately interior perfectly complements the emerald Irish countryside. Ideal for large family escapes or events like weddings (Oliver Plunkett’s family church is right next door), both the house and grounds are spacious and filled with activities to keep everyone entertained. Spend your morning drinking coffee and nibbling pastries from the cafe on the grounds. Once the sun is up and shining over the glistening hills, make use of the private tennis courts or go fishing with the kids at the nearby lake and enjoy the 200 historic acres of parkland surrounding the house. We loved the private opening hours allowed for guests of Cairnside to view the famous gardens of water, trees, vistas and archaeology. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine by the fire at home or host a celebration party and be sure to bring along your piano playing relative because the living room features a gorgeous antique piano to twinkle into night. 

Cairnside

Sitting among the rolling fields and mountains of Kerry, the surroundings of this home are just as picturesque as they were when it was built back in 1742.

The current owners have restored the manor home to its former glory, but have been nothing but respectful of heritage and history at the same time. In the high-ceilinged rooms, you'll spot period features, antique furnishings and a taste for the opulence of years gone by – think chandeliers, boldly patterned wallpaper and even a grand piano.

If we've made it sound like a museum, that couldn't be further from the truth. It's refreshingly easy to feel at home here, whether that's playing board games next to one of the open fires or relaxing in the garden. 
When the weather forecast makes for happy reading, there are sixty-eight acres of private parkland on the estate with some beautiful views to be had.

When you're in the mood to see a little more of the local area you can visit a local dairy farm who make delicious ice cream or enjoy a wealth of natural attractions and historic buildings in Killarney National Park which starts only five minutes' drive from the home. You have many world famous golf courses close by - The Ring of Kerry also runs close by the address giving you an opportunity to drive around to see famous sights like Dingle and the Ring Of Berra. A beautiful property not to be missed. 

Centuries of Style

We dare you to make the drive along the winding pathway, with trees standing tall in greeting, and not feel like a lord or lady once the white manor house comes into view up ahead. It simply can’t be done, and we say, why not embrace a false title for your stay and enjoy all the perks that come with that sort of thing? Take tea in the drawing room, casually stroll the generous, thirty-acre estate whilst philosophising the true meaning of love, or flee to the library to brush up on your Jane Austen. Revel in a home oozing period charm whilst still enjoying the advantages of a more modern twist. Cook in the farm-style kitchen, read by the light of the sizable windows, and when the weather is just so, you might even put a friendly wager on a game of lawn croquet. 

Once home to the Duchess of Westminster, you might not want to leave the manor, and with more than enough to do, you really don’t have to, but if you’re looking to explore this part of Ireland, there’s a few stops nearby worth checking out. The city of Cork, for one, is the foodie capital and well worth embracing on an empty stomach. Visit the Crawford Art Gallery and Elizabeth Fort whilst in town. Closer to home, you’ll find Baden Golf Club at the other end of an eight minute drive, and Coolmain Beach will take you twenty-three minutes to get to whenever you’re in the mood to dip your toes in a little.

Summerview Manor

Standing proudly within beautifully manicured gardens at the foot of the McGillicuddy Reeks mountain range, this stunning country house will give you everything you could wish for in a rural retreat and more. 

The journey up the sweeping driveway towards the home is breathtaking in itself. Surrounded by greenery, you’ll feel any tension you once held slip away as you inch closer towards this majestic house – step inside the entrance hall, and it doesn’t disappoint. With so many classic features on display as you amble through the rooms, you won’t know where to look, and yet it’s been sympathetically brought into the present day, providing all of the home comforts you need for a memorable stay. Built in 1740, with a recent refurbishment, this home mixes traditional elegance with charm, sophistication and modern touches.

Winters spent here will be wonderful, with the fire crackling in the drawing room you can settle down on the sofa with a good book and a glass of red and feel warmed through to your core. At the end of a busy day, the promise of climbing into the crisp white sheets of your four-poster bed will be something to savour. Draped in your serene sanctuary, you’ll fall into an effortless slumber.

If you can tear yourself away from this charming home, you can enjoy a spot of golf next door or travel a little further afield to enjoy a guided walk. With a plethora of activities on your doorstep and your country manor to return to, your stay in County Kerry will be one you’ll treasure forever. 

Portrait of the Past

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