I spend a couple of hours each week flicking through Airbnb, trying to find unique places to stay.
You’ll find many of Ireland’s most unique Airbnbs that we’ve found and written about on our guide to quirky places to stay in Ireland (there are loads).
Today, we’re taking you a buzzy and beautiful corner of Galway, to give you a peek at a cottage that offers stunning sea views in a swanky setting.
Below, you’ll find everything from photos and what to expect if you visit from how much a night will set you back. Dive on in!
Welcome to Dolphin Beach Lodge
If you’re looking for a place to head with a group of friends or family for a weekend away, then Dolphin Beach Lodge in Clifden is a solid option.
There’s a tonne of places to visit nearby, you’re at the heart of some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most spectacular scenery, and the lodge is very fancy altogether.
Not a bad combo.
Located at the edge of Clifden’s Sky Road (find out more about the Sky Road in our guide to 34 of the best things to do in Galway), this property is a stone’s throw from the Atlantic and offers stunning views throughout.
What to expect from a visit
You’ll soak up views of the ocean when you wake up in the morning (above) when you’re waiting for the kettle to boil (below), and when you’re kicking back with dinner in the evening (below).
I love the idea of rounding up a group of friends and heading west to this place. The communal areas, like the dining area and the living room, are spacious, comfy, and make perfect use of the spectacular views that lay outside.
I can see myself happily wedged into one of those couches with a beer, chatting, chilling, and admiring the view.
How the host describes it
‘Nestling just meters from the Atlantic Ocean with expansive views across Clifden Bay, this unique house is the perfect bolt-hole for those seeking to absorb the wilderness of Connemara and to act as the ideal base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Perched on the edge of the mercurial Sky Road and surrounded by spacious gardens, this boutique lodge overlooking a secluded beach is the perfect bolt-hole for those looking for breathtaking luxury by the sea.
The lodge is literally a stone’s throw from the pebbly beach, and a short walk through the garden finds a small sandy cove which is safe for swimming. Each of the rooms have exceptional views and all have been finished to exacting standards, with high ceilings, wooden floors, modern bathrooms and under floor heating.
From the kitchen, dining room and living room, large panoramic windows open out to the sea, providing uninterrupted views across the wild and untamed Atlantic.’
How much a night here will set you back
I’ve popped in 2 nights in November (available as I type) for 6 people sharing. It works out at (prices accurate at time of typing):
- Total: €1,217.50
- Total per person: €202.92
- You can see more on their website
Discover more unique places to stay in Ireland
We’ve featured a clatter of unique places to stay in Ireland over the last few months, from castles and Airbnbs with hot tubs to pods and more.
While some will cost you an arm and a leg, others work out pretty reasonably if you stay with a few friends. Discover some funky places to stay below.
1. Unique Airbnbs
In our unique Airbnb section, you’ll find everything from treehouses by the sea to beach-side campsites and more. See them all here.
2. Luxury accommodation
There’s an endless number of luxurious places to stay in Ireland, as you’ll discover here. From pods like the very fancy one above to swanky chalets, there’s plenty to choose from.
3. Castles to rent
Ireland’s home to heaps of castle accommodation. You’ll find the very best of it in this section (some is craaaaazy expensive while others work out cheap enough with a group).
Niamh fullam
Monday 8th of June 2020
What is your availablibilty for July for 6 nights please looking for a family trip
Keith O'Hara
Wednesday 10th of June 2020
Hey Niamh. This isn't a property that I own (I wish!). You'd need to click the link to the Aribnb in the article above and contact them through there. Cheers. Keith
Heidi
Tuesday 8th of October 2019
So where can I apply for the weekend? ;-) Thanks for your great posts and ideas. I just came back from two weeks at the west coast and the drive from Leenane is really special and the story behind the place moved me. Heidi
Keith
Thursday 10th of October 2019
Thanks Heidi! The drive from Leenane is out of this world, isn't it?! I feel like each time I do it I come across something new. I've been mulling over cycling it for a while - a task for the summer of 2020, I think!