A Tiny Cottage on the Edge of the Atlantic in Connemara

Oystercatcher Cottage is about as close to the edge of the Atlantic as I’d want to get without actually owning a boat.

This small, old cottage sits on the Renvyle Peninsula in Connemara, with no close neighbours and panoramic views across the ocean.

From the garden you can see towards Lettergesh Beach and the mouth of Killary Harbour, with Mayo and the islands of Inishturk, Clare Island and Achill visible in the distance.

It sleeps 4, dogs are welcome and there’s a deck overlooking the water where, if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins passing by.

A little cottage on the edge of the Atlantic

The location here is incredible. Oystercatcher sits right on the coast with its own garden, deck and patio, and there are no close neighbours around the property.

Open the kitchen door and you’re straight out onto the deck overlooking the sea. During summer, the sun sets out over the water and dolphins have been known to make an appearance offshore.

The cottage’s name comes from the oystercatchers that can regularly be seen and heard along the shoreline below.

Inside the cottage

The house itself is small, cosy and deliberately rustic. Downstairs you’ll find a kitchen/dining area, bathroom and sitting room with a multi-fuel stove.

There’s also Wi-Fi, a TV, games and books, so a horizontal day beside the fire is very much an option when the Atlantic decides to throw a tantrum outside.

The two bedrooms are upstairs, with a king-size bed in one and two singles in the other.

There is one important catch, though: you reach the bedrooms via a wooden ladder. The host specifically warns that this may not be suitable for young children or anyone with limited mobility.

Then there’s that view…

This is why I’d book Oystercatcher. You’ve got the Atlantic directly in front, mountains around you and a string of beaches nearby, while the cottage itself feels remarkably removed from everything.

And the experience changes completely depending on what the weather is doing.

Get a calm summer evening and you can sit on the deck watching the sun disappear over the sea. Get sideways rain and howling wind and you can throw another log on the stove and watch the whole thing unfold from inside. For once, I’m not sure which I’d prefer.

Exploring this corner of Connemara

When you eventually drag yourself away from the deck, you’re in a very handy spot for exploring the Renvyle Peninsula and north Connemara.

Tullycross is just 2.5km away, while the entrance to Connemara National Park at Letterfrack is around 7km from the cottage. Kylemore Abbey and Clifden are also within easy driving distance.

Up to two dogs are welcome, too, although you’ll need to keep them under control as sheep regularly graze in the surrounding fields.

So, sea outside, fire inside, dog beside you. That’ll do nicely.

Discover more unique places to stay in Ireland

The stays above are just a handful of the wonderfully weird places you can spend a night around Ireland.

You’ll find plenty more in my guide to the most unique stays in Ireland, along with everything from treehouses and cabins to bell tents in my guide to the best places to go glamping in Ireland.

1. The Tranquil Tigín

You have to walk 300 metres across a meadow to reach this tiny off-grid cabin in the Wicklow Mountains.

It sleeps 2 and comes with a mezzanine king bed, enormous countryside-facing window, copper outdoor bath and fire pit, with a wood-fired sauna a short stroll away.

2. Grove Treehouse with hot tub

This adults-only West Cork treehouse sleeps 2 and comes with a roll-top bath opposite the bed and a private two-person hot tub amongst the trees.

You reach it via tree-trunk steps before stepping inside to an open-plan bedroom, kitchen and living area, with French doors opening onto a large private deck.

3. The Ballybunion Beach House

Breakers Beach House sits right beside Ladies Beach in Ballybunion, with the Atlantic filling the view from the house.

It sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms and has Ballybunion’s beaches and Cliff Walk on its doorstep, along with a hot outdoor shower for warming up after a swim or surf.

4. The Hidden Haven

The Hidden Haven is a luxury lodge for 2 in the hills of West Cork with its own lake, a wood-fired hot tub and a deck stretching over the water.

There’s a super king bed and bath with a view inside, while stone steps outside lead straight into the lake when you fancy undoing all the good work of the hot tub.

5. Balance Treehouse

The Balance Treehouse in County Armagh is reached via a private rope bridge and sits high amongst the trees overlooking the Ring of Gullion.

It sleeps 2 and comes with a glass roof above the bed, private hot tub, outdoor shower and a large outdoor net where you can kick back and admire the surrounding hills.

6. The Dunmanus Bay Barn

This restored stone farmhouse and barn sits on West Cork’s Sheep’s Head Peninsula, looking across Dunmanus Bay towards the Mizen Peninsula.

Along with its old stone walls, timber beams and slate floors, you’ve got more than an acre of grounds, a spring-fed pond and a solar-heated outdoor pool.

7. Dolphin Beach Lodge

Dolphin Beach Lodge sits just metres from the Atlantic on Connemara’s Sky Road, with Clifden Bay outside the windows and a secluded beach directly in front.

The lodge sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms and, despite the wonderfully remote-feeling setting, you’re only around a 10-minute drive from Clifden.

8. The Hide at Neadú

With its grass-covered roof and views towards Glenveagh, The Hide at Neadú is one of Donegal’s more unusual little cabins.

Inside you’ll find reclaimed and upcycled pieces, an alcove double bed and wood-burning stove, while double doors open onto a private deck overlooking the surrounding mountains and valley.