Skip to Content

This Castle In West Cork Is Arguably The Most Unuiqe Airbnb In Ireland

This Castle In West Cork Is Arguably The Most Unuiqe Airbnb In Ireland

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in an old Irish castle that’s bursting with unique features, this swanky spot in West Cork will be right up your street.

Now, if you’re thinking to yourself that Rincolisky Castle looks familiar, you may have copped it in our guide to the best Airbnbs with hot tubs in Ireland.

If you aren’t familiar with this very quirky dwelling, you’ll find out everything you need below, from prices and location to unique features and more.

A very unique Irish castle

castle exterior

Photo via Airbnb

the top of the castle

Photo via Airbnb

You’ll find Rincolisky Castle in West Cork in an enviable position where it overlooks the chilly waters of Roaring Bay.

The castle is a fine base for exploring the best that the area has to offer, with the likes of Skibbereen, Mizen Head and plenty more a stone’s throw away.

Now, this isn’t any old castle – as you can see from the second picture above, it’s been kitted out with some very fancy features that make staying here all the more comfortable.

An antique furnished home

the view from the outside

Photo via Airbnb

the cosy interior

Photo via Airbnb

Good God, that’s some view in the first snap above! As you can see, the castle has been finely modified to treat those that visit to some very luxurious surroundings.

Now, if you’re worried about the interior of the castle being too modern, don’t – Rincolisky Castle still boasts a clatter of Antique furnishings, all of which add charm and character to the structure. 

Those that visit can kick back in front of a roaring fire on the colder nights or sip beers on the upper floor while watching the sun set over the ocean. 

A hot tub with a view

Rincolisky Castle airbnb hot tub

Photo via Airbnb

The castle comes with all of the regular amenities that you’d expect from an Airbnb, like a microwave and dishwasher, however it also comes equipped with some other features that give it its ‘X-Factor’.

Those that visit the castle can cook up a storm on a BBQ, head for a ramble in the grounds or… drumroll please… soak up the view of the surrounding area from a hot tub.

The castle has three bedrooms and can sleep up to six people. You may have to fight over who gets the top room, though! 

How much a night will set you back

Now, there’s a couple of things to note before we chat about the price – the first is that there’s a three-night minimum stay.

The second is that the castle sleeps 6 and the third is that there’s limited availability before September.

To check the prices (note: these may change, so check in advance), I’ve lashed in a 3-night stay for 6 people sharing. Here’s how much it works out at (prices may change, so check in advance):

  • Total: €1,323
  • Total per person: €220.50
  • Total per person per night: €73.50

More VERY unique and unusual Airbnbs in Ireland

4 photos of airbnbs in kinsale

Photos via Airbnb

There are heaps of other unique, quirky and, at times, unusual Airbnbs in Ireland. Below, you’ll find a handful of our favourites.

1. Tubbrid Castle: The best Airbnb in Ireland that I’ve ever stayed in

tubbrid castle kilkenny

You’ll find Tubbrid Castle in Kilkenny. It’s a short 20-minute drive from the city and is surrounded by lush green fields and set against the backdrop of rolling mountains.

The interior of the castle is magnificent. It’s old-world but comes equipped with all the modern conveniences you’ll ever need. The bedrooms are also insane.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday and Saturday night in May for 9 guests (the max allowed). This worked out at:

  • Total cost: €1,819
  • Cost per person: €202 each
  • Check prices and book a night at Tubbrid here

The Best Airbnbs in Ireland: 12 of my favourite Irish rentals

OK, let’s dive into the belly of the guide. In this section, you’ll find 12 quirky Airbnbs in Ireland that I’ve come across over the last few years that I thought were class!

Expect everything from swanky castles and island dwellings to hobbit huts, thatch cottages and a whole lot more.

2. Kilmurry Cottage in Dingle

dingle cottage view

Photo via intothewestdingle.ie

You’ll find Kilmurray Cottage in the little Gaeltacht village of Lios Póil on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, 8 km from Dingle town.

In the photo above, you’ll get a sense of the scenery that lies RIGHT OUTSIDE of this luxurious little cottage. Mad stuff altogether!

Imagine sauntering outside your front door early in the morning with a cup of coffee and watching the tangy sky emerge over the mountains as the sun starts to rise. Magic.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday to a Sunday in August for four people sharing. Here’s how much it works out at:

3. Mamore Cottages in Donegal

outside the thatch

Photo used with permission of Mamore Cottages

You’ll find the postcard-perfect Mamore Cottages in Urris on the Inishowen Peninsula, one of the most scenic and often-missed corners of our little island.

A stone’s throw from the magnificent Mamore Gap, Five Finger Strand, Lough Swilly and Fanad Head, these cottages are a quirky little base for exploring the county.

How much a night will set you back

A night in one of the Mamore Cottages is insanely reasonably, especially considering how unique an experience staying here will be and where the cottages are located (more on this in a second).

So, I’ve whacked in a Friday and a Saturday night in September for 3 people in Mickey’s Cottage. Here’s how much it worked out at:

4. The Skellig Rest in Kerry

Hammock in the garden

You’ll find the very charming, 100-year-old Skellig Rest cottage nestled in an elevated position on the Ring of Kerry.

Its mighty location treats those that spend a night here to gorgeous panoramic mountain and sea views.

This place sleeps 5 and boasts a hot tub, a sauna, a fully kitted out kitchen, a hammock and views for days.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a week in September for 4 guests (there’s a 7-night minimum stay). This worked out at:

5. A treehouse in West Cork (with its own private hot tub)

west cork treehouse

You’ll find this treehouse in one of my favourite parts of Ireland – West Cork. And yes… it actually has a hot tub built into the outside seating area.

Nestled in the branches of spruce pines, this is a little bit of quirky luxury to base yourself in as you explore the beauty that lays all around you in West Cork.

How much a night will set you back

This place is pretty good value. Here’s how much a weekend night will set you back:

6. Looooooads more Airbnbs with tubs

airbnbs with hot tubs in ireland

Photo via Airbnb

Love a good hot tub? If you fancy kicking back in a swanky gaff with a hot tub, hop into our guide to 17 of the best Airbnbs with hot tubs in Ireland.

It’s packed with everything from pods by the sea and fancy penthouse apartments to castles (yes, castles with hot tubs) and more. 

7. A cottage on the Great Blasket Island

I love the idea of spending a few days locked away in a cottage on an island, a big ass fire roaring and the sound of wind and rain battering against the windows.

Places like this cottage on the Great Blasket Island make me happy! Look at the views you’ll be treated to if you spend a night here – magic!

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Saturday night in May for 7 guests. This worked out at:

8. A gorgeous cottage in Donegal with a private beach

Airbnb in donegal with fire

I wrote a guide a while back on 30 of the best places to stay in Ireland if you’re in search of a deadly view. This place was a little gem that I somehow missed.

This traditional Irish cottage is finely plonked right by the sea and it has direct access to a private beach, so you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves and get up for sunrise on the sand.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday and Saturday night in May for two guests. This worked out at:

9. Another cosy Airbnb on Donegal with its own beach

Inside the cottage

Edit: I’ve just realised that this is clearly a cottage on the same site as the Airbnb above… still, this, in my opinion, is one of the best Airbnb Ireland has to offer. 

If you’re looking to go off the grid and surround yourself with beauty by the bucket-load, then this place should tickle your fancy.

This traditional Irish cottage is situated right by the sea and comes equipped with turf fire for those of you that visit during the colder months.

How much a night will set you back

So, I’ve taken a Saturday and Sunday night in September and whacked in 2 guests. Here’s what it costs:

10. Hobbit huts in Mayo

Mayo glamping

If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to live like a hobbit for a night or two, then this place should tickle your fancy.

These funky little earth-covered hobbit huts sleeps up to 4 people and are located in Castlebar. To top it off, there’s a wood-fired sauna and hot tub and an outdoor kitchen area on-site.

How much a night will set you back

So, this place is clearly popular, as it’s fairly booked up. Here’s what a Thursday and Friday night will set you back for a party of 4:

11. A boathouse in Kerry 

View from inside the boathouse

You’ll find our next unique Airbnb in Ireland smack-bang on the beach in Kerry, on the magnificent Valentia Island.

Imagine chilling with the view above in the morning while you wrap your hands around a fat cup of coffee. Magic!

How much a night will set you back

This is another spot that’s insanely popular – the next free date that I could find was a Thursday night in February for 2 people:

12. A gorgeous old castle in Kilkenny

the exterior of the castle

This gorgeous 16th-century castle is a stone’s throw from the city (5-minute drive) and sleeps ten, which makes it the ideal destination for a group looking for a base for a few nights away.

The castle was lovingly restored over the course of 25 years (that’s a serious bit of dedication!) and looks absolutely top-notch inside and out.

How much a night will set you back

So, I popped in a Friday and Saturday night in March for a group of ten to suss out the price. Here’s how it works out:

  • Total stay: €2,850
  • Total per person: €285
  • Total per person per night: €142.50
  • See more of this castle
  • Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code

13. An Alpaca Farm in Laois

Alpaca farm in Laois

You’ll find this Airbnb in County Laois, on Hushabye Farm, a family-run business set in the foothills of the beautiful Slieve Blooms. Known as ‘Lullabye Lodge’, the rental is tucked away in a quiet corner of the working farm.

Those that stay here are encouraged to engage with the friendly Alpacas throughout their visit… So there’ll be fluffy little fellas like the lads below all ooover the gaff!

How much a night will set you back

So, there’s a minimum of a 2-night stay on this Airbnb. I whacked in a Friday and Saturday night in November for the costs:

14. A medieval tower in Drogheda

drummond tower rooftop

Welcome to Drummond Tower. You’ll it in Monasterboice in Drogheda, less than 15 minutes from the centre of the town.

The tower was built back in 1858 and was recently restored into a small dwelling. It boasts 4 floors, each of which has been lovingly restored to ensure that the tower’s character and charm remain intact.

How much a night will set you back

This place is pretty booked up. The next available nights that I could find were a Wednesday and Thursday in October for 4 people:

15. Nanny Murphy’s Cottage

This place in Longford looks like something whipped straight from a postcard. Nanny Murphy’s is a quiet and cosy cottage that boasts many of its original features.

Visitors here can expect cob walls, an open fireplace and exposed beams, all of which transport you back to an Ireland that time has all but forgotten.

How much a night will set you back

A weekend in Nanny Murphy’s Cottage is RIDICULOUSLY reasonable. I popped in a long weekend in July (there’s a 3-night minimum stay) for a group of 6:

16. A hideaway in the hills of Donegal

glenveagh airbnb

Aptly known as ‘The Hide’, this cosy AirBnB is a beautifully handcrafted cabin that offers stunning views towards Glenveagh National Park in Donegal.

The hosts describe the cabin as a cosy, self-contained space that’s been designed to make the most of the stunning mountain views that surround it.

How much a night will set you back

So, I popped in a Friday and Saturday night in July for 2 people to suss out the price:

17. A Cozy City Treehouse Retreat in Kilkenny

Unique AirBnB's In Ireland the treehouse

Welcome to the Braille House, a treehouse that’s finely situated a leisurely 10 minutes walk from the centre of Kilkenny.

This warm and cozy rental is a masterfully decorated, chilled and relaxing treehouse built at the bottom of a long garden.

How much a night will set you back

To check the price, I popped in a Friday night in May for 2 people. It worked out at:

Luxury Airbnbs in Ireland: Swanky and Fancy Rentals

The second section of this guide takes a look at the most luxurious Airbnbs in Ireland. If you fancy staying somewhere fancy, this one’s for you.

You’ll find everything from penthouse apartments to stylish gaffs by the sea below. Know of a luxury Airbnb in Ireland worth adding? Let me know in the comments section!

18. A Sea View Luxury Penthouse Apartment in Galway City

one of the most romantic airbnb ireland has to offer

There’s a tonne of luxury Airbnbs in Ireland. Unsurprisingly enough, most of them cost an arm and a leg to rent.

Most. But not all. You’ll find this Airbnb on the waterfront, smack bang in the middle of the action in Galway City. It boasts a lavishly designed interior and a sea view that’ll knock you sideways.

How much a night will set you back

If you stayed here on a Friday in September with a group of 6 you’d pay:

19. A Swanky Gaff by the Coast in Clare

Second exterior shot of the accommodation

You’ll find this newly built bungalow down a quiet country lane a stone’s throw (5-minute drive) from the little seaside town of Lahinch.

Which makes it the perfect base for those of you that fancy trying your hand at surfing in one of Ireland’s surf hotspots. 

The interior of this home is insanely swanky and the views that it offers throughout are only goooorgeous!

How much a night will set you back

So, I’ve popped in a weekend (Fri and Sat night) in October with 4 people sharing to get an idea of the price.

  • The total with fees works out at €440
  • Which breaks down to €110 each for two nights (€55 per person per night)
  • See more of this place
  • Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code

20. ‘An Corrach’ by the waterfront in Donegal

corrach donegal

An Corrach is not only stunningly built, but it’s also situated in an absolutely magnificent location that provides those that stay with breathtaking views out over Tranarossan Beach.

Less than a year old, an Corrach offers the perfect blend of luxury and scenery. One thing to note is that An Corrach is directly at the waterfront.

According to the hosts, young children will need supervision as there are steep cliffs and dangerous areas surrounding this Donegal Airbnb.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday and Saturday night in March for 4 guests. This worked out at:

21. A 19th-century castle in Wexford 

exterior of wilton castle during the day

Welcome to Wilton Castle in Wexford – an Airbnb that’s perfect for a large group in search of a base for a weekend away (it sleeps 14).

Located on the banks of the Boro River in Wexford and surrounded by open parkland and quiet wooded countryside, the castle has been part of the local landscape since way back in 1247.

How much a night will set you back

The below price is based on a Friday and Saturday night in May:

22. Island Hill House

a very luxury airbnb ireland

You’ll find Island Hill House a handy 5-minute drive from the little fishing village of Killybegs in Donegal.

It’s the view out over Fintra Beach that gives this Donegal Airbnb it’s zing. The house is a new, modern, spacious home, with 5 double bedrooms, 5 bathrooms (3 ensuites + 2 jacuzzi baths), kitchen/ dining, family room, sitting room, games room and study.

Considering its size along with its proximity to Killybegs (a 15-minute stroll), this would be the perfect spot for a night away with a group of friends.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday and Saturday night in May for 8 guests. This worked out at:

  • Total cost: €672
  • Cost per person: €84
  • See more of this place
  • Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code

23. The Artists’ Cottage

artists studio pool

You’ll find this gorgeous cottage nestled amongst unspoilt landscape along the magnificent West Cork coastline.

Located on the southern side of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula (about 4 miles from the village of Kilcrohane), this place is the ultimate retreat for the creative type.

Those that spend a few nights here will be treated to mind-boggling views from throughout the property. It also boasts a cosy interior, a swimming pool (yes, a pool!), and a location that’ll place visitors amongst some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most underexplored landscape.

How much a night will set you back

So, there’s a minimum 3-night stay at the Artists Cottage. I popped in 3 nights (Friday to Monday) in May for two people:

24. A beautiful stone cottage by the sea in Connemara

a very cool airbnb ireland has to offer

Folan’s Cottage in Connemara is a beautifully designed holiday home that was rebuilt in 2010 from two ruined stone cottages.

The cottage is just a few metres from a wonderful quiet sandy beach, and boasts views of the Twelve Bens and across the ocean to the Arann Islands.

According to the hosts, ‘The setting is magical and remote with just rabbits, sheep and Connemara ponies as your neighbours.’

How much a night will set you back

There’s a 7-night minimum stay at Folan’s, which isn’t ideal. I’ve popped in a week in October (this place is popular, clearly!) for a group of 4:

Romantic Airbnbs in Ireland

Right, so I get a fair amount of emails and direct mails from people planning a weekend away with their significant other.

They generally come from lads and, up until around 6 months back, I didn’t know what to tell them. Then we featured a handful of places that fell into the ‘Romantic’ category.

So, here we are – next up you’ll find a load of romantic Airbnbs in Ireland. Know of another that should be added? Leave a comment below!

25. A Library on an island in Donegal

the library airbnb inch island

You’ll find ‘The Library’ on the secluded Inch Island in County Donegal. The house itself dates back to the 17th century and was carefully restored and renovated a few years back.

I could lock myself away in this place for a month without batting an eyelid. Why? Well… just look at it. You’ll have your pick of an extensive selection of books and a beautiful fireplace to chill by.

How much a night will set you back

So, I popped in a Friday night in May to check the price for a night in the Library. Here’s what it works out at:

26. The Birdbox

birdbox donegal

Welcome to the Birdbox in County Donegal. This is a cosy, handcrafted treehouse that’s nestled in the branches of beautiful mature oak and scots pine trees in County Donegal.

This place boasts spectacular views towards Glenveagh National Park that you can soak up while you chill in the morning with a coffee, or with something a little stronger as the sun starts to set.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday and Saturday night in November for two people to check the price for this place:

27. A Seriously Damn Cute Thatch Cottage In Tipperary

thatch cottage thurles 1

This little beauty is like something that’s been plucked straight from a time that Ireland has long forgotten.

The freshly painted white walls and the yellowy-orange window trims are slick, but the thatch is the icing on the cake.

This cottage still boasts all of its original features, each of which have been lovingly restored and preserved by owners Grace and Tom.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday and a Saturday night in May for two people to suss out the price:

28. Cahercastle (Galway)

one of the best castles to stay in in Ireland

Photo via Cahercastle on Airbnb

The 600-year-old Cahercastle in County Galway was finely restored to its original state by host Peter, using traditional materials along with cutting edge tech.

His efforts have gone down a treat – the castle has racked up 1,000+ 4 to 5-star reviews on Airbnb and not long ago it was crowned the most visited Airbnb in Europe.

Visitors have access to the master bedroom (there’s access to the turret, also), a living room (with a gorgeous open fire), dining room, and two guest bedrooms.

How much a night will set you back

So, this place is insanely popular. I found a Wednesday and Thursday night in July free for a group of four:

29. The “Honeymoon Suite” at Meadowsweet Forest Lodge

donegal lodge accommodation

The ‘Honeymoon Suite’ at Meadowsweet Forest Lodge looks like something you’d see deep south in America.

You’ll find Meadowsweet Hill Lodge nestled in the hills of Donegal near Fintown in a secluded woodland area.

The Lodge is situated in a quiet and peaceful location where it’s tucked into a scenic woodland well off the beaten track.

How much a night will set you back

This place is ridiculously good value. I popped a Friday night in March in for two people to check the proce:

32. The ‘Lux Bus’

lux bus cobh

The ‘Lux Bus’ is a fully converted double decker bus that comes equipped with many a modern luxury, like:

  • A decked out kitchen with a stove and coffee maker
  • Beds with Egyptian cotton linen
  • Televisions
  • Electric heating

If you’re planning a weekend away with friends and fancy chilling somewhere very different, then this could be a handy option.

How much a night will set you back

This place is pretty damn popular. I could only find a midweek night in May to check the price for a group of two:

33. A Native American Tipi 

donegal yurt from afar

You’ll find this tipi beautifully located in the forests of the Knader in Donegal, surrounded by clear lakes, mysterious mountains and fields.

If you’re looking to get away from it all and immerse yourself in some outstanding scenery for a night or two, this is a solid option.

The accommodation itself is pretty simple, but it’s clean, cosy and nice and quirky.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Friday night in May for 2 people to suss out the price of this place:

34. A romantic rural thatched cottage

cosy cottage donegal

Nestled in a little hollow in a peaceful rural setting with beautiful surroundings and a lake within walking distance, this little cottage will satisfy any explorer looking to experience an Ireland from times past.

The cottage is 150 years old and has been carefully restored to ensure that many of its original features have been brought back to life. The perfect little getaway for those looking to step back in time.

How much a night will set you back

I’ve whacked in a Friday and Saturday night (there’s a 2-night minimum stay) in March to check out the price:

  • Total cost: €239
  • Per person: €119.50
  • See more of this place
  • Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code

35. An off-grid eco-cottage

off grid donegal airbnb

This eco-cottage is a 3-minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean… It sits alone in an wild, iconic location above a smooth-stoned beach and the tiny harbour of Port in Donegal. 

If you stay here, you’ll be a handy 25-minute drive to Maghera’s huge sandy beaches and caves, 35 minutes from Silver Strand and 45 minutes from Tramore, and Bundoran.

How much a night will set you back

There’s a minimum 3-night stay for this spot. I’ve popped in a long weekend in June to suss out the price:

  • Total cost: €284
  • Per person: €142
  • See more of this place
  • Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code

36. A Donegal Hillpod voted ‘Best Place in Ireland to Get Away from it All’

hillpod in donegal

You’ll find this gorgeous little hobbit pod tucked away in the rugged landscape of Southwest Donegal in Glencolumbkille.

It was recently voted ‘Best Play to Stay’ by the Irish Times and had previously been given the illustrious title of ‘Best Place in Ireland to Get Away from it All’ (2017) by The Times.

How much a night will set you back

I popped a Friday and Saturday night in June into the listing on Airbnb for two people. It worked out at:

37. A Cuckoo Wood Hexagon in Mayo

wood hex to rent mayo

I have absolutely no idea what a hexagon hut actually is, but it looks amazing! Situated on half orchard half woodland, and just 5k from the cracking town of Westport, this hut is a little slice of solitude on Ireland’s West Coast.

I love the idea of waking up in the morning and perching myself out on that little wooden porch with a cup of coffee and a book.

How much a night will set you back

I slapped in a long weekend (there’s a minimum 3-night stay) in April for 2 people. It worked out at:

  • Total cost: €278
  • Cost per person: €139
  • See more of this place
  • Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code

38. A Pub in Tipperary

pub to rent in ireland

According to the folks who run it, Conroy’s Old Bar is ‘The World’s 1st Self Catering Pub’. A unique Airbnb in Ireland made all the more unique by the fact that it’s a pub that doesn’t serve alcohol.

Spending a night in a traditional, authentic, Irish pub sounds right up my street, especially considering how close it is to the marvelous Lough Derg.

How much a night will set you back

If four of you were to stay here for a weekend in March, it’d cost you:

39. An Old-School Ringfort In Wexford

ringfort airbnb wexford

This Airbnb offers people the chance to stay in a Medieval Ringfort which was common in Ireland 1500 years ago.

You’ll be laying your head in ‘The Farmers house’ and it’s here that you’ll experience life as it would have been for our ancestors in the time of the Druids.

You’ll have full access to the 35 acre park after it closes to the public, so you can explore the other sites at your own pace and eat by the outdoor fire in the evenings.

How much a night will set you back

I chucked in a Saturday night in March to check the price. For a group of six, it works out at:

40. A Restored 200-Year-Old Church in Galway

bookeen hall galway

Welcome to Bookeen Hall, a 200-year-old church about 20 minutes from Galway City and just a stone’s throw from the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and Connemara.

The perfect spot for a group of friends (it sleeps 5 people) with a few days of adventure on the cards.

How much a night will set you back

I popped in a Saturday night in March for two people to check the price. It works out pretty reasonable:

  • Total cost: €127
  • Cost per person: €63.50
  • See more of this place
  • Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code

41. A house in Donegal with incredible views of Errigal

airbnb mount errigal house

You’ll find Errigal House, a spacious 4-bed eco-friendly home suitable for groups of up to 10, located at the base of Errigal Mountain in Donegal.

The property offers those that spend a night or two an almost endless number of spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and countryside from every window.

How much a night will set you back

I’ve thrown in a Friday night in March to check the price. For a group of ten it works out at:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.