The best Airbnbs in Ireland, in my opinion, are ones that are a little bit different. The quirkier the better.
If you’ve read our guide to the most unusual Airbnbs in Ireland, you’ll know that Ireland’s home to plenty of weird and wonderful places to stay.
Today, we’re heading out to Connemara in Galway to check out a magnificently restored stone cottage that works out pretty damn cheap if you visit with friends.
A Fancy Beachside Cottage In Galway
You’ll find the very fancy ‘Folan’s Cottage’ in Connemara in County Galway, a stone’s throw (literally) from a secluded beach.
This architecturally designed home was carefully rebuilt in 2010 from two ruined stone cottages that previously stood proudly in the area.
Those that visit Folan’s will be treated to mighty views, with everything from the Twelve Bens to the Arann Islands visible on a clear day.
Take a look inside!
We’ve featured a lot of accommodation on this website over the years, but I don’t think that I’ve ever wanted to own a place as much as this!
Folan’s cottage is well equipped to comfortably house 7 people for a week (there’s a minimum 7-night stay – more on this below).
There’s a fully kitted-out kitchen that’s perfect for cooking up a storm for a large group and there are also plenty of spaces for you to chill out together after a day spent exploring Connemara.
The space
The living room has a fireplace with a stove for the colder months along with a heap of modern features, like a Bluetooth sound system, a TV and a DVD player.
There’s also underground heating throughout the property. Swanky design aside, the biggest thing that Folan’s has going for it is its location.
Regardless of the fact that there’s a lovely little beach on its doorstep, it’s its proximity to many of Galway’s top attractions that give this place its ‘X Factor’.
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, but hopefully, it’ll suit some of you looking for a long break.
I’ve popped in a week in November (this place is popular, clearly!) for a group of 7:
- Total cost: €1,397
- Per person: €199.57
- Book a night here
- Nab €30 off your first Airbnb stay with this code
- If you use the link above we’ll make a tiny commission that goes towards the running of this website and you won’t pay anything extra (cheers if you do – it’s appreciated!)
Love unique accommodation? Check these out!

Photo via Clifden ECO Camping
If you’re a fan of unique and quirky places to stay, hop into our where to stay hub. It’s wedged (literally) with funky accommodation!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Deirdre Noone
Saturday 30th of March 2019
Hi....love all your posts thanks. I rent a lovely cosy cottage also on the outskirts of Connemara! On the mayo/galway border very close to Leenane village.....have a look at the details on Airbnb and of course my reviews!!
https://abnb.me/9v4yptNppS
Appreciate any promo you can give me. Many thanks. Deirdre