33 Unique Places to Stay in Ireland (Quirky Stays)

When it comes to unique stays Ireland has plenty. In fact, with each passing year a flurry of new quirky accommodation is brought to the market.

Every year, we do our very best to pull together a guide to the most unusual and unique places to stay in Ireland for couples, solo travellers and families.

Our 2026/27 edition contains everything from secluded mountain chalets and caves (yes, caves) to domes, lighthouses and plenty more.

The most unique stays in Ireland

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1. The Tranquil Tigín

You have to hike 300 metres across a meadow to reach this tiny house in the Wicklow Mountains. And waiting at the other end is one of the more unusual places to stay in Ireland.

Tranquil Tigín is an off-grid cabin for two surrounded by 70 acres of pasture, bog and native woodland, with an enormous window looking out across the countryside and deer, rabbits and pheasants amongst your potential neighbours.

Inside, there’s a king-size bed tucked up on a mezzanine and a daybed beneath that huge window. Outside is where things get really interesting.

You’ll find a copper bath, outdoor oven and fire pit, while a short stroll away there’s a rustic wood-fired sauna. And yes, it’s genuinely off-grid. Solar panels provide the electricity and water comes from a filtered well.

2. Grove treehouse with hot tub

This West Cork treehouse has a roll-top bath opposite the bed and a private hot tub amongst the trees. Treehouse 1 at Cottages for Couples is an adults-only hideaway for two built from sustainable materials in woodland near Skibbereen.

Climb the tree-trunk steps and you’ll find an open-plan interior with a double bed, roll-top bath, kitchen and living area. Then open the French doors and things get considerably more interesting.

There’s a large private deck overlooking the countryside with your own two-person hot tub waiting outside. Not bad for a night up a tree.

3. The Ballybunion Beach House

If there’s a holiday rental in Ireland that gets you closer to the sea than Breakers Beach House, I’d like to see it.

Sitting at Ladies Beach in Ballybunion, this architect-designed house has the Atlantic practically outside the window, with enormous sea views that are hard to do justice to in photos.

It sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms and you’ve Ballybunion’s beaches and Cliff Walk right on your doorstep. There’s even a hot outdoor shower for warming up after a swim or surf. For unique accommodation in Ireland by the sea, the location here is pretty hard to beat.

4. The Hidden Haven

One of the most unique places to stay in Ireland that I’ve stumbled upon in recent years is The Hidden Haven, located in Derry Duff, around a 20-minute drive from Glengarriff in West Cork.

The Hidden Haven is a boutique farm stay that’s finely perched on a remote site overlooking a serene lake with mind-boggling vistas.

Although it’s the view (and the breakfast hamper packed with home made and home grown foods…) that makes this one of the most unique stays Ireland has to offer, there’s more to Hidden Haven than meets the eye.

Inside, you’ll find a spacious, light-filled interior with a fully-equipped kitchen and a bedroom that boasts a super king bed that faces out onto the deck.

5. Balance Treehouse

Although there’s plenty of treehouse accommodation in Ireland, the Balance Treehouse in County Armagh is arguably the one to beat.

Located along the Ring of Gullion, an area of outstanding natural beauty, this treehouse has been hand-crafted and it blends a rustic interior with all the modern conveniences you could want.

The fun begins as you cross the rope bridge. You then have your choice of relaxing on the bed while admiring the views, chilling in the hot tub, taking an outdoor shower or swaying on the hammock.

6. The Dunmanus Bay Barn

Set on the wonderfully wild Sheep’s Head Peninsula in West Cork, this beautifully restored stone farmhouse and barn looks out across Dunmanus Bay towards the Mizen Peninsula.

Inside, original stone walls, exposed timber beams and slate floors preserve the building’s old-world character, while thoughtful touches like a Rayburn stove, a sunroom and a roaring fireplace make it feel warm and inviting throughout the year.

Outside is where this place really stands apart. Surrounded by more than an acre of gardens, fields and quiet country lanes, there’s a spring-fed pond, a solar-heated outdoor pool and direct access onto the Sheep’s Head Way walking trail.

7. The Forest at Mount Congreve Gardens

Tucked away on an 18th-century estate in County Waterford, The Forest at Mount Congreve Gardens offers a mix of unique stays set beside 70 acres of world-renowned gardens.

Guests can choose from cosy off-grid bell tents with wood-burning stoves, hand-crafted eco-cabins where you can fall asleep under a canopy of stars, or restored gate lodges and an elegant courtyard suite that blend historic charm with modern comfort.

It’s all about slow travel here – complimentary bikes are provided so you can explore the vast gardens and woodland trails, and the cafés and visitor centre are just a short stroll away. Whether you’re after a romantic escape or a family break, this is a very quirky Irish stay.

8. Dolphin Beach House

Few unique stays in Ireland put you this close to the Atlantic. Dolphin Beach Lodge sits just metres from the water on Connemara’s Sky Road, with huge views across Clifden Bay and a small, secluded beach directly in front of the property.

This isn’t a tiny coastal cottage, either. The lodge sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms, with a spacious interior, a well-equipped kitchen and sea views throughout much of the house.

On a fine day, you can head down for a swim or spend the day exploring Connemara. When the weather inevitably turns sideways, you can stay put and watch the Atlantic do its thing from the warmth inside.

And despite the secluded setting, you’re only around a 10-minute drive from Clifden!

9. The Hide at Neadú

With a grass-covered roof and uninterrupted views towards Glenveagh National Park, The Hide at Neadú is easily one of the quirkiest cabins in Donegal.

The cabin was handcrafted by its owner and sits on a slope near Fintown, around a 15-minute drive from the Wild Atlantic Way. Inside, reclaimed and upcycled pieces feature throughout, with an alcove double bed, compact kitchen and a wood-burning stove right at the centre.

Double doors open onto a private deck where you can sit out and take in the mountain and valley views. Magic.

10. Cró na Trá

While there’s plenty of unique accommodation in Ireland, few boast a location as prime as Cró na Trá, which is perched above a sheltered Atlantic bay in County Donegal.

The granite cottage is over 100 years old and still has its original underthatch beneath the modern roof, although a timber-clad extension brings things firmly into the 21st century.

Inside, there’s an open-plan living area, three window seats and a turf fire for those inevitable Donegal days when the weather decides not to cooperate.

It sleeps four across two bedrooms and, unusually, almost every room has a sea view. There are also seven acres to explore, with direct access to the shoreline and rockpools below.

11. The Beara Bus

You’ll find The Beara Bus on the Beara Peninsula in Cork where it offers breath-taking views of Sheep’s Head and the Mizen Head Peninsula.

The bus has a bedroom (upstairs) with a king-sized bed, a toilet, shower and a fitted out kitchen and dining area.

There’s also a lovely little snug area (the drivers area) that has a gas log burner and cozy seating. There’s even a lounge complete with mood-lighting, a TV, a PS4 and a drinks fridge.

Outside, there’s a dining area for when the weathers good along with a private viewing area that takes in outstanding scenery.

12. Oystercatcher Cottage

Set above the crashing Atlantic in Connemara, the Oystercatcher Cottage delivers uninterrupted views across open ocean and distant headlands.

This restored two-bedroom hideaway keeps its whitewashed stone walls and rustic soul, with a cosy stove-heated sitting room and a compact kitchen leading to a sea-facing deck.

Watch the light change over the water, spot dolphins below, or end the day with a sunset that floods the horizon in gold.

A good-sized garden, nearby beaches, and the Wild Atlantic Way on your doorstep make it a base for salty-aired adventures.

13. The Lost Cottage

If you’re looking for cool places to stay in Ireland that’ll be a world away from anything you’ve experienced to-date, hit play above and get a sense of what The Lost Cottage is all about.

Located in Glenbeigh in Kerry and set on an 85-acre site, the beautifully designed cottage offers majestic views over Caragh Lake and beyond.

It sleeps 4 and boasts an open plan living area, stylish decor, a log fire and a bathroom with a glass roof (it’s located in the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, so stargazing awaits).

The cottage was home to a herd of goats for 40 years before it was meticulously restored in 2003. I’ve said enough, the footage above will do the rest.

14. The Stilt House

The Stilt House near Clifden is balanced on 57 slender stilts above the forest floor. This architect-designed hideaway sleeps two, with a curved structure that winds through the woodland and floor-to-ceiling windows looking straight into the trees.

Inside, there’s a king-size bed, wood-burning stove and huge rain shower overlooking the forest. Outside, things get even better.

You’ve got your own private wood-fired Swedish hot tub hidden amongst the trees, while a woodland path leads to a lakeside sauna and plunge pool.

There are also 2km of private trails and a rope bridge to explore. 57 stilts. Hot tub in the woods. Sauna by the lake. Not bad for a few nights out West.

15. The Merchant Hotel

Next up is one of the most unique hotels in Ireland – the 5 star Merchant Hotel in Belfast City. The hotel is located inside an old bank that dates back to the 1860s and it boasts an impressive interior and exterior.

The building was created in an Italianate-style and its impressive façade is dotted with sculptures. Inside, there’s a stunning central dome (see photo on the left) and an interior that screams elegance and opulence. 

One of the hotels most impressive features is its Great Room Restaurant, which is located in what was once the grand banking hall. There’s also an extensive art collection, luxurious, old-world-style rooms and a spa.

If you’re looking to stay in unique hotels in Ireland and you have a decent budget, the Merchant is well worth considering.

16. Waterfall Caves

Located in Derry on the shores of Duncrun Fishing Lakes and right beside Binevenagh Mountain is one of the more unusual places to stay in Ireland.

At Waterfall Caves, you’ll spend the night in some very modern underground caves, complete with spacious bedrooms, smart TVs and more.

However, it’s what outside that counts here. Guests can tackle one of the forest walks, drive buggies around the farm trails or roast marshmallows over a fire pit.

There’s also hot tub access, while the wider site is home to two unusual houses that rotate 360° to make the most of the views.

17. The Blasket hideaway

Spending a night on the Great Blasket Island is about as far removed from your standard Irish hotel break as you can get. This traditional cottage sits on the remote island off the Dingle Peninsula, where there are no shops, no restaurants and, in the cottage itself, no electricity.

Instead, you’ll have candles, head torches and two stoves for light and heat. It sleeps up to 7 across two bedrooms and has a small self-catering kitchen, living area and bathroom.

You’ll need to bring all of your food across with you, so forgetting the milk isn’t an ideal start to the trip. The trade-off is a night surrounded by the island’s mountains, beaches, wildlife and Atlantic views, with the mainland left firmly behind.

If you’re looking for unusual places to stay in Ireland where you can properly switch off, this is hard to beat.

18. Rincolisky Castle

Although there are many castle hotels in Ireland that offer a unique experience, few match the views offered by Rincolisky Castle in West Cork, which sleeps 5.

Built by the O’Driscoll clan in 1495, the current version of Rincolisky is a world away from what its original inhabitants would have experienced. 

The castle is located on an elevated site overlooking Roaring Water Bay and it now boasts a new top room with glass windows that open up onto a terrance that offers breath-taking views.

Although Rincolisky has all of the creature comforts you need, the interior has been finely preserved so that there’s a glorious mix of old-meets-new.

19. Letteran Lodges

Tucked away at the foot of Slieve Gallion in Derry is arguably one of the most unique places to stay in Ireland for couples – the outstanding Letteran Lodges.

Few places in Ireland offer a view (there are some, see our guide to the best accommodation with views in Ireland) that rivals the one on offer from the luxury lodges here.

Each of the lodges boast private hot tubs, views of five (yes, five) counties, a fully equipped kitchen and a luxury rainfall shower.

You can enjoy the scenery from the patio outside or you can kick-back by the fire with a coffee and admire it from the comfort of the couch. A little slice of magic.

20. Folans Cottage

Just a few metres from a quiet sandy beach in Connemara, Folan’s Cottage has one of the most impressive settings of any of the unique stays in Ireland in this guide.

The architect-designed property was rebuilt from the ruins of two old stone cottages and looks out across the Atlantic towards the Aran Islands, with the Twelve Bens rising behind.

Your neighbours are mainly sheep, rabbits and Connemara ponies, which gives you a fair idea of how peaceful the setting is.

Inside, it sleeps up to 7 across 3 bedrooms, with a large kitchen, a stove in the living room and French doors that open onto a south-facing terrace overlooking the ocean. The beach is around a 2-minute stroll away and, thanks to having no road access, it’s often remarkably quiet.

21. Tubbrid Castle

Tubbrid Castle provides guests with the chance to experience life inside an extensively restored 600-year-old piece of Irish heritage.

I stayed here several years back and it was one of the most memorable nights away I’ve had in a long, long time.

Although this 15th-century tower house has been renovated to include many luxuries (like rainforest showers, modern kitchen etc.) it’s retained much of its original charm and character.

You can dine at a grand oak banqueting table, navigate the narrow stairs that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and relax by the fire in the large open lounge area.

22. River Fane Retreat

Set on the banks of the River Fane in County Monaghan, this stone cottage is one of the most unique Irish stays for couples.

The setting is peaceful, with the river flowing just outside and woodland all around, making it easy to switch off for a night or two. The real highlight is the private wellness area.

Alongside the cottage, you’ll have exclusive use of a Scandinavian sauna, a Canadian hot tub and a natural spring-fed plunge pool, all overlooking the river.

Inside, there’s a cosy super king bed positioned to make the most of the views, while a wood-fired pizza oven adds another nice touch for a relaxing evening in. If you’re looking for a unique romantic escape, this is well worth a look.

23. Old Irish Farmhouse

One of the most scenic places to stay in Ireland is the Old Irish Farmhouse along the magical Slea Head Drive.

A world away from the busy Dingle Town, the location of this property is unlike anything you’ll come across on the Peninsula.

A stones-throw (quite literally) from the Atlantic, the Farmhouse offers sea views from every room, stretching out to the Blaskets and the Skellig Islands.

The property is on a working sheep farm and, while you aren’t within walking distance of any amenities, it’s a worthy trade for the scenery and experience on offer here. Magic.

24. Ark Ranch Treehouse

Hidden among mature trees on an organic farm in County Cork, this hand-built treehouse offers a peaceful escape for two.

Built using reclaimed and locally sourced materials, it’s compact but cleverly designed, with a cosy wood-burning stove, large windows and a balcony that looks out into the surrounding woodland.

The sleeping area sits on a mezzanine level beneath the pitched roof, adding to the treehouse feel, while outside you’ll find nothing but birdsong and the occasional visit from the farm’s donkeys, horses and chickens.

It’s also well placed for exploring nearby Lough Allua and the surrounding walking and cycling trails.

25. The Woodland Suites

Tucked into the grounds of Cork’s Montenotte Hotel, the Woodland Suites blend the feel of a secluded cabin with the comfort of a high-end hotel stay.

Curved, contemporary exteriors open onto sleek interiors finished with travertine floors, rich wood accents, and floor-to-ceiling glass.

Each suite has a king-size bed and a private balcony where you can sit among the trees with a morning coffee or unwind in the evening as the light filters through the leaves.

Guests also have access to The Clubhouse, a private lounge for relaxing between city adventures. If you’re looking for unique places to stay in Ireland but you don’t fancy stepping off the beaten path, this offers a great balance.

26. Kate’s Cottage

You won’t find many quirky stays in Ireland that feel as authentic as this one. Set on the remote Inishowen Peninsula, Kate’s Cottage is a traditional thatched home that’s been carefully restored while holding onto its original character.

Inside, a turf fire, stone floors, bog oak thatch and antique furniture give it a timeless feel, while the open-plan living space keeps things comfortable and practical.

Step outside and you’re surrounded by mountains and coastline. The Urris Hills, nearby beaches and the Wild Atlantic Way are all within easy reach, making it a solid base for exploring this quieter corner of Donegal.

27. Mary Rose Cottage

This 18th-century thatched stone cottage sits in the peaceful countryside near Castleisland, framed by fuchsia hedges, dry-stone walls, and gardens that slope down to a rushing stream.

Inside, exposed stone, a turf-fired hearth, and an Aga-warmed kitchen keep the old-world charm intact, while 3 bedrooms sleep up to 6.

Outside, a deck with a private hot tub overlooks the water, perfect for stargazing in Kerry’s unpolluted skies.

Local pubs, shops, and a historic church are a short stroll away, with Tralee, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and beaches all within easy reach.

28. Goleen Harbour

The next of our unusual places to stay in Ireland is the brilliant Goleen Harbour located in, unsurprisingly, Goleen in West Cork (not far from Mizen Head).

Situated in a wild and remote location on the edge of the Atlantic, Goleen Harbour is a 38-acre eco farm where you can kick-back in a hot tub or grab a seat around a fire pit and gaze at the stars.

There are several different places to stay here – the light-filled EcoCabins that offer panoramic views of the ocean, the GeoDomes (on the left in the photo) and the bell tents.

Quirky accommodation aside, there’s a clatter of experiences on offer at Goleen, from kayaking and moonlit BBQs to foraging and more. This is one of the most unique stays Ireland has to offer for good reason!

29. Mayo Glamping

This guide to the most unusual places to stay in Ireland has undergone 8 updates over the years, with places removed and added regularly. However, one of the few that has stood strong is Mayo Glamping.

Located in Castlebar, this glampsite is home to several types of accommodation – Hobbit Huts, Frame Cabins and Fairy Huts.

The Hobbit Huts, pictured above, are the pick of the bunch and each sleeps up to 4 people and boasts wifi and a smart TV.

The glampsite, which is set in the rolling hills of the Mayo countryside, has a hot tub, firepits, a pizza oven, and a kitchen area.

Related read: See out guide to 30 of the best places to go glamping in Ireland

30. The Cliff House

Next up is another of the most unique hotels in Ireland – the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore in County Waterford.

Arguably one of the finest spa hotels in Ireland, the Cliff House is a 5 star stay that clings to the cliffs above Ardmore Bay.

There’s a mix of rooms on offer here, each of which makes the most out of its location (see the snaps above).

There’s also an award-winning restaurant and a luxury spa that both gaze out over the ocean.

31. Hilltop Hideaway

If you fancy a bit of luxury glamping in Northern Ireland, Newry’s Hilltop Hideaway, which is finely plonked on an elevated site that offers 360 views, is worth considering.

The Hilltop Hideaway is situated on a secluded and private site, which is handy when temptation hits and you finally climb into the hot tub. 

There’s also a bathroom, shower, electric stove and an outdoor patio heater that you can chill on as you watch the sun set over the hills.

32. Clare Island Lighthouse

Mayo’s Clare Island Lighthouse is one of the more remote unique stays Ireland has to offer, but it’s well worth the 20-minute ferry ride from Roonagh Pier.

The current Clare Island Lighthouse has guarded the entrance to Clew Bay since 1818 and was decommissioned in 1965. Today, the lighthouse complex is home to a collection of unique places to stay, ranging from the Tower House and Banshee Cottage to smaller suites and snug-style rooms.

Perched high above the Atlantic, the various stays make the most of the lighthouse’s remote setting, with sweeping views across the sea and surrounding island.

While there’s plenty to do on the island itself, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the views from the rooms. If you’re looking for unique places to stay in Ireland for couples, look no further.

33. Haggart House

Set in the Mealagh Valley just 8km from Bantry, Haggart House is a beautifully restored 19th-century farmhouse with a few surprises waiting inside.

The original part of the house retains plenty of its old character, with exposed beams, a church pew, reclaimed timber and a large wood-burning stove. A modern extension adds a second bedroom and a leisure suite with a sauna and Jacuzzi hydrospa overlooking the surrounding hills.

It sleeps 4 across two bedrooms and there’s a patio and BBQ outside, while both the Sheep’s Head Way and St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Way pass through the valley.

If you’re looking for unique accommodation in Ireland that mixes an old Irish farmhouse with some very modern luxuries, Haggart House is well worth a look.

Discover more unusual places to stay in Ireland

If you fancy getting an eyeful of more unique Irish stays, hop into: 

• The quirkiest places for glamping in Ireland
• Unusual places to go glamping in Northern Ireland