Self-catering stars

The self-catering holiday is becoming increasingly popular for value-seeking tourists and sightseers, who want to do their own thing.

Though you won't get the luxury and decadence of a hotel (or the security of a front desk if you lose your key!), there are hundreds of fantastic self-catering options around the country.

From holiday parks to apartments and beachside lodges, if you want to take your break into your own hands and make it the best it can be, there's no better way to do it! Here are some of the finest self-catering choices across Ireland.

Baggot Rath Apartments
Four-star, fully-serviced apartments in the salubrious Dublin 4 area, Baggot Rath Appartments are a great base for a Dublin city centre, self-catering holiday! Within walking distance of both Grafton Street and also the new Aviva Stadium, these are large luxury apartments with modern décor, large living areas and balconies. You'll have no problem finding something to do in the immediate area, with some of Dublin's best pubs and restaurants. These are perhaps not for student travellers, but definitely a great option.

Jameson Court Apartments
Galway is the king of self-catering in this country and there are loads of choices, both within the city and on the seaboard. The choice of many Irish people for a weekend away, Galway buzzes with life and excitement. You'll find many small boutique shops and even more great little places to eat, as well as a local population who will welcome you like a long lost brother! Possibly the best of the self-catering choices is the Jameson Court Apartments. Located in the pretty Galway suburb village of Salthill, and right beside Salthill Promenade, these are perfect if you're holidaying with kids. Each of the 27 apartments is exquisitely furnished, with free Wi-Fi and plasma screens throughout. There are lots of good restaurants and bars in Salthill and you're only 5 minutes away from Galway city centre.

Inish Beg
Self-catering is not only a growing option for city breaks, but also great if you want to get away from it all and seclude yourself from a hectic world. This is a very easy thing to do at Inish Beg, a private island estate near Baltimore, West Cork. With numerous different lodging options, including cottages and stone lodges, Inish Beg has been lovingly restored by its owners and now boasts and environment, range of facilities and experience which is second to none. There is no shortage of things to do in the area, including water sports, cookery schools and fishing, but it's just as easy to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Slea Head Cottage
Moving from Cork to Kerry, we now visit a stunning 200-year-old rustic cottage providing luxury self-catering accommodation in a unique setting overlooking Dingle Bay, Skellig Rocks and the spectacular Blasket Islands. You'll awake each morning to the soothing sound of waves crashing. Looking out onto the vast Atlantic is a great experience. Fitted to the highest standard, and incorporating a large patio for some al fresco entertaining, Slea Head is one of the most southerly points in the land, and you won't find many better views!

Pinewood Lodge
County Wicklow is known as the "Garden of Ireland," and Glendalough is surely the rose in this garden. Pinewood Lodge, a spacious bungalow, in a quiet wooded location on the Wicklow Way, is but an hour's drive from Dublin city centre, yet is a world away from the capital. Both self-catering and B&B is available, and walkers love this location, which is a perfect base for exploring the Wicklow Mountains and the nearby historic monastic site at Glendalough. The amenities of Laragh village are a short walk away and there are over 20 golf courses within driving distance.

Rivervalley Holiday Park
The southeast is dotted with great holiday camps and parks and Rivervalley in Wicklow is the perfect choice for a family camping holiday. When the weather holds, Ireland is perfect for a week camping and Rivervalley has all of the amenities needed for an enjoyable time of it. The park is laid out in such a way that families with kids get to be near the entertainment of crazy golf, kids camps, petting zoopool tables, remote control boats and tiny tots playgrounds, while adult couples are located in a "Secret Garden" area of the park! There's also an on-site pub and restaurant, and Dublin is less than an hour away, if a day trip is on the cards.