10 of the coolest places to stay in Ireland

We're not sure what Frank Lloyd Wright would make of being named after a converted shipping container deep in the wilds of County Donegal, but we like to think he’d be pleased. This little piece of modernism is cantilevered out over a small coastal lake, and there’s no better place to be on one of Ireland’s endless summer nights.

A good book is really all you need for entertainment here, but if you fancy venturing further afield then you’ll find the long sands of Dooey Beach and the lively town of Dungloe both a short drive away. Or for something truly majestic, check out the Slieve League Cliffs overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean – about 45 minutes from the property.

Like the sound of an island to yourself in the middle of an archipelago of islands on the Wild Atlantic Way? Well, then Collanmore Island Lodge in County Mayo should fit the bill. This exclusive island rental caters for up to 22 people and even has its own bar.

You could easily spend your days here exploring the island itself and chilling out in the hot tub, but there are tons of outdoor activities for those who want to pump up the adrenaline. You can go stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, explore the incredible island of Clew Bay on a sea safari, or even engage in a spot of sumo wrestling. This place has fun written all over it.

If you haven’t been to church lately, then perhaps you can pay your dues at this great little self-catering spot in County Down. Outside, the protected historic structure from 1845 looks like a beautiful, if somewhat restrained spot, with its perfectly kept grass and lavender/blue façade. But step inside and you’re into a massive, double-height open-plan space with zones for the kitchen, dining room and lounging.

Yes, there are amazing original features including the pulpit and organ, and yes, the bedrooms are beautifully presented, but it’s the astonishing amount of natural light that streams through the huge 19th century windows that really makes this place memorable. If you can tear yourself away, you’ve got Strangford Lough a short hop away.

Sometimes the place to stay you never knew you needed is a wooden IgluPod in the County Sligo countryside. This beautiful pod, designed in shiplap wood is small but perfectly formed and sits just behind the home of affable hosts Andrew and Marie, who’ll be on hand with great advice about the local area.

Super-cosy and bathed in pale tones, the pod is the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding rural Sligo landscapes, with Sligo town and a host of excellent restaurants just a 20-minute drive away.

Staying in a reproduction of a Viking ringfort is one surefire way to have a night to remember. Set within the scenic surrounds of the Irish National Heritage Park in County Wexford, these Viking-inspired stay-over experiences offer two options – a Viking House on the banks of the River Slaney or within the walled battlements of the ring fort.

This is off-grid medieval style with authentic costumes, wattle walls and thatched roofs, and even the chance to cook over an open fire. Catching your own wild boar is, of course, optional.

Gate lodges are not an unusual feature of Irish accommodation, given the number of historic estates that Ireland boasts. But none are quite as luxurious as this gorgeous little spot on the grounds of the 18th century Mount Congreve estate. Surrounded by the lush beauty of the rural County Waterford countryside, the Gate Lodge boasts, among other features, an antique bio-ethanol stove and a 19th century French day bed.

Best of all, guests get complimentary “after-hours” access to the Mount Congreve Gardens, and with 70 acres of woodland, a four-acre walled garden, 16km of walkways and the beautiful River Suir flowing past, you never need to leave!

Enveloped in the haunting beauty of the Mourne Mountains, Thistle Thatch Cottage is a quintessentially traditional Irish cottage, but with a twist. While open fires, flagstone floors and cheery white and yellow paintwork are common features of cottages on the island of Ireland – Thistle Thatch has an outdoor hot tub that you can enjoy no matter what the weather.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the gorgeous interiors will warm you up with toasty wood-burning stoves, sheepskin throws and blankets – it’s a step back in time with all the modern conveniences. Close by you’ll find the wonderland of Tollymore Forest Park, which was a filming location for Game of Thrones.

There’s something gloriously fun about the Balance Treehouse, especially as you have to cross a wobbly rope bridge to get there. Located high up in the tree tops the edge of the Tievecrom Mountain in the beautiful Slieve Gullion Area of Outstanding Beauty, you’re really surrounded by natural beauty here.

But with such a gorgeous cosy little spot, staying put is a treat in itself. Views from the large window include heather-covered hills, winding little road and green fields and at the treehouse you’ll find an outdoor hammock, outdoor shower and a hot tub.

If you’re a campervan-loving type, then you’re going to love the Oat Box. Beautifully converted from a 1968 Bedford TK Horse Lorry, this lovely hideaway for two sits on tranquil farmland in Northern Ireland, and is perfect for exploring the Causeway Coastal Route.

Inside, it’s all warm wood, vintage detailing and cosy spaces, while outside you can enjoy gorgeous sunsets, a hot tub and a fire pit. And if you’re not into cooking, it’s only a short drive to the coastal town of Portrush with its great pubs, cafés and restaurants.

There’s glamping and then there’s Yellow Submarine glamping! This is a great fun little spot that amazingly sleeps six, and began life as a boat before being converted into a land submarine.

Inside, it’s definitely a cosy space but it’s light-filled and has everything you need. However, with new decking just added, you’re sure to be spending most of your time in the great outdoors. Step outside and you’ve gorgeous views of the tranquil River Dromore, a lovely little stone bridge and more green fields than your eye can take in.