Country manors that hide cabins in their sprawling grounds, an 1800s lighthouse that still clings to the craggy cliffs and eco chalets promising woodland magic.
There are many little marvels to enjoy.
So, here’s our round-up of some of the quirkiest places to stay in Ireland.
Chalet de Florence, The Three Towers – Co. Galway.
Adventure awaits at this hideaway in the Galway countryside.
Tucked away in 2,000 acres of forestry, this eco house sits on the grounds of the Slieve Aughty Riding Centre.
The previous house here was dismantled and its parts used to create two picturesque chalets with vaulted ceilings, wood burners and skylights to let the light in.
A magical place for children, each receives an Enchanted Forest Pack on arrival with a forest map, wishing tree hanger and fairy dust.
There are lots of opportunities to go horse-riding, or help out at the stables, and for those less equestrian inclined, there are all kinds of courses, from knitting and basket weaving to yoga and photography.
From £55 per night (sleeps six), canopyandstars.co.uk/threetowers
Ballyvolane Arc, Ballyvolane House – Co. Cork.
Ballyvolane House draws together the excitement and adventure of glamping with the decadence of a country house gathering.
The Arc is a half-moon cabin that sits under the trees on the grounds of the manor house, with muted colours, simple vintage-country inspired interiors and a comfy bed (as well as the hot water bottle fairies that drop in every night).
Glamping this may be, but the wash house is chock full of toiletries, mirrors and hairdryers so you can dress up for dinner, if you like.
Join other diners in the house for fresh produce directly from the walled garden and rhubarb martinis.
Kick off your days with a full Irish breakfast before heading out for a spot of fishing – Ballyvolane has some of the Blackwater’s best salmon beats, book into a guided canoe trip or foraging expedition, or stay on the grounds and try your hand a spot of croquet on the smart lawn.
From £143 per night (sleeps two), canopyandstars.co.uk/ballyvolane
Slane Oak Yurt, Rock Farm Slane – Co. Meath.
These 28 native trees, protected by the Brehon laws of medieval Ireland since the 8th Century, provide the namesake of the rather more modern yurt and shepherd’s huts at Rock Farm Slane, with their mismatched furniture, colourful blankets and fun cushions.
The whole site has a quirky, convivial atmosphere with the shared cabin, Le Shack forming the centre of the camp with barbecues, a campfire circle and a clay pizza oven.
Take a guided walk or electric bike ride around the grounds with the Countess of Mount Charles, collect your own produce at the farm, visit Slane Castle, take the kayaks out on the River Boyne, or hang around lazily in the hot tub.
From £57 per night (sleeps two), space for four more for £25pppn, canopyandstars.co.uk/rockfarm
The Artists’ Cottage & Studio, Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Bantry, Co. Cork.
How many Irish cottages come with an outdoor pool and sea views?
This one-of-a-kind sits at the tip of the strikingly beautiful Sheep’s Head peninsula.
The house of an artist for many years, everything inside is in the best possible taste, discover art, objets, a glass-walled sun room, nooks, crannies and a rustic fireplace that roars in winter. Head inland down to the coast, the cottage is only two miles from the southern end of the peninsula with the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse.
Return to the wonderful kitchen with a big Rayburn stove and a fabulous hamper to get you started.
From E400 per week (sleeps five), sawdays.co.uk/artistscottage / 07734 663589
Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites, Inis Meáin, Aran Islands, Co. Galway.
This modern stone-clad architectural wonder was inspired by and built with the landscape and natural environment in mind.
Inside, suites are simply furnished with aran-patterned cushions, big comfy beds and, best of all, 10m windows that celebrate panoramic views of the island.
A complete feast for all the senses, guests won’t go hungry; there’s a fridge crammed with delicious cold meats, cheeses and wines and a generous breakfast is delivered each morning with enough to make a picnic for lunch.
By night, the Inis Meáin Restaurant offers local gastronomic delights cooked in the open-plan kitchen.
From E250 per night, sawdays.co.uk/inismeain/+353 (0)86 826 6026.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe