Castles and Cottages: 9 Best AirBnBs in Ireland
Feel like a local while staying at these AirBnBs in Ireland! (I know we did!)
Neither of us had been to the Emerald Isle before this visit, and in an effort to do something different than what we'd done on our other trips to the British Isles, we decided to plunge in the waters of AirBnB and VRBO while in Ireland.
The result was an overview of the best Ireland AirBnBs, and we came away with a new appreciation of the culture and people of the Emerald Isle.
Throughout our road trip in Ireland, we stayed in cabins, cottages, and apartments run by locals.
While I do love a good hotel or campground, sometimes, a trip calls for a home-based stay. Ireland is definitely the latter, as you’ll end up feeling like you’ve been visiting extended family as you explore across the country.
In the guide below, you’ll see my recommendations for the best AirBnBs and VRBOs across Ireland, as well as photos of each property, so you can plan your own incredible trip!
This castle AirBnB near Galway is quirky and memorable.
I was not compensated in any way by these properties. All bookings were researched, selected, and paid for on my own. I have included affiliates on this page: if you choose to purchase through the links, I will receive a small commission at no charge to you.
Why Should I Choose to Stay in an AirBnB or VRBO in Ireland?
Besides this being our first visit to Ireland, this was also our first experience with staying in these types of properties.
We'd always heard that Ireland was famed for its hospitality, and we were putting that to the test in the most literal way possible.
Ultimately, we loved Ireland and our experiences at each of our hosts' homes.
Everyone we met was welcoming and wonderful--we felt as if we were constantly meeting long lost family who'd invited us into their houses!
Approaching a culture as vibrant and hospitality oriented as Ireland almost demands a more personal experience than staying at a Travelodge or Jury's Inn.
By choosing to stay at an Ireland VRBO or AirBnB, you have a situation where you can create organic interactions with locals that truly can make an entire trip.
Staying in local homestays, going to non-chain restaurants, and being willing to chat makes you less of an outsider while visiting, and it is an AMAZING feeling!
Views of the Irish countryside from the Rock of Cashel
Here are the best AirBnBs and VRBO properties across Ireland where you can set up a temporary home while on your own Ireland road trip.
Plan more of your trip to Ireland with these helpful posts:
Best AirBnBs and VRBO locations in Ireland
The Cabin, County Cork
Host: Ann
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3173280
Sleeps: 2
Selling points: incredible view, right on the ocean, open floor plan
Great base for: Kinsale, Cork, Ring of Kerry
Overview: This cottage's location nominates it for my list of best AirBnBs in Ireland right off, but Ann's thoughtful approach to hosting would make me return in a heartbeat.
The AirBnB is right next to Ann's home, so she's only a few steps away if her guests need anything.
She told me that her dad had purchased the property after he came home from serving in World War II because he'd always wanted to live on the coast.
And live on the coast he did! The cottage is on a private inlet with nothing but sea views.
Ann grew up on the property, and she and her husband modified it to include the small cottage that she now has available on AirBnB. Once her art cottage, the adorable house has a fully furnished kitchen, a shower, a sitting area (with toasty buck stove!), and a queen bed.
When we arrived, Landon and I had been up for nearly 48 hours straight, as we hadn't been able to sleep on the plane before launching ourselves into a full day of sightseeing.
Ann had the cabin warm for us when we arrived, and had milk, eggs, butter, tea, and bread waiting for our breakfast the next day. Even though a horrendous storm came through the night we stayed there, the cabin stayed warm and dry.
We were so excited to wake up to such a gorgeous view!
Burren Luxury Glamping Dome, County Clare
Photos courtesy of Burren Glamping Dome on AirBnB
Host: Alex
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/800468973915766675
Sleeps: 2
Selling points: unusual accommodations, incredible views, indoor/outdoor space
Great base for: Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, the Burren, Bunratty
Overview: We love to camp, but it just isn’t feasible to bring along our tent and camping gear when we’re overseas.
If you also love the outdoors, but want all of the creature comforts that come with a more traditional hotel, this adorable glamping dome might be what your Ireland itinerary is missing!
Laze the day away in bed with a beautiful woodlands view, or enjoy a meal on the small attached wooden porch.
There is a bit of roughing it involved, as you’ll need to go to the nearby bathroom and kitchen, but that’s a small inconvenience for an otherwise breathtaking stay.
You’ll have access to the private bath and kitchen area. The kitchen is really more of a kitchenette as you can’t heat up much more than a teapot, but it has a fridge for keeping drinks and sandwiches cool.
I could see this being a fantastic retreat for a couple on vacation, as it’s the perfect place to escape from the world for a little bit.
The Barn at Clifden, County Galway
Photos courtesy of the Barn at Clifden on AirBnB
Host: Quaakie
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/38643104
Sleeps: 4 (2 in each of the 2 bedrooms
Selling points: restored barn, homey and inviting interior, close to everything in Connemara
Great base for: Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Omey Island
Overview: This beautifully restored barn is a great place to base your stay while in the Connemara region of Ireland.
Here, you’ll find some of the most incredible scenery anywhere in the country, including Ireland’s only fjord, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, hiking in a national park, historic ruins, and the iconic Kylemore Abbey.
The barn is close to Clifden, the largest town in the entire Connemara region. It’s perfect for two couples or a family with older kids, thanks to the 2 bedrooms.
You’ll have a full kitchen to prepare meals in and a beautiful deck to eat at when the weather’s nice.
The propertyis big enough for a bit of a ramble, and it’s close enough to the coast to be able to walk easily.
Read more about what to do in this area in my guide to Connemara, Ireland.
Caher Castle, County Galway
Host: Peter
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/658697
Sleeps: 5 (1 on couch in living room, 2 in loft, 2 in main sleeping area)
Selling points: historic accommodations, huge fireplaces
Great base for: Aran Islands, Connemara, Galway
Overview: I've visited many, many castles in my jaunts around Europe, but this was the first time that I'd had the chance to stay in one!
The Caher Castle AirBnB in Ireland was the most expensive of our stays on the trip, but still not that tough on the pocketbook at $150 a night. (I love traveling in the off-season!) It was also the most unique of the properties and worth a bit of a splurge.
Because we had very little cell reception while on the trip, we kind of just showed up at the castle, much to Peter's surprise. He and his family were just about to head out to the store, but he took time out to show us around anyway.
When he purchased the castle (also called a tower house) 20 years ago, the place was in ruins, but he's devoted his life to restoring it, and his passion for the project shows.
The AirBnB listing—also known as Caherkimonwee Castle— is for the top two floors of the castle: the upper most floor is where the bedroom and loft are, while the penultimate floor houses the bathroom (including an incredible recessed bathtub!), living area, and fully furnished kitchen.
The atmosphere and amenities might make this the best AirBnB in Ireland for couples, too!
We loved climbing the spiral staircase to our accommodations and marveling at the way that Peter has carefully restored the fortified tower house.
You’ll know that this property is great as it is one of the most popular castles in Ireland for rent on AirBnB!
The Treehouse at Fernwood, County Galway
Photos courtesy of Fernwood on AirBnB
Host: Anne
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49959192
Sleeps: 2
Selling points: unusual glamping experience, forest views
Great base for: Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Omey Island
Overview: When you get to this cozy treehouse dome, you might never want to leave!
It’s simultaneously laid back and luxurious, and staying here is truly a memorable experience. It’s everything you loved about a treehouse as a kid but with everything you need from a traditional hotel room (like hot water!).
While the dome doesn’t have a kitchen or cooking facilities, it does have its own bathroom. And, if you can pull yourself away from the pretty forest views, you can relax in the property’s sauna.
Plus, it’s just a few miles from the town of Clifden, so you’re in the heart of Connemara.
Smithstown Castle, County Clare
Photos courtesy of Smithstown Castle on AirBnB
Host: Rebekka
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53388735
Sleeps: 8 (2 in each of the 4 bedrooms)
Selling points: 15th century castle stay, upgraded bathroom and amenities, beautiful rural views
Great base for: Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, the Burren, Bunratty
Overview: Bring the entire family on a historic retreat like nothing you’ve ever experienced!
This incredible AirBnB might be the perfect home base for your Irish explorations near the Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park and much more.
Plus, it offers the best of the old and the new, thanks to the careful and clever restoration that’s been done on this 15th century towerhouse.
You’ve still got the winding circular staircase and giant, ornate fireplaces, but there are still of plenty of modern accommodations like a fully furnished modern bathroom (because even a castle stay isn’t enough to make me forego indoor plumbing!).
Be sure to ask the host about a private hiking tour of the Cliffs of Moher, which are less than a 20 minute drive from the AirBnB. This tour takes you to a local’s favorite locations in this stunning area and ensures you see more than what the crowds of other tourists flock to.
Banshee Cottage, Aran Islands
Photos courtesy of Banshee Cottage on AirBnB
Host: Dave
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45264943
Sleeps: 4 (2 in main bedroom, 2 in twin beds)
Selling points: walkable from Kilronan, private cottage, sea views
Great base for: exploring Inishmore and other Aran Islands
Overview: Visiting the Aran Islands is truly a high point in any Ireland itinerary, and our time there remains one of my favorite memories from our entire time traveling around the country.
While you can take the ferry to Inishmore, the main island, from Galway as a day trip, you truly need to stay a night or two on the island to get a feel for the culture and people, and to see and do everything that’s available here.
Banshee Cottage is located in Kilronan, which is Inishmore’s main town. It is where the ferry from Galway lands, so it’s super convenient for getting to and from the ferry dock.
In fact, owner Dave will come and pick you up from the ferry dock if you’d like! The cottage is also walkable from the dock, but that might be tougher if you have a lot of luggage or smaller kids in tow.
The cottage is very cute and is tucked away in Kilronan so that you’ll feel like a local while you’re there. It has 2 bedrooms, one of which has twin beds, so it’s excellent for families.
Learn more what to do on Inishmore in the Aran Islands here.
The Clonmellon Lodge, County Westmeath
Photos courtesy of Clonmellon Lodge on AirBnB
Host: Lorena
AirBnB listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/641114020778963890
Sleeps: 5 (2 each in 2 bedrooms, plus a day bed in the office)
Selling points: historic accommodations, upscale country feel
Great base for: Belvedere House, Newgrange (Bru na Bóinne), Trim Castle
Overview: If you’ve ever thought, “Living in a castle would be amazing, but who wants that much room?” then Clonmellon Lodge might strike the perfect balance for you!
This cute mini-castle looks like something from a fairy tale, both inside and out, while offering comfortable accommodations for a family of 5.
You’ve got full run of the kitchen and its stove, refrigerator, and oven. There are 2 bathrooms, each of which are attached to the 2 main bedrooms.
Dating from the 1700s, this pint-sized Gothic-style castle is right next door to Killua Castle, which is worth a bit of your time as well. It’s also not far from Newgrange, a Neolithic burial site also known as Bru na Boinne.
Bachelors Walk, Dublin
Host: William
VRBO listing: https://www.vrbo.com/750289?noDates=true&unitId=1298227
Sleeps: 2 (2 in each bedroom)
Selling points: incredible location, quiet retreat
Great base for: Temple Bar, Dublin city centre
Overview: When I was researching places to stay in the capital city, I couldn't find a Dublin AirBnB that spoke to me and was in my budget. I went over to VRBO and found this cute and incredibly convenient apartment right on the River Liffey!
If you look at the top photo (the one with the bridge in it), our Ireland VRBO apartment was hidden away in the complex in that tiny grey strip of building between the two brick buildings. You'd never know it from the street, but there's a large, quiet complex behind that exterior.
While the apartment was simple but clean, the location of the property was what sold me on it. We were just across Halfpenny Bridge from Temple Bar, and about a 10 minute walk to Grafton Street, Trinity College, and the National Museum.
If you’re looking for inspiration on what to do while you’re in town, check out these incredible historic sites in Dublin!
I loved the fully furnished kitchen; on our first day in Dublin, we went around the corner to the huge Tesco to buy groceries.
Eating in for a few of our meals was so cost effective, and, since the apartment was so close to everything, it wasn't a big deal to walk home for lunch.
When it came time for us to head to the airport to go home (SOB), the airport bus stop is literally just around the corner. We felt safe there standing on the sidewalk with our luggage even at 5 AM.
GET MORE INSPIRATION WITH THIS LIST OF MOST UNIQUE AIRBNBS IN THE WORLD.
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