Discover magical getaways by the water’s edge
Relaxation, natural beauty and exciting aquatic activities: there’s something for everyone to enjoy by the water’s edge in Ireland.
Visit a Blackhead Lightkeeper’s House on a rugged County Antrim headland. Each has an open fire and panoramic sea views; imagine curling up by a roaring fireside and watching waves lash the shore after a day on the Causeway Coast. The lighthouse is near Belfast and top attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, so it’s an ideal hub in this scenic part of Northern Ireland.
For quintessential Irish charm, 19th-century Keenaghan Cottage has it in spades. Set on the shores of Keenaghan Lough in County Fermanagh, this idyllic five-star spot is thoughtfully decorated to bring its rustic setting right up to date. Nearby are the village of Belleek and tranquil Lough Erne, great for walking, watersports, distillery tours and island-exploring.
The Ocean View Pods at Glenarm Castle on the scenic County Antrim coast promise a glamping stay to remember. The four-star pods feature a fire pit and stunning sea views, perfect for sitting back and relaxing after a day out. They’re also just a two-minute walk from the historic Glenarm Estate, with its striking castle, walled garden, and a woodland walk.
Clare Island occupies a dramatic spot at the entrance to island-studded Clew Bay in County Mayo. You’ll feel the wow factor in abundance with the soaring cliffs, woodland, undulating green hills, and the boutique accommodation at Clare Island Lighthouse. Here, laze around in the well-stocked library, feast on six-course meals, roam an island filled with great walking routes, and visit a friendly pub.
Sympathetic to its surrounding landscape, there’s nowhere better to stay on the smallest of the Aran Islands than the Inis Meáin Houses for a dose of modern luxury, unique escapism, glorious sea views and all the facilities you need for a comfortable, self-catered stay. Both the Currach House and Karst House furnish visitors with bicycles, backpacks, nature guides and a map.
County Cavan’s Trinity Island Lodge is certainly a rare find: a small, 150-acre island on the banks of Lough Oughter, mostly populated by native Irish trees and wildlife. Once a stone granary, the Lodge is now powered by solar panels and a wind turbine, and has been awarded the EU Flower eco-accreditation as a sustainable eco-tourism project. Come ready to explore the great outdoors or take to the water, as this is the ideal spot for fishing, canoeing and boating.
Each built by hand with native Irish timber, Carnakilla Lakeshore Cabins are cozy works of art nestled in the heart of County Westmeath. Created by their carpenter and craftsperson owners, each one is decorated in locally made fabrics and furnishings and heated by wood-burning stoves. A stone’s throw from the shores of Lough Ree, visitors can enjoy a day boating on the water before cooking dinner with the local organic vegetables delivered right to Carnakilla.
All you need to do? Plan your Irish getaway!
