Ireland self catering holidays
With over 80 million people around the world who can claim Irish descent, it's not surprising that the Emerald Isle is high on many tourist's lists of places to visit. And its not just nostalgia that pulls in over six million visitors every year. With it's beautiful landscape, dramatic coastline, amazing beaches, as well as historic cities and towns, there's so much to do and see. Whether you're taking a short break or a long excursion, Ireland is an ideal destination for family holidays and there's lots of child friendly accommodation among the many country cottages and luxury apartments throughout the country. Many are self-catering, so you can whip up a meal from fare bought at the local farmer's market, although you'll also want to experience Ireland's many pubs, inns and restaurants, many of which pride themselves on emulating the traditional styles of Ireland's past.
There's also a good chance that you'll catch an Irish band belting out traditional music at one of the local pubs devoted to keeping Irish traditional music alive - such as Tigh Neachtain's in Galway City, and De Barra's in Clonakilty, Co Cork, or The Stag's Head, in Dublin. This famous pub is a Dublin landmark, which dates back to 1770 and has quite a few famous patrons, including James Joyce, Michael Collins and apparently Quentin Tarantino. Yet although Dublin city and county have many charms, Ireland is so much more than Dublin.
If it's beaches and sea views you are after, then Cork, Dublin Galway, Kerry and Wexford offer a wide variety of both. Cork has over 600 miles of coastline, with many peninsulas and beaches which includes the Southern-most point of Ireland's mainland, Brow Head. County Cork also includes many islands further South, including Cape Clear and Bere Island.
County Kerry has an even more rugged coastline, with sea views to swoon over and also has two of the best surf beaches in the country, at Castlegregosy and Inchstrand. One of Country Kerry's most famous attractions is the Killarney National Park - over 25,000 acres of pristine wilderness. This was Ireland's first National Park, created in 1932. The park has the only herd of wild native red deer in the country and incorporates the largest area of native oakwood forest remaining in Ireland. The park's, landscape includes two lakes, Lough Leane and Muckross Lake.
Whether you are in Killarney National Park for a short break, or plan to explore more extensively, there's a fantastic selection of accommodation. This includes self catering country cottages and luxury apartments, as well as high class luxury self-catering accommodation which compares very well against the 5 Star Muckross Park Hotel & Cloisters Spa.
For those on family holidays, there's always the option of other child friendly accommodation.
Just a bit further North is County Galway, which also has a famous surf beach at Dun Loughin. But that's not the only reason to visit Galway. The county is steeped in history, having been inhabited for over 7000 years. Many of its inhabitants still speak the Irish language and keep alive many Celtic traditions. You'll be amazed by the many well preserved historic sites, including Athenry, a Medieval Town founded in the 13th century.
Wexford holiday cottages" class="abtrck county" data-ref="country holiday guide" data-href="/county-wexford-holidays/">County Wexford is also a popular tourist destination, with its most famous attraction being the 13th century Hook lighthouse at the end of the Hook Peninsula. For culture lovers, there's also the Wexford Opera House, Ireland's first purpose-built opera house, which sits at the focal point of Wexford Harbour.
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Click on any of the Ireland areas below to learn more about the region, or use the form to the left if you know the specific location and wish to make a detailed search for your ideal Ireland holiday property.
East
It is difficult to think of a more beautiful area in Ireland than Wicklow Mountains National Park and, if you love getting active in the great outdoors, it will make a perfect base for your holiday. You could choose a holiday cottage with stunning sea views in counties Dublin or Louth, close to the rugged terrain of Wicklow Mountains National Park or in the unspoiled rural scenery of Kildare for your base. The region is not just for people who love to get active in the great outdoors though, as it is packed with historical and cultural attractions. Choose a country cottage in County Meath and you will be ideally placed to visit the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange.
Show all the properties and towns for East or click one of the counties below if you know which area in East where you want to stay on holiday.
Midlands
The region has everything you could possibly need for a relaxing holiday. There are affordable self-catering accommodation options to suit everyone, including families who need pet friendly cottages, as well as superb local produce that you can buy from shops and farms, or taste in the area's wide selection of friendly pubs. You will also have the opportunity to see all sorts of historical landmarks, as the region is steeped in early-Christian culture. Visiting the ruins of Aghaboe Abbey, Timahoe Round Tower, Clonyn Castle and Charleville Castle will help you to learn all about the region's fascinating past.
Show all the properties and towns for Midlands or click one of the counties below if you know which area in Midlands where you want to stay on holiday.
North West
With everything from elegant, luxury boutique cottages, to great child friendly accommodation, or even a log cabin, this wonderful area is a real must. The rugged and beautiful North West of Ireland is as clever a solution for family holidays as it is for a short break. Wherever you decide to go, you're sure to have the time of your life in North West Ireland.
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South East
The verdant mountains and vales of Carlow and South Tipperary, the story-bookish countryside of Kilkenny and the lovely coastline and beaches of Waterford and Wexford are sure to make for some memorable family holidays. The region carries rich history, as vouched for by the ancient ruins and medieval castles, cathedrals and monuments. There are luxury cottages for rent, as well as cheaper apartments with self-catering options for you to turn in at night.
Show all the properties and towns for South East or click one of the counties below if you know which area in South East where you want to stay on holiday.
South West
A magnificent area, filled with thrilling sights and the home of some of the very best myths and legends. Kiss the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle or visit spectacular Fota Wildlife Park. Rent a country cottage and pack the golf clubs, or go for long walks on some of the most inspiring coastal routes you could imagine. South West Ireland is filled with wonderful towns, historic attractions and beautiful coastal scenery, as well as a warm welcome for the traveller, including children, couples and even the dog.
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West
West Ireland is indeed charming. It offers so many things to see and do that it has something for people of every age group- you can consider visiting with friends on a short break, as well as with your spouse and kids on family holidays. So whether you want to laze on the beaches, play a round of golf at the Roscommon Golf Club, or just take in the beauty of nature's creations, West Ireland will not disappoint. Remember to trek on the mountains, sample the Irish fare at the local restaurants and have a pint in a typical Irish pub too!
Show all the properties and towns for West or click one of the counties below if you know which area in West where you want to stay on holiday.