Holiday rentals and lettings in Ireland

• Lush Green Landscapes: Ireland captivates with dramatic coastlines, verdant countryside, and enchanting natural beauty scattered throughout the island, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking authentic outdoor exploration.
• Ideal Shoulder Seasons: May and September offer perfect weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and remarkable value, delivering the best experiences without peak-season congestion.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Holiday rentals range across various property types with abundant amenities including kitchens, fireplaces, and gardens, catering to families, couples, and group travellers.
• Easy International Access: Dublin Airport serves as the primary gateway with excellent connections to European cities and beyond, whilst ferries from the UK and France offer alternative arrival options for travellers.
• Rich Experiences Await: From dramatic coastal drives and historic castles to award-winning dining and cultural festivals, Ireland delivers unforgettable memories, from coastal road trips to lively trad-music nights.

From whitewashed seaside cottages tucked into fishing villages to spacious holiday homes with room for the whole family, our Ireland rentals suit every group and budget. You'll also find cosy log cabins in wooded glens and rustic farmhouses on rolling green hills, each offering the freedom and privacy of your own space. Many come generously equipped with:

• Turf-burning fireplaces and wood stoves
• Fully fitted kitchens for home-cooked meals
• Enclosed gardens, ideal for families
• Pet-friendly policies for four-legged companions
• Sea, lake or mountain views

Whether you crave a coastal bolthole or a countryside retreat, a self-catering base lets you settle in and explore at your own pace.

What are the best areas to stay in Ireland?

Dublin is the most convenient base for first-time visitors, blending culture, history and lively nightlife. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Our holiday rentals in Ireland consistently earn strong guest ratings, typically 9.0+ out of 10. Travellers regularly praise the warm welcome from hosts, the cosy interiors and turf fires that make rainy days a pleasure, and the unbeatable locations close to beaches, trails and village pubs. Families particularly value the space, private gardens and self-catering freedom that a rental provides over a cramped stay.

Situated on the western edge of Europe in the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland is a captivating island nation known for its lush green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and warm, welcoming culture.

✈️What is the best way to get to Ireland?

Flying is the most convenient way to get to Ireland. Here are the most common ways to get to the island:

• By Plane: Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland's largest and busiest airport, with excellent connections to major European cities and beyond. Cork Airport (ORK) and Shannon Airport (SNN) also serve the southern and western regions respectively. Most international visitors fly into Dublin, which offers direct flights from major UK cities, European capitals, and North American destinations.
• By Ferry: Ferries connect Ireland to the UK and France, with services from Liverpool, Holyhead (Wales), and Cherbourg. The journey typically takes 2–4 hours from Wales, or up to 18 hours from Cherbourg, depending on the route. This option is ideal for travellers bringing a car or preferring a leisurely sea crossing.

🍽️Where to eat in Ireland?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen is among the best rated restaurants in Ireland. Below is a table showing five highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Michael recommends Aniar in Galway: this intimate restaurant celebrates the west of Ireland on a plate, with an ever-changing tasting menu built around foraged herbs, local seafood and small-farm produce, perfect for a memorable evening.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

May and September are the best months to visit Ireland, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Spring (April–May)

• Best for: Couples and nature lovers seeking blooming landscapes, ideal weather for hiking and exploring ancient sites without summer crowds.
• Weather: Mild temperatures between 12–16°C with increasing daylight hours. Spring showers are common, but sunny days are frequent, perfect for outdoor exploration.
• Atmosphere: Refreshingly quiet compared to summer, with vibrant local life and affordable accommodation. Perfect for experiencing authentic Irish culture.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: Families and beach enthusiasts who want long daylight hours, coastal activities, and a lively festival atmosphere across the country.
• Weather: Warmest period with temperatures reaching 17–22°C. Extended daylight (until nearly 10 PM) and relatively dry conditions, ideal for outdoor adventures.
• Atmosphere: Peak tourist season brings vibrant energy, full calendar of festivals and events, and higher prices. Popular attractions and accommodations book quickly.

Autumn (September–October)

• Best for: Photographers and walkers seeking golden landscapes, cultural events, and peaceful exploration of Ireland's dramatic coastlines without summer congestion.
• Weather: Pleasant temperatures between 14–18°C with occasional rain. Early autumn offers residual summer warmth; late autumn brings moodier, dramatic weather ideal for rugged scenery.
• Atmosphere: Shoulder season delivers excellent value, fewer crowds, and the Wild Atlantic Way at its most photogenic. Ideal for an authentic, quieter Irish experience.

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Ireland local expert, Fiona of Lakeside Cottage recommends coming to visit during May and September to enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive at its finest, with perfect weather for exploring dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and charming seaside villages without the peak summer tourist crowds. You can read more about local tips on Fiona's page.

1. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
2. Explore Dublin's history and culture
3. Hike Killarney National Park
4. Discover Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
5. Experience traditional music and pubs

1. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way

   Stretching some 2,500 kilometres down the west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world's great road trips. Wind past the towering Cliffs of Moher, the lunar landscapes of the Burren and the sweeping beaches of Donegal, stopping in colourful harbour villages along the way. Hire a car, take your time, and let each headland reveal another dramatic Atlantic view.

2. Explore Dublin's history and culture

   Ireland's capital rewards curious travellers. Sip a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, marvel at the ninth-century Book of Kells at Trinity College, and trace the country's story at the National Museum. As evening falls, the lively Temple Bar quarter fills with music, laughter and the warm hospitality Dublin is famous for.

3. Hike Killarney National Park

   In the heart of County Kerry, Killarney National Park serves up shimmering lakes, ancient oak woodland and mist-wrapped mountains. Walk to the pretty Torc Waterfall, visit Victorian Muckross House, or tackle the dramatic Gap of Dunloe on foot or by pony and trap. Red deer roam freely, making every trail feel wonderfully wild.

4. Discover Connemara and Kylemore Abbey

   West of Galway, Connemara is a haven of blanket bog, quartzite peaks and shifting Atlantic light. Hike among the Twelve Bens, follow the Sky Road above Clifden, and visit the fairytale Kylemore Abbey with its lakeside setting and Victorian walled garden. This is Ireland at its most romantic and remote.

5. Experience traditional music and pubs

   No visit is complete without a night of live trad music. In villages like Doolin and cities such as Galway, fiddles, bodhráns and tin whistles strike up in cosy pubs most evenings. Pull up a stool, order a creamy pint, and join in the singing, this easy, spontaneous craic is the very soul of Irish hospitality.