5 Irish staycation spots we want to visit this summer

Fiona Frawley

The sun’s out, the tops are off, and the time has come to book yourself a few blissful days away on Irish soil.

If you fell back in love with the island of Ireland over the past couple of years of staycationing and are looking to schedule your next getaway, we’ve got you covered with 5 staycation spots to add to the bucket list. From skydome yurts in Donegal to a converted bus house in the heart of Sligo, there’s something to suit all tastes.

Lough Mardal, Donegal

Sleep under the stars or cuddle up by a wood burning stove at this lakeside lodge in Donegal. This is the ideal destination for someone who wants to immerse themselves in nature but still enjoy home comforts like a hot shower and cosy bed – you’ve really got the best of both worlds here. For accommodation you have a choice of a Skydome Yurt with; you guessed it, it’s a dome shaped skylight which allows you to look up at the stars, or the Shepherds Hut with incredible lake, mountain and forest views.

As well as these unique and Instagrammable sleeping set ups you have the communal lodge where you’ll find a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining area and toilets. The showstopper is the Reciprocal Room, with spiralling beams and even more amazing views, it’s the perfect place to wind down with a cuppa or glass of wine. Find out more and get booking via the Lough Mardal website.

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An Capall Horse Truck , Wicklow

This immaculately converted horse truck complete with sauna is nestled in the Wicklow mountains beside Glendalough, and guests can enjoy private access to a river-side beach, fire-pit and bbq. You can live your best van life for a night or two without having to go to the effort of converting a van yourself – this one is good to go with plenty of quirky and original features. A really unique stay in the dreamiest of locations – have a look and get booking right here.

Image via Airbnb

The Pub With No Beer, Tipperary

On the border of counties Clare, Galway and Offaly and close to the small village of Aglish you’ll find Conroy’s Old Bar, “where time has literally stood still”. An authentic, traditional pub, Conroy’s has been converted to sleep 4 while still retaining its original features. If you are looking to book a trip, bear in mind Conroy’s no longer holds a liquor license and is completely dry of alcohol – find out more via their website.

Image via Airbnb/The Worlds 1st Self Catering Pub

Grass-roofed Eco Cabin, West Cork

Right on the edge of the Atlantic in Kilcatherine, Beara you’ll find this very off-the-beaten-track eco cabin with panoramic views and cosy interiors, with reefs for snorkelling and plenty of mountain walks nearby. Anyone who’s been to Beara knows what a magical corner of the country it is – swoon over more pictures and book yourself in here.

Image via Airbnb

Ox Mountain Red Bus, Sligo

This double decker in Tobercurry, Sligo has been lovingly converted to comfortably sleep 5, while maintaining many of its original features. Surrounded by peaceful countryside and mountain views, with a Spring Water Spa located close by to enjoy it all from. Find out more and get booking via their website.