Ireland

Stay in the wilds of south Cork, where new life is being breathed into a much-loved family home and you can simply join in

A fine beach at Portsalon, a tree-sheltered garden and a deep-country approach for this enchanting flagged and thatched cottage

A swish, beautifully converted cow shed (choose B&B or s-c) in the heart of farming country invites you to unwind. Outside, 500 acres call

Big, inviting family home near pretty heritage town of Kenmare. In a valley on the Beara Peninsula with woodland garden and mountain views

Simon and Nicole greet you with relaxed good humour, dinners on request and a lovely guest lounge

This place will feed your soul: peaceful, uncluttered bedrooms with woodland views and books to browse by the fire in the snug

Magical gardens, a dark mysterious lake, myriad sitting rooms, opulent bedrooms and divine dinners, plus heavenly owners: paradise in Kerry?

The garden-blessed Lodge is quiet, friendly, cleancut and smart. Family-run and with great staff - award-winning breakfasts too

Your own rustic-chic cottage, with a velvet antique sofa and a wood-burner in the bathroom - lit on arrival. Beautiful, original, enticing!

Take your time here. Lucy will take you round her wonderful garden, introduce you to her donkeys, and share her laid-back approach

A favourite place in Connemara, the Quay House is big-hearted, deeply sybaritic and utterly personal with antiques and mementoes

A remote and totally peaceful little annexe in the Blackstairs mountains next to a 200-year-old farmhouse

Genuine Irish grandeur, ancestors gazing down, a relaxed young 400 year-old family and a huge sheep-grazed park: fabulous for house-parties

Escape to this relaxing, sporty-if-you-like, fun place – in farming country close to unspoilt sandy beaches and a good pub

Minimalist calm pervades this sleek space - designed with the majestic surroundings in mind. Big groups can spread to the cottage next door

Peacocks add glamour to the gardens, there are lovely walks all around, sensational lough views – and Verity’s cooking is a fresh delight

Books, meadow flowers, a rocking chair by a cosy fire at this treasure-trove cottage of beautiful things - down tiny lanes in west Cork

Superb home-grown food in a genuine family mansion (ancestors are everywhere) with flags, stags, antiques and croquet. Amazing rooms, too