Ireland

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

The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

Sheep's Head Way is reputedly one of the best walks in Ireland. Come back to roaring fires, Rayburns, art and style - terrific restorations

Anglo-Irish meets Italian and Indian; the owners have peppered this charming home with furniture and artefacts from their broad travels

All the bleached beauty of the beach inside this comfortable cottage; a dining terrace with uplifting sea views and arching views of Kerry

Fresh, simple country charm - pretty rooms with enchanting river views, freshly baked bread for breakfast... Beautiful, fragrant gardens

Down by the shore of Clew Bay, enjoy peace, space and modern comforts (kitchens are excellent) and discover this magical watery world

Peaceful converted barn on a remote working farm – pet the donkeys, wild swim and row on the lake, warm up around the wood-burner

Your energetic young hosts are still updating here, giving a friendly mix of antique and modern, creative organic food and a lovely garden

A grand spot for this sweet thatched cottage sitting at the foot of moody Coolcross Hill with wrap-around views over the ocean and bay

Come for Michelin-starred Irish food, cooked with flair – not fuss – for comfort and to connect with the extraordinary Burren landscape

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

Choose the quirky, atmospheric family house or the new annexe: Paul will make you feel genuinely welcome, and provide delicious dinners

Return to warming fires after hiking in Ireland's highest mountains. Two traditional cottages on the outskirts of pretty Killorglin

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

Fall asleep to the sound of the sea in your dreamy thatched cottage, one of 6, right on the beach for those head-clearing walks...

A 17th-Century Irish castle on the water’s edge. Watch the yachts from your bedroom, join local wine nights, discover the rich history