Charming, cheap and spacious holiday homes in Ireland

This quaint holiday village offers terraced coastal cottages perched on the edge of Kenmare town. Known for its breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way location, here you can clear your mind with hikes along soaring clifftops, treks near vast mountains and discovery missions to hidden beaches.

If you’re with the family, make the most of the area’s outdoor activities. Put on some riding boots and head out on a horse trek along Derrynane beach, indulge in a spot of golf at Kenmare Golf Club, or take the kids out on a boat trip to witness local sea life. After a day of exploring, relax in your cosy cottage lounge in front of the open fire. Tastefully decorated in warm beige, chocolate and cream tones, the lounge and dining area are furnished with deep, cosy sofas and a dining table big enough for the whole family, so you can get stuck into a hearty dinner after a busy day. When it’s breakfast you’re rustling up, you’ll find the kitchen has everything you need to make your party a delicious fry-up. You can also ask for a barbecue for lunchtime or evening grilling to make the most of the outdoors.

At the end of an activity-packed day, rest up in your comfortable en-suite double bedroom, furnished with natural wood furniture with beds dressed in neutral-toned linens. Another room features twin beds for little ones or teens. Take in views of the cottage’s surrounding gardens and the sweeping lake through the large windows as you settle back for a restful night’s sleep.

Epitomising authentic shabby-chic design, this charming townhouse has two comfortable bedrooms, making it a great choice for small families or couples. You’ll find cream bedside tables and vintage-style lamps that make for a cosy reading spot, along with plush woollen rugs and watercolour-style horticultural prints hanging above beds. Refresh yourself the next day under your power shower in the modern bathroom, before brewing up a steaming cup of coffee and sitting out on your private patio to listen to the morning birdsong.

After a day walking in the national park, you’ll want to put your feet up in the lounge on your return, and these cottages provide the ideal environment. Light the open coal fireplace and then rest up on leather sofas generously scattered with cosy cushions. Gaze into the dancing flames or switch on the HD TV for a laidback night in. Scented candles and glossy magazines add a thoughtful touch.

This idyllic countryside escape also provides the convenience of the town on your doorstep. You’ll find a handful of restaurants nearby serving delicious locally sourced food, as well as quaint craft shops, and of course, the Killarney lakes. Head for dinner at nearby Bricin restaurant just a few minutes’ walk away, which serves traditional Irish dishes like home-made seafood chowder, and the not-to-be-missed ‘Boxty’ – a traditional Irish potato pancake filled with either chicken or lamb and vegetables.

Set in a countryside location in South-West Ireland, the Rowhouse Cottage in Dingle combines country-house appeal with modern amenities. Less than a 10 minute walk from the house, you can explore characterful pubs like Foxy Johns and Dick Macks, or take the kids for ice cream at Murphy’s. Those who fancy a dose of salty sea air are in luck, too – you’re around a 30 minute drive away from sandy beaches such as the vast Maharees beach, Inch Strand and Brandon Bay.

While there are plenty of restaurants and cafés in town, your fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to make the most of the local produce yourself. Stroll the 10 or so minutes into town to pick up fresh fish from the marina, as well as locally sourced meat and vegetables, and freshly baked bread. After dinner, relax in comfortable checked armchairs in front of an open fire in the light and airy sitting room. Make yourself a hot toddy, open the Juliet balcony doors and let the fresh Dingle sea breeze wash over you. Before bed, you can play a family board game, or connect your phone to the Apple TV to listen to your own playlists.

Downstairs, get a good night’s sleep in your Irish king-sized wooden bed, but not before an indulgent soak in your en-suite bathtub. On warm evenings, savour a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio on the vibrant, postbox-red patio furniture in the paved garden, via the large French doors from the master bedroom.

The Old Killarney Cottages, with their traditional thatched roofs and original Victorian fireplaces, are an idyllic place for a comfortable family break. Large front and rear lawns mean you can get the clan together for a picnic or barbecue, followed by a game of footie or rounders on sunny days. During chilly wintry nights, simply curl up with a book and a glass of red wine in front of the roaring open fire.

Nestled in the heart of County Kerry (one of Ireland’s most scenic regions that’s dotted with mountains and fringed by rugged coastlines), these cosy cottages epitomise traditional style. Warm and welcoming pine furniture throughout, including dressers and drawers, makes for a homely feel – and the classic farmhouse-style dining room table is ideal for serving up large family meals like a succulent lamb roast complete with all the trimmings. Meanwhile, the bedroom and lounge areas are comfy and inviting to provide the home base you need after an energetic day hiking in nearby Killarney National Park (a 14 minute drive). Furnishings combine tweeds and tapestry-inspired prints, adding a touch of character.

On evenings off from cooking, stop by the friendly on-site restaurant – the Old Killarney Inn – for a warm welcome and a laidback meal. Try a few of the on-tap local ales or a pint of Guinness, especially tasty when paired with its hearty pub food like pies, burgers, and comforting bangers and mash.