The Best Airbnbs in Ireland for 2026
In this article, I list 12 cool Airbnbs to stay at in Ireland!
Staying at an Airbnb in Ireland offers a whole host of benefits that will only enhance your travel experience. One of the main advantages is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. Many Airbnb hosts provide personalized recommendations and insights into the hidden gems of their area. So, overall, it’s certainly more of an authentic experience than, say, a hotel. As well as that, many Airbnbs come equipped with kitchen facilities, meaning that you can prepare your own meals using Ireland’s fresh, local produce (there are heaps of amazing farmers’ markets here in Ireland).
Plus, nearly all of the Airbnbs listed below are located in unique and charming settings, from quaint cottages in the Irish countryside to a cool treehouse with stunning views of Cork City. This variety allows you to find a place that suits your preferences and budget.
Overall, staying at an Airbnb can offer a more intimate, flexible, and cost-effective alternative to hotels, making your Irish adventure even more memorable.
1. The Lighthouse Keepers House, Youghal, Cork
Nestled in County Cork, this distinctive retreat is well worth a visit. After a meticulous two-year renovation, the house now boasts a modern and spacious design, complete with the spectacular sea views you would expect.
With a history spanning over 200 years, the owner has taken great care to preserve the home’s original character, seamlessly integrating it with contemporary decor. The bathroom offers perhaps the most stunning view in the house – imagine soaking in the tub on a summer evening, watching the sun dip below the horizon.
The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage sleeps six guests and costs from €600 per night. You can book the cottage here
2. Urban Tranquilatree Treehouse, Cork City
Perched atop Cork City’s steepest hill – Patrick’s Hill – this charming and snug wooden treehouse offers stunning views of the cityscape below. The treehouse is fully insulated and elevated six meters above the ground, with a bedroom on the upper level and a bathroom on the lower level.
Expertly constructed to endure storms and strong winds, this one-of-a-kind abode ensures a safe and cozy stay. Conveniently, Cork City is only a five-minute walk away, where you can indulge in exceptional barista coffee, enjoy delicious meals at one of the city’s many excellent restaurants, and listen to trad music in one of the vibrant bars.
The Tranquilatree sleeps two people and costs from €200 per night. And there’s no cleaning fee! You can book it via airbnb
3. The Lux Bus, Cobh, Cork
A bus likely won’t evoke a sense of luxury, but this one is truly an exception, trust me! This vintage London bus has been meticulously renovated to an exceptionally high standard, boasting every modern convenience, including an indoor fireplace and a coffee machine. Each of the two bedrooms is equipped with a TV for your entertainment.
Conveniently situated in the bustling tourist hub of Cobh, the Lux Bus offers an array of activities right at your doorstep. Whether you’re exploring the Titanic Experience or admiring the grandeur of Saint Coleman’s Cathedral, your days in Cobh are sure to be packed with excitement and discovery.
The Lux Bus sleeps up to 7 people and costs from €250 per night. You can book the Lux Bus via airbnb.
4. Ballinadee Bus, West Cork
A rescue farm, unique accommodation (you sleep in a double-decker bus), and a cafe rolled into one. This cool spot is located in the tiny town of Ballinadee, West Cork, around 10 minutes from Bandon. And at Ballinadee Bus you’ll find a rescue farm with alpacas, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and more. As well as a children’s play area and coffee truck with excellent, strong coffee and delicious baked goods.
Your choice of accommodation is one of the two converted double-decker buses on site. When you stay the night here, you have access to a hot tub and outdoor bar. I have to say, it looks like one of the most unique places to stay in Ireland!
A stay here costs around €180 per night and you can book it here via booking.com
5. The Bird Box, Donegal
A short distance from the famous Wild Atlantic Way driving route, this hand-crafted treehouse has excellent views of Glenveagh National Park. Access to this cozy space is via a fun rope bridge. Also, worth noting is that the Bird Box is only suitable for adults. The tiny home has a wood-burning stove to keep you warm on those colder evenings.
Located in Errigal, a Gaeltacht area rich in Irish heritage and culture, and just a 5-minute drive to the local pub – you will certainly experience an authentic Irish stay at the Bird Box.
The Bird Box sleeps two adults and costs from €100 per night – but they do have minimum nightly stays in the summer. You can book your stay through Airbnb.
6. The Escape, Glencolmcille, Donegal
Recognized by The Sunday Times newspaper as the top holiday cottage in Ireland, this charming Donegal retreat along the Wild Atlantic Way offers a serene escape with expansive views of the lake and scenic trails.
For those seeking additional space, our hillpod rental, “Cropod,” is situated at the same picturesque location. Both properties ensure privacy and have separate entrances.
It can be booked via Airbnb and costs around €140 per night
7. Tubbrid Castle, Kilkenny
Tubbrid Castle, a remarkable 15th-century tower house just 20 minutes from Kilkenny City, has stood uninhabited for the past hundred years, but it’s now beautifully restored to its original splendor. Its historical charm is thoughtfully restored to transport you back in time.
Staying in this genuine Irish tower house doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. There’s a rainforest shower and a bath.
Enjoy your morning coffee as you admire sweeping views of forest and fields, seated on bespoke velvet cushions in the expansive original window alcoves. In the evening, savor a meal at the grand oak banqueting table, then unwind with a book or board game by the cozy glow of a roaring log fire. However you choose to spend your day, look forward to retiring for the night under a cozy goose down duvet in a grand super king four-poster bed.
Book your stay here from around €800 per night, but it sleeps up to 8 guests!
8. Finn Lough Bubble Domes, Fermanagh
These delightful bubble domes boast 180-degree transparent walls, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery. Ideal for stargazing, the Finn Lough bubble domes are equipped with custom four-poster beds, plush bathrobes, and a Nespresso coffee machine, providing all the essentials for a romantic weekend getaway.
The Finn Lough bubble dome costs around €300 per night (including breakfast), it sleeps two people. You can book it through their website.
9. Clissman Gypsy Caravans, Wicklow
Traditionally used by the nomadic gypsies of Ireland, these bright and colorful caravans offer a unique twist on a glamping experience. Nestled on a 100-acre family farm, just an hour’s drive from the capital city of Dublin, it’s a wonderful way to get back to nature whilst not being too far away from the conveniences of the modern world.
You can book your stay at Clissman Gypsy Caravans here and it costs as little as 100 per night.
10. Thatchers Rest Cottage, Meath
Nestled right on the coast and just a 40-minute drive from Dublin, this picture-perfect thatched cottage offers an idyllic escape. Fully equipped for self-catering, it boasts three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. Combining luxury with coziness, Thatcher’s Rest is a place you’ll find yourself longing to revisit time and again.
A three-night stay at the cottage costs €1,350 and it sleeps up to six people. That works out around €225 per person. You can book your stay here.
11. Aran Islands Glamping
The Aran Islands is one of the most unique islands in Ireland and certainly should be added to every Ireland itinerary. The glamping pods are located on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands. The pods look onto a private beach with Galway Bay and the mountains of Connemara beyond. A five-minute walk will take you to the village of Kilronan with its small selection of bars and a supermarket.
A stay at Aran Islands Glamping costs from €125 for two people. You can book your stay here.
12. The Lost Cottage, Kerry
Nestled amidst the quintessential green landscapes and rolling hills that Ireland is renowned for, this charming cottage with its vibrant red roof offers a luxurious retreat perfect for both couples and families.
The highlight of the cottage is undoubtedly its glass-roofed bathroom, where you can soak in the tub while stargazing in Ireland’s sole designated dark sky reserve. From your doorstep, you can embark on a walk across the picturesque Iveragh peninsula or take a brief drive to Coumeenoole, a stunning bay that gained fame from the film “Ryan’s Daughter.”
A stay at the Lost Cottage costs from €1700 for a week and sleeps up to four guests. That works out at just €242 per night. You can book your stay here.
Thanks for reading!
Wow, what a list if I do say so myself! I really hope you get to stay in one of these cool spots on your next visit to Ireland!
