While there are many well-known tourist destinations to go to on the Emerald Isle, there are also many secret escapes in Ireland for people to enjoy and explore too.
Whether it’s the rolling green hills, lush countryside, seaside towns, bustling cities or historic landscapes, Ireland has always been a popular destination for tourists and one that attracts millions every year to its shores.
While the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland are visited for good reason, sometimes it can be a nice treat to go for something out of the norm, something off the beaten track that most don’t know about to have an experience that most tourists don’t get to have.
The Emerald Isle certainly delivers in this regard as it has no shortage of secret escapes in Ireland to choose from and enjoy. In this article, we will list what we believe to be the 10 best secret escapes in Ireland.
10. St Columb’s Presbytery, County Kilkenny – a transformed Holiday Home
St Columb’s Presbytery is a lovely holiday home which is nestled in the gorgeous Kilkenny countryside near the historic and pretty village of Inistioge.
What was once a former coach house in the 18th and 19th centuries has now been transformed into luxurious accommodation with an open fireplace that’s perfect for cosying up to on a cold winter’s night.
Prices: from €120 per night
More info: HERE
Address: Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
9. Knocknalosset House, County Cavan – to relax in peace in one of the best secret escapes in Ireland
Knocknalosset House is a postcard-perfect looking two-storey farmhouse in the Lakelands of County Cavan. Knocknalosset House is the perfect place to stay for those looking to relax in peaceful surroundings.
Prices: from €400 (one-night stays not permitted)
More info: HERE
Address: Canningstown, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan, Ireland
8. Batty Langley Lodge, County Kildare – elegant and beautiful
Batty Langley Lodge is a part of the world-famous Castletown House which is one of Ireland’s largest Palladian buildings that is popular for its blissful riverside gardens and parklands. It is the perfect location to admire the beauty of Kildare from the comfort of elegant surroundings.
Prices: from €360 (two-night stay)
Address: Irish Landmark Trust, Parsonstown, Co. Kildare, Ireland
7. Wineport Lodge, County Westmeath – a luxurious retreat to one of the most secret escapes in Ireland
Wineport Lodge in County Westmeath is a homely retreat which rests on the shores of Lough Ree and offers visitors a luxurious experience. Wineport Lodge contains outdoor hot tubs, fine dining and many water activities which make it the perfect place for both families and groups.
Prices: from €250 per night
Address: Wineport, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 R2D7, Ireland
6. Fuchsia Lane Farm, County Tipperary – for a taste of rural Irish life
Fuchsia Lane Farm in County Tipperary offers its guests quaint and cute cottages to stay in nearby a real-life farm side. For those looking for a true Irish authentic rural experience then look no further than Fuchsia Lane Farm.
It is also located close to the market town of Terryglass and the stunning shores of Lough Derg so there will be no shortage of things to do, making this one of the best secret escapes in Ireland.
Prices: from €390 (must book 7-night stay)
More info: HERE
Address: Roran, Terryglass, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
5. Rock Farm Slane, County Meath – camping with style
Rock Farm Slane overlooks the idyllic Slane and River Boyne and is a dream spot for glamping enthusiasts as it is a luxury eco-certified boutique resort carefully situated into a historic Irish landscape. There are many recreational activities to enjoy here such as kayaking, rafting and straw bale building.
Prices: from €95 (two-night stay)
More info: HERE
Address: Rock Farm, Slane, Co. Meath, C15 FNP4, Ireland
4. Roundwood House, County Laois – stay in a real-life doll’s house
Roundwood House is an award-winning and family-friendly Georgian country house hotel which is nestled neatly beneath the powerful Slieve Bloom mountains. Roundwood House is described as being like a real-life doll’s house and delivers an experience like no other.
Prices: from €120 per night
Address: Roundwood House, Roundwood, Mountrath, Co. Laois, R32 TK79, Ireland
3. Blackstairs Eco Trails, County Carlow – a secluded stay in the mountains
Have you ever wanted to stay in a secluded and homely retreat in the Irish mountains surrounded by nature? If the answer is yes then look no further than The Blackstairs Eco Trails in County Carlow. Here you will have a chance to relax in a restored barn or a delightful shepherd’s hut in scenic surroundings.
Prices: from €75 per night
More info: HERE
Address: The Old Rectory, Killedmond, Borris, Co. Carlow, Ireland
2. Bellingham Castle, County Louth – for one of the best secret escapes in Ireland
Bellingham Castle can be found on the River Glyde in County Louth. Bellingham Castle epitomises luxury as the property features beautiful footbridges and walkways which were tailor-made for romantic strolls.
There is also something here for history lovers as the castle dates back to the 17th century; there is even a library which you can use to learn more about the castle’s history by the comfort of a log fire.
Prices: from €145 per night
More info: HERE
Address: Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, Ireland
1. Wicklow Head Lighthouse, County Wicklow – for a very unique stay
Number one on our list of the 10 best secret escapes in Ireland is Wicklow Head Lighthouse which is one the very few lighthouses in Ireland that you can stay in and it’s not every day when you can stay in an Irish Landmark listed building too.
Besides being a unique stay, the location also acts as a perfect launch point to explore many other notable locations in Wicklow such as Powerscourt Estate, Glendalough and Wicklow Gaol.
Prices: not released but is minimum two-night stay
More info: HERE
Address: Dunbur Head, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
That concludes our definitive list of the 10 best secret escapes in Ireland to enjoy right now. Which one will you go for first!?
