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 A quick geography briefer: Ireland is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth largest island in the world. Great Britain sits to the east of Ireland, separated by the Irish Sea. The country is surrounded by hundreds of islets and islands, thus making it part of the British Isles.
Ireland is a fairly temperate place. The island has an oceanic climate with few extremes. January and February often bring frost (but rarely snow), while the summer months are warm, but rarely hot. The one thing you can count on while in Ireland is rain. Precipitation falls throughout the year, but sunshine is often right around the corner.
All things taken into account, the best time to visit the island is spring or fall. This is when the weather is most moderate, and the swarms of tourists have yet to descend.
There is so much to relish about Ireland, that planning a trip can seem a little daunting. From the charming villages to the quaint pubs, the inviting restaurants to the colorful shops, the visitor’s options are endless. Should you visit a modern spa or an ancient castle? Eat at one of the many up-and-coming Irish restaurants or stop at the corner store for fish n’ chips?
Ireland is ideal for family travel. The country is full of playgrounds, castles, zoos and parks, not to mention live music and theater performances. Even some pubs (that serve lunch during the day) welcome children.
Another bonus: you don’t have to travel far across Ireland for geographic diversity. Within just a few square miles, you can go from verdant farmland to a rugged coastline. Or explore peat bogs the same day you take in towering mountains. The Irish landscape is striking precisely because it varies so much within a remarkably compact space.
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 Stunning Barn Within Private Grounds of Blarney Castle – Property 140895
- Stunning Barn Within Private Grounds of Blarney Castle
- Location: Blarney, County Cork, Ireland
- Accommodations: House - 5 Bedrooms - 3 Baths -
(Sleeps 7-11)
- A stunning location on Blarney Castle's privately owned estate. The barn is located down its private drive and set in 350 acres - approximately a mile off a public road. This property is close to a vibrant local village, and only 5 miles from Cork city, and roughly half an hour from Cork airport. It is also close to numerous internationally famed golf courses.
- An oasis of tranquility - and yet so close to Ireland’s second largest city
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 Cottage for Rent in County Kerry, Ireland – Property 564
- The Barnes Cottage in Ventry is located on the Dingle Peninsula overlooking the dramatic coastline of County Kerry, Ireland.
- The cottage is a cozy 3 bedroom, 1 bath cottage overlooking Ventry Bay.
- This location makes it the perfect home base for scenic tours and outdoor activities.
- The Blasket Islands are located just a few miles away, and feature the Blasket Island Museum and historic center.
- Sleigh Head drive provides dramatic scenery in any weather.
- There are endless ruins and historic sites to visit, including Dunbeg Fort and the Behive huts dating to more than 500 B.C.
- A wide, sandy beach is a short downhill walk from the house.
- Horseback riding and hiking are excellent ways to see the area.
- Offshore angling and excellent golf are all available within a few miles of the house.
- Day trips to Killarny to see Ross Castle and Muckross house are always on our agenda. Muskross features a wonderful national park along with a zoo and abbey ruins.
- After a day outdoors, a visit to one of Dingle's oldest pubs, An Droicead Beag in Dingle Town, offers nightly local music and a taste of the warm Irish culture.
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 1 & 2 Bedroom Restored Cottages at Old Parochial House – Property 1633
- Location: Old Parochial House, Cooraclare, County Clare, Ireland.
- Favorite pubs and restaurants: O’Keeffes, Walshes, Morrisseys.
- Best spots for hiking and biking: Cooraclare, Burren, Loop Head.
- Ideal places to catch a live music performance: Cooraclare, Cree.
- Recommended museums and/or libraries to visit: Kilrush, Ennis, Castles at Carrigaholt, Bunratty.
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 Charming Cottage on the Edge of the Burren, Close to Doolin – Property 64925
- Ballyreen Cottage is on a private road which leads to a beautiful vista of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands and the precious fertile rock known as the Burren, with its abundant wildflowers, subterranean caves and rivers.
- It is the perfect spot for a quiet retreat, but close enough (just a 5 minute drive) to the pubs and restaurants of Doolin for a bit of good food and traditional Irish music.
- The cottage can accommodate up to four people, and every detail has been planned with your comfort in mind.
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 Beautifully Restored Old Irish Cottage – Property 125178
- County Wicklow is situated on Ireland’s east coast and is known as "The Garden of Ireland."
- It manages to pack amazing variety into a relatively compact area including stunning mountain scenery, long golden beaches and a wealth of historical attractions from ancient monastic settlements to fine period houses and estates.
- Long glaciated valleys punctuate a wild and untamed expanse of mountains whilst in the valleys between, pretty villages provide welcoming pubs and restaurants.
- Deep in the mountains off the beaten track lies Aughavannagh (from the Irish Acadh Bheannach – the Middle Field) - a great bowl of a valley dominated by the 3000 foot Luqnaquilla Mountain.
- Here, tucked away up a leafy lane off a quiet country road lies Aughavannagh Cottage, a beautifully restored old Irish farmhouse. Aughavannagh Cottage was recently described by The Irish Times as "High in the Wicklow Mountains, just the most picture perfect example of a country home. It retains the 19th century cottage feel, but with all the comforts of a good home away from home."
- Sleeping up to 7, this lovely cottage is fully equipped with every modern convenience, yet retains all the charm of a bygone era. Easily accessible from Dublin, this is the perfect venue for golf, hill walking, sailing and fishing - or just lazing about enjoying the beautiful Irish landscape.
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 Beautiful Luxury Georgian Manor House in West Cork – Property 124243
- The Manor House at Timoleague is a comfortable, luxurious, large, historic and friendly 5-bedroom house on a large estate in West Cork.
- It's the perfect place for a gathering of friends and family. Weddings are very popular here: the house and the gardens can accommodate 150 people for a sit-down wedding in a marquee.
- The area is splendid. The weather is warm and the south coast, on the Gulf Stream, has gorgeous beaches and villages.
- Walking is a popular pastime. A 5-hour coastal walk starts in Courtmacsherry and finishes at Travara at the end of the Seven Heads Peninsula. The walk passes some of the highest cliffs in West Cork, the Coolim Cliffs. There are walks suitable for all ages and level of fitness.
- Sea Fishing is plentiful. In Courtmacsherry, hire a 16-foot fishing boat for about €70 a day. Or take a seat in a 38-foot deep-sea angling boat from the same harbor.
- For horse riding and trekking, there are many stables throughout County Cork, one in Courtmacsherry and one is in Clonakilty.
- There are some excellent swimming pools that have first class facilities, the newest of which is at Inchydony, just outside Clonakilty.
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 Charming Irish Coastal Cottage – Property 42110
- Fuchsia Cottage is located just off the famous "Ring of Kerry.”
- Adjacent to Rate Beach, overlooking Kenmare Bay from large private gardens.
- Caherdaniel Village is just 5 minutes away, with Freddie's Bar, and the Blind Piper Pub.
- Great location for hill walking, beach, water sports, and golf. All within very easy reach.
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 The Milking Shed – Property 128186
- All who have stayed have said what a glorious part of the world this is, and have been very kind with the comments they have made about our Milking Shed.
- We always recommend a visit to Barley Cove because you can't beat that beach, followed by lunch at any one of the pubs in Crookhaven.
- On the subject of food, Willie Pa's Bar and Restaurant at Colomane Cross, Bantry is an absolute must for wonderful bar food at lunch time, and a truly excellent restaurant in the evening.
- For a more informal supper, Casey's Bar in Union Hall, Skibbereen does beautiful fresh fish and chips.
- After all that food, a walk out to the Sheep's Head Peninsular is not only a spectacular outing, but wonderful for burning off the calories.
- After which you can retire peacefully to The Milking Shed, and relax on the terrace or in front of the wood-burning stove.
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 Croghan Lodge - Cottage in a World Acclaimed Garden – Property 6204
- The Croghan Lodge is situated within the grounds of Ireland's largest and most important garden, Birr Castle Demesne.
- This secluded cottage has access to the entire 100-acre park.
- Also within the grounds are the Earl of Rosse's great telescope and Ireland's Historic Science Centre.
- The town of Birr is a central location for reaching most of Ireland within 2 hours drive.
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A Tranquil Irish Cottage in a Peaceful Garden – Property 47903
- Our cottage is a calm oasis where you can write, compose, read, think, or just get away from it all. If you feel like more activity we suggest:
- The Sheep’s Head Walk offers a spectacular 55-mile hike round the peninsula.
- There are a wide variety of interesting gardens to visit.
- The Good Things Café in Durrus offers food in summer and cookery classes all year round.
- In June, renowned world-musicians play at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, and in July international authors take part in the West Cork Literary Festival. Local pubs often have live music.
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Modern House with Traditional Country Charm in Idyllic Setting – Property 67777
 County Donegal is one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Remote and very much untamed, the rugged mountains and serene glens offer the traveler a visual feast that will inspire and re-invigorate the spirit. Though it is off the beaten path, this northwestern county features some of Ireland's best attractions, from angling and golf to historical sites, museums, and some of the best dining anywhere on the island.- The village of Glen, about twenty minutes' drive north of Letterkenny (Donegal's largest city) is nestled at the eastern end of Glen Lough and surrounded by mountains and sea.
- The Olde Glen Bar is an authentic public house situated in a 17th century building with low ceilings and stone floors. The disused barn behind the pub has been renovated and now houses a first-rate restaurant where local seafood is a must for discerning diners, and the hospitality of proprietor Thomas McLoughlin and his staff are as warm as the cozy fireplace in the pub's backroom.
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 Modern Holiday Home in Outstandingly Scenic Area Location – Property 135243
- Our vacation home is located in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht.
- In addition to nearby local attractions such as Dunlewy Lakeside Centre, Glenveagh National Park, Bloody Foreland, or boat trips to Tory or Gola island, the house is ideally situated for daytrips along the famous Atlantic Drive on the North coast, or the highest marine cliffs in Europe (Slieve League) in South Donegal – all easily accessible within a half-day.
- You may simply wish to relax, sit back and enjoy the wonderful views in front of a real turf fire, and enjoy the peace and tranquility.
- The area is famous for its miles of sandy beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities including fishing, cycling and hill walking. Golfers are spoilt for choice with the courses at Gweedore, Cruit Island, Cloughaneely and Dunfanaghy.
- Evenings can be whiled away at one of the many traditional music sessions taking place in the local pubs. Amongst the area’s famous sons are Daniel O'Donnell, Altan, Clannad and Enya. It is only about 10 minutes drive to Leo's Tavern (home of Enya/Clannad), which is famous for traditional/folk sessions.
- Above all a visit to this area is like going back in time, when life was less hurried and people could enjoy the wonders of nature.
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