Unique Places to Stay in Ireland: Castles, Farm Stays, B&Bs & Lighthouses
In an age of chain and corporate accommodations, where the distinctiveness of a country is lost in “copy and paste” hotel rooms, we at Little Gem Tours understand that your overnight stays are yet another opportunity to connect to the history and culture of a town or city, and subsequently our country as a whole.
We move beyond the predictable 5-star circuits to uncover accommodations with a soul. If you are searching for unique places to stay in Ireland, Little Gem Tours specializes in finding accommodations that reflect the history, culture and landscapes of the island.
Luxury Castle Stays in Ireland
Who wouldn’t want to feel like a Lord and Lady for a day? On your tour with Little Gem, you have the option of staying in once formidable fortresses, turned luxury castle hotels.
These castle stays in Ireland are steeped in history, connecting you with the hundreds of years of invasion and battle that have moulded our country.
While you will enjoy impeccable 5 star service, lavish decor and fine dining experiences, you will also have the opportunity to explore the grounds of the castles and avail of the many activities on offer. It is not every day that you get to walk through a forest on the grounds of a castle in the company of a hawk, learning about Ireland’s ancient tradition of falconry!
The Agrarian Soul Authentic Traditional Irish Farm Stays
You have no doubt seen our pastoral cottages in Irish art, films and plays. Now is your chance to stay in one!
Our Irish farm stays not only offer insight into rural Irish life, but are also a poignant reminder of what many ancestors left behind when they emigrated from Ireland in challenging times.
This experience allows you to connect with Ireland’s “old ways”, which still inform our cultural and social practices to this day. You may also try your hand at harvesting turf, as you learn more about traditional farming practices and Ireland’s deep connection to the land.
Unique Lighthouse Stay in Ireland
The Island of Ireland is defined by the sea that surrounds us. It has carved our famous cliffs all along the Wild Atlantic Way, feeds our prevailing Westerly winds and has given our country its iconic shape.
We have a profound respect for the sea, as well as its potential to endanger us, which made our lighthouses all around our coasts essential for the safety of seafarers.
For a truly unique stay in Ireland, you can step into the shoes of a lighthouse keeper, sleeping in their dwellings and getting a sense of the isolation experienced, far from the tourist crowds, when it is just you and the awe-inspiring power of the Atlantic.
Authentic Irish B&Bs:
Stay with a Local
How better to experience a town than under the same roof as a local? For those seeking authentic Irish accommodation, many towns in Ireland rely on B&B accommodations, as they are too small for large hotels.
We have longstanding relationships with B&Bs owners throughout the country, who welcome our guests with the warmth and personality that has made Ireland famous.
They know the best pints in the village, the best music sessions, which pharmacy is open late and which craft shop is selling authentic local wares. Your hosts are there to help you connect with these famous towns and cities on a deeper level, viewing them through the eyes of a local.
The Best Locations for Unique Places to Stay in Ireland
When searching for unique accommodations in Ireland, location is just as important as the accommodation itself. Each region of the island offers a different atmosphere, landscape and cultural experience. At Little Gem Tours, we carefully select stays that reflect the character of their surroundings, allowing our guests to experience Ireland in a deeper and more authentic way.​
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The West of Ireland: Home to some of the most authentic Irish farm stays and rugged castle estates, counties like Mayo and Galway offer dramatic landscapes, traditional villages and a strong connection to Ireland’s rural heritage.
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The Wild Atlantic Way: Ireland’s famous coastal route is the perfect setting for lighthouse stays and remote seaside retreats. Here the Atlantic Ocean shapes daily life, creating unforgettable places to stay overlooking cliffs, coves and endless horizons.
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Ireland’s Ancient East: In this historic region you will find elegant Georgian manor houses, heritage estates and riverside rectories, surrounded by some of Ireland’s most important historical sites and ancient landscapes.
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Dublin & Belfast: For those looking for a unique stay in Ireland’s cities, both Dublin and Belfast offer historic townhouses, boutique hotels and restored urban residences, providing a sophisticated base from which to explore the culture, food and history of Ireland’s two vibrant capitals.
No matter where your journey takes you, our tours are designed to connect you with the most unique places to stay in Ireland, carefully chosen to reflect the stories, landscapes and people that make this island so special.
