Carrying on our theme of the last few weeks of where we have looked at unusual places to stay in both England and Scotland, this week we have made the short trip over to the Emerald Isle. So take a look at some of the weird and wonderful accommodation Ireland has to offer, whether you are looking to stay for a week, a weekend or even just one night away.
Helen's Tower, Helen's Bay, Co. Down
Helen's Tower is perched high above the rolling hills of Co Down. It is an enchanting 3 storey stone tower nestled deep in the woods of the Clandeboye Estate.
Standing on top of the world with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, you can actually see as far as distant Scottish shores from the top of Helen's Tower.
It was built as an idyllic retreat and poems were written in its honour by Tennyson, Kipling, Argyll and other luminaries of the nineteenth century literary world.
Helen's Tower has one double bedroom, shower room, separate WC, kitchen, living room, reading room and rooftop terrace - all linked by a narrow stone staircase. The accommodation also has an open fireplace, electric storage heating, microwave, iron and ironing board, radio and travel cot on request.
Visitors to the area can enjoy walking routes, known locally as Clandeboye Way, Ava Gallery, Ireland Off Road Experience and more.
For further information or to book please click here.
Batty Langley Lodge, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
This elegant two storey building with its seven stone pinnacles was designed to be viewed from the River Walk below as part of the planned landscape surrounding the world famous Palladian Castletown House.
Thomas Conolly and Lady Louisa inherited Castletown in 1754 and turned Castletown demesne into one of the great designed landscapes of Ireland, visited and admired by both foreign and native visitors until its period of decline in the nineteenth century Based on a design for a 'Gothick Temple' taken from Batty Langley's book Gothic Architecture published in 1747, the façade of the lodge was added to the existing rectangular cottage in 1785. Thus the lodge became known as the 'Batty Langley Lodge'.
Situated far from the town of Celbridge and on the very edge of the estate, the buildings privacy made it a suitable location for the privileged nobility to indulge their fantasies and escape to the lodge to don the mask of simple farmwives or dairymaids.
It is a perfect place to relax while still being able to get in to Dublin city within an hour.
This lodge accommodates 2 people in great comfort with a large sitting room overlooking the river and a kitchen dining room downstairs and a double bedroom and bathroom upstairs.
For further information or to book please click here.
Bartra Martello Tower, Dalkey, Co. Dublin
The Martello Towers were small defensive forts that were built across the British Empire during the 19th century, from the time of the French Revolutionary Wars onwards.
Most have stood the test of time, but very few have been transformed into something as wonderful as this.
Built in 1804 this almost national monument, has been exquisitely restored as a luxurious residence. The beautiful granite structure is harmonious, peaceful and an extremely comfortable place to stay overlooking the sea in the heart of Dalkey.
The tower sleeps 2, and with a timeless interior in this unique historic tower, it is the perfect setting for a peaceful, romantic or an inspirational stay in the coastal setting of Dalkey.
Just a stroll from the heritage village famous for its array of restaurants and bars where you can mingle with all the great residents of this area, and Dublin City itself is just half an hour away.
For further information or to book please click here.
Mountain Log Cabin, Westpoint, Co. Mayo
Get away from it all and stay at Mountain Log Cabin. From the picture you may think it is situated somewhere in America, but it really is in Ireland.
Scenic, private, secluded, quiet, the cabin is on the doorstep of some of the finest outdoor recreation anywhere in Ireland.
An old style American jukebox, wood burning stove, balcony for the kids to play or watch TV are just some of the features the cabin boasts. The kitchen comes equipped with everything you need for a wonderful stay.
One of the key features of this place are the stunning handcrafted log beds on the ground floor which all come with comfortable bedding.
Whether you are planning the perfect family vacation, a romantic getaway, a unique Westport adventure, or are looking for a destination for your family/friends reunion or corporate retreat, this could well be exactly what you are looking for as the Log Cabin sleeps 12 people over the course of 4 bedrooms, 2 of which come with en suite bathrooms.
For further information or to book please click here.
Wicklow Head Lighthouse, Dunbar Head, Co. Wicklow
A common theme you will have noticed over these posts is that each time an unusual places to stay list is released it will inevitably feature a converted Lighthouse......and this is no exception. Welcome to the very striking Wicklow Head Lighthouse.
The Lighthouse has 6 octagonal rooms carefully constructed in the void that existed within the tower when it was first taken on by Irish Landmark. The arched windows set into walls which are a metre or more thick offer stunning views out to the Irish Sea on three sides, and the surrounding countryside on the other: all making this property a most unique place to stay.
It sleeps 4 people in 2 double bedrooms , but be warned it does only have 1 bathroom, and you must be prepared to work hard for your food, as there are 109 steps to kitchen which is on the top floor!
For further information or to book please click here.
The Gyreum, Riverstown, Co. Sligo
Plum pudding shaped, on top of a hill, itself sat in a dish of hills. The Gyreum seeks to be invisible with its green roof. This hostel is open to groups and individual travellers. 2 or more nights are encouraged and bicyclists and walkers get a discount.
The Gyreum entertains artist residencies, retreats, rehearsals, tasteful theatrical weddings, klan and kleek assemblies and events that require marvellous acoustics. The Gyreum places emphasis on workshops and events that are in Irish, although bilingual options may be available.
The Gyreum looks out over Lough Arrow & 6 counties. A 100ft wide wooden telly tubby-esque edifice aligned to 3 solar events pointing toward the megalithic cairns of Moytura, Carrowkeel and Queen Maeve's tumulus on top of Knocknarae.
Built from recycled and sustainable wood and insulated with sheep's wool, this eco-hostel also has toilet water filtered through a reed-bed system. The space and water is heated from geothermal heat from the land boosted by a combination of their own wind turbine power + Airtricity windygrid power.
The main central hall is ideal for meditation and yoga. A large kitchen is available for self-catering guests and Eternal Soup made from the hostels own home-grown vegetables is always bubbling away. There is a small sauna.
There are 2 six bedded dorms, 2 small double rooms and capsule-like tents can be added in the big central hall for groups. Bathrooms are shared, and needless to say this is the cheapest place on this list by quite some mark.
For further information or to book please click here.
Spelga House, Hilltown, Co. Down
A large detached, recently renovated high spec modern house, previously owned by the water board and maintains its characteristics.
Spelga House has spectacular views of the legendary Mourne Mountains which surround it, and is only seven miles from the lively resort town of Newcastle, and three miles from Hilltown.
The house sits in front of the dam wall, on top of the Mournes, and is the highest located house in Northern Ireland, which is another reason to check this place out.
Ideal for families wanting to get away to a real warm luxury retreat, or a group of friends having a reunion /walking groups, as it sleeps ten comfortably with five bedrooms, (three doubles and two twin) and four bathrooms.
In the evening relax in the jacuzzi spa bath by candlelight, and then adjourn to the lounge by the log fire to enjoy the ‘craic’.
Have your family birthday party or special occasion in the luxury kitchen and large living room at a location to remember.
Or why not soak up the Majestic Mournes with all levels of Mountain Walks on your doorstep?
Nearby attractions include Castlewellan Peace Maize, Silent Valley, Cranfield Beach and Newcastle promenade.
For further information or to book please click here.
That's all for now, but be sure to check back next week when we will be switching our attention to unusual places to stay in the rest of Europe, and if any of these have now got you in that holiday spirit be sure to check out our Men's and Women's Holiday Shops here at Cruise Fashion.