Looking for a little bit of Ireland right where you are? Some of Ireland’s most well-known tourist spots offer real estate at substantial discounts throughout the year. Additionally, vacation rentals during your absence could be a reliable source of revenue from such a buy as an Airbnb rental.
When planning a trip to your vacation home, it might be overwhelming to think about navigating an entire exciting nation. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top Irish vacation home markets to get you started in the right way.
County Carlow, Leighlinbridge
Leighlinbridge, on the banks of the River Barrow, is a charming Irish village perfect for a relaxing vacation. This picturesque town is renowned for its historic ruins and narrow lanes. The ruins of Leighlinbridge Castle, which date back to Norman times, and a bridge from the 14th century are both in excellent condition.
The town has received numerous awards for its flower designs and general attractiveness. Take a stroll around the Delta Sensory Gardens, wander through Milford Mills, or go on an adventure along the town’s heritage route. This includes the sculpture park at Leighlinbridge that pays tribute to the town’s three most well-known citizens, among them the physicist John Tyndall, the man credited with discovering the true reason the sky is blue.
There are around 1314 sunny days per year.
The average cost of a vacation property in Europe is €200,000.
Single-family homes start at €100,000.
Driving time from either Dublin or Waterford airports to Leighlinbridge is about an hour and fifteen minutes.
County Clare, Lahinch
Beautiful Lahinch sits on the western coast of Ireland. The long, sandy beach is its crowning glory and a popular spot for water sports in the warmer months. Lahinch Golf Club is one of the most prestigious courses in Ireland and has hosted the Irish Open on multiple occasions.
Lahinch’s proximity to the coast and popular tourist destinations like The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher make it an ideal beach destination.
The average July temperature is 200 degrees Celsius, while the average August temperature is 190 degrees.
Prices for detached four-bedroom homes begin at €185,000.
The easiest way to get to Lahinch is to fly into Shannon Airport.
Cork, County Cork, Cork City
Cork is an ideal city for summer vacation since it is both lively and inexpensive, and its central location allows visitors quick access to the countryside, where they may experience a quieter, more picturesque side of Ireland. There are several fantastic events that you should attend while in the city.
The English Market, Fitzgerald Park, the Cork Public Museum, the Cork City Goal, and Blarney Castle are only some of the city’s attractions. Day trips to the Copper Coast, Garnish Island, the Blasket Islands, Limerick, and the Ring of Kerry are all popular. Cork is home to some of Ireland’s best restaurants, so be sure to sample the local fare while you explore the city.
We may expect June, July, and August to be between 18 and 200C on the whole. Furthermore, September is a beautiful month to visit the city.
To give you an idea, the typical cost of a home in Cork is €282,518.
How to Get There: Each day, nine flights depart from London for Cork.
Beara Peninsula, Cork, Ireland
This Peninsula in Ireland is stunningly beautiful. Also, its middle is bisected by two beautiful mountain ranges—the Caha Mountains and the Slieve Miskish Mountains—making it an ideal destination for hikers. This is how Ireland looked 20 or 30 years ago before it was developed. The Beara Peninsula’s roadways are usually blissfully empty because visitors opt to view the surrounding Ring of Kerry instead. Those looking to buy a home in Ireland may find the tranquillity of this area to be its greatest selling point.
Take in the sights on a road trip by exploring the Peninsula or visiting nearby West Cork cities like Clonakilty, Kinsale, or Baltimore. Summer is full of festivals and other activities, but if you don’t feel like going out, there are plenty of stores, seafood restaurants, and pubs to check out. There are numerous quiet beaches on the Peninsula that are ideal for warmer days.
Temperatures in the summer average around 150 °C, with occasional spikes reaching 180 °C.
Houses with four bedrooms typically start at about €120,000.
From London, it takes 1.5 hours to reach Cork Airport; from there, the travel to your destination takes another 2 hours.
Kinsale, County of Cork
You can never run out of great hiking opportunities if you locate yourself near the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. The area of West Cork has been popular with foreigners for decades. It is home to a thriving creative economy, with numerous art spaces, cafes, bars, and boutiques. Much of the town’s activity revolves around the Harbour, which has a rich history in the shipping industry. You can see a brewery and a castle from the 17th century. You might also take a tour of the town’s historic sites or participate in a craft workshop led by one of the local artists.
There are always things going on in Kinsale, so you may visit your Irish vacation property whenever the mood strikes. These include the Regatta, Kinsale Literary Weekend, and Kinsale Fringe Jazz Festival, as well as the All Ireland Chowder Cook-Off and the Taste the Wild Atlantic Way Street Food Festival (both in April), both of which focus on food.
Sunlight hours per year total 1278.
Apartments start at €200,000 for a vacation home.
Single-family homes start at €375,000.
The city of Kinsale is situated 13 miles from Cork Airport. It will take you 20 minutes to get there.
County of Donegal, Gweedore
This town is representative of Irish culture as the largest settlement in Ireland where Gaelic is spoken. Ancient Irish music, dance, and theatre, all but extinct in other parts of the country, can be experienced in its entirety during your stay.
Gweedore lies in a picture-perfect setting, nestled between the foothills of Mount Errigal and the Atlantic shore. Discover a wide variety of little, hidden bays. Take in the sights of the mountains and the sea as far as the islands of Tory and Gola. Close by is also Glenveagh National Park and Castle. In addition, this is where the Irish legend Enya was born.
There are 1278 sunny days every year.
Prices for vacation homes start at about €65,000, and some of these have ocean views.
Single-family homes start at €63,000.
Donegal Airport, a 17-minute drive from the center of town, receives flights from Heathrow and Glasgow every day of the year.
Dublin, County Dublin
Galway, one of Ireland’s most desirable real estate markets, has been called “young, vibrant, and distinctly Irish.” This is a college town, so naturally, there are great sports teams, music venues, and art galleries. In fact, in addition to becoming a European Region of Gastronomy, it will also be a European Capital of Culture in 2020.
Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch, and the Galway City Museum are all worth a look. Relax in the sun at Eyre Square or enjoy a stroll along the Corrib River. Visit the city’s many festivals, such as the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh (both in July), or plan your (late) summer vacation around the Galway International Oyster Festival, named one of the “best events on Earth,” for the best time of your life.
Galway experiences its warmest summer temperatures in July, with average highs hovering around 194 degrees Celsius.
Houses in Galway, Ireland, cost an average of €300,547.
Galway is a one-hour trip from both Shannon and Knock Airports.
Place of Connemara in Galway County
Connemara is a great place to buy property in Ireland if you want to be close to some of the country’s most beautiful natural features, such as Galway Bay, the Connemara National Park (where you can see Ireland’s famous wild ponies), the Atlantic Ocean, and miles of beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
Connemara National Park is a walker’s paradise; while there, be sure to check out the Glengowla Mines, Clifden Castle, Kylemore Abbey, and the Station House Museum. For a more demanding climb, try ascending Benbaun, Galway’s highest hill, or Diamond Hill.
Due to the pleasant summer temperatures, the ideal time to visit Connemara is between the months of June and October.
Detached three-bedroom homes begin at €195,000.
The airports closest to Connemara are Shannon (Ireland’s primary airport) and Knock (Ireland’s westernmost airport). There should be a limit of £40 for a round-trip ticket.
County Kerry, Killarney
If you want to live in a real tourist town, buy a house in Killarney, Ireland. The Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, passes through here. Killarney is a picturesque Irish town that is perfect for nature lovers because of its breathtaking surroundings. In addition, there is plenty to do during a family vacation at the summer house.
Travel around the Kerry Ring. Explore the Gap of Dunloe, Ross Castle, and Carrauntoohil in addition to Muckross House, Gardens, and Farm. Lakes and trails in the area are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and cycling. Take up golf, fishing, or a trip to the races. Killarney Summer Fest is a great time for the whole family, with plenty of concerts, street performers, and other fun events.
Expect sunny days with temperatures between 15 and 180 degrees Celsius this summer.
Prices for detached four-bedroom homes begin around €230,000.
You may get there most quickly and easily by flying into Kerry International Airport.
County Kerry, Dingle
Dingle, located on the Dingle peninsula in southwest Ireland, is a charming little port town. Hikers can make use of the area’s sand beaches, rocky terrain (both on the coast and in the countryside), and several paths. The village is famous for its winding, cobblestone lanes, bright architecture, and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and stores.
Dingle is a great spot to visit, regardless of whether or not you plan to do anything adventurous with your grandchildren. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium is where you can get up close and personal with otters and penguins, as well as meet the local dolphin, Fungie. Pub lunches at the end of picturesque drives around the Dingle peninsula are a must. The Blasket Islands are worth a trip, and so are surfing and sailing. In addition, the nine-day journey known as The Dingle Way is a popular option for hikers.
The climate in the summer: typical highs range from 18 to 210 degrees Celsius.
Detached three-bedroom homes typically start at about €215,000.
It takes around an hour to drive from Kerry Airport to Dingle.
Kenmare, in Kerry County
Kenmare’s prime setting amid the foothills of the Kerry Mountains is perfect for sports fans and nature lovers. You will be near the point where the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas branch out from the mainland. The scenery is wonderful. The Wild Atlantic Way, Beara Way, and Kerry Way are all within walking or biking distance of your Irish vacation rental, waiting to be discovered by you. If you don’t feel like strolling, there are several beautiful drives to choose from.
Sunlight hours per year total 1278.
Prices for vacation homes typically begin in the €125,000 range for a three-bedroom condo.
Houses on their own lots start at €295,000.
It is a 50-minute drive from Kerry Airport.
County of Kerry, Portmagee
Portmagee, on the Iveragh Peninsula, is one of the most picturesque places in all of Ireland. Here you will find Ireland depicted in travel guides, complete with brightly colored buildings and quaint, cobblestone alleys adorned with hanging baskets galore. The natural beauty of the Ring of Kerry is right outside your door.
Take a boat out to Skellig Michael with the other tourists. This rocky island, which was formerly home to a monastery settlement in the 16th century, has recently seen an increase in interest because of its appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Portmagee is well-liked for its friendly locals and its lively atmosphere.
There are 1278 sunny days every year.
Prices for vacation homes start at €170,000 for properties with breathtaking views and a convenient location near the heart of town.
Single-family homes start at €138,000.
Portmagee may be reached in under two hours from Kerry Airport and in under three hours from Cork Airport.
Wesport Town, County of Mayo
Westport, a town in County Mayo, is known for its exceptional friendliness and is also notable for being one of the few planned towns in Ireland. The town’s quayside, with its lovely Georgian structures, is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
This is great news for families looking to purchase a home in Ireland. The Westport House’s Pirate Adventure Park is a highlight for families with young children. In addition to zorbing, swan boats, zip lines, and archery, your children can enjoy log flumes, bouncy castles, and pedalo rides on the lake.
Westport has earned the nickname “Ireland’s Adventure Capital.” You may go cliff jumping, kite surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, or surfing. If it sounds like too much effort, you can always visit one of the fifty miles of neighboring Blue Flag beaches instead. If you have kids who want to explore rock pools, take them to Old Head, a famous beach destination approximately 20 minutes away.
From June through August, you can look forward to mild summer temperatures in the 18-20 degree range.
The average annual sunshine is 1059 hours.
A detached bungalow with four bedrooms is available for as little as €249,000.
Driving time from Ireland West Airport to Westport is 48 minutes, while the distance from Knock Airport to Westport is 60 kilometers.
County Mayo, Cong
Cong is a charming settlement that straddles the Irish counties of Mayo and Galway. Cong is in a really unusual place—it’s on an island where a number of rivers and streams converge. Perfect for those who can’t get enough of being near or on the sea. Lough Mask and Lough Corrib are two tranquil lakes close by, and there are many routes for hikers of varying skill levels in the area.
Both Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle are worthy of repeated visits. Fans of literature will also delight in following in the footsteps of Sir William Wilde, the illustrious Irish playwright, and Oscar’s father. In addition, the notorious Irish patron saint’s namesake mountain, Croagh Patrick, is not far away.
The average annual sunshine is 1059 hours.
The cost of a four-acre plot of land in Ireland, where you can construct your own vacation home, is around €50,000. You may even buy a bungalow for €130,000.
Single-family homes start at €290,000.
It takes two hours to get there from Shannon Airport or one hour from Ireland West Airport.
Strandhill, Sligo, Ireland
Strandhill is without peer among Ireland’s seaside communities. Relax on the beach or take up surfing or stand-up paddleboarding along with the youngsters. The town has a strong emphasis on health and well-being, so you can find nutritious options to eat, as well as yoga and spa options if you’re looking to unwind with a soothing seaweed wrap. Some of the liveliest pubs in all of Ireland may be found at Strandhill.
Knocknarea Cairn is a great place to get some exercise and see stunning views of the Atlantic coast. The Strandhill Golf Club’s oceanfront location makes it a picturesque setting for introducing the sport to youngsters or rediscovering an old passion.
The typical summer temperature is around 160 degrees Celsius.
Prices for detached four-bedroom homes start at €339,000, while apartments start at €153,000.
Strandhill is 45 minutes from Knock Airport.
County Sligo, Ross’s Point
The beautiful Rosses Point Peninsula inspired the town’s name. Sligo Town, famous for its nightlife and artistic offerings, is only a ten-minute drive from the village. Sligo has become something of a cultural hub for musicians in Ireland and beyond. There is, therefore, no better place to buy a vacation house in Ireland if music is a top priority.
If you’re interested in picking up a new pastime or becoming better at one you already have, the Sligo Yacht Club and County Sligo Golf Course are both conveniently located nearby. You can also do deep-sea fishing or angling if you like. Kite and windsurfers often frequent the nearby Strandhill, which is known as one of Ireland’s top surf breakers.
Prices for vacation properties include a 0.75-acre hilltop block of land for €75,000 and separate houses starting at €190,000.
The trip from Ireland West Airport takes exactly one hour.
Waterford County, East Dunmore
Dunmore East is a beach resort perfect for all seasons, situated on Waterford Harbour in the sunny southeast of the country. Sailors and fishermen can keep themselves busy with a variety of coastal pursuits, and there is a wealth of Viking and Norman history to explore inland.
Dunmore East Beach, Councillors Strand, and Lawlor’s Beach have all been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, making them ideal destinations for a summer vacation. The village is compact enough to explore on foot; after a day of coastal strolls, visitors may refuel at one of the many restaurants or bars in the area.
Enjoy deep sea fishing, scuba diving lessons, or a round of golf at the Dunmore East course, or learn to sail at the Waterford Sailing Club. Within a ten-mile radius of the town, you can play at any one of several acclaimed golf courses.
May is the sunniest month in Dunmore East throughout the summer. Normal summertime highs average over 200 degrees Celsius.
Apartments with two bedrooms start at about €77,000, and houses with three bedrooms start at about €180,000.
The flight time between Cork Airport and Dunmore East is one hour.
Rosslare Beach, Wexford County
Rosslare, or “the sunny southeast,” as the Irish name it, is a great choice if being close to the United Kingdom is high on your list of priorities. When looking for a beach town, Rosslare Strand has everything you might want. It’s just next to a family-friendly Blue Flag beach where you may swim and bask in the sun. Several excellent golf courses are conveniently located nearby. In addition, you can spend your evenings at any of the numerous restaurants or bars. This is a major attraction for visitors to the Emerald Isle. So, it’s a great option if you want to earn some extra money during the holidays by renting it out.
The average annual sunlight is 1570 hours. That’s 300 more hours of sunlight than the typical location in all of Ireland!
Prices for second homes start at €125,000
Start from €185,000 for detached homes.
Travel time is around 3 hours and 15 minutes via ferry from Fishguard in Wales to Rosslare Harbour.
