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Ireland Weddings Country House Accommodation bed and breakfast cottage rental ireland

Gearing up for wedding season in Ireland

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Think of Ireland and images of romance, poetry and beautiful countryside are often not far behind. Ireland makes the perfect destination for a summer wedding, whether you are already a resident or are planning a trip for your special occasion.

Take a look at our Hidden Ireland guide to making the most of your time in Ireland this wedding season.

Logistics and paperwork

In Ireland, you must be over the age of 18 and not be married to anyone else at the time of your proposed wedding. Regardless of whether you live in the country or not, you must give three months’ notice to a registrar of your intent to tie the knot.

You and your partner will also need to meet the registrar in person before the wedding ceremony to sign a declaration stating that you do not know of any reason why the wedding cannot go ahead.

This rule applies to religious, civil and secular marriages. For more details, as well as a list of the documents you will need to bring with you, visit the Irish government’s website at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/ac59d3-get-married-in-ireland

Choosing a wedding venue

There is a huge variety of wedding venues in Ireland., From tranquil churches to chic country house hotels; cool city centre venues to rustic barns, the choice is up to you.

There are a number of Hidden Ireland properties that are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies that will offer couples and their loved ones a warm, Irish welcome. Some can also host wedding receptions too, making transporting guests far easier and giving people longer to party.

If you are opting for a civil ceremony, make sure the venue you choose is licensed for weddings and appropriate for the number of guests and style of ceremony you want. If you can, visit your shortlisted venues in person so you can get a feel for what it is like to spend time there.

Hens and honeymoons

Of course, the actual wedding is not your only chance to kick back and have fun in Ireland. Organising stag and hen parties is part of the fun in the run-up to the big day. Again, there are plenty of options in Ireland for exciting hen and stag mini-breaks. Adventure-seekers can enjoy watersports on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, or party the night away in a vibrant city or town. More peaceful times can be spent in a secluded country cottage, tucked away in the stunning Irish countryside. Walks in the woods and picnics in the garden are the ideal way to decompress before the frenzied wedding day preparations kick in.

Likewise, Ireland offers a huge choice of honeymoon destinations.

Take a look at the list of Hidden Ireland properties to find the ideal match to help you celebrate your perfect union.

Other people’s weddings

Finally, you don’t have to be tying the knot yourself to make the most of a summer 2024 Irish wedding. If you have been invited to a marriage ceremony this season in Ireland, why not turn it into a proper holiday and book yourself some extra nights at a Hidden Ireland cottage, country house or lodge? Bring the family and enjoy a proper break away.

If you need to contact Hidden Ireland to find out more about our country houses, cottage or properties please click HERE

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A photographer’s guide to springtime in Ireland: how to take pretty seasonal pictures

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Springtime in Ireland is a wildlife and landscape photographer’s dream.

The vibrant colours that return after months of winter and the perfect seasonal lighting make for some beautiful scenes.

Many insects, birds and animals come out of winter hiding too, to add interest to countryside photographs. People also come out of winter hibernation to enjoy Spring breaks in the run up to Easter and beyond.

An Irish break offers the ideal opportunity to take the camera out and get some beautiful pictures to remind you of your stay.

Read on for some more seasonal photography inspiration.

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Despite it being Spring, the weather does not always follow suit, especially in Ireland!

So, whenever you are heading out on a nature walk, or exploring a town and want to take some photos, wrap up warm and think about how you can protect your camera or smartphone against any rain.

Don’t be put off taking pictures in the rain, or when the sun is not quite as bright as you would have liked.

You can get some beautiful effects with softer light, as well as some really interesting close-ups of raindrops on leaves or petals and reflections in puddles.

Patterns, reflections and shapes

Look out for other interesting reflections, not only in puddles, but in lakes or ponds, shop window glass and car mirrors.

You could even see what can be reflected back in your Guinness or whisky glass to extend the Irish theme.

Spring flowers can also offer intricate shapes and patterns, which, combined with pretty colours and green foliage, create really beautiful photographs of Spring in rural Ireland.

Walking along the Irish coastline can also help you discover patterns in the pebbles and shingle and the movement of the sea.

You can also use a polarising filter on your camera lens if you want to increase contrast and help the bolder colours stand out, such as a blue sky or green meadow.

Frame your photos

You don’t have to wait until you return home from your Irish Spring holiday to frame your images nicely.

Look for natural frames to include in the photo itself. Hedges, arches, branches and doorways can all add interest to a Spring photo in Ireland and help draw the eye in towards the centre of the photo.

Use dramatic mountains or interesting horizons to add interest towards the back of the picture too. Change the angle to make the natural ‘frame’ work to your advantage. Get down to ground level, or climb up somewhere high and angle the camera down (carefully!)

Keep it simple

We often crave the simplicity of a quiet break somewhere lovely to get away from the complexity of daily life.

So it can work in the same way when taking photos of an Irish Spring scene. Look for smaller details, rather than trying to capture a wider scene.

Pick out a single flower in a meadow or person in a street scene.

Other ideas could include a log covered in moss, a row of spring daffodils or an especially lovely tree covered in spring blossom.

When you look back at your photographs later, it will often be these smaller details that will trigger a happy memory, or start a conversation that inspires you to reminisce about your time in Ireland.

If you need to contact Hidden Ireland to find out more about our country houses, cottage or properties please click HERE

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Kilmokea House

THE ‘MANA 3 NIGHT RETREAT’

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THE ‘MANA 3 NIGHT RETREAT’

at Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens

May 16th to 19th 2023

Enquiries & To Book phone Emma 051 388109

Kilmokea Retreat

 

‘Start the day off right with Morning movement followed by reflection time throughout the day. End the day feeling relaxed, pampered and inspired’

Day 1

Arrive at Kilmokea between 2.30pm and 3.30 pm for the introduction to your beautiful, individually designed bedroom.

4 pm. Join Johanna and Emma in the drawing room where you will receive a warm welcome followed by a gentle meditation.

5 pm. Time to explore your retreat space before dinner allowing you to unwind and connect with your surroundings.

7 pm. Healthy Organic Vegetarian 2 course dinner in the Dining room.

8:30 p.m. Evening gathering with Qi Gong at the Italian Loggia & Pool.

Day 2

8.00 am.  Energise with Qi Gong movement on the lawn, whilst listening to the morning birds.

8:30 am Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory

10 am Mindful walk to the Vegetable Garden

10:30 am Explore the world of growing your own fruit and vegetables

12:30 pm Lunch in the Garden Conservatory followed by an afternoon of replenishing your inner resources. Press the pause button on everyday life with a relaxing afternoon in the Jacuzzi and Indoor Heated Pool and Gardens.

4 p.m. Forest bathing/ Shinrin Yoku in the Woodlands. This health promoting, nature connection practice aims to enhance wellbeing, relieve stress and encourage relaxation. Enjoy a guided walk, and soak up the healing benefits of the natural environment through one’s five senses.

6.30 p.m. Healthy Organic Vegetarian 2 course dinner in the Dining room.

8 p.m. Evening Meditation under the Stars.

Day 3

8 a.m.  Energise with Qi Gong movement on the lawn, whilst listening to the morning birds.

8:30 a.m. Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory.

10 a.m. Stunning gentle Beach walk, with optional Sea Swim. Enjoy an Introduction to seaweed delights and the practice of earthing.

1:30 p.m. Kilmokea lunch followed by an afternoon of replenishing your inner resources. Press the pause button on everyday life with a relaxing afternoon in the Jacuzzi and Indoor Heated Pool and Gardens.

6 p.m. Open fire dinner in the Woodlands with evening meditation to finish

Day 4

8 am Meditation & Qi Gong movement in the Gardens.

9 a.m.  Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory.

10am Our closing gathering. Depart feeling revitalised, restored & renewed.

Participation in daily activities and workshops is always optional.

Kilmokea Retreat

 

Mana Retreat Hosts.

Emma Hewlett.

Emma Co owns and lovingly looks after Kilmokea Country Manor and Gardens with her husband, Mark. Guests have been staying at Kilmokea under their care for over 25 years, enjoying the Hewlett home with all the gorgeous offerings on site. Extensive gardens, indoor heated pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. Emma is the Chef in the evening for paying guests where she prepares a wide range of seasonal organic locally sourced food, much of which is grown in the gardens under her care.

She is an Holistic Aromatherapist who works with organic Irish essential oils. Recently she qualified as a vibrational flower essence practitioner and forest bathing facilitator. She practices Qi Gong and meditation daily, loves being outside and sea swims throughout the warmer months. She spends her relaxing moments on the beautiful local beaches and walking with her dogs in the woodlands amongst the trees.

 

Johanna Brown

A history graduate from Trinity College Dublin Johanna spent over 20 years working and travelling, including 5 years living and working in Jordan. 10 years ago she started running art and nature classes which evolved into her own ‘Forest school’. This involves outdoor education through school programmes  in after school groups and camps. She has also led teacher training in this area, and workshops for mental health.

Passionate about foraging, eco-art and learning more about nature-based solutions she is also a certified Forest Bathing practitioner.  Johanna enjoys Qi gong regularly, meditation, nlp, swimming in the river and sea, and walking. She loves sharing the joys and benefits of nature and leading groups of people outdoors, promoting mindfulness and well-being.

 

Everything you need to relax at Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens:

3 nights accommodation in beautiful individually designed bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, cotton sheets and floral bathroom soaps.

Invigorating Water from our own well which has been filtered through reverse osmosis and a vortex.

Daily delicious, nutritious, locally sourced, organic vegetarian food with a vegan option available by prior arrangement.

Secluded Property with Historic Gardens which highlight the location of the mythological foundation site of Ireland, with the first landing of Cassair, followed by peaceful Celtic monks in the 7th century who farmed the lands. The Viking boats which sailed up the River Barrow and settled at Kilmokea preceded the arrival of the Normans in 1169. Kilmokea are proud members of Hidden Ireland and offer accommodation to guests wishing to experience authentic Irish hospitality in their historic home.

What to Bring:

Optional to bring a musical instrument, a story or song for the Open Fire evening in the woods

Outdoor activities will require appropriate clothing so please bring a coat, outdoor footwear, sun cream, a water bottle  and Beach towel if swimming

Feel free to wear pyjamas for the meditation or loose comfortable clothing.

Click here to learn more about this amazing retreat

Lough Bawn House

Go Exploring at Lough Bawn House

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Book a stay with Verity and go exploring at Lough Bawn House!

The house and estate has been in the same family since it was built in 1820 by George Battesby, the current occupier, Verity’s, Great Great Great Grandfather. The house is being lovingly restored by Verity, having returned from England to live in the family home. Verity ran her own catering and events company in Gloucestershire for over 20 years. Her passion for cooking & entertaining shines through. Guests enjoy an extensive and varied breakfast with much of the ingredients being grown or reared by Verity herself, and delicious dinners are on offer. Breakfast is eaten in the large newly restored dining room, with wonderful views over the lough and of the parading peacocks on the rolling lawns.

Both of the large, en-suite rooms have fine views down the length of Lough Bane and over the wooded hills while the single room and the twin/double room have sweeping views of the surrounding parklands. Guests are warmly welcomed and encouraged to relax in the homely drawing room in front of a roaring fire or to explore one of the many local historical sites, gardens, walks or cultural entertainments on offer.

Lough Bawn House Lough Bawn House Lough Bawn House

What to do whilst at Lough Bawn House!

There is so much you can do while staying in Lough Bawn House! Travel westwards along the River Shannon to the historic town of Athlone, Mullingar and Kells. Heading east brings you to the vibrant city of Dublin! Ramble through beech tree forest at Mullaghmeen or cycle on the Royal Canal Greenway and Old Railway Line.

Play golf at courses in Mullingar, Virginia, Kells Headfort, Slieve Russel, and the K Club. Visit the Lough Crew Megalithic Cairns & Passage Tombs, Hill of Uineach and Newgrange. Visit Tullynally Castle, Belvedere House, Loughcrew, and Ballindoolin gardens. Explore Ireland’s Ancient East with historic places like Fore Abbey with it’s Nellie and Nancy walk and Trim Castle. Kilbeggan Distillery Experience, Lockes Museum, Causey Farm, Sheridan’s Cheesemongers and farm shop.

Click HERE to learn more or to book a stay with Verity and go exploring at Lough Bawn House

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Coolclogher House

Book your stay at Coolclogher House

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Explore the Ring of Kerry and book your stay at Coolclogher House!

This is an excellent base for exploring this ruggedly beautiful county and Coolclogher House specialises in vacation rental. It is right on the Ring of Kerry and Killarney town are within walking distance. The Gap of Dunloe and Muckross House are also within easy reach. It is the ideal special holiday destination for extended family groups, golfing groups or families wishing to get away together.

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Killarney is an ideal starting point on the famous Ring of Kerry, going by way of Kenmare, Parknasilla and Waterville, and returning via Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin.  There are also wonderful drives through Beaufort and the Gap of Dunloe, along Caragh Lake to Glencar. For the more ambitious, a day trip to the Dingle Peninsula or the wonderful Ring of Beara. There are world famous golf courses at Waterville, Tralee and Ballybunion while boat trips on the famous Lakes of Killarney, fishing and horse riding can all be arranged.

Coolclogher House is booking up quite quickly and there are only a couple of weeks left this summer. In order to not be disappointed it is advisable to contact Mary and book your stay at Coolclogher House this summer!

Click HERE to enquire about availability.

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Roundwood House Country Houses Accommodation

Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails

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Are you looking for an activities holiday this year? If the outdoors is your thing then why not try the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails.

There are currently 35km of new mountain bike trails (MTB), with trailheads at Kinnitty and Baunreagh. These trails, which are waymarked in one direction and designed specially for mountain bike use, vary in difficulty. They range from the grade trails: ‘blue’ (moderate, with some single-track sections) to ‘red’ (difficult/severe, with challenging climbs and tricky descent).

The trails have been developed by Coillte in partnership with Offaly and Laois County Councils and are funded by the Dept. of Rural and Community Development.

There will eventually be 100km of biking tracks to explore on the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail, so keep an eye on the site for new developments!

Where to Stay?

While you are considering being on the adventurous side you can book your stay with Hannah & Paddy at Roundwood House which is set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Just over an hour from Dublin, Roundwood House is surrounded by mature trees, lawns, gardens and delightful, extensive outbuildings. It is a historic home of architectural interest and was once described by Desmond Guinness, co-founder of the Irish Georgian Society, as having a “marvellous doll’s house-like quality”.

Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails

A rambling avenue leads you through a welcoming committee of animals and into a bright, spacious hall. There is a drawing room, study and dining room, where the combination of log fires, antique furniture and absence of televisions may actually make you believe you’ve been transported back to the 18th century. (A bottle of wine tends to hasten the trip.)

The area is picturesque, unspoiled and peaceful – a delight for hikers and cyclists of all abilities. Horse-riding, fishing and golfing are also available locally. There is no reason why you can not take some time off and feel the wind in your face while you are out on the mountain bike and then relax in the evening and let Paddy cook you dinner that will awaken all your taste buds!

Click HERE to book your stay! Do not delay!

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Hidden Ireland Country Houses Accommodation

Celebrate your wedding with Hidden Ireland

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Celebrate your wedding in a truly unique style at one of Hidden Ireland’s beautiful historic houses.

With our comprehensive selection of the best wedding venues in Ireland, we can offer a breath-taking setting for your big day, with the ceremony taking place in either the verdant gardens or luxurious period interiors of one our many stunning houses, you will be sure to have memories to cherish forever, and photographs that will be the envy of everyone you know.

By choosing a Hidden Ireland house you will ensure your wedding is a lavish and memorable occasion, with photographs and memories worthy of a grand period drama, and a sense of romance and tradition that is unrivalled.

What’s more, Hidden Ireland will lend you all of their wedding planning expertise and knowledge, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and stress free throughout.

Celebrate your wedding Celebrate your wedding Celebrate your wedding

Take advantage of our expertise, experience and enticing selection of the best wedding venues in Ireland

When planning a wedding you always want to make sure you can standout, not just with a theme and style that are your own, but with a venue that will set you apart from the crowd. Hidden Ireland can offer you just that, with all their venues offering character, tradition and personality. Not to mention the benefits of their renowned catering expertise and years of wedding planning experience.

Hidden Ireland houses have been fulfilling the wishes of couples for years, always making sure to take the time to listen and understand, never losing sight of what matters. This is why we have put together a hand-picked list of unique venues for you to browse through, each with their own unique qualities and style. Once you’ve found the right one for you, simply contact the venue and you’re on your way to the perfect wedding.

Our Stylish wedding venues are renowned for their grand receptions

Celebrate your wedding

A Hidden Ireland property is a fantastic choice for any union, with their historic properties guaranteed to imbue the proceedings, and startle your guests, with a sense of grandeur and elegance. Supported by Hidden Ireland’s excellent food and wine, and with exclusive use of the property, you can enjoy the perfect wedding experience.

Several of our houses are spacious enough to accommodate the wedding party in one splendid room. Others, particularly those with sprawling and breath-taking gardens, provide the perfect backdrop for a marquee wedding.

Click HERE to see all our wedding venues located all around Ireland.

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Orlagh House

Book your stay at Orlagh House

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Book your stay at Orlagh House. A Georgian mansion built by Dublin snuff merchant Lundy Foot back in 1790. Frequent visitors to the house included the Great Emancipator Daniel O’Connell, Eoin Mac Neill, Padraig Pearse and William Smith O’Brian.

Orlagh House Orlagh House Orlagh House

A truly unique house set on 45 acres in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, with spectacular views over Dublin City and stretching out as far as the Irish Sea. We are only 25 minutes from Dublin Airport and from Dublin city centre. The house has been lovingly and tastefully restored in recent years, with large drawing and reception rooms and open fires. Our beautiful dining room sits 20 people at our regency table. There is a large games room in the basement of the house with table tennis, pool table, and a full-sized snooker table.

There is lots to do in the area including hiking trails both on the estate and including the Dublin Way and the Wicklow Way. We have an equestrian centre next door with reduced rates for guests and some of Dublin’s most infamous pubs are within 10 minutes of the house, with great local food, traditional music, and Irish dancing.

The house really is one-of-a-kind. Make sure to click HERE and book your stay at Orlagh House

WEDDINGS

Orlagh house is the perfect location for couples who want something different from the norm, a unique and truly personal day to remember. Exclusively yours for your wedding day with a second day optional, we also have 14 bedrooms to offer your guests.

We have an in-house catering team who can create your perfect menu, from sit down formal dining to a more laid-back BBQ’. Choose from our indoor ballroom or numerous outside garden areas. Our wedding team are there to help you with everything you may need.

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Click HERE to book your stay at Orlagh House

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Hidden Ireland Luxury Accommodation Cottages Bed & Breakfast Holiday Lets

Best Places to Stay 2022

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This morning the Irish Independent has published its Fab 50: Ireland’s best places to stay 2022. We are so delighted that Hidden Ireland has two houses included in the list! Clonalis House in Castlerea, Co Roscommon and Birdhill House & Gardens in Clonmel, Co Tipperary appear under the heading of “cool castles & character stays”!

Clonalis House

Clonalis House Castlerea Roscommon Ireland Best Places to Stay 2022 Best Places to Stay 2022 Best Places to Stay 2022

To quote Nicola Brady when it comes to historical properties, Castlerea’s Clonalis House is top of the pile.

Life at Clonalis House is all about kicking back with all the ingredients for a lazy weekend in the country.

Expect the good-old fashioned hospitality of bygone days, roaring turf fires to sit next to and a charismatic ambience. Curl up with a book on a sofa in the library or borrow a pair of wellies and take a stroll in the 700-acre woodland estate.

Clonalis House won the O’Flynn Group Heritage Prize, recognising the dedication to history and preservation of old Irish architecture.

To quote Carol-Anne, from Clonalis House “it’s a never ending project”.

An excellent choice for inclusion in the Irish Independent’s Fab 50, Ireland’s best places to stay in 2022.

Click HERE to book a stay in the beautiful Clonalis House.

Birdhill House & Gardens

Birdhill House Best Places to Stay 2022 Birdhill House Best Places to Stay 2022 Birdhill House Best Places to Stay 2022

Thomas Breathnach called to Yvonne & Robert in Birdhill House & Gardens. Another stunning Hidden Ireland house which is the latest addition to the Hidden Ireland family. Thomas found a villa-like splendour and an all-season appeal , with sun trap terraces, palatial bedrooms, and inviting spaces to curl up in. The house also boasts a beautiful decadent drawing room and a library that is just bursting with character! Condé Nast Traveller has tipped Tipperary as one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022.Click HERE to book a stay in Birdhill House & Gardens!

 

Click HERE to read the full list of the Irish Independent’s Fab 50 Ireland’s best places to stay in 2022!

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Treat your Mother to a Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher for Mother’s Day this year and your mum can treat herself to a stay in one of the best places to stay in Ireland for 2022!

Wild Atlantic Way

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way

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Is it time you went to explore the Wild Atlantic Way?

The Wild Atlantic Way is a world-renowned touring route up the wild and rugged west coast of Ireland. The northerly tip starts on the Inishowen peninsula in Co Donegal and it finishes in the beautiful town of Kinsale in Co Cork, some 2,500 km.

If you are limited on time you can do it in a week but 2-3 weeks would be better. It is a driving (or cycling) tour that meanders its way casually along the Atlantic coast line. The Wild Atlantic Way highlights some 188 of the very best discovery points to see! It also affords you the opportunity to steer off the well sign posted route and explore many more memorable attractions.

the Wild Atlantic Way the Wild Atlantic Way the Wild Atlantic Way

You need not try to do it all. Pick out a region or two and explore at a leisurely pace. Come back another time to do some more. Maps are deceiving in Ireland. It takes longer than you might expect because there is so much to see and do around every bend in the road and behind every blossom laden hedge.

Hidden Ireland & The Wild Atlantic Way

Hidden Ireland accommodation is scattered up and down the trail giving you a great choice of where to stay while you explore the Wild Atlantic Way. An historic Country House bed and breakfast might suit you for a couple of days or a whole house vacation rental in a cottage, lodge or even a manor might suit an extended stay better. It will be a memorable experience to share with friends or family.

Make sure to check out what Hidden Ireland can offer as you explore the Wild Atlantic Way! We even have a map to help you organise your trip along the west coast! Click HERE to check it out!

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