Here are a few of my favourite self-catering cottages around Northern Ireland for the perfect summer break.
These cottages captivated my imagination… like something straight out of a story book in a pretty village. Rose cottage has a large living room with open fire (requirement of any cosy cottage), spacious kitchen and dining and master bedroom with ensuite. Sleeps 2 adults. Rose cottage Annex has 3 bedrooms sleeping up to 5 guests and private gardens overlooking fields and a children’s climbing frame. Lilac Tree cottage has 2 bedrooms, pretty side garden and views of the Abbey to the rear. The cottages are beautifully renovated but retain their rustic aesthetics.
Greyabbey is a historic village on the Ards peninsula with Cistercian Abbey (Cistercian refers to an order of monks). The Abbey grounds are perfect for walks and picnics. Greyabbey has some lovely coffee shops, restaurants and antique shops for a charming staycation.
Shamrock cottage is a luxurious 5 star self catering cottage near Kesh- the ideal place to enjoy peace and tranquillity. Just on the edge of Lough Erne, it offers the most stunning lakeside views for a relaxing stay with a spacious outdoor area. The Inglenook fireplace in the lounge is my idea of cosy. The cottage sleeps 6 guests.
Take a walk along the shore and through the woodlands or stand on the jetty hugging a warm mug of coffee in the morning sunshine. The jetty is also great for fishing. Of course, Shamrock cottage is in a great location for exploring Fermanagh and all it has to offer!
A cluster of 5 luxury self catering cottages at the foot of the Mourne Mountains (the views!!!), sleeping 4 – 6 guests (depending on the cottage booked) so they are perfect for a family staycation and they are dog friendly so you can bring your four-legged family member. Each cottage has a wood burning stove and are beautifully furnished while retaining much traditional charm. Play area for the children and picnic tables too.
Of course, the Mournes are great for walking and exploring but the cottages are also just 10 minutes drive from Newcastle as well as Castlewellan and Tolleymore country parks and Murlough Bay.
The Bakers Cottages is a 5 star self catering accommodation with private wildflower gardens, a covered outdoor area WITH a hot tub house . Cosy seating area with (you’ve guessed it) wood burning stove, bedrooms for up to 6 guests, dog building and outdoor play area.
Seaforde is only a short drive to Newcastle and Murlough and Tyrella are on the way! This is a great place to relax in a rural setting because everything you need is onsite.
3 traditional cottages at the foothills of Binevenagh, 6 miles from Limavady. These 18th century cottages have been sensitively restored for a truly authentic cottage experience, sleeping between 2 and 5 guests depending on the cottage.
Binevenagh Mountain is an officially designated area of outstanding beauty. The cottages are also centrally located for visiting the North coast, Derry/Londonderry and Donegal. Great for anyone who wants to explore the Giants Causeway, the Game of Thrones filming locations and The Walled City of Derry.
Dating back to the 1800’s this cottage has been completely transformed to create a traditional cottage experience. The cottage sleeps up to 7 guests, with drawing room and conservatory both overlooking the beautiful gardens which are home to red squirrels and rabbits. The cottage has a traditional stove in the kitchen and log burning fire in the lounge.
Located on the Ards Peninsula within a mile of Strangford Lough and close to Mount Stewart with beautiful Autumn walks, the house and gardens. Donaghadee with lighthouse, Bangor with its coastal walks and marina and Newtownards with shops and restaurants are all close by.
Located in the ‘heart of Ulster’ and no more than an hour from anywhere in Northern Ireland, Kingsmill cottages are close to Cookstown, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Coagh, Stewartstown and Lough Neagh. Annies’s cottage (4 star) sleeps 4 with a rustic kitchen, living area with open fire and a decked terrace with beautiful views of The Sperrins (special). Bluebell cottage is a 4 star farmhouse only 1 mile from Moneymore and in a great location for exploring the Sperrins. Sleeps 6 guests. Other accommodation includes 2 converted Georgian apartments and Rosie’s House sleeping up to 10.
Horseshoe cottage is a converted stable block with open plan kitchen living area with wood burning stove and patio courtyard boasting beautiful views over Strangford Lough. The cottage sleeps up to 4 guests. I’ve included this cosy little find because of its very special location- right beside Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen!
So you could book Tracey’s award- winning traditional breadmaking experience or incredible afternoon tea to enjoy during your stay. There are lots of farm animals around including ducks and chickens- which children will love- perfect for a family stay! You'll even be greeted with fresh homemade soda breads and Tracey's jams and organic eggs from the hens on arrival!!
Please quote ‘Staycations NI’ when booking. Always book direct for best rates.
Photos courtesy of each property's website.
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