Ireland

Down by the shore of Clew Bay, enjoy peace, space and modern comforts (kitchens are excellent) and discover this magical watery world

Gardeners will be very happy staying in this generous, comfortable B&B surrounded by stunning gardens with year-round interest

A lovely, spacious 1830s house in the heart of arty Westport with nearly an acre of garden, an apple orchard and the river running past

Fall asleep to the sound of the sea in your dreamy thatched cottage, one of 6, right on the beach for those head-clearing walks...

Stay in the wilds of south Cork, where new life is being breathed into a much-loved family home and you can simply join in

Music evenings, pop-up theatre nights and great food at the Sash brasserie. You’re just a stroll from shops and bars

Books, meadow flowers, a rocking chair by a cosy fire at this treasure-trove cottage of beautiful things - down tiny lanes in west Cork

The cottage looks down over Lough Swilly, idyllic for boats and safe swims... and the neighbours are friendly, just sheep and cows

Minimalist calm pervades this sleek space - designed with the majestic surroundings in mind. Big groups can spread to the cottage next door

All the bleached beauty of the beach inside this comfortable cottage; a dining terrace with uplifting sea views and arching views of Kerry

Anglo-Irish meets Italian and Indian; the owners have peppered this charming home with furniture and artefacts from their broad travels

Hosts who were made for B&B, these smiling ex-farmers welcome the world to their snug sitting room and simple rooms with immense warmth

Peaceful converted barn on a remote working farm – pet the donkeys, wild swim and row on the lake, warm up around the wood-burner

A 17th-Century Irish castle on the water’s edge. Watch the yachts from your bedroom, join local wine nights, discover the rich history

In tranquil countryside close to the Ring of Kerry, a rustic farmhouse with wonderful stargazing and brilliant walks starting from the door

Come for Michelin-starred Irish food, cooked with flair – not fuss – for comfort and to connect with the extraordinary Burren landscape

A pretty cottage by the sea, with uplifting views, restful bedrooms, the beach a short hop, gorgeous walks and lively Kinsale nearby