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VALENTINE’S DAY IS just around the corner (two weeks, ladies and gentlemen).
If it falls to you rather than your significant other to arrange some kind of ‘surprise’ weekend away this year, you could do a lot worse than dropping by Airbnb for a look at what’s on offer.
We’ve been doing some of the hard work for you…
The site has hundreds of apartments, houses — and even castles — listed around the country.
For this selection, we’ve picked out what’s on offer between Friday 13 February and the following Monday this year. We’ve set €100 per night as our starting point (not on any scientific basis, it just seemed reasonable) and we’ve picked the ‘entire place’ option (as opposed to, for instance, the ‘shared room’ one — for reasons that should be apparent to all).
There’s a pretty wide scope on offer … although you might have to make friends with a few other couples (alright, a few dozen other couples) to afford some of the more top-end locations.
Check them out…
1. This cosy-looking converted barn
Location: Cork, around 10 minutes drive from Midleton.
Price for the weekend: €516
What they say:
Converted barn on working farm. Large 6 acre vista on coastal setting with panoramic sea views. Quiet beaches a stones throw. Property sits in a secluded location with plants and trees teeming the surrounding.
2. This cedar clad ‘eco home’
Location: Just outside Westport.
Price for the weekend: €463
What they say:
The house boasts of large, sunlit rooms and ample space alongside unsurpassed views of Croagh Patrick and the open moorland beyond the house.
3. This incredibly well-lit house in the mountains
Location: The Ring of Kerry
Price for the weekend: €475
What they say:
A lovely newbuilt house in a gorgeous location. Mountains all around and big south facing conservatory and garden.
4. One of these regal-looking pads
Location: In Gort, Co Galway.
Price for the weekend: €504
What they say:
Nestled in a courtyard on a private castle estate. Henry’s cottage offers a step outside the norm.
5. This centuries-old thatched cottage
Location: Donacarney, in Meath.
Price for the weekend: €859
What they say:
Dating back 300 years, Apple Loft Cottage is an exclusive thatched holiday cottage nestled on Bettystown’s beachfront.
6. An entire Martello Tower
Location: Dalkey, south Dublin.
Price for the weekend: €1,509
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What they say:
A stunning 1804 coastal defense Tower, a National Monument, 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.
7. This glamorous-looking country pile
Location: Co Carlow
Price for the weekend: €3,198
What they say:
From grandiose chandeliers to 9 staircases and 8 split levels, this property will draw the interest of anyone who has a penchant for dazzling style, exceptional antiques and impressive structural design.
8. This plush Edwardian house in leafy Rathgar
Location: Bushy Park Road, in the south Dublin suburb.
Price for the weekend: €2,783
What they say:
No 10 Bushy Park Road is a classical Edwardian residence set within a secure gated garden with parking for up to 5 cars. The house was built in 1903 and retains its period detail. This property was completely refurbished in 2008.
9. This entire castle
Location: 8km south of Kilkenny city.
Price for the weekend: €2,256
What they say:
The castle has been restored to its former authentic glory using the same techniques and materials as the original 16th century builders. The rooms are larger and the stairs wider than in most of the known square towerhouses. Modern comforts have been incorporated without detracting from the charm and simple grandeur of this ancient dwelling.
All photos: Airbnb
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