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13th Mar 2018

5 of the most unusual places to stay in Ireland if you’re planning a long weekend

JOE

Blue Flag beaches Ireland 2018

Brought to you by KBC.

How about a weekend in a castle?

Ireland has some cracking holiday destinations. While it’s nice to get out of the country every so often, there are plenty of spots dotted around our own patch that offer great getaways.

If you’re looking for something a little less obvious then a few nights in your run of the mill hotel, there’s no shortage of unique and interesting destinations.

We’ve gathered together just a tiny sample of some of the unusual places that you can escape to in Ireland. This will make you want to get your credit card out and get booking!

Bubble Domes at Finn Lough

Living in a bubble usually has negative connotations. But not when you’re talking about a literal bubble in the middle of the forest underneath the stars.

The bubble domes at the Finn Lough resort in Fermanagh are a fairly novel way to spend a weekend.

The domes are kitted out with electric showers, wood floors and each one even has a telescope so you can get a closer look at the night sky.

If you ever fancy leaving your transparent sanctuary, there’s also plenty of activities like fishing and cycling to keep you occupied on the resort.

Inishturkbeg, Clew Bay, Co Mayo

This island of the west coast of Mayo translates as “Island of the wild boar.” As part of the Wild Atlantic Way, this spot features secluded beaches with crystal clear blue water that are ideal for picnicking and swimming.

The island is just waiting to be explored, with two marked walks and a load of other trails. Along with hillwalking, you can also go scuba diving and fishing.

If you’re looking for some history, the island is full of archaeological sites. Other historic places of interest include the ruins of a Napoleonic Signal Tower and Port an Dún, the Present Graveyard.

There’s a couple of hotels on the island that’ll be able to put you up while you’re there.  

Wicklow Head Lighthouse

We don’t have a practical use for lighthouses in Ireland anymore. They used to ensure that ships didn’t crash into land during bad visibility. Nowadays, some of them provide luxury accommodation for people looking for a relaxing getaway.

Taken over by the Irish Landmark Trust in 1996, this destination features stunning views of the Irish sea and surrounding countryside.

This particular lighthouse has been around since 1781. It sleeps four and you’re allowed to bring a dog along.

There are 109 steps to the kitchen so if you have have trouble moving around or you plan on cooking soup, it could be a challenge to make your way around the place.

Portsalon Luxury Camping

If you’ve always fancied giving camping a go but are not willing to go full Bear Grylls this might be for you.

Located by the sea in Northern Donegal, you can stay in a yurt (big tent) with all the facilities you could ask for, including king-sized beds and wood burning stove. There’s even a barbeque just outside.

Rent a bike and take in the surrounding sights which include Knockalla Mountain, Mulroy Bay and blue flag beach Ballymastocker Strand is only one mile away.

If all of this didn’t sound lush enough, you can get your free-range eggs from hens on site.

Helen’s Tower, Co Down

“Helen’s Tower, here I stand,

Dominant over sea and land.”

This tower is so historically significant it’s even had poems written about it. You can find it deep in the woods of the Clandeboye Estate.

Bring along some toy swords and you can spend the whole weekend acting out scenes from medieval movies.

With a view of the surrounding landscape, on a clear day, you can see as far as Scotland.

Looking to book that perfect getaway or weekend break in Ireland? The KBC credit card offers you more convenience and flexibility, even when your funds are low. You’ll get 0% interest on your transferred balance for six months when you transfer your credit card balance to KBC.

Offer available when you close your existing credit card and provide closure letter within 90 days. After six months, the interest rate will revert to the standard interest rate at that time. Transferred balance should not exceed 80% of approved credit limit. Lending criteria, underwriting, and terms & conditions apply. KBC Bank Ireland plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. For more information, check out the website

Brought to you by KBC.