1. Home
2. / Europe
3. / Ireland
/ holiday cottages in Ireland with a sea view

• Good quality holiday homes Ireland
• Twin bed holiday cottages in Ireland

Seaside cottages with good views in southwest Ireland

Coastal cottage breaks in Ireland are very popular during the summer when people like to make the most of warmth and sunshine.  Families take the children to the beach for the good simple pleasures of paddling, searching for seashells, building sandcastles and just lazing around and sunbathing.

Staying in a holiday home with sea views adds that little bit of extra enjoyment to a self-catering holiday. It is even more pleasurable if there is a bench or seating in the garden from which to admire the views. The ideal is garden furniture positioned to make the most of a lovely coastal view so that you can enjoy it whilst you eat al fresco meals. 

• View holiday cottages in Ireland with a sea view

Sometimes, the view is visible only from the upper floor of a holiday cottage, so it is worth taking that little more time to find the holiday cottage with the best coastal views.

Seaside self-catering vacations in Ireland

Ireland is an island nation with many good sandy beaches, lots of which are completely unspoilt and beautiful.  Naturally, many holidaymakers heading for the coast in Ireland will be residents but it is worth making the journey for people from the UK and other countries because what is on offer is not merely a seaside break, it is also an Irish experience of culture, cuisine and legend. We cannot promise leprechauns hiding in the marram grass but we can promise plenty of green landscapes, clean beaches and lots of things to do and see.

Book a self-catering holiday in coastal County Galway

Certain Irish counties attract more holidaymakers to the coast because of their stunning beauty. Galway on the west coast is one such county. Its coastline is a ragged stretch of natural shoreline, beaches and small harbours. This is ideal dog walking country or birdwatching.  Book a holiday home along the Galway coast, overlooking the water and enjoy the sound of the waves and fresh sea breezes.  Many holiday homes stand in their own large patch of ground, well away from neighbours.

The coastal attractions of Galway can be explored from the sea during a boat trip. Find a holiday home to rent near Ballybane and there are several boat trips available.  There is a tour of Corrib Lake, also day tours around the coast.  You may wish to find somewhere to stay on the shores of Lake Corrib and take advantage of rewarding fishing. You may still have a view over the water and the coast is only a few miles drive away. Proficient sailors also have the option of chartering boats and yachts so that they can explore at will.  A host of small islands is scattered along Lake Corrib and around the coast, each of which is a tiny nature reserve where birds can breed in safety.   A tempting island to visit in Lough Corrib is Inchagoill which offers woodland walks, plentiful wildlife and two ancient churches.

Getting to Galway from outside Ireland is best via Knock or Shannon airports. A drive of about an hour will bring you to Galway and your reserved holiday accommodation.

Southwest Ireland coastal holiday homes

The south and southwest coasts of Ireland are eternally popular with summer visitors. The lure of spotting dolphins and seals and pristine beaches such as Coumeenoole Beach make the effort of getting there worthwhile.  Once settled in good quality holiday accommodation, the buckets, spades and surf boards can be unpacked and your memorable Irish holiday begins.

Another beach a little further east from Coumeenoole is Inch Beach. A sandy spit of land crosses the River Malne estuary offering a long sweep of sands. This creates a sheltered harbour behind it which is almost a lagoon.

Ballybunion Beach is another highly prized beach for quality and beauty.  Nature has carved out a sandy bay encircled by cliffs that have been weathered over centuries to form a bracelet of rocks.  Ballybunnon Golf Club stretches along the shore. Perhaps find somewhere to stay in the small village of Ballybunion? It may not have many streets but the main street has eateries and bars to satisfy hungry tourists, holiday apartments and a few essential shops and banks.

Banna Beach is an excellent spot for dog owners. The sand stretches along the coastline backed by large pebbles and dunes sprouting great tufts of marram grass. Find a sheltered spot in the dunes to sunbathe out of the wind.  There is a surf hire shop on this beach and plenty of parking.  There are cottages overlooking the sand dunes and sea – perfect for a coastal break with wonderful views. Other holiday cottages lie just outside the village.

Read more about renting holiday homes near a beach in Ireland:

• Seaside holiday homes in County Cork with a swimming pool
• Cottage holidays near beaches in Waterford