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• Family self catering holidays in County Cork Ireland

Book a seaside holiday cottage on the Irish coast

Bathed in history and with an adventure around every corner, Ireland is one of those countries that is a must visit for tourists looking for holiday cottages everywhere. Not only is it a haven for golfers, birdwatchers, dog walkers and mountain trekkers with its welcoming and picturesque scenery but it is also the setting for many a popular feature film or TV series. Try ‘The Quiet Man’, ‘Michael Collins’ and contemporary phenomenon ‘Game Of Thrones’ out for size. The latter showcasing Ireland’s incredible beauty to avid viewers worldwide.

• Seaside holiday cottages in Ireland

• Seaside holiday homes in Ireland that have a hot tub

• Pet-friendly seaside holiday homes in Ireland

Ireland is also known for its scenic coastal towns and cities as well as its long and wide sandy beaches in which your pet pooch can be let off the lead to run free excitedly. Waterford in the South East is certainly a fine example of one of these cities. With a city centre enriched in history and culture, an amazing coastline one side and a mountainous countryside on the other, Waterford is certainly a place that tourists and their pets love to flock to in their thousands. It’s certainly too big a place to stay for just the day, so why not stay for at least the weekend in one of the holiday cottages that this charming city has to offer? Submerged in peace and tranquillity, you will completely relax and unwind from the stresses of modern life, in a property that is walking distance to beautiful beaches like the Clanea Strand or Tramore. Both of which have been awarded International Blue Flag Awards for 2016. With bright, spacious rooms, a fully functional self-catering kitchen and a large decked patio, what more could you ask for? You want spectacular views of nearby mountain ranges like the Comeragh Mountains? OK. Throw that in too! How about having a BBQ with friends and family outside as you bask in this local scenery? There’s no need to worry about the weather. Waterford does officially have the warmest climate in the whole of Ireland!

More than a few miles away in the North West of the country lies Sligo, one of Ireland’s largest towns. The self-titled ‘Gateway to the North West’ is a haven for those wanting to discover the real traditional Ireland. Its location is truly magical; nestled neatly in between the majestic Benbulben and Knocknarea mountains, freshwater Lough Gill, made famous by the poetry of W.B. Yeats and the wild waters of the vast Atlantic Ocean. A perfect setting for your very own self catered holiday cottage. Why not cycle leisurely along the tranquil country roads or walk across the array of shimmering sandy beaches in Sligo, hand in hand with your partner? And afterwards, you can fall back into your armchair with the dog at your feet, next to the electric fire in your large family sized living room, exhausted but elated from your day of exertion. If it’s a lie in you need in the morning, then look forward to a comfy king sized bed that you won’t want to leave. A far cry from that springy single bed at home, where your cold feet dangle out at the end! And the coupe de gras, your own private balcony, in which you can have a cup of tea or an Irish whisky in hand (depending on the time of day) and stare out at the eager sea anglers on the River Garavogue below. If that sounds like bliss, then just wait for our next and final coastal town.

Galway is a thriving harbour city on the West Coast and definitely one of Ireland’s shining lights. Although a quarter of its population is that of students, showcasing its contemporary and cultured side, the city centre is also swimming with history and ye olde Irish tradition. The Galway coast is similarly spectacular. The 50-km long Galway Bay in particular is a sailor’s paradise. Why not visit during the Summer months and cruise the length and breadth of the bay in style? Maybe get involved in deep sea diving or a spot of near shore swimming? Yes, Ireland can be as exotic as Barbados sometimes! Famous Irish doctor, British Army officer and songwriter Arthur Colahan also wrote about this stretch of water in one of his well-known songs ‘If you ever go across the sea to Ireland, then maybe at the closing of your day, you will sit and watch the moon rise over Claddagh and see the sun go down on Galway Bay’. With a holiday cottage in this part of the country, everything is on a Waterford glass plate for you. Perfect for a romantic getaway, why not book your very own quaint, intimate and cosy cottage in which to escape the mounting pressures of home life? Exploring through the interior of your abode, why not chill out and relax in front of the widescreen TV in your comfy lounge? Or how about playing a competitive board game, like old times gone by, in your well-lit conservatory? Children will relish being outside in the open plan garden and running about with the dog, while there’s also a garden table for Mum and Dad to sit and have a drink on, so that everybody can love the wild and free spirit attitude that Galway can offer you. Added to the fact that trendy towns and traditional pubs are right on your doorstep, there’s always that chance to get out and about and immerse yourself like a typical Irishman would.

Ireland is one of those countries that needs to be on the bucket list of any eager traveller. With gorgeous coasts, spectacular countryside and vibrant cities, it really is an opportunity to see a place that is more about charm and sophistication and less about stereotypes like Guinness and Michael Flatley dancing wildly on two feet. Although we seriously love them too….