Self-catering in Ireland: enjoy your stay with creature comforts

Just off the famous cobbled streets at the heart of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter, you’ll find the Key Collection Apartments Temple Bar. Surrounded by lively bars, and restaurants serving world cuisine from French to traditional Irish, these residences are ideal if you’re looking to spend your break celebrating a special occasion. What’s more, when you head out for a couple of drinks (and maybe a dance), you’ll receive discounts at many of the local hotspots. Fancy exploring some of the sights? You’ll also get money off tours around the city, such as the Real Dublin Tour, which keeps groups to a maximum of seven and is accompanied by a guide who’s an Irish History graduate. Fans of the distinctive dark stout can find out more about their favourite beverage at the famed Guinness Storehouse, only a 10 minute walk away.

Make yourself at home in one of the modern-style apartments decorated with statement wallpaper and sleek sofas, alongside homely cushions and rugs. There’s a 32 inch flat-screen TV for an hour or so’s movie watching, too. Each has an open-plan layout, so whether you’re shaking cocktails in the fully fitted kitchen, nibbling on snacks at the dining table or using Wi-Fi in the lounge area, you’ll still be able to chat away. After evenings out discovering the city’s party spirit, sink into bed and get cosy amid fluffy duvets and clean white sheets. In your bathroom you’ll find fresh towels and toiletries – so you’ll have more space in your suitcase to bring that extra pair of shoes.

When staying in the Grand Canal Quay Apartment, you have all the benefits of your own space coupled with lavish hotel-style amenities. Spend an afternoon building up an appetite for a hearty dinner with some lengths in the pool or working out in the gym on nearby Grafton Street – a stay at these apartments gives you complimentary access and it’s just a 10 minute walk away. If you’ve left your gym kit at home, then this bustling shopping street is packed with high street and boutique stores for a quick shopping spree.

Apartments are decorated with contemporary flair. You’ll find rooms painted in chic neutral and grey tones with sleek furniture to make your stay an elegant home-from-home – there’s a modern dining table with leather seats for evening meals and a plush sofa in the lounge area for relaxing. Deep-pile rugs on the wooden floors and rich carpets in the bedrooms lend a welcoming yet refined touch. Cook your favourite dishes in the flat’s neat kitchen, which has an inclusive open-plan layout. To wind down after a day of sightseeing around the city, soak for a while in your sleek bathtub or pour a glass of red wine to take out onto your private balcony and look out over the canal dock and bustling Pearse Street.

Heading out? The American architect-designed Grand Canal Square (known as one of Dublin City’s most scenic areas), opened in 2007. It’s bursting with cafés, bars and restaurants – and, it’s right on your doorstep. For a Guinness and some live Irish music, just take a 10 minute stroll to the vibrant Temple Bar.

After a day relaxing by the tranquil Kenmare Bay or taking a stroll in the fresh air by the untamed river, make yourself at home in the Courtyard at Sheen Fall Country Club. Situated just a 5 minute walk from the bay, and nestled between the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, keen walkers will find plenty to explore just outside their door.

Kick off muddy boots and settle into an apartment decorated in calm, neutral tones, with bright floor-to-ceiling patio doors. Put your feet up on the cushioned sofa and get cosy under a chunky blanket to flick through a magazine. The country-style yet modern kitchen is equipped with a stainless steel gas hob that’s ideal for whipping up suppers like Spanish omelette – and the open dining room features light and sleek leather chairs around a wooden table. On sunny mornings, start the day with an al-fresco breakfast and steaming coffee on your private wood-decked terrace. At the end of the day, a chic bedroom decorated in cool tones with black and white framed portraits awaits. Adding to the country-escape experience, it features a Juliette balcony overlooking nearby woodland so you can wake up to serene views.

When you don’t fancy cooking, the Sheen Falls Hotel offers fine dining in its two-AA Rosette awarded restaurant. Sit down to plates of home-smoked salmon, caught on the estate, paired with wine from the hotel’s extensive cellar – the largest in Ireland.

Take a break from hectic everyday life and be pampered in the serene wellness facility at Decoy Country Cottages. The aptly named Revive Spa will help you forget your worries (and loosen any knots) with therapeutic massages that use scented aromatherapy oils or deep tissue techniques. There are also nourishing sea mud body wraps and facial treatments that are personalised to suit your skin’s needs (using the traditional Chinese practice of face mapping to pinpoint problem areas). After being rubbed and scrubbed, wander back to your stone cottage, taking in the surrounding sweeping countryside of the Boyne Valley.

On arrival here, you’ll be welcomed by a basket of essentials and even a cooked meal of afternoon tea (if pre-ordered) to make you feel like you’re staying with old friends. The charming houses have stone flooring and are decorated with traditional wooden furniture including a farmhouse-style dining table for all your friends or family to gather around. A crackling log-burner in the lounge and checked textiles help to make the house cosy and homely, while underfloor heating and a Lavazza coffee machine add a feeling of homely warmth – true Irish hygge.

Make the most of sunny days and grill steaks or burgers in the barbecue area – if you have kids in tow, they can keep themselves occupied in the resort’s playground. There’s also a fitness suite and a games room with pool and air hockey – ideal if the sky’s a little cloudy.

Wake up to vistas of the shimmering North Atlantic Ocean and the distant Clare Mountains at the Galway Bay Sea View Apartments. Situated in a peaceful spot, these waterfront apartments offer the ideal base for a relaxing break. Settle yourself on your balcony or rooftop terrace with a mug of coffee and lose yourself in a book selected from the little library downstairs.

Inside, neutral shades and natural wood flooring create a calming atmosphere. Bedrooms add a sense of luxury with a feature wall of elegantly patterned paper and a palette of jewel tones or colours inspired by the ocean. On the beds, scatter cushions and snug blankets in matching hues make the crisp white linens even more inviting. In the bright and airy living space, leather sofas and chairs ensure there are enough seats for everyone. A large dining table means you can have meals together while admiring the serene sea views – there’s also outdoor seating for al-fresco dinners. You’ll find the open-plan kitchen is neatly organised and fully equipped with microwave, oven, hob and all the utensils you’ll need for at-home dining.

On your doorstep lies the seaside village of Salthill with its 2 mile long promenade that winds along the coast – ideal for a refreshing stroll (or jog if you’re keeping up your fitness regime). There’s also a Blue Flag beach where you can stroll through the sands and paddle in the cool saltwater.

Surrounded by Italian marble floors and creamy vanilla tones, you’ll feel like you’re living in a luxury hotel when you check into one of the apartments, townhouses or penthouses at Park Place Apartments. Sink into the plush sofas in soft leather to watch the 32 inch flat-screen TV, or, wind down by looking out on the town, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and distant mountains. On sunny days, soak up the rays from your private balcony or terrace. Sit back in sleek wicker armchairs to linger over a glass of crisp Chardonnay in the evening. The lavish interiors here are complemented by hi-tech details including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stereo – so, come evening, you can set the mood for a romantic dinner. Bedrooms have fresh white linens on wooden beds, while marble bathrooms have fluffy towels and deep baths, some with Jacuzzi settings.

Situated in the heart of the town, your apartment or townhouse is just steps from Killarney’s vibrant selection of pubs and restaurants. Choose from seafood specialists serving the catch of the day, or try something different and opt for a taste of Asian street food. To work off a hearty lunch, stroll a third of a mile to the lakes, castles and ancient woodland of Killarney National Park and spot red deer and kingfishers. During your stay, you can also benefit from hotel luxuries – take a swim in the pool or detox in the steam room of the fitness suite at the Killarney Towers Hotel (a 5 minute walk away), all for a discounted price.

Book an ultra-chic stay by the seaside in a sleek apartment at Jameson Court. Set in the heart of the quaint fishing village of Salthill, the accommodation boasts vistas of either the bunting-adorned main street or the lapping waves of the North Atlantic Ocean in Galway Bay. Moments from your front door you can buy a steaming cup of coffee from an artisan café or teatime treats from local shops. There’s also a collection of music-filled bars and restaurants to visit – handy if you don’t fancy cooking every night.

Take in the charming village and sea views from your private balcony – the floor-to-ceiling patio doors lead into the living room, filling it with light. Inside, you’ll experience interiors expertise as each apartment is carefully designed with colourful cushions, tactile rugs and sumptuous sofas to create a welcoming feel. Standout pieces such as clear Perspex chairs and statement wallpaper add a glamorous-hotel feel to the rooms. To ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible, there are plenty of modern touches, too, such as a Nespresso machine and a Smart TV with Netflix – just the thing for cosy nights in. The fully fitted kitchen has everything you’ll need to make a light breakfast or hearty dinner and a dishwasher to make cleaning up a doddle. You’ll also have a basket of milk, tea, coffee and biscuits to welcome you when you arrive.

When you want to combine the bright lights of Dublin with trips out into the green pastures of its countryside, Pearse Street Suites are an ideal spot. These modern apartments are located in the heart of the city, just steps from Grand Canal Square and an 18 minute stroll to Grafton Street. They’re also close to the DART train, which can transport you from the urban landscape to the floral gardens and renowned ancient ruins of fishing village Howth in 30 minutes.

Each apartment has a contemporary design, decorated in soft creams with polished tile floors and accents of natural wood for a serene atmosphere. Wooden furniture creates a homely feel in the bedrooms, while spacious king-sized beds dressed in crisp white sheets add a little luxury. You’ll find the tiled bathrooms are stocked with fluffy towels to wrap up in after a refreshing power shower, so no need to bring your own. Relax in the lounge area on cushioned leather sofas and catch up on favourite shows on the 32 inch LCD TV with cable channels. The fully equipped kitchen means you can spend evenings creating tasty dishes (or shaking up some colourful cocktails) for your group before heading out to try the local bars. In the evening, wander up to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the cityscape and watch it come to life in a dazzling display of lights.

Spend your Irish holiday with your furry friend in tow at the New Forest Estate Lodges. These pet-friendly houses welcome well-trained dogs, so you can both experience wonderfully wild walks through the rolling countryside. Located on the extensive grounds of an Irish country estate that dates back to the 12th century, the holiday homes are nestled between sweeping greens and woodland that’s witness to a bygone era.

The estate’s original courtyard has been carefully renovated into the luxurious lodges, which still feature many of the building’s historical details such as arched doorways and a manicured garden. Once inside, you’ll find these refined houses are decorated with ornately patterned curtains and throws alongside modern lighting and plump suede sofas – ideal for a special break with your other half. The tiled bathrooms have a contemporary look with a walk-in shower and a bathtub with massaging water jets to make your evening soak extra sumptuous.

Spread out over two or three floors, these lodges offer plenty of space and have layouts with split-level living areas. Each also has a traditional-style fitted kitchen, complete with a dishwasher. There’s a washing machine, too, so you can freshen up any clothes that get muddy paw prints on them after a day’s trek. The spacious kitchen has a wooden table and chairs for dining à deux, or, on warm evenings, take your meal outside to gaze upon the serene grounds from your private patio.