Keen to invest in a luxury holiday home? These stunning properties would make the perfect place to escape.
As soon as the sun appears, it’s impossible to resist the urge to pack up the car and escape to a beautiful location with the sea on your doorstep. The secret to buying the perfect holiday hideaway? Invest in a home that is so enticingly idyllic, you and your loved ones will be clamouring to get there at every opportunity.
Country pile
Ramelton, Co Donegal, €895,000
If you’re seeking grandeur, space and character, Frewin House has it all. This Victorian residence is set on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Ramelton, in Co Donegal, and feels as though it could be the setting for an Agatha Christie mystery. With 1.9 acres of mature gardens, the house was built in 1880 and was a Church of Ireland rectory until 1994, when it was bought and rejuvenated by the present owners. As well as beautifully restored period features in its 445 sq m, the house has a gym and library as well as a charming courtyard to the rear, making it a great escape all year round. It’s close to the spectacular natural amenities that Donegal has to offer — Glenveagh National Park, Derryveagh Mountains, and the beautiful beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way such as Rathmullan, Portsalon and Marble Hill Strand. Ramelton itself is a pretty heritage town, with a popular artisan food store, the Blue Goat, and traditional pubs.
James Edition: jamesedition.com
Beachside living
Greencastle, Co Donegal, €725,000
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The petite exterior of this Edwardian cottage belies the space and comfort inside. Renovated and with a modern extension, Bay Cottage in Shrove, near Inishowen, has exceptional views. Sliding doors open on to a terrace at ground level and there is also a discreet roof terrace: both overlook Stroove Beach. The charming cottage is set on 0.8 acres, and it’s just a few minutes’ stroll to the sandy shore. Built in 1905, the home has benefited from a deep retrofit while still retaining characterful period features in the front reception rooms and restored sash windows. Five kilometres away is the seaside town of Greencastle, where you’ll find lovely cafés and a golf club. There are two championship courses at Ballyliffin Golf Club, 36km away.
Savills: savills.com
Contemporary cool
Clonakilty, Co Cork €875,000
The Breakers at Dunmore in Clonakilty offers the best of both worlds: stunning views and proximity to the sea plus an abundance of great restaurants, independent shops and entertainment on your doorstep. The living areas are on the first floor to make the most of the breathtaking sight of Inchydoney Beach, with 12ft x 6ft windows in the kitchen/dining room. The 204 sq m space feels contemporary and fresh thanks to a renovation in 2021, and there are three bedrooms, a TV den and a mezzanine study offering plenty of space to unwind.
Outside, the house has a simple silhouette, complemented by the inviting wild rugosa lining the driveway. Designed to have a low impact on the environment, with minimal maintenance, the grounds have been laid out in a wildflower meadow, which is a riot of colour in the summer months.
Charles McCarthy: charlesmccarthy.com
Bay views
Kenmare, Co Kerry €695,000
This spacious home in mature private gardens overlooks Kenmare Bay and the Beara peninsula. The two-storey house has five bedrooms, with cosy, country cottage-style interiors and — the highlight — French doors opening on to the patio and garden. With the stunning landscape of the Ring of Kerry on the doorstep — and a golf and country club just minutes away — there’ll never be a dull moment. Templenoe Pier is a popular swimming spot, and not much can beat a stroll and a dip at Derrynane Beach.
Engel & Voelkers: engelvoelkers.com
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Secluded solitude
Coolbawn, Co Tipperary €1,250,000
The Lake House is the only one on Cameron Island with a private harbour on Lough Derg, Ireland’s third-largest lake. The rest of the 100-acre island is covered in woodland. The house has splendid gardens with delightful details such as a lily pond, fountain and Zen garden of Japanese maples and gingko. The house was comprehensively refurbished in 2005 and the minimal interiors allow the space to feel bright and welcoming.
Sothebys Realty, sothebysrealty.com
Outdoor living
Dunmore East, Co Waterford, €2,995,000
Forenaught is a luxurious six-bedroom home nestled on a 3.5-acre site, with a wonderful vantage point over Creaden Bay — within walking distance — and Waterford estuary. There is ample space for guests so entertaining here is a dream, with a wraparound terrace and an outdoor kitchen and barbecue for alfresco dining. There is also a detached studio apartment providing more space for visitors. Everything has been thought of, with an outdoor pod that can be used as an office, and a thermal exercise pool. The nearby fishing village of Dunmore East has popular restaurants and pubs as well as a very active sailing club.
Remax Property Specialists: remax-ireland.com
Country charm
Arthurstown, Co Wexford €800,000
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Bayview House is a beautiful stone-clad home with classic interiors and a sense of nostalgia. The grounds encompass the ruins of a 14th-century church, now a pretty feature of the garden, which overlooks the River Barrow. Surrounded by stone walls and an electric gate, this home offers plentiful outdoor space in a private setting, safe for children to wander.
Lisney: lisney.com
Private haven
Kinsale, Co Cork, €2,400,000
This waterfront property is located minutes from the vibrant town of Kinsale but feels as if it’s in a world of its own. There are unobstructed views of Oysterhaven Bay and the Old Head of Kinsale and a private concrete slipway, making it an ideal spot for watersports and boating. The south and west-facing home has high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a wraparound patio. There are five bedrooms (three en suite), as well as a granny flat with its own living area.
Engel & Voelkers: engelvoelkers.com
