Stonewalled, whitewashed or thatched … the vernacular architecture of Irish cottages is renowned the world over as a symbol of quaintness, often found in an idyllic rural setting. As many of us review our (limited) holiday options this year, booking into a cottage offers a welcome change of scenery with added independence, and in many cases access to the comforts of a luxury hotel or wellness facilities close by. I’ve selected a range of options from chic to coastal – all are highly Instagrammable.

The Irish Landmark Trust is my first recommendation as a go-to site for interesting rentals – from lighthouses to gate lodges and this Railway Crossing Cottage, in Co Donegal. It couldn’t be more authentic and is located in Drumstevlin just six minutes’ drive from Donegal town. The cottage was originally constructed in c.1892/93 (the Killybegs branch of the County Donegal Railway opened in 1893) and through the years was inhabited by a succession of families up until the late 1970s, when it became abandoned. The long garden follows the course of the old rail tracks. The cottage sleeps two with a double bedroom and is €340 for two nights. If you’re stopping in Donegal, do make a point of visiting Magee1866 – for some retail therapy. www.irishlandmark.com 

Traditionalists will love the cottages at Cliff at Lyons, spread out on this lush Kildare estate. Choose from a collection of six two-bedroom cottages, each with their own character and decor. If Marie Antoinette wanted an Irish escape this is where she would have chosen as the furnishings are decidedly luxe with four poster beds, silk upholstery and ornate touches. All have exceptional garden, potager or lily-pond views, with some bedrooms looking towards the Grand Canal. This is Love One cottage, which has stone flagged floors and a finely carved mantelpiece. From €285 per night; www.cliffatlyons.ie.

Ok, so in theory Salterbridge Gatelodge, Co Waterford is not technically a cottage but it ticks all the boxes in my eyes (pretty, petite, perfect location and pet friendly). Situated in the glorious Blackwater valley a mile from the charming village of Cappoquin, the bijou rental sleeps two and dates from the mid-19th century. Among its interesting features is an octagonal garden room from which the two main rooms, bedroom and sitting room, lead; the kitchen and bathroom are to the rear. There’s plenty to see in the vicinity – it’s three miles from the heritage town of Lismore (do visit the gardens at Lismore Castle), and 20 miles from the sea at Youghal and Dungarvan, €340 for two nights; www.irishlandmark.com.

A little slice of heaven on the west coast is how Dunmore House is described. The family business is helmed by Carol Barrett who ensures her guests are well looked after – whether in the 30-bedroom main property – or in the self-catering cottages.  Carol can have a range of homemade dishes stocked in the fridge on arrival which includes a breakfast box with free range eggs, homemade bread and jam, and yogurts. As for what to do  – there are ten beaches to explore, or you could curl up with a book and listen to the sound of the sea.  The best bit? The cottages are dog-friendly too so nobody needs to be left behind. As a guide to price, the one bedroom “Oak” cottage is available from €500 for seven nights; www.dunmorehousehotel.ie.

Set in 600 acres Larchfield Estate is a family run country estate in Co Down, minutes from the N1/A1. Usually booked up for exclusive parties and events, it comprises 16 rooms split across a series of stunning heritage self-catering cottages. There is one standalone five-bedroomed house, a quaint Rose Cottage, a series of ensuite archway rooms which are immaculately designed and look out onto the stunning walled garden and grounds of the estate. It’s an ideal getaway for a group of friends. Special touches include a welcome hamper of local artisan products for breakfast, a barbecue in the garden or (when restrictions allow) the use of an Old Piggery for a private dining experience. While you’re there visit the picturesque Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, book into Hara restaurant for a dining experience to remember or do some antique shopping in Saintfield; www.larchfieldestate.co.uk.

Fota Island Resort, Co Cork, is set in magnificent grounds and its contemporary self-catering Courtyard cottages and lodges are ideal for a family of four. The resort is currently offering a three-night family retreat, which includes Movie Night, with your choice of excellent family films and a delicious basket of treats. Also included is dinner on one night delivered from the resort’s popular Clubhouse menu. Consistently voted a family favourite, there is plenty to do in the vicinity, from enjoying Blue Flag beaches to exploring the on-site playgrounds, forests and walks. A three-night stay for two adults and two children is from €950; www.fotaisland.ie.

Journey to the picturesque village of Clonegal, Co Carlow and there’s the option to stay in one of two charming 17th-century cottages. The gate lodges guard the entrance to historic Huntington Castle – where guests can avail of access to the castle gardens and grounds, as well as being on the doorstep of an award winning bistro and traditional pub. Each cottage sleeps four and prices start from €180 per night. For details and availability email info@huntingtoncastle.com.

Elevating the beach cottage to a design destination, the stunning new Cliff Beach House set above Ardmore Bay, Co Waterford (at Cliff House Hotel) comprises six en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, each with floor-to-ceiling windows which slide open so you can step out from your bedroom to smell, hear and breathe the essence of the coastline. Upstairs, high-pitched ceilings in the dining room and two living rooms open up through floor-to-ceiling glass to a long stone patio, creating a sense of being immersed in the stunning waterside location. Services can be dialled up as required, to include stocking the larder with treats, sourcing in-house entertainment or ordering dinner to be dropped at the door; www.cliffhousehotel.ie.

Finally, no list would be complete without mentioning the cottages at Sheen Falls Lodge – firm favourites of several GLOSS team members. Located within the 300-acre estate the cottages and holiday villas allow access to the five-star hotel’s impressive facilities. If you’re travelling with a family or two friends (in your bubble) then I’d recommend the luxurious thatched Little Hay cottage or for larger families, Garden Cottage. Both are tucked-away and picture postcard perfect, with Kenmore Bay visible beyond the beautiful private gardens. Guests can do as little, or as much, as they want. For the active, there’s salmon fishing on a private stretch of the River Sheen, horse riding, golf, kayaking, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, hill walking, tennis as well as complimentary bicycles to explore the grounds … The list is practically exhaustive (and all safe social distancing activities too!). Then, of course, the Wild Atlantic Way beckons – discover the Clare to Kerry leg with Sheen Falls Lodge as your base; www.sheenfallslodge.ie.