CASTLE LESLIE |CO MONAGHAN

The West Wing Suite is a newly restored two-storey, two-bedroom suite in a private wing of Castle Leslie, the décor of which was overseen by owner Sammy Leslie. Think four-poster beds, roll-top baths, pretty balconies and a private spa treatment room — just right for a small group of friends or a couple to enjoy. There is plenty to do from dining in the 2AA Rosette award-winning Snaffles Restaurant, exploring the estate on horseback or lounging in the spa. From €700; www.castleleslie.com.

VIRGINIA PARK LODGE | CO CAVAN

Guests can stay in one of the Lodge’s luxury suites and apartments or a quirky Deerpark Shepherd Hut, €180 per night. Just launched is The Piggery – a covered outdoor barbecue area for self-catering guests. Helpfully, Barbecue Boxes for two are available to pre-order (€79); contents include steaks, prawn, skewers, sugar pit pork, garden slaw, baked sweet potatoes, tasty salads and relishes. A member of the kitchen team can also prepare the barbecue for guests – which reduces the stress (and competitiveness) of any group party; www.virginiaparklodge.com.

GLAMPING PARK, BALLYVOLANE | CO CORK

Arguably Ballyvolane House set the standard for luxury glamping in Ireland, when they introduced their luxurious self-catering bell tents and glamping ark which sleeps two people in a double bed. Fluffy towels, wifi, homemade cookies, proper duvets, good lighting and enough room to stand upright are just some thoughtful details. Guests have full use of a large communal kitchen and beautiful dining terrace, though there are plenty of neighbouring restaurants to enjoy too. Onsite there is a tennis court, badminton area, a seven-aside soccer pitch, croquet lawn, and lakes for canoeing and swimming. The glamping ark costs €265 for two nights, a large bell tent for four people costs €360 for two nights; www.ballyvolanehouse.ie.

DUNOWEN HOUSE | CO CORK

Close to Clonakilty, this 18th-century property is surrounded by private coves and beaches, where guests can surf, kayak, hike or fish. As the former home of Noel Redding, bass guitarist with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, it will appeal to music lovers; one room is dedicated to memorabilia, vintage posters and music magazines. There are only six bedrooms, all individual in style, showcasing the owners’ love of interior design. Also on the property is the luxurious self-catering Orchard Cottage which sleeps five; www.dunowenhouse.ie.

COTTAGES AT ADARE MANOR | CO LIMERICK

Self-catering Rose and Lavender Cottages are next to The Carriage House, Adare Manor’s all-day dining destination, very close to the Manor House. Accommodating up to six guests, the cottages have fully equipped kitchens and en-suite bedrooms (with luxe Aqua di Parma toiletries). Guests can book many activities including, fishing, falconry, archery, horse and carriage tours. A must-visit is the new 111Skin spa and the fairy garden in the woods; www.adaremanor.com.

HUNTINGTON ESTATE | CO CARLOW

Two charming 17th-century gate lodges guard the entrance to historic Huntington Castle. Each cottage sleeps four and prices start from €180 per night. Guests have access to the castle gardens as well as being on the doorstep of an award-winning bistro and traditional pub; www.huntingtoncastle.com.

ASHBROOKE HOUSE | CO FERMANAGH

Ashbrooke House, a self-catering Dower house on the 1,000-acre Colebrooke Estate, affords guests total privacy. Wildlife abounds (otters, badgers, sika deer) while facilities include a croquet/cricket/boules lawn, an American tipi and firepit, plus paddle boards and a kayak for use on the lake. A chef can be provided and activities include clay pigeon shooting lessons, tuition in the on-site ceramic studio and course-fishing. From £2,200 for a two-night stay; www.ashbrookehouse.com.

LARCHFIELD ESTATE | CO DOWN

Set in 600 acres, Larchfield Estate is minutes from the N1/A1. There are 16 rooms split across a series of self-catering cottages. There is one five-bedroomed house, a quaint Rose Cottage, and a series of en-suite “archway” rooms which look out onto the stunning walled garden and grounds. Special touches include a welcome hamper of local products for breakfast, a barbecue in the garden or the use of an Old Piggery for a private dining experience;
www.larchfieldestate.co.uk.

LONGUEVILLE HOUSE | CO CORK

Set in 500 acres of wooded estate in the heart of the Blackwater Valley, Longueville House is a Georgian mansion (dating from 1720) owned by the O’Callaghan family. The house accommodates up to 18 guests and is available to rent exclusively. A smaller five-bedroom property, The Courtyard Mews, can accommodate small groups of up to ten guests; www.longuevillehouse.ie.

RATHSALLAGH HOUSE | CO WICKLOW

Rathsallagh House is available for private rental with discreet service from the team. Fully inclusive, children of all ages and four-legged family members are welcome. There is plenty to do on site and in the area, from a hard tennis court in the walled garden to an 18-hole championship golf course. €299 per person sharing two nights dinner, bed and breakfast; www.rathsallagh.com.