9 Gorgeous Airbnb Stays in the West Worth Booking Now

From beachside cottages and Connemara hideaways to a converted bus, rally truck and alpaca farmstay, these character-filled escapes are made for a proper West of Ireland break.

Sometimes, the place you stay is the whole point of the trip. Across Galway and the wider West, there are cottages tucked beside the Atlantic, design-led farmhouses in the Burren, big houses made for gatherings and the kind of memory-making stays you’ll still be talking about long after check-out.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic night away, a group celebration or a total switch-off in the middle of nature, these stays all offer something a little different. Here are nine to have on your radar.

Summerage

The property: An immersive short-stay retreat in a sustainably restored traditional Irish farmhouse in the Burren, created by Ard Bia's Aoibheann MacNamara.

Sleeps: Four guests in two bedrooms.

Where it is: The Burren, Co. Clare.

Why we love it: Set across 32 acres, Summerage is all about space, stillness and 360-degree views. The retreat includes a hazel forest, kitchen garden and native Irish honey bee apiary.

Perfect for: A quiet design-led escape, slow weekends and anyone who wants to properly switch off.

Local love: The Burren itself is the draw here. The property is in the heart of the Burren, a UNESCO Geopark, and was created to honour the area’s biodiverse glacio-karst landscape.

Booking info: See here for details on how to book your stay.

Sunnybank House

The property: A luxurious historic estate house in private grounds overlooking Clifden town.

Sleeps: Up to 24 guests in 11 twin/double en suite bedrooms.

Where it is: Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway.

Why we love it: This is a serious group-stay option, with extensive living rooms, a large dining room, outdoor dining and BBQ facilities, an outdoor heated swimming pool, patio, sauna, high-speed fibre broadband, private parking, EV charging and two open turf fires.

Perfect for: Family gatherings, celebrations, reunions, special occasions and (if you've a very nice boss) team-building trips.

Local love: Sunnybank is within a two-minute walk of Clifden town square. Guests can eat in, arrange private catering, or eat out locally, including at Guys Bar Clifden, which is connected to the property.

Booking info: See here for details on how to book your stay.

Norah’s Cottage

The property: A restored Connemara cottage on 12 acres by Omey Beach, designed for comfort, sea views and a full escape from busy life.

Sleeps: Sleeps 9 across four bedrooms.

Where it is: Claddaghduff, Co. Galway.

Why we love it: Each bedroom has panoramic sea views and the cottage has a large kitchen, cosy living room with stove, board games, a small library and plenty of space for families or friends. It is also dog-friendly.

Perfect for: Two families, a group of friends or anyone looking for a beachside Connemara stay.

Local love: Omey Island, Claddaghduff, Diamond Hill, Inishbofin Island, Dog’s Bay, the Alcock and Brown memorial, Clifden, Killary Harbour and Kylemore Abbey are all nearby. Sweeney’s pub is a 10-minute walk away, while Clifden is a 15-minute drive for pubs, live music, restaurants and supermarkets.

Booking info: October to April from €280 per night, with a three-night minimum stay. Contact norahscottage@gmail.com or 00353 89 6044397.

Kylemore Hideaway

The property: A warm, modern two-bedroom farm cottage at the foot of the Garraun mountain complex, with lake, mountain, river and waterfall views.

Sleeps: Two double rooms for up to four guests. 

Where it is: On the shores of Lough Fee, close to Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Letterfrack and Leenane.

Why we love it: This is classic Connemara escapism: a turf fire, mountainside setting, onsite waterfall, lake access and quiet sandy beaches nearby. The cottage also has Wi-Fi, Netflix, a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor seating and a small BBQ.

Perfect for: Nature lovers, walkers, anyone in need of a real break and those who want a base close to Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park.

Local love: Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Leenane, Renvyle, Glassilaun beach and Lettergesh beach are all mentioned nearby. The host also recommends KABO in Letterfrack for coffee and notes “really good 99s” at the service station down the road.

Booking info: See here for details on how to book your stay.

Wild Atlantic Bus

The property: A converted 28-year-old double-decker bus turned into a unique holiday stay.

Sleeps: Accommodates 6 comfortably, with three double beds, two of which can be twin beds or used as singles.

Where it is: On the outskirts of Oughterard, Co. Galway.

Why we love it: The Wild Atlantic Bus has a wood-burning stove, full kitchen, wet room, fire pit, outdoor shower with views, and a cabin for coats and boots after a day out – all on an the bus!

Perfect for: Anyone after a quirky Connemara base, especially if you want something more memorable than a traditional stay.

Local love: The bus is a five-minute walk down a country lane to Lough Corrib, described as one of the last remaining native brown trout lakes in Europe. 

Booking info: See here for details on how to book your stay.

Truck Lodge

The property: A converted Motor Italia support truck from the European rally circuit, transformed into luxury boutique accommodation.

Sleeps: One to two in a king-size bed.

Where it is: Clarinbridge, Co. Galway.

Why we love it: It is not every day you get to stay in a piece of motoring history. Inside, there is a king-size bed, cosy sitting area, fully equipped kitchen and modern bathroom. Outside, guests have access to a private indoor swimming pool under a starry ceiling and a sauna.

Perfect for: A romantic couple’s retreat, a relaxing night away or anyone who loves stays with real character.

Booking info: See here for details on how to book your stay.

Oystercatcher Cottage

The property: A small traditional seaside cottage with panoramic Atlantic views.

Sleeps: Four guests across two bedrooms.

Where it is: Mullaghgloss, Renvyle, Co. Galway.

Why we love it: Oystercatcher Cottage sits on the edge of the Atlantic, with a private garden, decking area, sea views and no close neighbours. It keeps its rustic charm while offering modern comforts including Wi-Fi, TV, Xbox, games, books, a stove, BBQ and outdoor furniture.

Perfect for: Couples, small families or friends who want to experience the raw beauty of the West of Ireland.

Local love: The cottage is close to many beautiful beaches and is set in one of the most scenic spots along the Wild Atlantic Way in Connemara. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins passing by.

Booking info: Weekly bookings only in June, July and August, Saturday to Saturday. Maximum two dogs accepted.

Old Shepherd’s Cottage

The property: A renovated traditional Irish cottage on a mountain sheep farm near Clifden.

Sleeps: Five guests across three bedrooms.

Where it is: Tooraskeheen, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway.

Why we love it: This is a peaceful rural stay with fields sweeping down to the Owenglen river and no other houses visible from the cottage. Inside, there is a living/dining area with traditional fireplace and stove, Wi-Fi, smart TV, board games, books, a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor seating.

Perfect for: Families, friends, pet owners and anyone looking for a scenic base close to Clifden.

Local love: The cottage is 3km from Clifden town and close to the Wild Atlantic Way driving route, with shops, restaurants and pubs nearby.

Booking info: See here for details on how to book your stay. Maximum two dogs accepted.

Cosy Farmstay with Private Hot-tub and Alpacas

The property: A cosy restored farm lodge with a private hot tub and alpacas (!!) grazing in the garden.

Sleeps: Four guests across two bedrooms and three beds.

Where it is: Cria Lodge, Cashelard, on the coast of Donegal.

Why we love it: Over 100 years old, the lodge has been restored into a bright, cosy stay with an open-plan living area, fully equipped kitchen, private double bedroom, open twin-bed loft, underfloor heating and constant hot water.

Perfect for: A quiet nature break, a Donegal escape, or anyone who likes the idea of waking up to alpacas outside.

Local love: The lodge is described as a base for exploring the beauty Donegal has to offer, or simply switching off and enjoying nature.

Booking info: See here for details on how to book your stay. There are two friendly farm dogs on-site and cameras in the car park.