Are you bored of copy and paste hotel rooms? Are you looking for unique places to stay in Northern Ireland? Then we are here to help with this guide to some of the most unique places to stay in Northern Ireland. From a lovingly restored Bedford Horse Box to forest bathing with treehouse accommodation, Northern Ireland has some of the coolest and most unique accommodation on the Emerald Isle.
You will be guaranteed a memorable stay with these wonderfully quirky and unique places to stay in Northern Ireland.
Unusual accommodation in Northern Ireland
The Oat Box
Set on private farmland on an elevated site overlooking beautiful countryside in Northern Ireland, The Oat Box provides a luxurious haven of peace and tranquility to escape from the world for a little while. You almost feel as if you are stepping back in time once you enter this lovingly restored 1968 Bedford TK Horsebox. The decor is in keeping with the past, and it is obvious that so much love and attention to detail have gone into the restoration of this vintage horsebox.
You will have the entire horsebox plus a dedicated outdoor space to yourself during your stay. You can set a campfire and enjoy making s’mores under the stars, as the host also provides you with a marsh mallow kit from a local Northern Irish supplier. Or sit on the balcony and enjoy the sunset while sipping on a glass of wine. There is even a toilet and shower inside! You will also find a wood-burning stove if it gets a little chilly in the evening. It is one of the most romantic places that we have ever stayed.
We encourage just switching off from the world. Simply curl up on the plush sofa and open a good book, or chat the evening away by the crackling fire as you get to know each other all over again. Or go old-school and play cards like the good old days before technology and social media took over our lives, or even play some of the games left by Olive, your host. The horsebox is parked in a secluded green field near the family home, and we recommend you walk to the top of the hill to take in views as far as Mussenden and Inishowen on a clear day.
When it’s finally time for bed, a wooden ladder will lead you up to a comfortable kingsize bed (with a soft-glowing reading light just above, in case you need to finish just one last page of your book before you close your eyes). This place is idyllic!
Top Tip: Have breakfast at Bothy Coffee in Whitepark Bay.
Sleeps: 2
Burrenmore Nest
Burrenmore Nest is one of the most romantic and unique places that we have stayed in Northern Ireland. This place screams luxury while also making you feel completely at one with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the forest canopy to perfection, with remote control blackout blinds to help you get a restful night’s sleep in a luxury king-size bed. There’s also fibre WiFi and Alexa-enabled heating and lighting. Alexa will even set the mood if you ask her for romantic lighting.
If you are looking to reconnect with nature and escape the stresses of daily life, then this romantic treehouse in Ireland is just what the doctor ordered. It is such a unique place to stay in Northern Ireland. On arrival, you will find four shimmering glass-fronted treetop lodges, each with their own al fresco whirlpool bath covered in moss, so that you literally feel like you are bathing among the trees. While the architecture of the lodges is modern, sleek, and stylish, they seem to blend perfectly into their natural surroundings. They are perfectly at home, nestled among a magical forest on Ireland’s scenic north coast.
There is a fully equipped kitchen for cooking a romantic meal together, or if you prefer to eat al fresco, there is a very impressive Charles Bentley BBQ in the communal area for you to cook on. After dinner, you can relax and cosy up to a movie on the built-in home cinema projector that will connect to your phone so that you can Netflix and chill!
Check out our full guide to Burrenmore Nest.
Top Tip: Mussenden Temple is located just a 5-minute walk away!
Sleeps: 4 lodges on-site sleeping 2, adult-only resort. Two of the lodges are pet-friendly. One lodge is on the ground floor, wheelchair accessible, and can sleep three.
Benone Getaways, Binevenagh Hideaway. Luxury glamping pods with hot tub in Northern Ireland
Just down the road from Burrenmore Nest, you will find Benone Getaways, luxury glamping pods located just 750 metres from the beautiful Benone Strand. Benone luxury glamping pods are the ideal location for exploring the magnificent 7-mile stretch of golden sand or simply soaking in the views of the Binevenagh Mountains.
Each hut comes equipped with its own private fire pit and picnic table. However, if you’re feeling social, there’s a communal BBQ hut, ‘the Chill & Grill’, where you can go and enjoy a BBQ and a glass of beer or bubbly with the other residents.
The resort has six luxury glamping pods and two self-catering holiday homes, all in the same complex. Four of the pods come with private hot tubs for you to enjoy. One, Binevenagh Hideaway, is even more exclusive and is set in it’s own secluded garden for those wanting some extra privacy.
Sleeps: Glamping Pods sleep 4, Holiday Homes sleep 6
Bancran School
Bancran School is located 3 miles outside Draperstown, which is a small town in Northern Ireland with shops for groceries and a number of bars and cafes to enjoy. The Northern Ireland city of Derry is only 45 minutes away by car. Take in the magical views of the mountains as you explore the hidden gems along the Antrim coast as the Giant’s Causeway can be accessed in under an hour, along with the captivating beaches at Portrush and Portstewart.
You will find Bancran School beautifully set along a secluded road surrounded by the Sperrin Mountains. Bancran School boasts the cutest tiny house, a loft, glamping pods with hot tubs, and a communal Weber BBQ and pizza oven. Guests can also enjoy the luxury of having their own personal wood-burning hot tub, delivered by the Swedish company Hikki. They are pure luxury! Wood is provided on-site for your tub.
All of the fun happens in the Gin Tin, a communal bar/dining area that is home to a huge BBQ, pizza oven, and sports TV. There is also a well-equipped gym for those of you wanting to work out on your Ireland staycation.
Each of the individual accommodations, from The Black Shack to The Hen House, is stylishly decorated with boho vibes and soft leather furnishings. It is the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Bear in mind: This is a family-run business, and the family home is located in the original school at the back of the site, so it is not suitable for parties or large group gatherings. There is also a strict no-noise policy after 10 p.m., so it is more suited to those looking for a tranquil getaway.
Sleeps: The loft sleeps 4 but all other accommodations sleep 2
Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa
If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Northern Ireland with a little bit of luxury, then you will find it at Enniskeen Estate.
You will be totally secluded in these luxury glamping pods, where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and enjoy dreamy views of the Mourne Mountains surrounding you. Located on the doorstep of Tollymore Forest, one of my favourite Game of Thrones Ireland filming locations, you will find adventure as soon as you leave your stunning pod to explore.
There is so much to do at Enniskeen Estate. From mountain hikes to bike rides through the countryside and hidden trails to explore, this place has it all. They even have a shuttle bus that brings you up into the Mourne Mountains so that you can cycle back down through the magical Tollymore Forest back to your secret cabin beside the river.
After all of that cycling, enjoy a relaxing sauna with stunning views or your own private outdoor hot tub with breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains. You can also toast marshmallows on your own private fire pit, and Enniskeen Estate provides s’mores and a hot chocolate hamper delivered right to your campfire. There is also a wonderful restaurant on-site for you to enjoy.
Fairy Hill Cottage
Fairy Hill Cottage is a beautiful stone-built cottage dating back to the late 18th century. Fairy Hill is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life, and it is ideal for avid walkers, exploring the outdoors, or for a romantic getaway. After a day exploring the beautiful Mourne area, you can relax in front of the wood-burning stove, enjoy a relaxing bath, or have an evening in their incredible wood barrel sauna with views of the surrounding fields and Fairy Fort.
There is just so much to do in the area. Nearby areas of attraction include Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park, Murlough Beach, Slieve Donard, Silent Valley, Royal County Down Golf Course, and Castlewellan Forest Park.
Apart from having your very own wood barrel sauna to use as you wish throughout your stay, one of our favourite things about this property is that it has its own swing! The views of the Northern Irish countryside are insanely beautiful and we happily sat here for hours just soaking it all in. We also loved the dreamlike decor in the bedroom. It really is a cool and quirky place to stay in Northern Ireland.
Finn Lough
Finn Lough is a luxury hideaway in Northern Ireland. If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Northern Ireland, then you won’t find a place more unique than Finn Lough‘s Bubble Domes. They deliver an immersive, back-to-nature experience with a little added luxury.
Nestled within a private woodland, their bubble domes provide unobstructed views, allowing you to sleep beneath the starry Irish skies and fully immerse yourself in nature. Premium domes offer more spacious interiors and lots of luxurious extras, including a roll-top bath overlooking the forest.
There is an emphasis on original design at Finn Lough, and wellness forms the cornerstone of your stay there. The Awen Shore Spa, which opened in 2023, combines the therapeutic properties of heat and water to provide visitors with a fully immersive experience that embodies the peace of the lake. It offers a variety of amenities, including private soaking tubs situated along the shoreline and a sauna with a panoramic window. Guests can even take a dip in the lake.
There is a restaurant on-site called The Barn, where you can enjoy playful interpretations of dishes we have grown up loving. The menu is balanced, giving equal priority to all the finest Irish produce from the earth, field, and waters. The kitchen garden and polytunnel provide fresh, organic produce, while the ancient woodland inhabited by Finn Lough lends unique and seasonal flavours throughout the year.
The House Bar offers a Whiskey Cave and gin library that are perfect for a tasting experience.
Each bubble dome sleeps 2 adults. Finn Lough is an adults-only resort.
Quarry Hill Church
Quarry Hill Church is a former 1846 church that has been renovated and converted into a luxury 5-bed, 5-bath accommodation based in Strangford, Co. Down. The church is flanked by large trees that provide further privacy, and it is situated above street level. There are views of Castleward Bay and the sweeping green meadows beyond. The grounds are completely surrounded by old-fashioned stone walls, creating a secure, contained area. The beautiful lawned garden has a BBQ area and other places to relax and take in the sounds of the oyster catchers and curlews in the bay.
The communal spaces inside the property are huge, with lots of light, generous double-height spaces, comfy couches, and a wood-burning stove for people to gather around. The quality that went into the restoration of this property is exceptional and it is evident that the owners tried to salvage as many of the original features of this Presbyterian church as possible. It is an incredibly unique place to stay in Northern Ireland and a real hidden gem.
The inside is exquisite; each of the five double bedrooms has a unique charm all its own, with super-king beds, beautiful en suite bathrooms, and views of the surrounding countryside from the charming church windows. The historic pulpit serves as the focal point of the open-concept living room, which is elegantly decorated. While cooking in the corner kitchen, you can join in on the evening banter, and the long table meal is ideal for gatherings. An incredibly unique location.
Strangford is one of Ireland’s prettiest seaside villages. Just 1 hour from Belfast and 2 hours from Dublin it is an ideal base to tour much of Ireland. It has become a real foodie destination in recent years, with three high-quality restaurants to choose from.
The property boasts 5 double bedrooms, 3 of which can be set up as twin rooms if required. For inspiration on finding more Airbnbs for large groups or family gatherings check out our blog post.
Slieve Croob
If you really want to get away from it all and surround yourself in an area of outstanding natural beauty, then we highly recommend this quirky Shepherd’s Hut Airbnb in Slieve Croob. The location is so isolated and rural. The hut is completely surrounded by mountains and nature, with only a few sheep from the working farm to keep you company.
The decor inside the hut is full of personality. It is clear that the owner has great style, and the hut is quirky, charming, and cosy. It feels much larger than a normal Shepherd’s Hut, and the inside feels bright and airy. With a large double bed, a kitchenette, and a shower room, it really has everything you need to be self-sufficient.
If you can see yourself sitting in a relaxing wood-fired hot tub with a drink in your hand, taking in incredible views, then get booking. You won’t regret it! Sitting in the hot tub surrounded by beautiful Irish mountains, with a slight breeze in the air and a stunning sunset, is definitely an experience that you won’t forget.
Helen’s Tower
Nestled deep within the Clandeboye Estate’s forests lies the magnificent three-story stone tower known as Helen’s Tower. Helen’s Tower was constructed in 1848 by Frederick Lord Dufferin as a memorial to his mother. Tennyson later immortalized the tower in a poem of the same name.
Poems by Tennyson, Kipling, and Robert Browning line the walls of this opulent sitting room, where you can spend your time relaxing by the fire. This is the perfect refuge if you want to take in a genuinely beautiful piece of history and enjoy an amazing escape.
You’ll really get to transport yourself back a couple of hundred years with this little vacation. There is even no WiFi or TV to ensure that you truly escape.
Sleeps 2, adult only.
Belle Isle Castle
Gather your favourite people for the experience of a lifetime in your very own fairy-tale luxury castle accommodation set by the sparkling Fermanagh water’s edge.
Belle Isle is a 400-acre private estate that has been classified as a Special Area of Conservation. It offers a variety of lodging alternatives, such as self-catering flats, luxury cottages, and castle rentals, and an exceptional blend of natural beauty and authentic tradition.
The Belle Isle in Fermanagh is a great option for large groups searching for castle hotels in Northern Ireland. It has 13 opulent bedrooms that can sleep up to 26 people. Families and pets can enjoy a unique experience at this incredibly charming estate! There isn’t a better castle to relax in while visiting Ireland.
Waterfall Caves
Nestled at the base of Binevenagh Mountain, three specially designed underground caverns provide luxurious self-catering accommodation in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The two tranquil freshwater trout lakes that the caves overlook are encircled by miles of pine and native forest.
Hazel, Pine and Oak Caves are located in 20 acres of privately owned forest on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, with views overlooking two spring-water fishing lakes and a beautiful backdrop of Binevenagh Mountain. The caves come with a fully stocked fire pit, hot tub access, WiFi, smart TV, en suite bathrooms, and small kitchenettes so that you can cook onsite.
Waterfall Caves is an angler’s dream, offering excellent fly-fishing, bait fishing, and rainbow trout fishing. More importantly, though, the fully furnished lodges provide the ideal location to unwind after an eventful day at the lake.
You won’t be let down, though, if you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground. With so many sites of interest, the North Coast offers an endless number of chances to fully appreciate its beauty. Discover the unique tapestry of forests and woodland, white sand beaches, harbours, and natural trust heritage sites, to name a few.
Balance Treehouse
Perched above the tree canopy, with views of jagged hills covered in Heather, farms divided by stone ditches, and tiny, winding roads in Northern Ireland, you will find the incredible Balance Treehouse. Breathe deeply, unwind, and reconnect with nature in this unique place to stay in Northern Ireland.
Balance Treehouse is an exclusive, hand-built resort with a modern, fully connected aesthetic and a natural rustic appearance. It was a labour of love by Cathal, who took three years to hand-build this incredible treehouse that wouldn’t look out of place in Bali. The attention to detail and fancy gadgets and devices make it a one-of-a-kind place to stay in Ireland. A private rope bridge leads to the super king bed with a glass canopy for stargazing, an outdoor shower designed for two, a hot tub, and an outdoor hammock.
It is a complete fairytale, and it reminded us of Disney’s Tarzan. All of our childhood fantasies of sleeping in a treehouse came to life here. The treehouse also includes a projector screen that turns the bedroom into an instant cinema. The whole treehouse is also Alexa smart-controlled, and there is a cliffside shower with multiple settings. You will also be greeted by champagne, chocolates, strawberries, and soft drinks. You can completely hide from the world here.
Corrstown Village by OHSO Stays
Corrstown Village is a unique collection of six distinctive, self-catering properties nestled on the edge of Portrush in the phenomenal and world-renowned North Coast of Ireland. The properties, a Georgian farmhouse and outbuildings, pre-dating 1830, have been carefully restored to embrace tradition while offering guests modern, luxury living.
Portrush is the gem in the vacation crown of Northern Ireland, offering countless locations of breathtaking natural beauty to explore along with excellent dining options and a buzzing nightlife.
The stand out features of these properties is the unique decor throughout. It is stunning and modern, featuring dark copper tones and statement pieces of art everywhere! Its high roof and ceiling structure means that light radiates through the property making its interior colours pop as soon as you enter.
Another stunning element of the property is the modern fire-pit enclosed in a matte black encasing with glass surround; perfect for day or night time drinks and chats! The property is also fitted with all the technology you could want, including Smart TVs, Wifi, dishwasher, washing machine and much more!
All of the properties at Corrstown Village are exceptional and your stay here will be truly unique.
Best suited for groups as most of the properties have 2-4 bedrooms.
Mullans Bay
Situated on the picturesque shores of Lower Lough Erne, Mullans Bay offers direct, private access to the lake, where you can unwind in beautiful lakeside lodges. The Executive Lakeside Lodges include modern 5-star interior design and Siberian Larch Cladding throughout. The lodges have a big open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, two ensuite bedrooms, and a glass wall panel with patio doors that open up onto a covered terrace area and provide breathtaking views of the lake.
The Platinum Lakeside Lodges offer all the amenities of the Executive Lodges plus an amazing hot tub housed inside a bespoke, hand-built timber gazebo for an incredibly luxurious stay. With total privacy provided by the hot tub, you’ll be able to de-stress and enjoy the fresh air. Through the glass gable, you can take in breath-taking views of the lake and access the hot tub straight from your balcony.
You can also relax in the brand new covered BBQ area by the water’s edge. While the kids play in the lakefront play area, you can soak up stunning views of the lake from this location.
Or take a stroll along the lough side pathway and take in the abundant wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds you. You can discover the fairy trail along this pathway and discover for yourself where Mullans Bay’s fairies genuinely reside. As you continue, you’ll come to a little sandy beach next to the jetty. The water is shallow, so your kids can have fun paddling in it.
You can find a full-sized tennis court with basketball nets and soccer goalposts, making it the perfect area for kids and adults to have an endless amount of fun. The amenities at Mullan’s Bay will meet all of your family’s needs, whether you are an expert tennis player or you just want to spend time with the kids.
Lower Lough Erne is renowned for its fishing. Mullans Bay is the ideal place to spend a few hours in peace and quiet if you’re a professional fisherman or just want to throw in a line and hope for the best. However you decide to spend your time you are guaranteed a unique and exceptional time in Northern Ireland.
Lakeside lodges sleep 4.
About us
We are Nicola and Ronan Lavin experts in finding unique accommodation all over the world. Voted as top 6 travel bloggers in Ireland we are dedicated to helping you find authentic and immersive travel experiences to help you plan your perfect vacation.
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