With the airports in an awful mess- we’d be tempted to staycation in Ireland this year (again…). County Kerry, along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has been a popular holiday destination for years with it’s mixture of stunning wild spaces, mountains, unspoilt beaches and bogs, alongside it’s vibrant and cultural towns like Dingle.
We’ve collected together our 9 favourite places to stay in Kerry that are available on Airbnb this year.
1. Gleesons Farmhouse, Killorglin, County Kerry
Top of our list of Airbnb’s in Ireland’s County Kerry is this cosy farmhouse. Gleesons Farmhouse is perfectly located for exploring both the Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula) and the Dingle Peninsula.
The 2 bedroom farmhouse was recently renovated but retains lots of original features that include green painted stairs and doors and a fireplace for cosy nights in after exploring the local area. In the summer, there’s plenty of space outside the property to spend the evenings.
Killorglin and Cromane beach are both a 6 minutes drive away. Another great beach in the area is Rossbeigh which is about 20 minutes away from Gleesons Farmhouse and offers spectacular views, sand dunes and walking.
More info about staying at Gleesons Farmhouse:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops all available nearby in Killorglin (6 minutes drive)
- Check in can be arranged anytime between 6pm and 11pm. Check out is by 9am
- Gleesons Farmhouse is not a pet friendly Airbnb
- For more information, to check availability and book: Gleesons Farmhouse
2. Gortavallig, Beara Peninsula, County Kerry
Gortavallig is a 200 year old traditional stone whitewashed cottage, sympathetically restored to retain its original character and charm. The property is set in over 100 acres of private land and is accessed by a quarter of a mile long private lane.
Glanmore Lake is a gentle walk away from the cottage where you’ll be treated to spectacular views over the wild Kerry countryside and mountains. The 3 bedroom cottage itself comes with 2 wood burning stoves (one in the living room and one in the kitchen) which both add to this Airbnb’s rustic charm.
More info about staying at Gortavallig:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in both Kenmare (30 minutes drive) and Castletownbere (35 minutes drive)
- Check in can be arranged anytime between 4pm and 9pm. Check out is by 11am
- The cottage is dog and pet friendly!
- For more information, to check availability and book: Gortavallig Airbnb
3. Fisherman’s Lodge, Lambs Head, County Kerry
If you’re looking for an Airbnb to stay in that offers a real coastal retreat- away from the real world- you could do worse than staying at Fisherman’s Lodge on Lambs Head.
This 2 bedroom Airbnb is located in one of County Kerry’s most beautiful and popular corners. The scenic headland is just off the main Ring of Kerry (and Wild Atlantic Way) tourist route and offers unspoilt night skies, sea kayaking and quiet beaches.
Inside the Airbnb light and open plan living space with a kitchen and wood burning stove. Outside is a small private patio area- perfect for BBQing after a day exploring the local mountains and coastlines.
Although there is no direct sea view from Fisherman’s Lodge, just a short stroll away from the property you’ll be treated to some of the best views of both Derrynane beach and the Kenmare Bay.
More info about staying at Fisherman’s Lodge:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in Waterville (30 minutes drive) plus there are a number of bars and restaurants scattered around the local area to choose from
- Check in can be arranged anytime after 4pm. Check out is by 11am
- Between September and April, electricity is charged as an extra for stays longer than 3 nights
- For more information, to check availability and book: Fisherman’s Lodge
4. The Pod, Cahersiveen, County Kerry
This glamping option on Airbnb is the perfect choice for couples looking for a more intimate and private retreat this year. The Pod will be well recognisable to anyone who has tried their hands at glamping before.
You can expect all the standard features from a glamping pod- including, a cosy double bed, small kitchenette and shower. Outside there is private space for evenings sat outside and a BBQ.
This Airbnb comes stocked with breakfast goods on arrival (that includes tea/ coffee, fruit, homemade soda bread, butter, marmalades and yoghurts). The Pod, located just outside Cahersiveen, is an affordable way to explore the Ring of Kerry and especially Valentia Island and the nearby Skellig Michael.
More info about staying at The Pod:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in Cahersiveen (8 minutes drive)
- Lots of walks to explore nearby- including Castlequin Loop Walk
- Check in can be arranged anytime after 4pm. Check out is by 11am
- Dog and pet friendly, but you must let them know when making your booking!
- Fuel is not provided for the firepit- don’t forget to bring your own!
- For more information, to check availability and book: The Pod Airbnb
5. Bells Cottage, Lough Caragh, County Kerry
It doesn’t get much more charming than Bells Cottage. A traditional Irish farmhouse set in 6 acres of private grounds and surrounding by the beautiful Kerry countryside.
Bells Cottage has been lovingly restored to retain many original features while providing modern comfort. They’ve achieved this to such a high standard throughout. You’ll find homely character throughout this farmhouse- an open fireplace, original furniture and artwork on the walls.
There are 2 bedrooms upstairs, one en-suite. If you can ever drag yourself away from the extensive private gardens and mature woodlands that surround the property- you’ll be treated with Lough Caragh which is just a 20 minutes stroll away. Lough Caragh is set within a Special Area of Conservation that includes Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and the Caragh River Catchment.
So, Bells Cottage is a great base to explore all of the natural beauty that this part of County Kerry has to offer!
More info about staying at Bells Cottage:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in Killorglin (10 minutes drive)
- Check in can be arranged anytime after 4pm. Check out is by 10am
- Bells Cottage is not pet friendly
- The hosts also advise this Airbnb is not suitable for toddlers
- There is a well stocked firewood store available (payment via an honesty box)
- For more information, to check availability and book: Bells Cottage
6. Highland Lodge, Glencar Valley, County Kerry
Highland Lodge and it’s apartment are located in the wild valley of Glencar and in the heart of the Iveragh Peninsula (famous for being home to the Ring of Kerry).
This new build Airbnb is the priciest on our list but there’s plenty of space to share with a large family or group of friends. The stone clad and luxury property is set amongst some of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside Ireland has to offer. Expect far reaching views of mountains, bogs and lakes while enjoying the modern comfort of Highland Lodge.
More info about staying at Highland Lodge:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in Killorglin (20 minutes drive)
- Check in can be arranged anytime after 4pm. Check out is by 11am
- Highland Lodge comes with electric vehicle charging facilities!
- For more information, to check availability and book: Highland Lodge
7. Jack Duggan’s Bar, Castlemaine, County Kerry
Staying at Jack Duggan’s Bar Airbnb is not for those groups of friends or family wanting to explore Kerry in any ordinary way… The property includes the original bar with open fire, pool table, TVs and bar games, a separate kitchen, a separate living room (complete with its own fireplace and TV, 4 double bedrooms and 1 twin room. All of that adds up to there being space for up to 10 people to stay here!
It should be noted- the price listed on Airbnb does not include any of the stock behind the bar! Although guests are welcome to bring their own drinks.
This is a great place to host a family get together or for a group of friends wanting to explore Kerry and the nearby Wild Atlantic Way.
More info about staying at Jack Duggan’s Bar:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in Killarney (20 minutes drive)
- There is also food and drink available opposite this Airbnb bar at Knightley’s Bar and Restaurant
- Check in can be arranged anytime between 3pm and 6pm. Check out is by 12noon
- Jack Duggan’s Bar has a strict rule of only allowing over 23 year olds to stay- except for minors accompanied by an adult
- For more information, to check availability and book: Jack Duggan’s Bar
8. Wild Atlantic Cottage, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Wild Atlantic Cottage is a traditional Irish cottage set on the foothills of Mount Brandon. The 2 bedroom Airbnb is bright, modern and comfortable inside while still retaining lots of charming features.
The open living space, which includes a well equipped kitchen, enjoys plenty of light thanks to its high vaulted ceiling. Surrounding by the cottage is up to half an acre of enclosed garden space and of course- spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean, mountains and Smerwick Harbour.
More info about staying at Wild Atlantic Cottage:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in Dingle (15 minutes drive)
- Check in can be arranged anytime after 4pm. Check out is by 11am
- Wild Atlantic Cottage is dog and pet friendly!
- For more information, to check availability and book: Wild Atlantic Cottage
9. Little Stone Cottage, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Last but not least on our list is one of our favourite Airbnb’s in Kerry. Little Stone Cottage is a super comfortable home to stay in when visiting the Dingle Peninsula. The 2 bedroom cottage makes the absolute most of its stunning position along the Kerry coastline- with far reaching views and front row seats to spectacular sunsets.
From here, you can easily get into and explore the vibrancy of a weekend in Dingle town- with its many restaurants, shops and world famous bar culture. After the excitement of Dingle you’ll be able to retreat back to this coastal hideaway.
More info about staying at Little Stone Cottage:
- Pubs, restaurants and shops are all available in Dingle (20 minutes drive)
- Check in can be arranged anytime after 5pm. Check out is by 10am
- Little Stone Cottage is not dog friendly
- Utilities (heating and electricity) are not included in the price and are charged at the end of your stay
- For more information, to check availability and book: Little Stone Cottage
