Céad Míle Fáilte: Airbnb stays to celebrate Irish heritage

With 1.9 million Irish speakers in Ireland, the Irish language – Gaeilge – is a rich part of Irish heritage. For those looking to immerse themselves in the Irish Language during Seachtain Na Gaeilge (1-17 March 2024), Airbnb reveals a list of beautiful stays in or near Irish speaking spots or with Irish speaking hosts around the country from Donegal to Kerry.

The Irish language is still prevalent across the nation especially in the areas of Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry and in smaller towns in Meath, Cork, and Waterford. These Gaeltacht regions are set to come alive during the annual Seachtain Na Gaeilge celebrations.

“Sharing our vacation home with people from around the world through Airbnb has been a superb experience.  Using the platform makes everything super easy for us and our guests, we know what to expect and so do they! From the positive reviews we have received, our guests enjoy having a comfortable, well appointed, safe home where they can explore the culture and beauty of northwest Donegal, especially during Seachtain na Gaeilge where guests can truly enjoy the Gaeltacht area in which our cottage is located.”

Rhonda, Host of Ballycannon Cottage

The perfect Airbnb stays to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge:

Cosy Studio Apartment in the heart of Carraroe – Connemara, County Galway

Tucked away on the rugged Wild Atlantic Way coast, County Galway’s Gaeltacht area is the heart of the Irish language and culture. This region of Ireland which stretches from the charming towns of Carraroe and Spiddal to the wild splendour of the Aran Islands, this corner of Ireland offers a glimpse into a world where the Irish language thrives. Stay in this cosy studio apartment located in the heart of Carraroe, and while you’re there you can take moments of tranquillity in this small village or enjoy scenic walks along Trá an Doilin (unique coral beach).

Entire home, Uplands Spiddal – Connemara, County Galway

Located on the rugged coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, this 3-bedroom home is the perfect place to visit in the heart of Spiddal. Chat in the Irish native tongue with the hosts and the crowds alike in the local town.

Gleann Aoibheann – Clifden,  County Galway 

Gleann Aoibheann cottage, which dates back to the 1830’s, is located in Clifden and is the perfect location to unwind and relax, whilst also taking in the Irish heritage and history of the local Clifden castle.

Island Hideaway, Achill – Achill Island, County Mayo

Achill Island is part of the Gaeltacht Árainn Mhór, which is one of the designated Gaeltacht regions in Ireland where Irish is the primary language of daily communication. The Irish language is taught and celebrated in local schools in Achill. These educational initiatives have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Irish language among the island’s younger generations. During Seachtain na Gaeilge, Achill Island comes alive with a number of activities and events from language workshops to traditional music performances.

Island Hideaway located in Achill has breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Guests can immerse themselves in the island living in this peaceful, private, and rejuvenating getaway.

Tigh Cáit  – Tourmakeady, County Mayo 

Tigh Cáit (Kate’s house) is located in Tourmakeady which is a Gaeltacht region in South County Mayo. This modern cottage is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gaeltacht area and local tourist activities including hiking, fishing and cycling. 

Lisheen Bán Country Cottage– Dingle, County Kerry

Lisheen Bán which is a quaint cottage located in the centre of Dingle town is the perfect location for guests to have easy access to all that the Dingle Peninsula has to offer. Most of the peninsula of Corca Dhuibhne is a Gaeltacht area where Irish is widely spoken in peoples’ homes, workplace or schools.

Charming Country Cottage – County Donegal 

There are three separate Gaeltacht areas in Donegal: Gaeltacht Thír Chonaill (Donegal Gaeltacht), Na Rosa (The Rosses) and Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore). In these areas, Irish is the primary language used for daily contact. Donegal is the ideal location to celebrate Seachtain Na Gaeilge as there are numerous festivals, cultural events and organisations honouring the Irish language and heritage. These events, which range from storytelling nights and Irish language workshops to traditional music sessions, give locals and visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in Donegal’s language and culture.

This charming cottage located amongst Donegal’s Gaeltacht areas is the perfect countryside stay for guests looking to explore areas with Irish language and heritage.

Ballycannon Cottage – County Donegal 

Ballycannon cottage, which is nestled in the Gaeltacht area between the Derryveigh mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is the perfect location for guests to explore the beauty of the Donegal Gaeltacht while practising as Gaeilge.

Cosy Home – Athboy, County Meath

The Meath Gaeltacht is the smallest Gaeltacht region, made up of neighbouring villages Baile Ghib and Ráth Chairn making up 1% of the entire Gaeltacht region in Ireland. These areas are home to numerous vibrant community clubs and organisations that support Irish language and culture. These organisations play a crucial role in ensuring that the Irish language remains an integral and vibrant part of Meath’s cultural landscape. This is a self-contained cosy apartment, located near the Gaeltacht region of Athboy – while there, guests can immerse themselves in the language, culture and visit local historic sites.

For guests who are booking their travel plans this year and need help finding the cream of the crop, Airbnb has launched Guest Favourites, a collection of the 2 million most-loved homes on Airbnb based on ratings, reviews, and reliability. Guest Favourites have excellent reviews and are rated above 4.9 stars on average. These homes also receive high marks for ease of check-in, cleanliness, listing accuracy, Host communication, location, and value. Whether guests are travelling internationally or in Ireland, Guest Favourites make it easy for guests to find the best place to stay to make the most of their trip. Head to Airbnb to explore the Guest Favourites filter further when planning your next trip.