National Heritage Week Ireland: Guest Favourite Historic Homes

To celebrate the 25^th year of National Heritage Week (17-25 August) in Ireland and mark almost a year since its partnership with Historic Houses of Ireland, Airbnb has curated a wishlist of Historic Homes for those looking to explore and embrace Ireland’s rich heritage.

Launched back in July 2022, Airbnb’s Historical Homes category supports our commitment to heritage tourism and makes it easier for people to enjoy Europe’s rich heritage. As of 2024, there are around 43,000 listings globally categorised as Historic Homes.

From exploring the ancestral home of High Kings and traditional Kings of Connacht at a Garden Cottage in County Roscommon, to learning the ins and outs of horse shoeing at The Cookhouse farm stay in County Dublin, Airbnb offers many unique getaways in Ireland for those looking to connect and explore the country’s rich history and heritage. Some are even Guest Favourites – a collection of the 2 million most-loved homes on Airbnb based on ratings, reviews, and reliability – showing how guests can travel to amazing heritage properties, without compromising on comfort or luxury.

Airbnb is committed to supporting the preservation of unique and historically significant buildings in Europe, and last year, announced a partnership with Historic Houses of Ireland. The collaboration included the creation of a fund available to members of Historic Houses of Ireland to support the development, maintenance and restoration of these important properties. 

Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: “National Heritage Week is a brilliant festival to remind us of Ireland’s beautiful historic houses, which provide a depth of history and a uniqueness to local tourism across Ireland. These homes contribute to the beauty and heritage of rural Ireland, and this week they will open their doors to visitors looking to immerse themselves in Irish heritage. At Airbnb, we are proud of our contribution to supporting these historic sites through our partnership with Historic Houses of Ireland and are committed to helping their members generate income to maintain and promote these heritage properties”.

Thomas Cosby, Chairman of Historic Houses of Ireland said: “Ireland’s National Heritage Week – led by the brilliant team at the Heritage Council – is an important week for our members and provides a great opportunity to showcase the rich heritage Ireland has to offer. A large portion of these homes are situated in rural parts of the country and rely heavily on tourism to keep these Historic Houses alive. Initiatives like Heritage Week and support from Airbnb through our partnership, provides the opportunity for more of our members to open their houses to visitors and continue to promote Ireland’s heritage for years to come.”

Some of Ireland’s Guest Favourite Historic Homes on Airbnb

Dromana House and Gardens – Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

This historical duplex overlooking the Blackwater river offers exceptional views of the surrounding native wildlife. As part of Heritage Week, guests will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the extensive gardens, and take in one of Ireland’s ancient hidden wonders dating back to the 13th century, Dromana House. While visiting, why not also try your hand at croquet, which was invented in Ireland, with references dating back to as far as the 1830s!

Durhamstown Castle – Navan, Co. Meath

A Norman Castle dating from 1420, Durhamstown is a Recorded Monument as the oldest inhabited house in County Meath. Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in culture during Heritage Week, the Castle is complete with original vaulted rooms, allowing visitors to venture from the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era as they explore the grand estate. During the week, the owners will offer guests guided tours and a selection of afternoon tea treats with all the trimmings.

The Garden Cottage – Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

The Courtyard at Clonalis provides an elegant stay at a Georgian cottage perfect for those looking to step back in time with friends or family for Heritage Week. Guests can immerse themselves in the local history and avail of tours of the historic Clonalis House, the secluded 700-acre ancestral home of Ireland’s last High Kings and traditional Kings of Connacht.

The Cookhouse – Delahasey, Co. Dublin  

This stunning cottage, located on the grounds of Whitestown House estate, The Cookhouse, is the perfect spot to stop during this year’s Heritage Week. Guests can enjoy a unique evening of Irish traditions in action at Whitestown House itself, which will open its doors for guests for Heritage Week. Guests will experience the magic of traditional craftsmanship including fly tying, a master farrier will share the process of shoeing a horse – a vital trade in country estate life.

Trohanny Cottage – Kells, Co. Meath

With whitewashed stone walls, original A-frame beams with peg and dowel and an original inglenook fireplace, Trohanny Cottage is a truly unique farm stay experience that offers visitors a chance to step back in time.  Known for magical histories and stories dating back over 200 years, it is the perfect space for a culture and heritage experience this week, with horses, donkeys and cows welcoming guests on arrival.

The Stables – Bagenalstown,  Co. Carlow

Opt for an entire cottage located near the River Barrow this Heritage Week, and experience an 1860s stables full of rich history to explore. Guests can wander the gardens of an old rectory, or relax in the sunny courtyard before retiring inside where they will find decorative antiques and a wood-burning stove for the full heritage experience.

Georgian Stable Yard House – Athy, Co. Kildare

Set in the historic Burtown House, this three-bedroom home is complete with a private courtyard garden, surrounded by 10 acres of land to explore. Dating as far back as 1710, this stay boasts what are considered to be one of Ireland’s finest gardens. Guests can enjoy meadow walks surrounded by historic parkland, mown pathways, and stone sculptures, and take their pick from an abundance of organic kitchen garden produce right on their doorstep.

Castlehaven Barn – Skibbereen, Co. Cork

Those looking to enjoy Heritage Week activities in County Cork can choose to stay at Castlehaven Barn by the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy a coastal field walk to the village accompanied by cattle, or try some local produce and meet the residents of Castletownshend, just a few minutes away from the cottage.

Head to Airbnb to explore the Guest Favourites filter further when planning your next trip.