Boat trip on the River Shannon

Bet you’ve heard a hundred times from friends or neighbours how great a boat trip on the Shannon is. However, it’s only when you’re there with the wind in your hair, passing the beautiful scenery of the midlands, that you truly realise it’s a fantastic experience. Silverline Cruises have a great selection of boats, from a little two-berth to a plush “what dreams are made of” eight-berth that will make you feel like a rock star. You’re the captain of your own ship for the entire holiday and you’ll be surrounded by friends as the boating community is as friendly as they come. Prices start from €900 for high season rates.

Contact info@silverlinecruisers.com or 057-915-1112.

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Cottages for couples

This accommodation is, as the name suggests, just for couples, but for the child in you, these self-catering cottages in Skibbereen, Co Cork, actually give you the option to stay in a plush treehouse. Yes, we said treehouse. Complete with your own personal jacuzzi, you’ll feel so relaxed. If you’d prefer to stay closer to the ground though, they also have a selection of riverbank barns and courtyard cottages. It is a fantastic idea by owners Peter and Anna, and a trip with a real difference. Midweek night prices for the cottages start at €149.

www.cottagesforcouples.ie or 028-229-57.

Barbican, Co Antrim

A holiday rental with a twist, the Barbican building is like a miniature castle just for two. Built as a defensive fort at the gate of Glenarm Estate, the three-storey building sits atop a river and the rooftop garden is ideal for admiring the surrounding countryside. History buffs will enjoy the romantic story of how the building came to be, as well as the village of Glenarm, which is one of Ulster’s oldest villages. Prices start from €225.

Contact bookings@irishlandmark.com or 01-670-4733.

Wicklow Head lighthouse

This renovated lighthouse is truly a unique place to stay. It sleeps four in two double bedrooms, so is perfect if you have children. The views from the lighthouse windows out to the Irish Sea are breathtaking and the house itself is sure to spark the imaginations of little ones. Be warned though, it is 109 steps up to the kitchen at the top. However, it’s a family holiday that the kids won’t ever forget in a hurry. Prices start at €500 for a weekend.

Contact bookings@irishlandmark.com or 01-670-4733.

Mount Druid, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

For something a little different, Mount Druid in Mullingar offers unique glamping accommodation in the imported Mongolian yurts. Sleeping up to four people, each yurt has a central heating system in the form of an open fire stove. The simple huts are cosy and offer families a chance to get back to basics. Toilets and showers are a minute’s walk from each yurt and the parkland setting, dotted with ancient relics, is sure to excite little explorers. Perfect for the kids that really want to go camping and the adults that don’t want to sleep on the floor. Rates for yurts start at €100 a night for the whole family.

Contact hello@boutiquecamping.ie or 087-987-5277.

The Brown Hen self-catering

The treehouse might be just for couples, but if you’re looking for somewhere different to stay for kids, the Brown Hen self-catering cottages outside Bandon sleep up to five people. And the best part is that it’s a log cabin. However, it’s a log cabin with every possible amenity you can think of for holidaying with the family. Better still, there’s a fully-enclosed garden for your little ones to run around. With the culinary capital of Kinsale less than 20 minutes away, make sure to have a meal to remember. Prices are €500 per week, all inclusive. Contact info@holidayinwestcork.com or 086-167-7094.

Picin Luxury Cottage, Co Kerry

This cosy luxury cottage sits on the south of the ring of Kerry near the stunning Derrynane beach. Just big enough for two, the intimate surroundings will encourage you and your partner to totally switch off and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the house and grounds. The master bathroom is a particular highlight, with a freestanding claw bath, wood-burning stove and exposed brick walls – it doesn’t get much more romantic than that. Rates start from €55 per person. Contact netherton@eircom.net or 066-947-5894.