After staying in a luxury treehouse in France, I began to wonder what Ireland had to offer beyond the traditional hotel experience. The answer? Quite a lot. In this episode of Travel Tales with Fergal, I explore four truly unusual stays around the country — each offering something distinctive, memorable and a little out of the ordinary.

First, I revisit my summer stay at Trinity College Dublin Rooms. Available from May to August, the student accommodation within the historic college grounds offers a rare chance to wake up in the heart of Dublin, surrounded by tranquillity yet steps from the city’s buzz. There’s the novelty of morning coffee trucks in the square, after-hours calm once the day visitors leave, and of course the chance to explore the iconic Book of Kells and the magnificent Long Room Library. Visit https://www.tcd.ie

Next, I head to Mount Congreve Gardens in Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford. An 18th-century estate with extraordinary gardens, it offers everything from off-grid bell tents to stylish eco-cabins with hot tubs. I stayed in one of the atmospheric two-bedroom gate lodges — rich, gothic interiors, antique beds and velvet armchairs. With after-hours access to the gardens, direct links to the Waterford Greenway, and easy reach of the Comeragh Mountains and Mahon Falls, it’s an ideal blend of heritage and outdoor adventure. Visit https://mountcongreve.com

From there, it’s on to the forest escape that is Cabu by the Lakes in Co. Cavan. Set on the shores of Lough Oughter, these woodland cabins range from cosy one-beds to larger barn houses with hot tubs. Think wood-burning stoves, lakeside views, outdoor saunas and cold plunges tucked among the trees. With boating, kayaking and forest walks on your doorstep - and new cabins launching in 2026 - it’s a grown-up retreat designed for switching off. Visit https://holidays.cabu.co.uk

Finally, I visited Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa in Tralee, Co. Kerry, where I stayed in one of their distinctive Iglucraft woodland cabins. These Nordic-style pods combine craftsmanship and comfort, all set against the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains. Family-run for three generations, the estate is also deeply committed to sustainability, with extensive rewilding, native tree planting and scenic walking trails woven through the grounds. Visit https://www.ballygarry.com

From college cloisters to woodland hideaways, lakeside cabins to historic estates, this episode highlights four unforgettable Irish stays that prove you don’t have to leave the country to experience something truly different. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next short break, this one is for you.

Fergal O’Keeffe is the host of Ireland’s No.1 Travel Podcast Travel Tales with Fergal which is now listened to in 140 countries worldwide. The podcast aims to share soul-lifting travel memoirs about daydream worthy destinations.

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