Built in 1826, St Ernan's is located on a wooded tidal island, connected to the mainland by a causeway. It has 12 charming guest rooms and wonderful sea views.

Targeting those who appreciate quiet and tranquillity, children under six are not catered for.

Tel: 07497 21065 www. sternans. com

BEST FOR: GETTING LOVED UP 2: Anne's Grove Gatehouse, Co Cork Only the hardest of hearts could fail to be moved by the romanticism of this miniature medieval castle. Built in 1853 by Benjamin Woodward, it's of architectural significance as one of only two of this sort of gate lodge built by him. It's situated at the junction of three country roads and surrounded by beech trees. Sleeps two, with timber ceilings, wooden floors and stone arches.

Cork city is within easy access.

Tel: 01 6704733 www. irishlandmark. com

BEST FOR: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION 3: Trinity College, Dublin Staying in one of the most historic buildings in the heart of the city centre and just a stone's throw from Grafton Street sounds like it should command a hefty price, but a night in TCD starts from only 57.60. The choice of rooms ranges from older traditional student accommodation to recently renovated en suite rooms and apartments and they're only available from mid June to September. Facilities include the dining hall, sports centre, swimming pool and coffee shops, and you can relive those student days by going for a drink in the famous Pavilion Bar overlooking the cricket grounds.

Tel: 01 8961177 www. tcd. ie/accommodation

BEST FOR: ECO WARRIORS 4: The Gyreum, Riverstown, Co Sligo This quirky eco-lodge is a fascinating looking construction . . . a 100ft wide wooden Christmas-pudding shaped ring fort overlooking Lough Arrow in rural south Sligo and aligned toward the megalithic cairns of Moytura, Carrowkeel and Queen Maeve's tomb on top of Knocknarae.

Accommodation-wise there are two fivebed dorms that can be mixed or single sex as required, two small double rooms and 14 capsule-like tents in the big central hall, suitable for large groups who want to take the building. It's a relaxed place with open fires, a large movie screen and glass domed library. Surfing, walking and visiting archaeological sites are popular activities.

Tel: 071 91 65994 www. gyreum. com

BEST FOR: A RURAL RETREAT 5: The Old Rectory, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim This secluded 19th century Georgian home is situated in the heart of Leitrim's lakelands on 50 acres of woodland park.

You can choose the guesthouse or selfcatering option and the rooms here are decorated with antiques. It's the perfect destination for enjoying some quiet time and there are many fascinating historical remains in the surrounding area including Fenagh Abbey and Dun Baile fort, home of the high kings. Owners Julie and Pat Curran have recently added a hot tub and sauna and the Old Rectory is also a greenfriendly choice . . . it has received an EU Eco Flower.

Tel: 071 964 4089 www. theoldrectoryireland. com

BEST FOR: HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR 6: St Cleran's Manor House, Craughwell, Co Galway This five-star Neo-classical house in East Galway is singled out time and time again for its beauty, comfort and value for money.

Built in 1784, it's the former home of film director John Huston who described it as "one of the most beautiful houses in Ireland." He sold it in 1971 and the current owner restored it to its former grandeur, with 12 luxurious guest rooms decorated with art treasurers from around the world.

The food here is exceptional with indigenous ingredients given a Japanese twist by head chef Hisashi Kumagai.

Tel: 091 846 737 www. stclerans. com

BEST FOR: SEA VIEWS 7: Wicklow Head Lighthouse, Co Wicklow A feature on the Wicklow coastline since 1781, the lighthouse was almost destroyed by a bolt of lightning on 19 October 1836.

The stone shell of the tower was preserved and the Landmark Trust, who acquired it in 1996, set about conserving it, replastering the internal and external walls, making 27 windows and installing a water pump. Now the lighthouse sleeps six, with two double bedrooms and a double futon in the sitting room. The rooms are small but have high arched windows set into metre-thick walls, affording gorgeous views of the Irish Sea.

You might want to note that there are 109 steps from the kitchen to the top floor.

Tel: 01 670 4733 www. irishlandmark. com

BEST FOR: CULTURE VULTURES 8: Merrion Mews, Dublin Experience how the other half lives in one of the city's most distinguished addresses.

Built in 1792/93, this is a quaint and charming house with one of the few surviving gardens in Merrion Square. The Mews sleeps six (there are three double bedrooms) and the large bathroom has a Victorian roll top bath. There's also a kitchen and living room and a host of nearby cultural attractions including the National Gallery, National Museum, St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square.

Tel: 01 6704733 www. landmark. com

BEST FOR: FAMILY FUN 9: Galleyhead Lighthouse Keeper's Houses, Co Cork Some 130 feet above sea level on a cliff top overlooking St George's Channel, you'll experience some of the most breathtaking views this island possesses. The station is made up of a tower connected by a corridor to the semi-detached, two-storey dwelling, originally built for the principal and assistant keeper. Can be taken as one house sleeping four to six or as two together, sleeping up to 12. Close by is the stunning Inchydoney Beach and you can go whale and dolphin watching on Galley Head itself.

Tel: 01 6704733 www. irishlandmark. com

BEST FOR: NORTHERN HOSPITALITY 10: Bushmill's Inn, Co Antrim The village of Bushmills is the home of the world's oldest distillery. This luxury hotel was rescued from near dereliction in 1988 by the current owner. An intimate venue, large parties such as weddings aren't accepted so as not to disturb the relaxed atmosphere here. Peat fires and oil lamps add to this ambience . . . there's even a 'secret' room and visitors can enjoy a glass of Bushmills malt from the hotel's own private cask in the Victorian-style bar.

Tel: +44 (0)28 2073 3000 www. bushmills-inn. com