Winter has truly arrived, and we’re in the midst of our usual 9-5 routine with no end in sight. Some of us are lucky enough to have pre-booked a sun holiday for this time – we wish we had thought so far ahead.

But fear not, as Airbnb have the most perfect locations that are on our own Irish soil, so you can get away from the weekly hustle without ever boarding a plane.

Although the weather is getting worse, you can still enjoy Ireland’s countryside. There’s nothing better than going out for a walk on a cold blustery day, and arriving home to a warm house with lunch from the local deli down the road.

Ireland has such a gorgeous landscape and the most lovely rural towns all over the country. Just last year alone, over 331,000 people rented an Irish Airbnb – and 20% of those people were Irish.

Check these out!

Mayo

Hexagon via Airbnb.ie

Mayo has such an interesting landscape and it includes the Great Western Greenway – an excellent cycling route that can even bring you out Achill Island, just rent a bike and go!

This gorgeous studio apartment is located on the Greenway so it’s great if you want adventure, and it’s perfect for a couple as it can accommodate 2 adults from €60 per night.

If you want to stay in a secluded home, this Hexagon should be just right. It’s hidden away and can accommodate 2 adults from €80 a night.

For anyone who wants to be one with nature and breathe in that fresh country air, this log cabin is exactly what you need. It can accommodate 3 guests from €59 a night.

Galway

Eco House via Airbnb.ie

Galway is one of the great culture hubs in this country. You have the option of staying in the tranquil countryside or having a wild time in the city, the choice is yours.

This little cottage is perfect for any book lovers out there – you can cosy up by the fire and read to your heart’s content. Up to 5 guests can stay here which is great for a couples retreat-style holiday. You can rent it from €57 per night.

If you are artistically inclined, this eco house is the one for you. With views looking out over Lough Corrib and the Connemara Mountains, you can really channel your inner Bob Ross. It accommodates up to 5 people from €69 a night.

For anyone that loves the sea, this house is exactly what you need. It is located on the coast of Galway, which presents the amazing and vast Atlantic Ocean. You can rent it from €92 per night and have up to 5 guests.

Cork

Baltimore cottage via Airbnb.ie

This county is the largest in Ireland, and with so much space comes a lot of culture, towns and stunning locations.

For a stay by the sea, this cottage is ideal. It’s a short walk away from the town of Baltimore and you have the sea at your doorstep. You can rent it from €110 a night and it can accommodate up to 7 guests so it’s perfect if you have a large family or want to plan a trip with your friends.

If you’re interested in discovering the Wild Atlantic Way then this cozy home is for you. With space for 3 adults it’s ideal for a young family of three to get away from the city madness. You can rent it from €65 a night.

For a private getaway for two, this Cork cottage is great. It can accommodate up to 4 guests and is surrounded by the countryside and some great walks. It goes from €50 a night.

Meath

Crookside Farm via Airbnb.ie

Meath has some incredible history. It’s full of castles, ruins and wild gardens, and a trip their will satisfy all of your cultural needs.

Mix it up by staying in this converted barn for a few nights. It’s close to a 13th century ruined Abbey and some gorgeous gardens. It can fit 2 guests and costs upwards of €85 a night.

For a historic visit, rent out Crookside farm with your friends. Nearby attractions include the mystical Newgrange, Trim Castle and a whiskey distillery if you want to taste test some ‘liquid gold’. The farm accommodates up to 9 people and goes from €97 a night.

If you really want to have a great night with your pals, why not rent out an entire castle! The Durhamstown Castle is a Norman castle dating all the way back to 1420. You can rent it from €1,190 a night and it accommodates up to 16 guests. This would be perfect for a Hen or Stag do.

Wicklow

Lakehouse via Airbnb.ie

Wicklow is the garden of Ireland. It is one of the most beautiful places we have and is known for many film companies to use its location for it’s astounding beauty. Blake Lively is currently in town filming her new movie, ‘The Rhythm Section’, in Dublin and Wicklow.

Check into a converted stable with a loved one for a romantic weekend getaway. The property has all of the necessary modern amenities and goes from just €59 a night with space for 2 guests.

If you want to stay near water, then this lakehouse is for you. It is located in the Wicklow Mountains and overlooks the wonderful Blessington Lake, perfect if you have an interest in water sports. It can accommodate up to 10 guests and goes from €275 a night.

For something completely different, Elbow Room Escape is exactly that. This large home is set at the base of the Wicklow Mountains and gives you the opportunity to take full advantage of Wicklow’s adventure trails and walks. This accommodates up to 16 people and goes from €1,200 a night, it is perfect for a hen or stag do.

Wherever you go, be sure to use Air B’n’B; it’s easy to use, has 1000’s of homes to rent and is full of hidden gems.