All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Less than 90 minutes southwest of Dublin, the glacial valley in County Wicklow is famous not just for its stunning natural landscape, but also for the remains of a sixth-century settlement founded by St.
Kevin of Glendalough. Once I arrived in the area, I opted for an Airbnb over a hotel because I had visions of those cosy Irish cottages, with their bone-white exteriors and thatch roofs, dotted throughout the emerald green landscape — the prototypical storybook cottage. The only way to get there was by car. While it was stressful navigating the winding roads, the drive was beautiful: The trees were starting to turn golden against the green of the Scotch pines.
While the listing is classified as a private room, it was really a private residence with its own entrance and kitchenette. In fact, I never came across anyone while there.
As I stepped inside, it felt like I was entering another time. I was greeted first by the rustic, low-ceilinged kitchenette that featured a raw-edge wood counter and an oblong sink made of mottled stone. There was a step up to the large main space, which included a sitting area with a comfy sofa and an electric fireplace, and a small dining area with a table set for two.
At the front of the house, light streams in through the bay window from which you can see the Wicklow Mountains. The inside is clean and well-appointed. The white stone walls and high ceilings gave it a bright, airy quality, but the live-edge wood accents throughout, the lush upholstery, and the variety of indoor plants made the space cosy. Despite its historic appearance, the appliances — temperature controls, mini fridge, microwave, electric kettle, TV — were all modern.
