Barneys Ruins

*Brand new*
Utterly unique, this award-winning conversion of a traditional clachan farm in Gortinure was dreamt up by renowned architect Patrick Bradley (of BBC Restoration Rescue fame). Centuries ago, his great-great-uncle Barney was a tenant farmer here, and historically travellers would stop off for a ceilidh on their way to Sunday mass at the local church. Staying here nowadays connects you to both the past and present. The contemporary cottage ‘floats’ above the ruins of Barney’s historic 19thC home, while the converted barn once housed the farm bull, another Barney.

Both have sweeping views over the farmlands. If  you’re staying in the cottage, you can enjoy them from a pair of outdoor soaking baths or through large south-facing windows on fresher days. Inside, a bespoke staircase leads to a luxurious one-bedroom haven complete with a Jotul wood-burning stove, and ingenious lighting illuminates the build’s exterior at night, making it appear to hover above the rural landscape. The barn, meanwhile, has a cosy sleeping nook, striking concrete fireplace, and soon-to-be installed hot tub. A private patio at the rear gives serene views of the fields – a picturesque perch for a morning coffee or evening G&T.  Both spaces have been lovingly decorated, too, fusing traditional Irish charm with modern comforts; woollen blankets, vintage furniture and cheerful pops of yellow. Spend languid days reading, walking in nearby nature reserves, BBQing and zipping into local towns for pubs and restaurants (5-8 mins’ drive) or use this as a base to explore Northern Ireland.

Getting here: you’ll need to drive.