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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Smokers and vapers paying almost double the price non-smokers pay for life insurance and mortgage cover
Quitting smoking and vaping could save individuals and couples tens of thousands of euro over the lifetime of a mortgage protection, life insurance, and specified illness policy. Vapers are also being warned about the financial consequences of their habit, according to new research from price-comparison site and brokerage firm The research also shows the importance of shopping around, even for non-smokers. Ahead of World No Tobacco Day tomorrow, smokers are being encouraged to quit: not just for their health, but for their wallets too. The research showing that the cost of life insurance is almost double for smokers was carried out this month by comparing prices for smokers and non-smokers from the country's five leading life insurers: Aviva, Irish Life, New Ireland, Royal London Ireland, and Zurich Life. As well as being a price-comparison and switching website, is a broker for both life insurance and mortgages. Smokers would pay at least €192, a difference of almost €33,000 over the term When it comes to mortgage protection insurance, a 38-year-old couple could pay as little as €35.60 a month for €300,000 in cover over 30 years if they are both non-smokers. But if both are smokers, the cost jumps to €70. Bonkers said this is an increase of almost 97pc, or nearly €12,500, over the life of the policy. Mortgage protection cover is a legal requirement for anyone taking out a mortgage in Ireland. Adding €100,000 in specified illness cover to the same policy would cost €101 a month for non-smokers. But smokers would pay at least €192, a difference of almost €33,000 over the term. ADVERTISEMENT The gap is even wider for life cover. Life cover pays out a tax-free lump sum if one of the insured dies during the term of the policy and is considered an essential part of financial planning for families. A non-smoking couple could secure €300,000 in cover over 30 years for around €51 a month, while smokers would pay at least €104. This is a difference of almost 103pc, or almost €19,000 over the lifetime of the policy. And for a standalone specified illness policy, worth €150,000 over 30 years, non-smokers would pay €195.87 a month. Smokers would be charged €333.44 – almost €50,000 extra over the full term. While smoking has declined in recent decades, about 16pc of people aged 15 and over in Ireland still smoke either daily or occasionally, according to Census 2022. However, many more vape. Daragh Cassidy of said vapers, even if they have never smoked in their life, will still be treated as smokers by life insurers. World No Tobacco Day is on May 31 every year. It is an awareness day created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use. Mr Cassidy said: 'Quitting smoking really is good for your pocket as well as your health. It's not just the cost of cigarettes that you'll save on. As our research shows, the price you pay as a smoker for important life insurance products such as mortgage protection, term insurance, specified illness cover and income protection is often close to double what a non-smoker would pay. 'This means kicking the habit can save you tens of thousands of euro over the lifetime of these products.'
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Is investing (finally) getting cheaper in Ireland?
There was a bit of a stir in the financial advice community when Royal London arrived in the Irish pensions market. The UK mutual insurance society had been active in the Irish protection market for many years, when it decided to broaden its reach last November, launching a PRSA as part of its burgeoning Irish pensions business. So why the stir? The new entrant opted to publish its pricing structure on its website, with access for all – and some competitive charges. It has brought a welcome dose of transparency to a market that savers have often found tricky to navigate, given the myriad charges that can apply. It's not a perfect outcome; the taxation system around investing in Ireland still needs to be updated, while costs are still less competitive than elsewhere. But, thanks also to the arrival of new online players, which often offer a more cost-effective product, competition is finally beginning to crunch. READ MORE 'It's only the start,' says David Quinn, managing director of Investwise. This is good news for investors. Status quo Many Irish investors make their first move into the markets via a life-wrapped product sold through a bank, a life company or a financial adviser. The advantage of such products is that tax, via the gross roll-up system, is taken care of for you. So, no filing reports with Revenue. The downside, however, is that investing this way can be expensive. Contrast Irish Life's Indexed Ethical Global Equity fund with Blackrock's iShares MSCI World Screened. Both track the MSCI World ESG Screened Index – but have different charges. The iShares fund has a total expense ratio of just 0.2 per cent: Irish Life's fund has a fee of 0.75 per cent. And it's not always clear what the full extent of charges on Irish funds are, as we don't have a total expense ratio (TER) or total cost of ownership approach. 'Costs were opaque, with the cost of advice, administration and investment management all built into one single annual fee,' says Quinn. And, given how financial advice works in Ireland, where advisers can still be paid under the commission model (the UK banned this in 2012), the total costs of these products are not always clear. 'This annual fee often includes an upfront commission payment to the sales adviser,' says Quinn, adding that the annual cost of such a fund is about 1.5 per cent. As he notes, there can be further 'hidden' costs in a fund, which are not always required to be disclosed under regulatory rules. These can be as high as 0.5 per cent, bringing the total cost closer to 2 per cent per annum. That's a hefty deduction from any possible gains your fund might make. New options But, the tide might be turning. In 2022 Royal London, which already has a protection business in Ireland, became the first new pension provider to enter the market in more than a decade – and the first life assurance company in more than 30 years. It first brought approved retirement funds (ARFs) and a personal retirement bond to the market and then, last year, launched a PRSA . And it's just the first step. 'There are lots of exciting plans for the future as we plan to grow this side of the business,' says Noel Freeley, chief executive of Royal London Ireland. Quinn says Royal London's 'aggressive pricing' has put some of the other providers under pressure. Royal London now offers ARFs and PRSAs in the Irish market, with annual fees as low as 0.35 per cent (remember financial advice fees will also apply, as this is the wholesale price, and it applies on savings above a certain level). Royal London also offers its customers a value share. 'It's an additional boost that may be added to customers' fund returns in years that the company does well,' says Freeley. 'Though not guaranteed to be awarded every year, once awarded, it belongs to the customer and can never be taken away. 'In April 2025, value share was awarded for a third year in a row.' This year, it was paid out at a level of 0.13 per cent, thus driving down annual costs to just 0.22 per cent. 'It's unbelievably competitive,' says Quinn. While 'you can't bank on the value share', as it is a discretionary payment, it has been 'fairly consistent' in recent years, he says. Not only that, but Royal London also put its charging structures on its website; typically such payments are hidden behind broker-only access areas. They show ARF charges of 0.4-0.9 per cent, depending on the assets in the fund. According to Freeley, transparency is important to the company. 'Our research identified key areas that were important to customers, such as perceived affordability, which was the main reason for people not having a pension at the time. Therefore, pricing and transparency on fees and charges was important,' he says. More competition It's putting pressure on other providers to be more competitive. Irish Life, for example, is understood to have recently cut charges for underlying contracts taken out on its Portus platform by 10 basis points – that is, from 0.5 per cent to 0.4 per cent. And, as Quinn notes, the move towards cheaper index funds has made it clearer for investors that they may, in certain circumstances, be overpaying. This has also put product providers under pressure to keep costs down. 'People are more cost conscious,' he says. Indeed, a spokeswoman for Aviva says that while it has not cut retail charges of late, it has launched a 'number of lower-cost passive investment options for consumers' to complement its existing range of active funds. Revolut says you can invest €1,000 in the iShares S&P 500 UCITS for a total cost of just €0.73 after a year. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty New players The incumbent players are also facing a wave of new competition from the likes of Revolut, Interactive Brokers and deGiro. These offer low-cost access to a range of investments, such as exchange-traded funds and shares. For example, Revolut says you can invest €1,000 in the iShares S&P 500 UCITS for a total cost of just €0.73 after a year (based on growth of 7 per cent, and a TER of 0.07 per cent). Such investments are typically bought on an execution-only basis, which means investors won't benefit from financial advice – but nor will such fees apply. And, while tax can be an issue, particularly when it comes to ETFs and deemed disposal, change might be coming on this front. Last October, then minister for finance Jack Chambers published the latest communication in a possible reframing of taxes in the investment fund sector. As pointed out numerous times in the consultation process, the Irish system for taxing investments is inconsistent and off-putting for investors. [ Investors still face wait for overdue Irish ETF tax reforms Opens in new window ] There is a growing expectation that changes will be announced in this year's budget, after they were included in the 2025 programme for government. According to a spokesman in the Department of Finance , officials are 'reviewing options for measures that could be taken to assist with retail participation in capital markets', taking into account developments at an EU level in respect of the Savings and Investments Union. Making the investment landscape more tax-efficient should mean ETFs that are easier to account for and cheaper – and bring about another wave of much needed competition for beleaguered investors.
Irish Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Auto enrolment: employers can't afford to wait any longer for start of pension scheme
After years of promises and planning, Ireland's long-awaited auto-enrolment pension scheme , has hit another bump in the road. Much delayed, but planned for a September 2025 launch, the Government has now confirmed it will be delayed by 'a small number of months'. The scheme is now set to begin on January 1st, 2026. When it arrives, auto enrolment will mark one of the most significant Irish pension reforms in decades. But shifting timelines and a lack of clear communication have significant implications for employers and employees alike. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers cited the 'enormous scale' of the initiative and the need for extensive cross-departmental coordination. With global economic conditions unsettled, there's also a clear sense that the Government is being extra cautious about adding pressure to businesses already navigating significant volatility. READ MORE The official line is a delay of just a few months, but co-ordinating across departments, building a new national platform and enrolling more than 800,000 people is a significant undertaking. [ Half of small firms not prepared for auto pension enrolment, says Irish Life Opens in new window ] Employers were told to prepare for 2025, and many already have. A further delay creates confusion and risks undermining confidence in a system that needs buy-in from day one. For business owners, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, this delay is a mixed bag. Neil McDonnell, chief executive of Isme, described the delay as a " welcome development' adding: 'This is a recognition that businesses need help and that we need to slow down the velocity of cost increases for businesses. We are in favour of auto enrolment, but we have just seen business costs increase at too fast a rate in the last two years.' In terms of the delayed implementation, there are a number of things employers should review: Administrative adjustments: revisit implementation timelines to ensure payroll systems and HR policies are adaptable to the updated schedule; Employee communication: clear and timely updates help maintain transparency and trust; Strategic planning: use the extra time to refine pension strategies so they align with business goals and employee needs. On one hand, the delay eases immediate pressure on businesses. It gives companies more time to prepare, particularly useful for those still getting their systems and payroll aligned. On the other hand, for the many businesses that have already invested time, money and resources into being ready, it's frustrating. And this isn't just about compliance. Pensions are now a key part of an employer's value proposition. In a competitive hiring market, a solid pension plan can make all the difference. For every €3 a worker saves, the employer matches it with €3, and the State tops it up with €1. It's a strong model. But every delay means lost time, lost savings and lost momentum Government delays shouldn't stop businesses from strengthening what they already provide. For the near 800,000 workers who would benefit from auto-enrolment, primarily those aged 23 to 60, earning over €20,000 without an occupational pension, this delay means more time relying on a State pension that was never designed to cover today's cost-of-living crisis . The scheme's design is simple and compelling, for every €3 a worker saves, the employer matches it with €3, and the State tops it up with €1. It's a strong model. But every delay means lost time, lost savings and lost momentum. Businesses need a clear timeline and employees deserve transparency. If the roll-out is being reconsidered, that's understandable, but there is a need to communicate what's next. Uncertainty makes planning harder, especially for SMEs already stretched by inflation, wage growth and ongoing compliance changes. While the delay is frustrating, it's also an opportunity. Business leaders shouldn't pause their preparations, they should use this time to get ahead. If you run a business, this is the moment to make sure your pension offering isn't just compliant, but competitive. Take a good look at what you already offer. Is it meeting your employees' expectations? Is it simple to manage? Is it something you're proud to talk about in a job interview? Employees are paying attention. They're more aware than ever that relying on the State pension alone won't be enough. A strong, clearly communicated pension scheme is a powerful part of your employer brand, and one that can help you retain talent and stay ahead of the curve. This isn't about waiting for Government timelines. It's about being proactive, building confidence with your team and proving that you're in it for the long haul. Robert Whelan is managing director of Rockwell Financial Management
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Half of small firms not prepared for auto pension enrolment, says Irish Life
Half of Irish companies with fewer than 50 employees are not prepared at all for the introduction of automatic pension enrolment, even though they are more concerned than larger firms about the impact of the regime, according to a survey by research firm Red C for Irish Life. The finding comes as the Government decided last month to postpone the launch of the auto-enrolment (AE) regime again, this time by three months to the start of January 2026. The recent survey of 150 companies found, however, that three-quarters of larger companies have put work into considering the regime and the approach they plan to take, Irish Life said. Many intend to nudge AE-eligible employees towards their own defined-contribution (DC) pension plans or include clauses in contracts for new employees that would compel them to join company schemes, according to Shane O'Farrell, Irish Life's director of workplace markets and employer solutions. READ MORE 'It's clear that a lot of smaller organisations have not yet thought about AE. It's going to end up being a budgeting shock for them if they don't engage with this,' said Mr O'Farrell, noting the survey has shown that small firms remain more concerned about the effects of AE on their business than larger ones. Will DoorDash takeover of Deliveroo mean better pay and conditions for gig economy workers? Listen | 28:33 The Department of Social Protection has in recent weeks launched a search for a chief executive of the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (Nearsa), which will oversee the administration of the AE scheme. The appointee to the €215,000-a-year role will be expected to 'bring vision, strategic leadership and effective management across all the functions of the Nearsa in order to ensure that it discharges its functions efficiently and effectively to the benefit of its estimated 800,000 participants and Irish society more generally,' according to an information booklet for candidates. May 29th has been set as the closing date for applications. The AE scheme will be known as My Future Fund. It is expected it will hold more than €20 billion of assets on behalf of beneficiaries within 10 years, rising potentially to more than €300 billion over 30-40 years, according to the booklet. First proposed by then government Fianna Fáil minister Séamus Brennan in 2006, AE has been through years of delays and false dawns. However, enabling legislation was finally enacted last July and Indian group Tata Consultancy Services was signed up in October to build and run the AE system. The department is in the middle of procuring three investment managers to handle the assets in the fund. Under the terms of the Irish scheme, which applies to workers aged between 23 and 60 who earn at least €20,000 per annum across one or more jobs, employers and employees will each initially contribute 1.5 per cent of gross earnings to their pension pot, with the government adding a further 0.5 per cent. The contributions are due to increase in stages over 10 years, reaching 6 per cent, 6 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively.
Times
14-05-2025
- Times
I've stayed in over 100 places in Ireland. These are my favourites
I didn't mean to move to Ireland. Originally the plan was to come over for a couple of months, live on a little island off the west coast, then move on. But those couple of months turned into a couple of years and, before I knew it, I'd spent almost two decades living in various parts of Ireland, from a village in the wild northwest to the middle of Dublin, where I'm now based. While it wasn't exactly a thought-out decision (few of mine are), there's something about Irish life that suits me. And no, I don't mean the tired old tropes about rowdy pubs and excessive drinking — you'll never catch me in Dublin's boozy Temple Bar quarter. It's the wide, open landscapes that I love, especially in the summer: the coastal hikes that end in a platter of oysters, the saunas next to freezing cold lakes and the countryside cottages where you can drink wine out on the patio with the coconutty smell of gorse flowers in the air. And there are plenty of places all around Ireland where I can do just that. The Irish Landmark Trust owns and preserves 33 properties on the island, from thatched cottages to fairytale towers, and they're usually my first port of call when I fancy a cosy, homely stay. Then there are the quirkier, cooler properties, like the lakeside cabins in Cavan that feel like an American summer camp, or a geodesic dome built halfway up a tree in the wilds of Connemara. And you can still get those same comfy vibes in a hotel by lounging on the fireside sofas in Ballynahinch Castle, or even opting for a stylish townhouse in Dublin. I have my favourite corners of the country too. Most people stick to the same area when they come to Ireland but while Kerry, Cork and Galway are beautiful, I'll always have a soft spot for the northwest — the wind-battered cliffs of Co Donegal, or the dark, mossy woodlands of Leitrim, where the trees are dripping with lichen (a sign of clean air). The scenery is every bit as stunning but you're not vying for space at lookout points or getting stuck behind coach tours at every turn. For the sake of this list I've included stays all over the island of Ireland. Here are some of my favourite spots to inspire your next trip. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Whenever I'm dreaming of a cosy escape, Cabu is at the top of my list. On a huge woodland estate on the banks of Lough Oughter, in the heart of the midlands, this spot has 28 one to three-bedroom cabins. They're spread throughout the forest, with some on stilts overlooking the treetops and others along the edge of the lake. Though they look a little ramshackle from the outside, inside it's all log-cabin chic, with Aztec rugs, deep squishy couches and wood-burning stoves. Up in the main lodge you can toast marshmallows and drink crémant by the fire pits or soak in the outdoor hot tubs. The lake is perfect for paddleboarding or summer swims Two nights' self-catering for two from £453 ( Fly or take the ferry to Dublin This subtly luxe two-bedroom cottage on the grounds of the historic Lissadell House is a dream. It's right on the beach — any closer to the sea and you'd get wet — and it's one of those places that fits the bill whatever the weather is doing. You can go for a long walk on the beach, take a soak in the huge rolltop bath or sit in the top-floor window seat and watch the wild Atlantic waves batter the sands. And the finishes befit the price tag: the kitchen is top of the line, a serious art collection lines the walls and there's antique furniture wherever you Three nights' self-catering for four from £1,299 ( Fly to Knock This is the kind of hotel that's as good in the blazing sun, when you can cycle to Roundstone for crab claws, as it is when it's tipping down, which gives you an excuse to cuddle up by the fire and play Scrabble. Wherever you find yourself, you're met with cracking views of the Connemara mountains through the arched windows, or the reflection of the 18th-century castle if you walk the riverside trail. Its new sauna is right on the lake, so you can alternate between sweating and swimming, and the breakfast — featuring a giant, hand-carved ham — is one of the best in the B&B doubles from £264 ( Fly to Knock A main road in Dublin's city centre, Camden Street is fairly hectic and noisy. But once the heavy door of this converted townhouse closes behind you, all that madness falls away (particularly as you're handed a free glass of bubbles at check-in). With seven rooms, Number 59 is more intimate guesthouse than hotel but it's one that is full of cool design touches such as pink walls, a massive velvet sofa in the bar and hessian rugs in the bedrooms. Bear in mind that the two rooms at the front of the building aren't as quiet — those listed windows can't compete with all the street noise. The Iveagh Gardens are just around the corner so nip there to lounge in the park or breathe in the smell of the rose B&B doubles from £108 ( Fly or take the ferry to Dublin Up on this jagged, cliff-lined peninsula in Donegal, Fanad Lighthouse pokes up from the lush green headland and stands guard over the sea — and while it's now automated, it's still an active lighthouse. Visitors pop in for tours throughout the day but, when the centre shuts up shop, it's the sole domain of those staying in the lighthouse keeper's cottages at its base. It's a perfect spot for peace and quiet. There's nothing to be seen for miles bar the herd of nearby Highland cows and seabirds flitting between the cliffs. Inside, things are lovely and cosy, with small stoves and battered Two nights' self-catering for two from £293 ( Fly to Londonderry or Belfast Ballymaloe is a hallowed name in the Irish food scene — the Allen family bought this country house in 1948, opened it as a restaurant in 1964 and have been running it as a hotel since 1967. And their nearby cookery school has become a springboard for many restaurateurs and chefs, which explains why the food is so damn good. The menu, like the aesthetic, leans towards the traditional (think roast beef and dessert trolleys) but it all works perfectly. There are 33 bedrooms, with floral wallpaper and padded headboards, and some have terraces overlooking the gardens. The nearby Ballycotton cliff walk is a great spot for a seaside B&B doubles from £285 ( Fly to Cork • 16 of the best family hotels in Ireland It can be tough to strike the perfect balance between traditional 'cottagecore' aesthetics and the modern touches you need to keep things practical. These converted townhouse cottages, which can be rented separately or together, have found that middle ground — there's exposed stone and wood-burning stoves but also Sage coffee machines, underfloor heating and wi-fi. And the soft touches are beautiful, with Irish linen, tweed throws and local ceramics. There are five cottages in total, spread around a communal courtyard garden, and they sleep between two and six people. As the name suggests, you're right in the village of Roundstone, with its charming harbour and excellent pubs such as O'Dowd's (great for seafood and Guinness).Details Two nights' self-catering for two from £360 ( Fly to Knock There are several accommodation options on the grounds of Mount Congreve, an 18th-century country house in Waterford with expansive (and seriously impressive) gardens. You could go for an off-grid one-bed bell tent, with Foxford blankets and a wood-burning stove, or the more swish eco cabins for two or four people, which have underfloor heating and a private hot tub. But the two-bedroom gate lodges have a unique charm, with a dark, gothic colour scheme, antique beds and velvet wingback armchairs. Whichever you opt for, you can make the most of the after-hours access to the historic gardens to explore without any other visitors Two nights' self-catering for two from £243 ( Fly or take the ferry to Dublin • 17 of the best luxury hotels in Ireland In my eyes, the best kind of country house hotel is one that feels as if it's barely changed in decades. I want well-worn armchairs, clusters of mismatching display plates on the walls and stacks of books by the fireplace (which is always kept burning, naturally). The 18th-century Rathmullan House fits that mould to a tee. The four separate lounges and library feel intimate enough that you may just get them to yourself, and the 31 bedrooms all have a cutesy, traditional feel. There's a direct pathway from the hotel down to the beach if you fancy a cold dip in Lough Swilly before warming your cockles in the hotel's heated B&B doubles from £168 ( Fly or take the ferry to Belfast While the main Georgian house is the private domain of the Fennell family, guests can book a stay in the property's converted stables. The owners, James and Joanna Fennell, lived in this stable yard when they were first married so it feels like a home, albeit one designed by people with impeccable taste. The studio apartment has huge windows and doors that flood the space with light, and the shelves are overflowing with books, some of which are the work of the photographer James. The larger property sleeps up to six and both have access to the courtyard garden, filled with lavender bushes and clay plant pots. It's less than an hour from Dublin, and Blessington Lake is a 30-minute drive One night's self-catering for two from £159 ( Fly or take the ferry to Dublin This geodesic dome is built into the treetops on a working farm. Waking up to the sound of birdsong, as the sun rises and gently illuminates the woodland, is like forest bathing for those who can't be bothered to go outside. There's also an architecturally impressive stilt house on the grounds, with a fire-heated outdoor bath and giant windows overlooking the wilds, and the lakeside sauna is a One night's room-only from £251 ( Fly to Knock On a vast farm perched on the clifftops in east Cork, this converted barn is filled to the brim with overstuffed bookshelves, armoires and kitchen shelves stacked with mismatching crockery. The spacious living room has a deep sofa and opens out to a courtyard, more often than not populated with the owner's dogs or rambling chickens. The kitchen comes fully equipped with decent cookery gear such as Le Creuset casserole dishes and proper knives. As well as the two-bedroom barn, there's a separate studio apartment and a coastal cabin, with great views over the cliffs from the floor-to-ceiling windows. There's a great farmers' market every Saturday in nearby Midleton, and you can pop into the Jameson distillery for a tour and a One night's self-catering for two from £150 ( Fly to Cork This new guesthouse has been years in the making and has strong rewilding principles at its core. The setting, in a former dairy farm just outside the bohemian village of Ballydehob in west Cork, is ideal for a complete break from reality. There are just three rooms in the guesthouse, formerly a farmhouse known for its céilís (dances), and in September they'll be launching snazzy new cabins. Until then you can snuggle under linen-clad duvets and make use of the sauna and cold plunges in the courtyard. This corner of the country is ridiculously beautiful — catch the ferry from Baltimore to Cape Clear, the Irish-speaking island that's the southernmost point in B&B doubles from £168 ( Fly to Cork You can't go wrong with any of the heritage properties run by the Irish Landmark Trust but this city centre hideaway brings a dose of countryside charm to the middle of Dublin. The 18th-century coachman's cottage is set above the working stables for the Irish police horses, and has a great view over the nearby Georgian townhouses and their fancy private gardens. The three double rooms have wood-panelled walls, super soft bedding and antique furniture, and there's a big rolltop bath too. The National Gallery of Ireland is just around the corner, as is the grand Merrion Square Two nights' self-catering for six from £788 ( Fly or take the ferry to Dublin Deep in the lush green mountains of the Iveragh peninsula in the southwest, this remote two-bedroom cottage may look like a traditional dwelling from the outside but those thick stone walls hide a thoughtfully preserved and chic interior. The whitewashed walls and exposed beams in the living room make for an inviting hangout but you'll probably want to spend most of your time in the main bedroom, where the giant picture window overlooks the lake below. Alternatively, the sunken bath has a glass roof, so you can lie back and do some stargazing — the cottage is in Ireland's first Dark Sky Reserve, after Four nights' self-catering for two from £1,195 ( Fly to Cork There's a bit of a French château feel to the five rooms in Mossie's B&B, with delicate toile florals on the walls, ornate wrought iron beds and antique sconces. The best rooms have great views out over the ocean, and one has a private balcony and claw-foot slipper bath to boot. The gorgeous Beara peninsula is on your doorstep, including the Healy Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. It also has a slick converted workshop in the garden if you prefer to go self-catering, with exposed brick walls, copper detailing and a handmade super-king bed overlooking the sycamore B&B doubles from £130 ( Fly to Cork With 16 lodges spaced out between ancient woodland on a 100-acre country estate, Drumhierny embraces the surrounding nature with giant glass-fronted cabins, from A-frame designs to more discreet lodges. Things are kept simple on the inside but the main selling point is the view out to the forest. The outdoor spa in the old walled garden is a dream: you can soak in baths full of seaweed or dip in the hot tubs, with towering oak trees and twittering birds for company. There's a lovely pub, Beirnes of Battlebridge, a ten-minute stroll away, and you can hike or bike on the canalside footpath right by the estate Two nights' self-catering for six from £502 ( Fly to Knock For a few years it felt like there were countless yurts popping up all around Ireland but Lough Mardal is one of the few that has stood the test of time. These plush skydome yurts are well spaced out so you feel as if you're in the middle of nowhere. They're placed on individual decks, which is great if the weather is on your side, but if it gets wild the wood-burners keep things nice and toasty, and the plush bed is piled high with blankets and a feathery duvet. You can make use of the kitchen in the communal lodge and its new lakeside sauna and swimming jetty is perfect for summer swims. Just beyond, the wildness of the Donegal coast is great for mountain One night's self-catering for two from £124 ( Fly to Knock These three cottages, on a gated patch of land a few minutes' walk from the pubs and craic of Westport town, vary between an old Irish style and a more Scandi vibe. The cart house, right on the edge of the river, is a one-bedroom where the water flows right by the windows and everything, from the linen bedsheets to the hessian carpets, is designed with comfort in mind. If there's a big gang of you, the main house is ideal, with an ample kitchen, comfy living room and seven en suite One night's self-catering for two from £126 ( Fly to Knock Set on a curved tail of land just north of Sligo town, Rosses Point packs a hell of a lot into a small village — a wide, white sand beach, excellent pubs and a cracking restaurant, the Driftwood. And right upstairs you'll find eight boutique bedrooms, the best with a rolltop bath by the window so you can soak in Voya scented bubbles as you look out over the sea. It also has a newly renovated studio apartment nearby, with floor-to-ceiling views of the water, just a two-minute walk from the beach and the popular waterfront Room-only doubles from £80 ( Fly to Knock An Irish Landmark property, this one-bedroom lodge is essentially a miniature castle, with its own turrets, battlements and spiral staircase. Inside, the medieval touches are softened with overstuffed armchairs, granny-chic rugs and a big rolltop bath, but if the weather is in any way nice there's also a rooftop terrace where you can eat your dinner. It's on the grounds of the 18th-century Glenarm Castle, with a gigantic walled garden and charming little tearoom, and you might even see the resident rescue hedgehogs snuffling around the Two nights' self-catering for two from £331 ( Fly or take the ferry to Belfast • Read our full guide to Northern Ireland I feel most glamping pods have had their day but the one-bedroom cabins at Enniskeen have a unique aesthetic, and are spaced well apart in the wild forests of Tollymore, about 45 minutes' drive from Belfast. Each has a USP — one is in an apple orchard right on the riverbanks, another regularly gets deer walking past the giant windows and the last has a brilliant view of the nearby mountains. A breakfast hamper is delivered each morning so you can tuck into organic sausage sandwiches and warm pastries in bed as you watch the morning light move over the countryside. Oh, and each has a private wood-fired hot B&B doubles from £288 ( Fly or take the ferry to Belfast This hotel looks a little bit like a villain's lair, the red-brick turrets rising up from a height overlooking Newcastle beach. But inside, the vibe is gothic hunting lodge, with dark floral wallpaper, giant fireplaces and mounted deer heads on the wall. The 180 restyled rooms keep that feel going, with panelled walls and tartan carpets, while the stylish restaurant JJ Farrall's is so good you won't need to leave the joint — think rich sticky game, local lamb with spring peas and triple-cooked chips. There's loads of excellent hiking in the nearby Mourne Mountains, and the beach is good for B&B doubles from £165 ( Fly or take the ferry to Belfast • 15 of the best things to do in Northern Ireland You can't get much cosier than a roaring fire, a dram of local whiskey and a low puddle of light from a gas lamp. And that's just what you get at Bushmills Inn, just a few minutes away from the whiskey distillery of the same name. In this historic inn the 41 rooms come with exposed beams, four-poster beds and huge baths, and there's a tiny hidden library and a cinema where movie nights are held on Thursdays. The restaurant specialises in comfort food like Guinness and onion soup, marrow beef burgers and sticky toffee pudding, all of which you'll be craving if you visit the blustery Giant's B&B doubles from £175 ( Fly or take the ferry to Belfast Every corner of this boutique hotel, from the cheeky wallpaper in the room dubbed the 'booboir' to the leopard-print chairs in the bar, is deliciously eccentric. The smallest rooms are compact but the suites, with oodles of room and huge rolltop baths, are a delight, and named after inspirational folk with a local connection, such as CS Lewis and the artist Helen Trevor. Touches such as record players and vinyl, medicine cabinets stuffed with antique jars and four-poster beds make for an elevated, fun and endlessly comfy stay. The surrounding Queen's Quarter, with top-notch restaurants and shops, is a great place to make your base in B&B doubles from £120 ( Fly or take the ferry to Belfast Have we missed any? Share your favourite Ireland stay in the comments
