Ready for a getaway?

If you’re optimistically on the lookout for dog-friendly staycation ideas, there’s a dream cottage in Drimoleague that will have you and your canine companion packing a bag in anticipation.

Elka’s Retreat is a tranquil haven nestled just outside Drimoleague in West Cork; the sort of place that invites you to unwind. Set on an acre of land next door to a small working farm, this unique four-bedroom property is surrounded by rolling fields and stunning scenery.

The location is remote so it’s the ideal spot for a proper digital detox; focus instead on soaking your stiff muscles in the hot tub and sweating away your worries in the sauna barrel, which is stocked with essential oils to soothe any manner of physical or emotional stress.

Afterwards, you can wrap yourself in a dressing gown and kick back in the heated Chill Hut, which is stuffed with bean bags and cushions for relaxing on.

What’s inside?

The main house is a charming cottage that has been lovingly restored to include exposed brickwork, wooden beams and a log burner.

There’s a fully equipped kitchen as well as a Range Master, an extensive range of baking equipment (bring cookie ingredients) and a top-of-the-range juicer if you like to juice your own veggies and fruit in the morning.

The bedrooms are located in three separate sleeping areas; the main house, which sleeps three in two rooms, the Kid’s Cottage (named after a goat) and the wood cabin.

In the Kid’s Cottage, the roof is fitted with dome-shaped skylights so you can fall asleep while watching the starry sky above. The cabin is home to a double bed and a sofa bed and an open area that includes a traditional roll-top bath with views of the hills and a large decking area that’s perfect for sundown drinks or morning yoga.

An idyllic location for a barbecue, there is a picnic area with tables, benches and chairs near the main house and a fairy-light festooned BBQ hut with cosy Scandi-chic sheepskins and cushions to keep you toasty as you toast marshmallows over the fire.

Elka’s Retreat is available for limited dates this winter from €300 per night on Airbnb.