From the rolling hills to the spectacular ocean views, the Beara Peninsula is a place apart.

A weekend here involves a two-hour spin from the city, but make the short journey and you’ll be rewarded with a taste of island life at its best under the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountain ranges.

And if you’re looking for somewhere cosy to settle in for a few days of solitude, The Turf Cottage is a dreamy, modern base in a part of Ireland that’s as old as the hills.

Three miles from town and walking distance to gorgeous beaches, hikes, lakes and castles, the cottage sleeps two people in a spacious loft bedroom.

It’s perfect for a romantic couple’s getaway – and a bargain too at €100 per night for the entire place.

There’s tons of natural light for reading, as well as dramatic mountain and valley views from nearly every window. Bookworms take note: the adorable reading nook is heaven, bring adequate supplies.

Built from locally cultivated trees and field stone, all the cabinetry inside is custom made locally with furnishings sourced from Irish artisan tradespeople.

And you won’t be short of stuff to do either; take the short ferry to Bere Island to walk the ring forts, standing stones, wedge tombs and burial sites.

If an afternoon of meditation is in order, visit Dzogchen Beara, a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat nearby (you can also stop by for coffee and cake and they have a delicious vegetarian menu for lunch).

At the same time, why leave at all? Simply light the fire and while away the hours paying Scrabble in front of the wood burning stove.

Stress begone.