Craving a silent night?

While some people dive head first into the chaotic sleigh ride that is the annual Christmas countdown, others spend the season wishing they could escape the frenzy… if only for a night or two.

If this is the year you finally plan on seizing some peace and quiet with both hands during the holidays, a converted barn on East Cork’s stunning coast could be just the spot to kick back and unwind.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this hidden rental is located on a 20-acre farm just 10 minutes from Midleton and 15 minutes from Ballymaloe (close enough to stock up on goodies for lunch at their farm shop).

Inside you’ll find rustic low beams, wooden and stone floors and a wood burning fire to warm those freezing winter evenings.

There’s a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to serve up a family meal and owner, Kenneth, often leaves fresh eggs from the farm’s hens for his guests to enjoy at breakfast.

The furniture is plush (previous guests adored the luxuriously large couch and described the beds as ‘incredibly comfortable’) there’s even electric blankets to ensure a cosy night’s rest.

When you’re finished wandering the grounds, there’s great rock fishing and excellent surfing nearby on Inch Beach and Ballybrannigan strand, but with a shelf full of books and DVDs to enjoy, you needn’t set foot outside the house if you’d rather hibernate.

If you fancy some company later in your stay, a Garden Cottage can accommodate another couple on the property.

Ready to pack a bag and head east? The Barn sleeps four and it’s is available for three-night rentals at around €115 per night.