Imagine a wonderful holiday in Ireland

A break in South-East Ireland in an attractive converted barn complete with its own bar or a stay in a house that has its own games room, hot tub and sauna are just two of the many superb self-catering holidays on offer to holidaymakers in Ireland this year from self-catering specialist Imagine Ireland.

They have teamed up with leading ferry company Stena Line to offer some great holidays to the Emerald Isle.

Choosing the self-catering option allows people much more freedom and independence than staying in hotels or B&Bs.

And there are over 1,000 self-catering properties in Ireland to choose from in Imagine Ireland’s 2009 brochure, including the converted barn with bar at Leap in West Cork and the house at Kiltealy in County Wexford with its own hot tub and sauna.

The brochure is packed with great holiday ideas, from week-long breaks to three-night short stays, 2 for 1 winter specials and flexible 10-night holidays starting midweek on selected properties.

The self-catering accommodation available ranges from traditional Irish thatched and stone cottages to restored farmhouses, renovated barns, apartments and modern bungalows.

Another property worth checking out is a detached house at Muckross in County Kerry, six miles from Killarney. It offers access to a fishing lake and superb views of Lake Guitane and the surrounding mountains. The luxurious property has five bedrooms and sleeps 10 people. And nearby is the National Park, covering 25,000 acres encompassing the three lakes of Killarney and the surrounding mountains. Prices start from £357 per week including return Stena Line ferry travel from Fishguard or Holyhead with your car.

Thanks to its tie-up with Stena Line, Imagine Ireland can offer over 30 daily departures on five ferry routes between Britain and the island of Ireland.

Holidaymakers can enjoy a week’s holiday in the Spring from as little as £103 per person per week including travel (based on five people sharing and other terms and conditions).

For more information, log on to Ferryandcottage.co.uk.