Kudos to you on making the decision to visit one of the most eclectic places in the United Kingdom! If there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that you’ll never run out of things to do in this bustling metropolis.
Northern Ireland’s capital and largest city, Belfast also happens to be one of the country’s most historic areas. Shipbuilding is also ingrained in the local history, especially since the RMS Titanic was built there. To date, hordes of visitors from all over the world flock to the capital so they can check out the Titanic Quarter and dedicated museum.
Since the city is such a massive tourist pull, it goes without saying that you’ll be met with more than your fair share of options in terms of accommodation. But if you want to stay somewhere that’s quintessentially Irish for a more traditional experience, you may wish to consider a cottage in Belfast.
Staying in a cottage is the most authentic Northern Irish experience and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either.
The good news? These charming dwellings are available all throughout the city, so you’ll certainly be able to pick exactly what you want! Not sure where to look? Read on to find out.
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Belfast for One Night
Forest Retreat Close to the City
This two-bedroom cottage lies in a picturesque sapling forest that’s known for its gorgeous trails and lake. Ideal for four guests, this space is perfectly equipped with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a fireplace.
- Titanic Belfast
- Belfast Castle Estate
- Ulster Museum
Is this amazing Belfast Cottage booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying at a Cottage in Belfast
While most cottages in Belfast are dotted in the countryside and along the coast, you’ll still be able to find plenty of them closer to the city center. Several of them actually offer gorgeous views of the hills or the ocean.
Unlike shared properties, like hotels or B&B’s in Belfast, cottages guarantee plenty of privacy and since most of them are entire rental units that come with kitchens, you can always cut costs by preparing your own meals.
In fact, if budget is a concern, you’ll be glad to learn that most of these spaces are actually cheaper than booking a hotel room in the city. Travelers who are on a really tight budget can even consider renting out a single room in a shared house instead of the whole cottage.
What to Look For in a Cottage in Belfast
Depending on whether you’d like to be in the bustling city center or tucked away in a quintessentially Northern Irish village, you’ll need to consider where to stay in Belfast. If you prefer something more rural, the downside to that means you will be further away from all the main attractions.
If you love your outdoor space, look for a cottage with a fenced or unfenced garden, patios, or even balconies. In the summer, it’s not uncommon to see rentals with provided barbecue facilities and outdoor seating areas.
While cottages in Belfast may appear super rustic at first glance, they do come with modern amenities and fixtures. They will usually always have a Wifi, a fully equipped kitchen and a good-sized bathroom. You should also look for one with a nice living area so you have somewhere to relax. Some even include electric fireplaces – perfect for enjoying a cozy evening with your loved ones while sipping on a Guinness.
It’s also good to know that there may be a minimum booking requirement so you may wish to pay attention to that when browsing for a cottage. It’s recommended to book through reputed sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com, because these websites allow you to see first-hand reviews, so you can easily gauge for yourself whether this is the right place for you or not.
Now, let’s take a look at seven incredible cottages that I can totally recommend.
Forest Retreat Close to the City
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Well-equipped kitchen
- > Quick drive from the city center
1 Bedroom Near the City Center
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Focal fire
- > Close to the Titanic Exhibition
Centrally Located Cottage for 2
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Optional hot tub
- > Walking distance to Botanic Gardens
4 Bedroom Countryside Retreat
- > $$
- > 8 Guests
- > Indoor fireplace
- > Located at the foot of the hills
10 Minutes From the City Center
- > $$
- > 6 Guests
- > Open plan kitchen
- > Walking distance to city center
Quaint Cottage Near City Airport
- > $$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Modern well-equipped kitchen
- > Al Fresco dining spot
Coastal Space Fringed by the Ocean
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Washer and Dryer
- > Close to the sea
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Belfast!
The Top 7 Cottages in Belfast
Now that you know what to expect from a cottage in Belfast, it’s time to take a look at the best of the best.
Overall Best Value Cottage – Forest Retreat Near the City
- $$
- 4 Guests
- Well-equipped kitchen
- Quick drive from the city center
Okay, here’s the thing about this cottage in Belfast: not only is it located in a delightful sapling forest, complete with a lake and scenic trails, but you’ll be a mere seven miles from the city center so it’s easily accessible to all the best things to do in Belfast. What better way to make the most out of both worlds, right?
Featuring two bedrooms and a modern kitchen in an open-plan living area, this cottage can comfortably sleep four. There’s even a sofa bed if you need to squeeze in an extra person. Cozy yet contemporary, this space also comes with a fireplace as well as a utility room with a washer and dryer.
Absolute Cheapest Cottage – 1BR Near the City Center
- $
- 2 Guests
- Focal fire
- Close to the Titanic Exhibition
Yes, we know. This space definitely doesn’t match its shockingly affordable price tag. And yet, here you have it: an inexpensive one-bedroom cottage in Belfast, just two measly miles from the city center!
It may be super easy on the wallet but rest assured that this stylishly renovated spot does come with a comprehensive kitchen, perfect for those Backpacking Ireland and wanting to save some money.
There’s also a living space with a corner sofa bed, perfect for an additional guest. When you want to explore, you’ll find that the cottage provides easy access to numerous bus routes, the M3, and the popular Titanic Exhibition Center.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Belfast start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Best Cottage in Belfast for Couples – Centrally Located Cottage
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Optional hot tub
- Walking distance to Botanic Gardens
Here’s one for you lovebirds! Located in the heart of the city, this little gem right here comes with a hot tub that you can book at an extra rate. Whether you’re in the mood for a sunset stroll in the Botanic Gardens or you’d like to explore the local culinary scene, virtually everything is within walking distance.
When you feel like spending a quiet evening in, you can always put an easy meal together in the functional kitchen. While this romantic cottage in Belfast has one bedroom for two guests, you do have the option of booking additional rooms.
Best Cottage in Belfast for Groups – 4 BR Countryside Retreat
- $$
- 8 Guests
- Indoor fireplace
- Located at the foot of the hills
Are you trying to make the most of your money while vacationing with friends? Of course, you are! Well, I’ve got you covered.
Boasting a prime location near the Royal Hillsborough & Saintfield and the Giant’s Causeway, this classic country cottage also happens to be reasonably priced – especially if you’re splitting the cost.
Featuring a functional kitchen and four bedrooms for eight guests, this space has a fenced courtyard, perfect for Al Fresco meals on warmer evenings! You’ll even be treated to scrumptious goodies such as homemade wheaten bread, jam, eggs, and more upon arrival.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Cottage for Families in Belfast – 10 Minutes From City Center
- $$
- 6 Guests
- Open plan kitchen
- Walking distance to city center
Traveling with the tots can be a challenge – but not when you’re staying somewhere as awesome as this three-bedroom cottage Airbnb in Belfast! With a full-sized bathroom, spacious kitchen, and open-plan living areas, this space lies just across the road from a convenience store, perfect for stocking up on snacks and groceries.
Just a stone’s throw from Belfast Castle and its picturesque hiking trails, this cottage also boasts proximity to popular attractions such as the Titanic Museum and SS Nomadic. When you want to soak up some city vibes, you can always take a quick walk to the nearby city center.
Amazing Luxury Cottage in Belfast – Quaint Cottage Near Airport
- $$$
- 4 Guests
- Modern well-equipped kitchen
- Al Fresco dining spot
Okay, this one’s a little more expensive than most but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious setting near the Titanic Quarter and George Best City Airport.
Soak up some rural vibes with a short stroll to nearby Ballyhackamore Village, known for its excellent selection of shops and quaint eateries serving up local delicacies.
Inside the cottage’s soothing whitewashed walls, you’ll find a light-flooded living room, complete with a fireplace. There’s also a kitchen and two bedrooms for four guests. In the morning, kick off your day with a spot of breakfast shared around the little wooden table outside.
Cottage With an Epic Location – Boat House by the Ocean
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Washer and Dryer
- Close to the sea
Wind down in a rugged oceanfront setting with a stay in this unique cottage in Belfast. This one-bedroom converted boathouse comfortably sleeps two – although we reckon you can fit three more guests on the sofabed and extra double bed.
Not only will you be treated to unblemished views of the ocean, but you’ll also feel the spray and roar of the waves as they crash against the shore! The cottage does come with a modern kitchen and dining area but then again, with some of the village’s best restaurants nearby, who wants to muck about with cooking, right?
Don’t Forget Your Belfast Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Cottages in Belfast
So, how about it? Ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Belfast? Whether you’re looking to put your feet up and relax by the sea or go pub crawling with your friends, you can be sure that the city’s got you covered!
And of course, you can always add an authentic Northern Irish twist to your vacation by staying at one of the best cottages in Belfast.
Before booking your stay, you may wish to consider getting traveler’s insurance just to ensure that you’re all set for any eventuality. Belfast is a very safe place, but it never hurts to be entirely prepared, especially considering the sheer number of hiking trails and other outdoorsy adventures that it offers. Once you’ve covered all your bases, you can relax and focus on planning the trip of a lifetime!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
