Run along very similar lines to its British counterpart, the Irish Landmark Trust was set up in 1992 and therefore only has a small number of properties available to rent so far.

Among these are the upper floors of the organisation's headquarters at 25 Eustace Street in Dublin's Temple Bar; a handsome early 18th century house with panelled interiors, it includes a drawing room and dining room as well as three bedrooms. Prices here vary from £300 for two nights to £550 for four. Seeking a more remote rental in Ireland? The Irish Landmark Trust's latest addition (available from May 1st) is Termon House in Maghery, Co. Donegal, dating from the start of the last century when it was probably built for the agent of the Marquess Conyngham.

Sleeping six-to-eight people, the property includes a stone barn as well as the house itself and the per week costs run from £350 in low season to £600 in high.

Another recent addition is Clomantagh Castle in Co. Kilkenny, which features not just a 15th century tower house but a 12th century parish church, an 18th century farmhouse and a mediaeval dovecote. Then there is the miniature castle gate lodge of Anne's Grove in Castletownroche, ten miles from Fermoy, in Co. Cork. Design in 1853, it is in a romantic Gothic style and originally had two rooms, one at ground level and one above. It sleeps two.

The Wicklow Head lighthouse can accommodate up to six people. It dates back to 1781 and was once part of a pair of lighthouses. All that remains is the old rear tower, itself nearly destroyed by fire in 1836 when struck by lightning.

For more information, contact the Irish Landmark Trust, 25 Eustace Street, Dublin 2, Tel 01-6704733.