The common myth of rural Ireland is of traditional cottages, not unlike this:

But the reality is the mass spread of the bungalow. These used to be small, modest structures that nestled into the landscape. However recently they’ve been growing to Texan proportions:

I walked past another one today that had a large conservatory, two patios with patio heaters, an outdoor pond or pool (it was bubbling!), and a separate building that seemed to hold a sauna or jaccuzi.

I think this is why the government recently tightened up the regulations on single dwellings in rural areas.