SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR GLAMPING
Pods a perfect base to explore fascinating area
SPERRINVIEW Glamping is currently offering an exceptionally good deal — self-catering in one of their glamping pods, from £105 (€123).
The pods, situated in the rural wilderness of Tyrone, represent glamping at its most luxurious. If there were a Nobel prize for glamping, Sperrinview would be in the running. The pods come with everything you’re likely to need for a stay in this quiet corner of Ireland — plush bedding, modern cooking facilities, fridge, cosy sofas, microwave, firepit, barbecue. Some pods are designed just for one couple; others can accommodate up to six people.
The magnificent Sperrin Mountains stretch across Co Tyrone and Co Derry, — gentle, tranquil and stuffed with history.
This is one of the most fascinating landscapes in Europe — ancient dolmens, elaborate tombs and stone circles date back to Neolithic and Megalithic times. The Beaghmore Stone Circles are just a five-minute walk away from the glamping pods.
Now, if you only visit one set of stone circles, the Beaghmore ones should be on your short list.
The intricate stone circles unquestionably denote considerable pre-historic effort, but their precise purpose can only be guessed at — they were perhaps constructed in relation to the solstice, or to record the movements of the stars. Maybe even something to do with fertility rites. Wicker Man sort of stuff.
Beaghmore dates back to the Bronze Age — and may possibly have served as part of a prehistoric temple, if indeed such things existed back they. These stand just to the west of Lough Fea, in a remote, spellbinding area. There’s no doubt that Killarney’s Lakes and Fells are more famous, the Mountains of Mourne more lauded in song, and Macgillicuddy’s Reeks with its Carrauntoohil in Kerry harder to spell — but the Sperrins have a charm all of their own. Easily enough climbed, Mullaghclogher (1,896ft), and Mullaghaneany (2,070ft) are both within the range of the averagely fit, with no great mountaineering expertise required. Your reward will be a panorama stretching from mid-Ulster to the hills of Donegal, from the shores of the Atlantic southwards to Lough Neagh.
You won’t be the first person to enjoy the view. Ireland’s very first settlers landed somewhere near Coleraine (probably at Mount Sandel, aka Mountsandel) and made their way inland, following the mountain ridge of the Sperrins some 9,000 years ago. Céad míle fáilte, Neolithic people.
None of this, ‘If you’re Irish come into the parlour. If not, clear off,’ back then.
The area is archaeologically absorbing. One theory is that the first substantial human settlement in Ireland was in the townland of Crock, in the very south of the county. The area is verdantly beautiful, so it’s no wonder they stayed. The loughs would have been full of fish, the woodland full of alder, ash and hazel, providing fuel, shelter and game. This is what is termed Neolithic affluence.
As regards the views here in Tyrone and south Derry, modern mankind generally regards a good view as somewhere with a wide vista, usually containing a waterscape, some nice greenery, maybe a hill or two, and probably some leafy woodland.
But this is exactly what our early ancestors would have been looking for in practical terms, in order to enjoy some of that old Neolithic affluence. So perhaps we’re genetically programmed to enjoy a good view.
Nowhere better to ponder on such matters than here in Tyrone in a pod. Light pollution is at a minimum in this area, so it’s ideal for stargazing — when the clouds clear. This is one of Northern Ireland’s Dark Sky Sites, and is also in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
The OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory at Davagh Forest is the 78th area in the world to be accredited as an International Dark Sky Park. It specialises in all aspects of astronomy, and if it’s cloudy outside, holographic displays and sky maps help you to navigate across the skies. Weather permitting, there are Davagh night walks.
The pods at Sperrinview Glamping come with tilted windows, enabling you to do some stargazing from the comfort of your own bed. Get a clear night, and the Milky Way will seldom look milkier. Now that’s what I call five star accommodation.