Unusual places to sleep
Hands up if you’ve been dreaming of staying somewhere a little extraordinary this summer.
From hotels with a difference to glamping under the stars, embracing nature in eco-conscious yurts to lapping up the luxury of a magnificent castle or stately home, there’s an abundance of unique and unusual places to sleep. We look at some of the spots you can visit in life after lockdown.
Yurt life
Chléire Haven on Cape Clear
Island must be missing an ‘e’ because this awesome bolthole is a true slice of heaven in Co. Cork.
From luxury yurts and stylish bell tents it’s a pretty special place to holiday.
Cape Clear is the country’s most southerly Irish-speaking inhabited island, just eight miles off the coast of West Cork.
Stargaze from the top circle of your yurt or sit out on the decking on a balmy evening and chat round the stove. You can also bring your own tent to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island’s natural environment and shimmering harbours.
Castle quarters
There is no shortage of commanding castles you can call home located all across Ireland.
With a history dating back to the 1400s, Donegal’s Lough Eske Castle is a turreted five-star with all the modern conveniences of an inhouse spa and fine dining. Deluxe accommodation is an indulgence to be embraced when exploring this rugged beauty of the country.
Meanwhile further south, Co. Waterford’s Lismore Castle, owned by the Duke of Devnonsdhire, is available for hire by groups of up to 30. Guests enjoy the exclusive use of this 12th century castle and estate including the Duke’s personal butler and his team. Who needs Downton!
Treehouse temptation
Picture this – you’re sat on the balcony of your own treehouse, the tree trunk coming up through the deck, watching birds or spotting wild deer in their natural habitat.
That’s the reality at Teapot Lane Glamping in Co. Leitrim where you can choose from the treehouse, country cottage or one of three luxury camping domes at this Hidden Heartlands campsite. Sounds like bliss.
Stately home from home
Co. Cork’s Bantry House is one of the finest historic houses in Ireland.
Overlooking the wondrous ocean blues of Bantry Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way, you can choose from either bed and breakfast or selfcatering accommodation. Its elegant French and Italian-inspired manicured gardens, made up of seven terraces, call out to take a stroll in.
Stargazing campsite
Camping has come a long way and no more so than at Aran Islands Camping and Glamping. There’s no roughing it at this site on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Jaw-dropping landscapes provide the backdrop for sunsets and night skies made for your Instagram feed. Take a step back into Ireland as it once was and embrace a more traditional way of life at this idyllic spot.
Eco riverside retreat
Co. Clare’s Falls Hotel and Spa has been awarded carbon neutral status by Green Hospitality Ireland for eliminating its carbon output.
Innovative energy initiatives such as harnessing the power of the tumbling waters of the River Inagh to generate electricity means guests now leave no carbon footprint once they step foot on the grounds, located within the Burren and Cliffs of
Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
This sustainability-focused hotel also uses water from its own well, has also planted 350 native Irish trees in its grounds and uses chemicalfree cleaning products as well as compostable cups and straws.