Tucked away on a hillside overlooking Lough Swilly, Portsalon Luxury Camping is a boutique campsite that brings the luxuries of a hotel to a gorgeous outdoor setting. Kick back and relax in a king size bed, keep warm by the wood burning stove, and look out at postcard views of the Fanad Peninsula while swinging in a hammock.
Rent a bike from the campsite and pop into Portsalon for a local meal or grab some fresh ingredients and master the on-site barbecue.
Ramblers head to the wilds of Donegal to discover all the walks near Wild Atlantic Camp. Choose to stay in a heated glamping pod, cosy bell tent or bring your own gear for an authentic camping experience in Donegal. With Glenveagh National Park and Ards Forest Park on your doorstep, this is a terrific place to use as a base for exploring.
There’s no finer way to go glamping as a couple than at The Grove in spectacular Killarney. Whisk your partner away to this couples only accommodation, wind down on the heated patio and cook a romantic meal for two in the private outdoor kitchen before sinking into a plush double bed.
Marvel at the vistas of West Cork from the Top of the Rock Pod Páirc in Drimoleague. Here you’ll find some of the best walking trails in the Rebel County. Enjoy 11km of walking on the nearby Castle Donovan Loop that makes up part of the larger Sheep’s Head Way, before calling it a day in one of the seven luxury pods dotted around the site.
Swing through the air on a high ropes adventure at the International Outdoor Adventure Centre a short drive from Rosslare. Thrill seekers revel in the choice of outdoor activities from archery and kayaking to raft building on the lake. When it’s time to rest, head to the campsite with its heated tents or if you’d prefer a little luxury, check into the glamping village with double beds and comfy duvets.
Experience the outdoors with all the luxury of home comforts at Cabu by the Lakes. Relax in a beautifully furnished lake house or a rustic log cabin on the shores of Lough Oughter. Explore the scenic surroundings of Killykeen Forest Park on a blissful retreat and in the evening, cook up a barbecue feast.
Take your camping experience to another level with a stay in a treehouse at Teapot Lane in Leitrim. Pretty wildflowers and mature trees grow all around so don’t forget your camera to capture this picturesque place. Visit nearby Mullaghmore Head and watch the waves crash into the shore before grabbing a meal at Eithna’s by the Sea.
Head to Galway and discover Ireland’s first urban glamping village in the town of Portumna. Enclosed in a tree-lined bohemian landscape, Pod Umna is just a two-minute walk from the local shops, pubs and restaurants making it a great shout for an exciting weekend away. Hire a bike and spin around Portumna Castle and Gardens or chill out on the outdoor decking area and dine al fresco.
Head west to Ballintra in Donegal and take in the spectacular lake views from one the yurts at Lough Mardal Lodge. Explore the surrounding wildflower meadows and heather hills by day, and return at sunset to toast marshmallows on the campfire and relax under Donegal sheepskins and woollen blankets. You can stick to swimming, fishing, and kayaking at the lake, or head to nearby beaches to catch a wave or a lesson with the Donegal Kitesurf School.
Reminisce about childhood summers spent in the Gaeltacht and make a trip to Aran Islands Camping and Glamping on Inis Mór. Bask in the natural beauty of the land as you hike towards Dún Aonghasa, one of the most celebrated stone forts in Ireland, and end the day snuggled up in a glamping pod inspired by the island’s ancient stone huts.
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a yurt called Yurt Cobain, check out Willowbrook Glamping and Hideaways on the banks of the River Lung in rural Roscommon. With a selection of quirkily named yurts to pick from, including Yurty Ahern, you won’t find more entertaining accommodation. Plan a stay at Willowbrook and enjoy a long soak in a private hot tub.
Take some time out and connect with nature at Rock Farm Slane. Set on a working farm along the banks of the River Boyne, hire an electric bike and venture into the Boyne Valley or paddle Ireland’s oldest canal in a traditional currach with Boyne Boats.
The parkland is a designated Special Area of Conservation where herons, egrets and cormorants live side by side. See hares hopping through rich green fields and enchanting woodland trails. After a day of adventure, cosy up in a shepherd’s hut for a pleasant night’s sleep.
Book a room with a view at the Nire Valley Eco Camp in Waterford. Set in a sprawling meadow, the wood cabins provide a perfect location for a digital detox. Take advantage of the Wi-Fi-free setting and switch off on a hike through the Comeragh Mountains or cycle the Waterford Greenway and bask in the beautiful scenery.
Even on a lavish weekend of glamping, it’s important to appreciate Ireland’s magnificent landscape and leave your campsite as you found it. See our Leave No Trace page for more information, and check out our guide to the best staycations in Ireland to find even more inspiration for your next getaway.
