For travellers who want to make the most of the Irish summer, there's no better choice than glamping.
From rolling green hills, shimmering lakes, bustling towns and serene valleys, there are many glamping sites around Ireland that cater to a range of holiday makers. If you're looking for something different to the usual hotel stay, but aren't ready to completely give up your little luxuries, camping out in style is a happy medium.
Here, we've rounded up just some of the glamping sites around the country.
Mountain View, Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny
Nestled high above the rolling Kilkenny countryside, Mountain View is one of Ireland's newest glamping locations, and therefore still a humble (but delightful) set-up.
Just a short drive away from both Kilkenny City and Mount Juliet, Mountain View could run the risk of being overshadowed, but the distinctly bohemian and rustic atmosphere that owner Bee O'Neill and her family have cultivated there easily sets it apart.
Housed on the land of a former golf course, the venue includes a marquee for weddings and other events, the elegant Greenhouse Restaurant, their Cow Shed - used for the weekly food market held every Sunday, as well as weddings, wreath-making classes and more - and the glamping village of 15 bell huts and two 'hilly huts'. There are also shower and toilet facilities and acres of space for walks, picnics and general loafing in the sun.
The huts themselves are generous, with double or single beds depending on your booking outfitted in comfortable and soft furnishings.
If visiting, make sure to eat at the Greenhouse Restaurant, headed up by ex-Chapter One chef Rory Nolan, which is serving up some of the best food I've had in months. A recent press trip featured plates of truly remarkable food such as goats cheese and fig 'cigars', roasted whole cauliflower and a set cream dessert with black pepper rhubarb.
Wild Atlantic Glamping, Bere Island, Co Cork
There's something special about having to cross to your destination by ferry, and that is where the magic starts with Wild Atlantic Glamping.
Visible from the thriving town of Castletownbere, Bere Island is a bucolic and serene island that is worth visiting anyway, particularly if you can wrangle a night away on its dramatic shores.
Wild Atlantic Glamping was set up during the pandemic by owner Caitríona, who grew up spending her summers on the island and dreaming of the campsite she'd set up in the future. With 10 luxurious bell tents dotted around the natural landscape and overlooking the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountain ranges of the Beara Peninsula, it's a surreally beautiful part of the country.
There are shower, toilet and cooking facilities on the property, as well as a striking Scandinavian-inspired campsite building outfitted with a double kitchen, communal dining space, and cubbies filled with thoughtfully created welcome packages.
There are also barbecuing facilities and a covered terrace, and breakfast boxes and food deliveries from local cooks and producers can be arranged to make your stay even more relaxed.
Wild Meadow Huts, Doolin, Co Clare
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If tents just aren't your vibe, a shepherd hut might be more up your alley.
Founded by husband and wife duo Conor and Anne, and built on the blooming wildflower field they bought 25 years ago and built their family home on, the adults-only glamping spot is a new one but decidedly more up-market.
Each hut - named after a flower - sleeps two people and is outfitted with a spacious king-sized bed and details like handwoven Irish blankets and fluffy dressing gowns. A kitchenette, coffee machine and private deck are also included.
Getting out in nature is woven into the glamping site, with use of the relaxation deck and private hot tub included in your stay.
Ceide Glamping, Ballycastle, Co Mayo
Situated on the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way, Ceide Glamping has been running since 2021.
Six pods make up the glamping site, with each wooden pod overlooking Downpatrick Head. Nature is all around the site, with direct private access to the water and just a 500m walk from Killerduff Pier, which is perfect for swimming, surfing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing.
Each half-moon-shaped pod includes a double bed, kitchenette, a neat sitting area and your own en-suite bathroom - so no tiptoeing to the loos in the middle of the night.
As well as that, electric heating ensures that the pod is toasty and warm throughout the year, so glamping doesn't have to be just a seasonal option.
There are also barbecueing facilities, a picnic area and an outdoor dining spot to make the most of the long summer evenings.
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