By Elaine Whelan
It’s safe to say that camping isn’t for everyone. For those of us who didn’t join the scouts when we were younger or grimaced at the thought of music festivals because of that very reason, it is easy to bypass the notion of a camping holiday altogether. However, kids love the idea of being under stars and immersed in nature. Which makes you question if you should sacrifice your comfort for their sake. Glamping to the rescue! This glamourous camping option give you the best of both worlds- nature outside and a four poster bed inside. What’s not to love?
Pod Umna Glamping Village, Galway
Set in Heart of Portumna Town, Co. Galway. Podumna offers visitors a very rare and unique experience, all the fun and feel of a woodland setting with the added convenience of a town central location. For those wary of the cold or damp of a tent fear not at Pod Umna. You can choose from pods, huts or cabins so you are ensured a comfortable night sleep. The family cabins are the ideal choice for your family retreat. Each cabin can comfortably sleep six people in a double bed, bunk beds and two single beds and is fully equipped with wall lighting, electric sockets, electric oil heater and its own raised decking area.
Pure Camping, Clare
If you want to experience what staying in a glamourous tent is like, then the award-winning camping and glamping eco-campsite Pure Camping is the ideal location. Set in the small Clare village of Querrin, the campsite is nestled on the south side of the Loop Head Peninsula so is only a 15 minute walk away from the shore. A night in the canvas bell tents or woodland cabins is a fantastic tranquil experience. With an outdoor sauna, clay pizza oven, a dome area where kids can play no matter the weather or yoga and meditation retreats,Pure Camping is a great family campsite with the environment in mind.
Pink Apple Orchard Glamping, Leitrim
The Pink Apple Orchard Glamping offers a unique stay for its guests. This Leitirm glampsite provides a choice of three exquisitely hand crafted yurts, a hobbit house, a teepee and a bow topped gypsy wagon, all re-designed and made onsite. For those looking to escape it all, the Pink Apple Orchard Glamping is a Wi-Fi free zone. Perfect for a digital detox for families who have need to swap screen time for family time. The glampsite is situated right at the top of the Beautiful Lough Allen. Spectacular views can be seen from The communal area and The Apple Orchard which overlooks Lough Allen and The Iron Mountain – Slibh An Larainn.
https://www.irelandglamping.com/
Dromquinna Manor, Kerry
Tents and luxury aren’t often words that go hand in hand in our minds but a night’s stay in Dromquinna Manor will change that. The custom made tents were designed specifically for Dromquinna Manor by safari tent experts in India, making them the height of luxury. The family tents even have a second bedroom with two single beds! The manor’s camping site is metres from the main house itself and guests can enjoy all the amenities here such as a playground, toilets, showers, kitchen, laundry, games room, reading room and shop. Breakfast is also catered for with a delivery of a hamper of freshly brewed tea or coffee, yogurt, croissants and juice for the kids to your tent every morning in a lovely picnic basket to get you started for the day. All with a stunning waterside view.
https://www.dromquinnamanor.com/
Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Wicklow
Located in Rathdrum, County Wicklow and on the side of the beautiful Avonmore Valley, Hidden Valley is a four star Failte Ireland approved park that is perfect for families. Glamping here comes in the form of boutique lodges, glamping mini lodges and loft house glamping lodges. The mini lodges can hold five people and the loft lodges can house up to six. Each contains mini fridges, lighting and kettles but other kitchen facilities are found in the communal camper’s kitchen. With plenty to do on site like laser tag, kayaking, bumper boats, paddle boats, mini golf, bungee trampolines, rock wall, playground and the parks very own waterpark, kids will want to come back time and time again.
Mount Druid Glamping, Westmeath
Situated in the picturesque village of Castletown Geoghegan, Westmeath’s Mount Druid Glamping offers an array of glamping options to ensure everyone is a happy glamper. The graffiti clad double decker bus is probably Mount Druid’s most alternative unit of accommodation, which is fully equipped with electricity, ensuite and kitchen. For a somewhat more traditional glamping experience however, guests can choose to stay in one of 20 yurts which can sleep up to four people. Or instead opt for kindalin house, the shepherd’s huts, the tin huts, tigins, the birches or the gate lodge. The custom made accommodation is nestled sympathetically into the landscape and offer the opportunity for a bespoke getaway to remember in the beautiful and exclusive 100 acres of parkland.
Glamping Under The Stars, Laois
Enjoy a glamping adventure in a quirky wood lodge, shepard’s hut or bell tent not far from the pretty heritage town of Abbeyleix. Glamping Under the Stars is a truly magical place where you can toast marshmallows around the campfire, while the kids run free in the wildflower meadow. Sleep up to four in the gorgeous bell tent or up to six in the cosy wood lodge or shepard’s hut. The site has fabulous facilities with everything you need to enjoy the perfect glamping break.
https://www.glampingunderthestars.ie/
Doonbeg Pods and Cottages, Clare
Just a stones throw away from the beautiful White Strand Beach in west Clare, Doonbeg Pods and Cottages is the perfect location for a coastal family holiday. Choose from charming cottages or cosy camping pods. The cottages come in the form of a two bed cottage that can sleep two adults and two kids or up to six in the three bedroom cottage. The funky pods that sit in the grounds of an old orchard have a double bed with an extra sofa bed for all the family. Family fun and family friendly, Doonbeg Pods and Cottages are a winning choice for a Clare coastal adventure.
