You know we love camping but we also want to visit and stay in a few different places other than a hotel.
We are just back from our first glamping experience and we had the most amazing time glamping in Gosford Forest Park. It was our first time glamping and I wasn't too sure what to expect. Top tip, make sure you research what's included in the glamping pod/tent so you know what all you need to bring. Most glamping pods/tent only contain beds and maybe a fridge and kettle, you basically need to bring everything else.
So it got me thinking and I decided to do some research into some quirky and unique accommodation that would be fun for the boys and I to book over the summer.
There was so many cool places we could have put on the list but we narrowed it down to 10! It was not an easy task!
How we decided what accommodation went into the list?
Fun accommodation the boys would enjoy focus on the outdoors, so all about the experience they would have and memories we could create
We had a budget of max €300 for 2 night stay for 2 adults 2 kids
Plenty to do in and around the area that is free or low cost
Co.Donegal
Restored railway carriage is a 150 year old railway carriage that has been restored into beautiful sleeping compartments in Dunfanaghy Co.Donegal. It sleeps up to 16 people, 5 separate compartments, two with double beds and three with two, twin-bed bunks in each. Bathroom has toilets and showers which is shared but each compartment has a sink in it, a self catering kitchen, shared open-fire sitting room and oil central heating.
The cabins can be booked individually or the entire carriage can be booked for exclusive use. How fun would this place be if you could book it with other family members or friends! Pet friendly. All bed-linen is included. Prices per night start at €130. Can be booked through air b&b or click Restored railway carriage or their web page. Lots to do for families in this area including Glenveagh National Park, boat trips to Tory and Arran Mór islands and lots of beautiful beaches.
Co.Sligo
Ox Mountain Adventure camp has converted a bus into accommodation in Tobercurry, Co.Sligo. The accommodation can sleep up to 6 people, it is a semi open top bus so they have an outside decking on the top floor.
The drivers seat and steering wheel is still intact and a fun reminder that this accommodation was once a bus! Inside the bus there is a kitchen,stove,TV, breakfast bar, sitting area by day and King size bed at night. Upstairs has a double bed, shower, toilet, the open top seating area and outside there is decking with bbq and parking.
How fun would it be to stay in your very own bus for a night! On site they have other quirky accommodation so worth checking out them too, we just loved the bus!
They also have an outdoor spa for adults overlooking the forest!!! Extra charge for this. Plenty to do in the near by town of Sligo.
Prices start at €90 a night, min stay 2 nights and can be booked on https://oxmountainadventurecamp.com/ or head to their Instagram page @oxmountainadventurecamp
Co.Galway
Curraghduff Farm self catering glamping site is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. It is situated on a small farm with animals including alpacas, pygmy goats and chickens. You can also book an alpaca experience too while visiting Curraghduff farm.
The Alpaca Hut is heated so that you can enjoy a cosy night what ever the weather. A comfortable double bed and a double sofa bed, makes this a perfect stay for 2 adults and 2 kids. Tea/Coffee facilities are available in each hut along with cosy lighting. Bathrooms are in the facility block just a short stroll away from your hut. There is a kitchen, BBQ and fire pit on site. Fire wood and BBQ coals can be purchased on the farm subject to availability. Towels can be provided for an additional cost of €3 per set (1 x large towel and 1 x small towel).
Curraghduff Farm is located approximately 10km from the Main Street in Oughterard. This friendly village is set on the shores of Lough Corrib and is known as the ‘Gateway to Connemara’. With plenty to explore including shops, bars, restaurants, family activities and an abundance of outdoor activities, it makes it the perfect location to stay.
Prices start at €229 for 2 adults and 2 kids. To book head to their web site by clicking here or visit them on Instagram Curraghduff farm
Co.Clare
This is a super quirky and cosy converted horse truck on a traditional Irish farm in The Burren, Co Clare, just off the Wild Atlantic Way. It really looks like a special place that both parents and children can enjoy. Its near the Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands and Galway City.
Sleeps 5 people comfortably, but can make room for a 6th person with a little bit of a juggle. Warm and bright inside. The village of Kilfenora is the home of ceili music, steeped in tradition. Lovely spot for a walk and soak up the atmosphere especially in the summer months.
The area offers a lot of things to experience in terms of archeaology, history, botany, geology as they are in The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. A lot of activities close by such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, caving, rock climbing, foraging, yoga, golf etc.
There really is no need to go too far as this sits on a farm with plenty to see and do.
Prices start at €130 for family of 4 for two nights. Head to their Instagram page @burranglamping or to book click here.
Co.Cork
Inch hideaway is located in Cork 15 minutes walk to Inch Beach and is a Glamping/Eco Camping that embodies the idea of Eco and Sustainavle Tourism. It has lots of different types of quirky accommodation but the one that caught our eye was The Wanderly Wagon.
The Wanderly Wagon is positioned beside a bubbling stream, this beautifully up-cycled school bus converted to a double decker bus style with pine paneling, inbuilt kitchenette with a gas ring and a sink, on-board hot shower, eco toilet and BBQ/Picnic decking area outside.
The Wanderly Wagon is insulated and heated with a wood fired stove,will sleep up to 4 people with a double and 2 single beds. The beds are located on 2 lofts on either end of the bus and they're accessible by short ladders (unsuitable for people with limited mobility).
Ideal for couples or small families, the Wanderly Wagon will surprise you with its comfort and coziness.
The communal spaces include the Cob House Kitchen that’s all geared up for self catering, the banquet dining area in the Barn, BBQs, wood fired pizza oven and camp fire pit.
They have on site Therapy Rooms where you can treat yourself with personal treatments with a choice ranging from Holistic Massage, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Emotional Release, individual and group Yoga classes.
Lots of outdoors activities close-by such as surf school, stand up paddling, outdoor activity centre (kayaking, obstacle courses, etc.).
Fab walks at Inch Beach, White Bay, Roches Point through cliff walks.
Prices for The Wanderly Wagon start at €150 for two nights for family of 4 .
Head to @inchhideawaycork for more or book through web site Inch hideaway.
Co. Wicklow
Clissmann Horse Caravans is located in Wicklow. This is truly an unique glamping experience. This colourful glamping caravans are based on their family farm with friendly horses and donkeys and the stunning views of the Wicklow countryside.
Bed linen is included in price. Charcoal BBQ at each glamping caravan with charcoal and logs available to buy at reception. There is a 2 hob gas ring with grill with all necessary utensils inside caravans. No fridge in caravans however there is a communal fridge in communal kitchen and they give ice boxes and ice out for free if needed. No electricity in caravans, lights are by two gas lights inside and battery operated torches.
Plenty to do on the site between nature trails and seeing the animals. Lots to do near by, lots of gardens and walking trails such as The Wicklow way, Glendalough, Powers court House and Gardens and so much more.
Prices for 2 nights stay start at €190 for up to 4 people. Booking from Clissmann Horse Caravans or visit there Instagram page for more. They also offer day trips with the horses pulling the caravans through the beautiful countryside.
We have already booked our stay here in the summer and we just can't wait to switch off and explore what Wicklow has to offer.
Co. Leitrim
Warrior view is a spacious self catering rural homestead abode suited half an hours drive from Sligo and Carrick on Shannon and 7km from Dromahair village. Fun and quirky accommodation suited to singles, couples, families and groups of friends who don't mind sharing a large open plan space.
Undercover outdoor dining and hang out area, wildlife ponds, quite garden, an ark of pets. There is a fire pit in the outdoor area where you can sit, relax and take in the views.
Situated half an hours drive from Sligo and Carrick on Shannon and 7km from dromahair village. Lots to do in Sligo and Carrick on Shannon.
Best suited to fit and able bodied people who enjoy tranquility, spending time with animals, love nature, relaxation and hill walking. The beds are also up a ladder which you have to climb.
Animal lovers will enjoy interacting with various pets as they roam freely around the property.
A great place to seek quiet or make some noise as there is no direct neighbours near by.
Two night stay for 2 adults and 2 kids start at €285. Can sleep up to 8. To book head to there air b&b page click here.
Co. Longford
This traditional Irish cottage called Nanny Murphy's cottage is an authentically furnished with pretty patterns and traditional textures, the cottage has three bedrooms and can accommodate up to five people. The kitchen is well equipped and the bathroom cosy with a large shower. The main living area is true to traditional form with a stove fireplace, drop-leaf sliding dining table, timber mezzanine walkway, Irish trinkets on shelves, exposed beams, curved cob ceilings, cute sash windows and the famous Bodhrán. All this, with the sensitive introduction of modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable, safe, enjoyable stay.
Do note there is no TV and WiFi is very limited so it really makes you switch off from the outside world.
Nearby: Lough Rynn Castle - a luxury castle hotel on the shores of Lough Rynn, Leitrim (20 min drive). The birthplace of 'Margaret of New Orleans' in Carrigallan (10 min drive). Lady Baltimore's Statue in Bornacoola (20 min drive). Lots of walks and activities near by too.
This place is already booked out for the summer months (July, August) but highly recommend to put it on your list for next summer. 3 bed, sleeps up to 6 and prices start at €80, minimum of 2 nights stay. To book click here
Co.Down
This quirky but modern oversized beehive is located in Castlewellan, in Pine Tree Hollow Glamping.
It is equipped with all the utensils you will, fridge, kettle, toaster and wood burning stove. The outdoor space consists of an outdoor kitchen made from old wooden pallets with a sink with two gas rings and it's own fire pit with BBQ and picnic bench.
Lots to do around the area including Castlewellan forest park, Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle and so much more.
£180 for 2 night stay, 2 adults & 2 children and dogs are welcome with additional cost of £10 a night but please check out terms and conditions before booking in your dog. Find our more head to there Instagram page @pinetreehollowcamping or to book click here.
Co.Armagh
We have just come back from 2 nights glamping in the pods in @gosford_forest and have to say it was brilliant.
You need to bring with you everything but a kettle & fridge, our gas cooker came in handy, Do note, only King size sheet will fit double bed & double balance sheet for single bed. The heater was left on low through out the night. It gets cold just like a caravan would at night. Take repellent spray. Toilets are a short distance, showers single cubicals, (free), both very clean & code needed for entry. Kitchen has only sinks. All wheelchair accessible on site. No need to leave the place but if you do Market Hill, Armagh Town 5 mins, Armagh planetarium 15mins, Airtasticn Craigavon 30 mins, Newry cinema, pool, etc 20 mins.
Lots to do in Gosford itself between the main playground and 5 adventure playgrounds, pump bike track, bike trails, walking trails and deer.
Extremely friendly & safe site for kids to run around freely. Definitely bring bikes/scooters even for a day trip.
£60 per night, 2 night min stay, sleeps 4 adults, family 5, £50 refundable deposit needed. You get pod, decking, picnic bench with bbq rack, 4 beds, a travel kettle, heater & fridge. To book click here
Click link below for more info on the playgrounds and walks for my Instagram post.
To see video of it click link below
We are hoping to use this list as a check list so we can get to visit all these amazing and quirky places.
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All information on this blog post was correct at the time of posting.
Hope you found a gem in this blog and if you do, have a wonderful adventure.