To pod or not to pod? Glamping in Ireland has soared in popularity in recent years with families, couples, and friends alike, searching for a more meaningful experience.
Glamping for families is perfect for those searching for all the fun of camping – minus the hardship! Immerse yourself in adventure and exploration, whilst returning to comfort and the finer things in the evening. Make memories with the entire family on your 2021 summer staycation, from roasting marshmallows by the fire to sleeping under the stars. Pure bliss!
Here’s our curated list of top 15 accommodation options around the country with glamping for families.
The perfect balance of adventure and chill. East Coast Adventure basks in the presence of the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough. Taking advantage of its prime location, this staycation spot is jam-packed with activities for the entire family. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors, regardless of the weather! Enjoy thrill-seeking activities from mountain bike trails, archery and wall climbing, to canoeing, pier jumping and banana boating.
Sitting on-site are six glamping pods, sleeping up to four adults each. All modern camping facilities on-site with a fire pit outside each pod for lazy evenings watching the sunset. The ideal base for a staycation full of adventure.
Nestled in a tree lined landscape, Podumna Village boasts an abundance of charm with a wholesome feel. Set in the heart of Portumna Town, the location is convenient to all the local amenities one desires, yet feels a world away from the hustle and bustle.
The Eco Pods sleep up to five, are well insulated, feature electricity and heating, plus a BBQ deck area complete with table and chairs. Numerous activities can be organised on request including windsurfing, canoeing, bike hire and much more. In addition, the village of Portumna has a strong trad music heritage and lively atmosphere. Here’s hoping for some safely organised outdoor séisúins this summer.
3. Pod Pairc, Drimoleague, West Cork
Top of the Rock Pod Pairc and Walking Centre is full of family-friendly activities where spending time together is at the ethos of everything. Three generations of the Ross family have lived at Top of the Rock, lending a homely and warm welcome to all who visit.
Each pod is located in an area of significance with a tale behind it, like the ‘Orchard’ pod beneath Sam Rosses’ old apple trees. Each pod is located on its own private lawn area with a picnic table. Fill your days with activities like bike trailing, walking, enjoying the farm at Top of the Rock, Pod Páirc Playground and lots of nearby day trips for the entire family.
4. Nire Valley Glamping, Waterford
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping in a meadow? Nire Valley Eco Camp is most definitely a bucket list experience. Offering a majestic location overlooking the Munster plains, each timber eco cabin has its own private deck, outdoor kitchenette and private ensuite facility. The rolling fields filled with breezy tall grass offers a serene atmosphere. With no TV or wifi, this is our top recommendation for thoroughly switching off and enjoying the delights of nature.
Discover nearby activities like hiking the Comeragh Mountains, cycling the Waterford Greenway or canoeing the Copper Coast, and much more.
5. Aran Islands Camping and Glamping
Boasting five stars on TripAdvisor for cleanliness and location, Aran Island Camping and Glamping is located on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands. In the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way and set amidst the country’s most beautiful coastal scenery, Inis Mór is most definitely for those with a penchant for exploring the great outdoors. Activities for adventure-lovers on the island include fishing, cycling and hiking. Aran Islands Glamping site includes 24 specially designed pods, accommodating four to six people per pod. Each is specially designed to feel like a home away from home.
6. Butterfly Valley Glamping, Kilkenny
Known locally as the ‘Happy Valley’ of Thomastown, Butterfly Valley Glamping sits on a secure woodland site overlooking the River Nore. The Orange Tiger and Clouded Yellow glamping pods each sleep between four to five people offering space and comfort. Relax each evening on the private deck overlooking woodland views.
Enjoy Kilfane Waterfall, canoeing, river walks and river swimming nearby. Within a 30 minute drive, discover the Waterford Greenway, Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Centre and much more.
7. Acorn Wood Glamping, Westport, Co Mayo
Luxury glamping at the tranquil foothills of Croagh Patrick, Acorn Wood Glamping offers families the opportunity to escape busy day-to-day life and experience the simple things in life. Choose from a range of glamping accommodation options including Birch Bell Tent, Blackthorn Cabin, Oak Tree Cabin and Willow Bell Tent.
Westport is the ideal family destination this summer with loads to do; from fishing to horse riding, a wealth of blue flag beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way, climbing Croagh Patrick, cycling and much more.
8. Exciting Family Glamping Escape, Ballydehob, West Cork
A truly unique family glamping experience in West Cork. Exciting Family Glamping Escape features two teardrop sleeping pods handmade by the owner’s grandfather. Both pods are located less than 100m from a converted barn with open plan dining and living space and all the utensils required for your stay. Enjoy al fresco dining with the comfort of an overhead cover for barbecuing on rainy days. The best part? Bring your pet along to complete your family stay!
9. The Mountain Forge Escape, West Cork
Brimming with personality, a warm welcome awaits at the homely Mountain Forge Escape. A stone’s throw from Clonakilty town, this is an excellent base for those hoping to experience the best of West Cork. Choose from an array of activities to entertain the kids from water sports at The Lagoon Activity Centre Rosscarbery, surfing at Inchydoney, visit the birthplace of Michael Collins, Clonakilty’s Model Railway Village and much more.
The Mountain Forge Escape has taken glamping to a new level with the introduction of The Dome. A glamping experience like no other with unique architectural design, its large transparent window will allow you to bring the outdoors inside with stunning wildlife views.
10. IOAC, Wexford
For the ultimate adventure-seeking family, a staycation at IOAC in one of their eight on-site glamping pods is another one for the bucket list this summer. The kids most certainly won’t be left idle here! Choose from an array of pre-bookable activities like Jacob’s Ladder, the high ropes, raft building, battlezone archery, the viking challenge course and more. Relax while the kids are kept busy on campus!
11.River Valley Holiday Park, Co Wicklow
An ideal family escape from the city, River Valley Holiday Park is a fantastic base to explore Ireland’s Ancient East, the many hiking and cliff trails that Co Wicklow has to offer. A haven for families with safety prioritised, there is boundless fun for all the family including; on-site crazy golf, tennis, playgrounds, a pets corner, peddle go karts, kids club and more.
Choose from a range of accommodation options to suit your needs during your stay including treehouses, the maxilodge, the microlodge and the funky Kukoo Hut.
12. Glamping Under The Stars, Laois
Just one hour from Dublin, Glamping under the stars is a little slice of heaven in the form of a charming family-run boutique glamping site. With a friendly atmosphere, let the little ones run free in the wildflower meadow by day and toast marshmallows on the fire by night whilst enjoying quality family time.
Accommodation comes in the form of a beautiful selection of decorated bell tents and lodges aptly named; Lake View, Blue Sky Bell Tent, Shepherd’s Delight, Moonrise Lodge, Sunset Lodge, and Starry Night.
There’s lots to do locally including the Abbeyleix Boardwalk, The Rock of Dunamase, Slieve Bloom Mountains, Birr Castle & Treehouse and much more.
13. Willowbrook Glamping and Hideaways
The Willowbrook story spans two generations, with a lifelong dream of a pristine family campsite in Ireland at the core. A gem sitting in the heartlands of Ireland, Willowbrook has something to offer everyone in the family and is an idyllic setting for those with little ones. Activities for younger children include; The Artful Frog Saturday morning art class, the Faerie Garden & Scavenger Hunt, and the Wishing Wall of Willow.
Wellness is also a key focus, with Willowbrook home to a Natural Healing Clinic offering acupuncture, massage and Tai Chi run by qualified professionals.
Glamping at Willowbrook is a truly unique experience in the form of Mongolian yurts called Yurty Ahern, Yurt Cobain, Yurty & The Tramp, and more. Each yurt is bursting with personality and colour, with carefully thought out home comforts to keep you cosy in all weather.
14. Lough Mardal Lodge, Donegal
Off the beaten track and offering something completely different, Lough Mardal Lodge is set in a beautiful lakeside setting. Let the stress of everyday life fade away and embrace nature with over 90 acres for you to explore. At Lough Mardal, there are five skydome yurts and one shepherd’s hut. Each yurt has been adapted to modern standards offering privacy and seclusion – plus stunning views of the lake, mountain and forestry.
With a shallow shoreline, Lough Mardal is perfect for the kids to paddle and explore with adult supervision. Soft peatland offers many trails to discover wildlife. Two blue flag beaches are within 10 minutes drive, along with more activities like Bundoran Waterworld and Adventure Park.
15. Dingle Way Glamping
The family-run Dingle Way Glamping’s ethos is to provide a unique glamping experience with minimal impact on the environment, whilst supporting local suppliers and producers. If you are hoping to support local this summer, this site set on the beautiful scenery of the Dingle Peninsula is a perfect choice.
Glamping accommodation units include, the brand new Annascaul Train Carraige, the Dingle Way Shepherd’s Hut, and the Dingle Way Glamping Pod.
Visit nearby Inch beach with over three miles of sand and surf, or the Annascaul River Walk.
Have a recommendation? We’d love to hear your tips for glamping for families in Ireland. Submit your tips and reviews in the comment section below or share with us on Instagram @thefamilyedit
