5 Irish Glampsites We’d Gladly Pitch Up To

From the bohemian boutique campsites at Electric Picnic to the luxurious bell tents at Ballyvolane House, the glamping option can make for very happy holidays. We’ve sought out five lesser-known Irish glamping locations where we’d love to make some memories…

Capitalising on our lush green landscapes and abundant open spaces, Ireland’s ‘glamorous camping’ industry is growing. Uniformly eco-friendly and affordable, stylish sites up and down the country are catering to glampers of all varieties. One thing they all have in common? No roughing it. Scroll down to see our favourites…

1. For nature-worshipping

Portsalon Luxury Camping, Portsalon, Co. Donegal. Nestled on a North Donegal hillside within walking distance of one of Ireland’s best beaches (Ballymastocker Bay, once voted the second-most beautiful beach in the world), the idyllic campsite at Portsalon boasts stunning views of the Inishowen peninsula and has its own field of wild orchids, not to mention an organic vegetable garden. Their range of luxury yurts come with king-size beds, wood-burning stoves, an outdoor decking area with fire pit and barbecue, and the option of enjoying a spectacular sunrise over Lough Swilly for the early birds. Portsalon’s largest yurt sleeps two adults and up to four children comfortably. Open April-October; rates from €60-109 for two sharing with a two-night minimum stay during July/August.

2. For family-friendly glamping

Teapot Lane Glamping,?Tawley,?Co. Leitrim. North Leitrim’s Teapot Lane glampsite, located just outside Bundoran in the shadow of Benbulben, comprises a country cottage, four luxury Mongolian-style yurts, a crowd-pleasing cabin-style treehouse and a vintage caravan, as well as a communal dining area, pictured above. All the accommodation options are festooned in festive Cath Kidston-style d?cor, giving this fairytale-esque woodland site a unique appeal. With an onsite spa, a ?fairy garden??for the kids, and gourmet picnic baskets available on request, this is sure to be a winner. Open March-December, prices from €100 per night.

3. For hen-partying

Wildflower Glamping, Killykeen, Co. Cavan. With names like Daisy Yurt, Wild Rose Wagon and Foxglove Tent, the accommodation options at Wildflower Glamping are straight out of a fairytale, and their well-appointed luxury yurts won’t disappoint. With special price packages for hen-party groups, including a champagne and strawberry reception, bus transfers to Cavan town, and exclusive use of the glamping site, it’s an ideal place to bring a bride-to-be for an unconventional weekend away. Prices dependent on the package and season.

4. For earthy exploring

Top of the Rock Pod P?irc?& Walking Centre, Drimoleague, Co. Cork. On the site of a former dairy farm, Top of the Rock lies at the heart of a walkers’ wonderland: the enchanting countryside of West Cork near two of Ireland’s most famous walking routes: the peaceful peninsula of Sheep’s Head Way and St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Way to the hermitage in Gougane Barra. Top of the Rock’s seven wooden, insulated glamping pods were inspired by early Christian structures such as the beautiful Gallarus Oratory near Dingle and are handmade in Co. Kerry. The earthy, rustic appeal of these luxury pods (which come complete with mini kitchen and bathroom) combined with West Cork charm puts this one well up on our list. Prices from €69 per pod per night.

5. For island living

Chl?ire Haven,?Cape Clear Island,?Skibbereen,?Co. Cork. At the true periphery of Ireland, Cape Clear Island, off the Cork coast, is the southernmost inhabited part of the country and one of the most remote – making Chl?ire Haven glamping retreat the perfect place to truly get away from it all. With cosy yurts and stylish tepees up for grabs – and snorkelling, kayaking, diving and whale watching available just off the island shores – this spot is a must-visit for those who love to be near the sea. Open April-September; yurts from €190 for two nights to €525 per week.

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Now see our lust list of the 5 most heavenly holiday homes?in Ireland.

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Kate Phelan for @Image_Interiors