Cosy cabins: 6 woodland retreats to book for your next staycation

1. Center Parcs Woodland Lodges, Co Longford

Center Parcs is a fantastic place for family holidays. They’ve plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, including bike rentals, adventure playgrounds, spas, a beach and on-site restaurants. Their spacious woodland lodges sleep up to eight people and even have dog-friendly options available.

2. Ard Nahoo Hawthorne Eco Cabin, Co Leitrim

Originally a small health farm, Ard Nahoo has grown to become an award-winning eco-retreat. You can book a yoga retreat, or, if that’s not your thing, you can simply stay at one of their quaint eco-cabins, powered by green energy and filled with antique finds. Book the Hawthorne Cabin (pictured above), and you can watch the sunset from the lovely deck.

3. The Woodcutter’s Cabin, Co Sligo

Burrowed in the heart of Union Wood near Sligo town, this cosy, self-contained cabin is a great stopover if you’re travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way. The deck looks out onto the surrounding woodlands and nearby stream where deer tend to visit in the evenings. The classic log cabin sleeps two and there’s a wood-burning stove too – the perfect romantic getaway.

4. Lost Cottage, Co Kerry

For those who need a breath of fresh air, Lost Cottage has gorgeous, minimalist interiors that match the natural beauty of the lakeside town that surrounds it. The original cottage has been transformed into a luxury, self-catering hideaway set between green farmland and rolling mountains. It sleeps up to four, and while it’s a bit pricier than your average stay, it’s worth every penny.

5. Thatcher’s Rest Cottage, Co Meath

This picturesque thatched cottage was crowned the winner of the Best Holiday Home in Europe Award in 2022, so you have it on good authority that this is one of the best hideaways there is. Inside, it has space for the whole family, with a beautiful, vaulted oak-beamed ceiling, three bedrooms (two ensuites) and two bathrooms. The large bay window looks out over the sea and local beach.

6. The Treehouse, Co Cork

Tucked away amidst spruce pines in West Cork, The Treehouse offers a fun and unique staycation experience. It’s built from 100% sustainable materials and leaves no carbon footprint, but don’t worry, it still has all the modern-day amenities – a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a TV and a hot tub on deck. 

This is an updated version of an article originally published in May 2022.