27 Of The Most Unique And Quirky Places To Go Glamping In Ireland In 2020

Hoooowaya! In the guide below, we’ll be showing you the best places to go glamping in Ireland. 

When it comes to glamping Ireland has its fair share of unique, weird and wonderful places to camp in style.

In the guide below you’ll find everything from tents in the mountains and huts by the sea to hobbit pods and plenty more.

The Best Places to go Glamping in Ireland

Now, a quick disclaimer: this guide is in no particular order. We’ve just popped in quirky spots that we’ve come across.

Oh, it’s also worth mentioning that our glamping Ireland guide only includes places that have racked up decent reviews. Right – I’ll stop yammering away!

1. Glenarm Castle Glamping

You’ll find some very swanky pods in Antrim, within the grounds of a 17th-century castle. Glenarm Castle Estate is a handy drive from Belfast City (around 50 minutes) and a stone’s throw from many of the Causeway Coastal Routes top attractions.

The glamping facilities here are finely decked out pods, some of which offer ocean views while others are plonked in a wooded area. Each pod is individually decorated and reflects its surroundings.

2. A funky Truck at Larchfield Estate (one of the cosiest places to go glamping in Ireland)

We’re in Antrim again for our next spot. Welcome to Larchfield Estate (20 minutes from Belfast City and 90 from Dublin). A place that’s home to a truck that I’d happily live in. 

The truck is actually a 1952 Saurer Swiss Army truck that has been spectacularly adapted and crafted to create a romantic glamping escape.

Those of you that spend the night here can chill in front of a log burning stove during the winter months or flake out on the sun deck when it’s a little warmer. Oh – there’s also a sauna… yes, a sauna.

3. Aran Islands Glamping

If you fancy spending a night by the sea (literally) then get yourself to Aran Islands Glamping and Camping. You’ll find this Irish glampsite on the island of Inis Mor, the largest of the 3 Aran Islands.

Imagine peeling yourself out of bed before the sun rears its head, brewing up a coffee, and sauntering a few feet to the sand to sip it as you watch the sunrise. 

Magic. The best part? It’s insanely good value, with a stay costing from as little as €22.50 per person per night.

4. Killarney Glamping at Grove Lane

If you’re looking for romantic places to go glamping in Ireland, then this spot will be right up your street.

Killarney Glamping at the Grove is a couples-only retreat that’s less than a mile from the buzzy town of Killarney.

If chilling outside beneath a toasty heater, nursing a beer, and cooking up a storm on a sheltered BBQ tickles your fancy, then you’ll love this place.

Each glamping unit comes with a deluxe double bed, an electric blanket, a private toilet, a gas stove and lots more.

5. Knockrobin Glamping, Wicklow

I’ve wanted to venture out as far as Knockrobin glamping in Wicklow for a while now.

You’ll find this place on the grounds of the award-winning Tinakilly House Hotel, which means you’ll have the best of both worlds:

• A quirky spot to sleep for the night with unbeatable views
• A nearby restaurant to grab some breakfast and dinner

6. Belmullet Coastguard station

This place looks incredible. Welcome to Belmullet Coastguard Station Glamping, a place that’s perfect for those in search of a place to glamping in Ireland that’s surrounded by magnificent scenery.

This glampsite is set in the heart of Erris, in County Mayo, on Claggan Island where it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Achill.

The pods here sleep up to 4 adults in a light and airy space with comfy couches, a private toilet and an outdoor space that’s perfect for kicking back and admiring sunsets.

7. Dromquinna Manor

Dromquinna Manor is home to one of the most expensive and luxurious places to go glamping in Ireland.

You’ll find the place pictured above on a 40-acre waterside estate near Kenmare Bay on the Ring of Kerry.

If you’re comfortable enough with forking out €400+ for a night in a very unique setting, then bang this onto your to-kip-there list for 2020.

8. Galway Glamping at Podumna Village

If you prefer kicking-back in the security of an urban setting but want to try your hand at glamping, Podumna Glamping in Galway offers the best of both worlds.

Glamping pods, shepherd’s huts, and cabins are arranged in a woodland community with an onsite kitchen, dining room, toilets, hot showers, playroom, drying room, and workshop.

It’s a stone’s throw from Portumna Town where you’ll find a castle, an abbey, a fine forest park and a great choice of local shops, pubs, and restaurants if you’re after some lively atmosphere in the evening.   

This is an ideal spot for those of you looking to head away with a group of friends or family, as there’s plenty of accommodation and several communal spaces.

9. Hobbit Pods on the Wild Atlantic Way

If you’re looking to dip your toe into glamping in Ireland, but don’t fancy kipping in a tent, these hobbit huts in Mayo should tickle your fancy.

Built into the hillside, these quirky dwellings have a turf roof and proper beds that sleep four.

Ideal for walking and cycling holidays, this glamping site is a 5-minutes drive from the National Museum of Country Life and a stone’s throw from many other attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way.

10. A Bell Tent in the woods in Cork

I really like the look of this place. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a bit of nature, then where better than in Glengariff in Cork on the magnificent Beara Peninsula.

Those that visit this glampsite will follow a track to their own forest clearing where a king-size bed awaits in a roomy bell tent that comes equipped with coir mats and solar lighting.

An ideal spot for romantic glamping in Ireland, couples can explore the Garden of Re-imagination and spend the evening chatting around the fire pit in their own lush garden of Eden.

11. A Wagon in Galway that’s perfect for family glamping

These colourful handcrafted gypsy wagons look like something plucked from a film set. Now, this is definitely one of the more unusual glamping sites in Ireland and it’s likely to appeal to families with small kids.

The wagons, which can be found in Loughrea in Galway, are parked near a fairy garden with hot tub.

Those that visit can expect pull-out tables for meals and games, benched seating, a pull-out double bed and a raised single bed, along with an electric heater. There’s also forest views, a playground, animals, bicycle trails, and a restaurant nearby. 

12. Ballyvolane House, Cork

We’re heading back to Cork next for some more cosy-ass tents (whack the play button above to watch a video of this place).

Set in the grounds of historic Ballyvolane House, glampers can look forward to eco-friendly mattresses, coir rugs, and a tea-light chandelier in luxury glamping yurts. There’s even a turn-down service and full Irish breakfast served in the main house.

Popular for salmon fishing and game shooting, Ballyvolane House is another worthy addition to your to-kip-there list.

13. Portsalon Luxury Camping

The chances are you’ve come across Portsalon Glamping before. 

Luxury glamping on Ireland’s dramatic coast can be enjoyed at Portsalon, where you’ll find yurt glamping with log burning stoves, king-sized beds, and cosy furnishings.

Work up an appetite for breakfast with a walk along the three-mile Blue Flag sandy beach nearby or explore the stunning grounds of Glenveagh National Park.

14. Teapot Lane

You’ll find Teapot Lane glamping in a peaceful rural setting in County Leitrim. This unique Irish glampsite offers a choice of glamping options, including spacious Mongolian yurts, a vintage caravan, Bluebell cottage, and a treehouse.

Visitors here can utilise a BBQ for cooking dinner and a campfire for toasting marshmallows late in the evening. There’s also a communal kitchen, hot showers and a hen house for freshly laid eggs.

15. More Hobbit Glamping Pods 

Some of the best glamping pods Ireland has to offer can be found in Donegal.

Built into the hillside, this romantic rural retreat for two provides snug accommodation complete with double bed and a fully equipped kitchenette.

Bilbo Baggins and the boys would be all over this place. Explore nearby glens, lakes and Slieve League, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

16. A Little Tipi in the Hills

Another one for Donegal. There are few glamping sites in Ireland that are as immersed in scenery as this little Tipi near Ballyshannon.

You’ll find the Tipi located in the beautiful forest of the Knader, where it’s surrounded by deep lakes, mysterious mountains and plenty of lush fields.

If you’re looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city living, get yourself here.

17. Rossharbour Resort

How does kicking back in a sauna or a hot tub that overlooks the magnificent Lough Erne in County Fermanagh sound?

If this tickles your fancy, you need to get yourself to Rossharbour Resort. It’s home to luxury lakeside lodges that offer a mighty view of one of the finest lakes in Ireland.

Rossharbour is also a grand base for exploring Fermanagh (Cuilcagh mountain is under an hour away), Donegal (the castle is a half-hour drive) and Bundoran (25-minute drive).

18. Lough Derg Glamping

The next place on our list is perfect for those of you looking to dip your toes into glamping in Ireland, but with a limited budget. At €46 for a Saturday night in November, this spot is insanely good value. 

You’ll find this place in Nenagh, in County Tipperary, where it’s surrounded by nature. Lough Derg glamping provides all the comforts of home in a luxury tipi.

There’s a double bed and space for two additional single beds if needed and there’s a bathroom adjacent to the tipi.

19. Rock Farm Slane, Co. Meath (for luxury glamping in Ireland)

I’ve been hearing a lot about Rock Farm Slane lately. If you’re not familiar with this place, you’ll find Rock Farm in Slane (no shit, I know) in County Meath, a stone’s throw from the Hill of Slane and Slane Castle.

You can dabble in eco-friendly glamping at Rock Farm which has family-sized glamping tents, yurts, and huts beside the River Boyne.

There’s a farm shop for picking up fresh provisions for breakfast and there’s also a hot tub and a wellness center on-site. Book a night at Rock Farm here.

20. Tepee Valley in Armagh

Overlooking farmland and the Cusher River, Tepee Valley in County Armagh offers a variety of glamping accommodation.

Visitors can choose from Native American tepees, yurts, a log cabin, a shepherd’s hut, a geodome (I’ve no idea what that is…) or a gypsy caravan.

Each of these glamping pods comes with a fire pit or chimenea that’ll make cosy evenings spent chatting together and cooking meals on the campfire a delight.

There’s also plenty to do nearby, including karting, horseriding, an ample number of walks, a planetarium and several museums.

21. Legan Castle Farmhouse (grand fancy spot to go glamping in Kilkenny)

If you’re planning a visit to Kilkenny and you’d like to avoid staying in the city, this is a nice and quirky alternative.

This glampsite is set on just over 7 acres next to a 200-year-old farmhouse in the little village of Thomastown.

Those that visit can spend the night in 1 of 3 three luxury bell tents that have been finely furnished with king-size beds, Egyptian linens, and hot water bottles.

If you’d like to eat on-site, you can ramble into the farmhouse for breakfast and dinner.

It’s a handy 15-minute drive from Kilkenny, so you can nip in and see the sights if you like. Here’s a detailed guide to the best things to do in Kilkenny that you can dive into.

22. The insanely cosy Doolin Glamping

Those that spend a night at Doolin Glamping have their pick of a vintage retro caravan, authentic Indian Tipi, luxury bell tents or a surprisingly spacious Mongolian yurt which can sleep up to six guests.

Whether you’re looking for family glamping in Ireland or a romantic weekend getaway, Doolin Glamping offers a unique experience that includes orthopaedic mattresses, luxury bedding and towels, electric stove fires, communal fire pit and free Wi-Fi in a charming seaside community.

You can book a night at Doolin Glamping here.

23. Glamping by the sea on Cape Clear Island

This next place looks deadly. If you fancy escaping to Ireland’s southernmost Irish speaking island for a night or two, then get yourself to Chleire Haven on Cape Clear Island.

You’ll need to take a 45-minute ferry ride to get here, but when you arrive you’ll be treated to sea views along with seemingly endless tranquil natural scenery.

Those that visit can spend the night in a spacious circular yurt that’s furnished with double beds, solar-powered lighting, a stove and a mini kitchen.

There’s a reason that this place ranked number 1 in our guide to the most scenic camping sites Ireland has to offer!

24. Top of the Rock Pod Park & Walking Centre, Cork

This is arguably one of the best places to go glamping in Ireland with kids.

Farm glamping is ideal for families and Top of the Rock has a range of standard and luxury glamping pods to choose from.

Walking, cycling and cross country walking can be enjoyed from your glamping pod which has comfortable beds, a toilet, a mini kitchen, a dining table, a pull-out sofa, heating, lighting, and an outdoor deck.

Kids will love to pet the sheep, hens and ducks along with the playground, maze, hayrides and trainee Farmhands Experience.

25. Carrick Little Glamping, County Down

Look at the view from this next place… mighty!

You’ll find Carrick Little Glamping in County Down, where it’s finely situated at the foot of the magnificent Mourne Mountains.

These pods are an ideal base for those of you that fancy spending a weekend hiking about in the Mournes during the day, and spending the evenings in some quirky accommodation.

Those that spend a night here will be treated to views of the Irish sea and the surrounding countryside. Each pod also comes with its own fire pit, which should make a night here all the more cosy.

26. Glamping in the Galtee Mountains

If you’re looking to get away from it all for a day or two, get yourself to the Galtees.

Visitors to this place can stay in a cosy and spacious 21-foot yurt which comes equipped with two double beds, a woodburning stove, a fridge, a tea/coffee maker, a toaster, and games.

It’s also pretty good value, with a Saturday night in November costing from €93. You’ll also get continental breakfast for two and bikes for exploring the surrounding countryside.

27. South Kerry Glamping

The biggest appeal that South Kerry glamping has, for me, is its proximity to Valentia Island – one of my favourite places in the world (25-minute drive away). 

You’ll find these pods in Cahersiveen, where they’re surrounded by the beautiful South Kerry countryside.

According to the host, your nearest neighbours are the Kerry Bog Ponies that he keeps on his farm. If you have kids, or if you’re an animal lover, this place should have you in your element.

A fine unique base for those of you looking to explore the gorgeous Skellig coast. Check prices or book a night at South Kerry Glamping.

FAQs about glamping in Ireland

We’ve had a load of emails with questions about glamping since publishing this guide a few years ago. 

Below, you’ll find some of the most FAQs. If you have one that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section.

What are Ireland’s most unique glampsites?

1. Cape Clear Glamping
2. Carrick Little Glamping
3. Portsalon Luxury Camping
4. Aran Islands Glamping

What are the best places for family glamping in Ireland?

1. Podumna Village
2. Teapot Valley
3. Top of the Rock
4. Rock Farm Slane

What are the best glamping pods in Ireland?

1. Tepee Valley
2. South Kerry Glamping
3. Belmullet Coastguard Station
4. Podumna Village

Glamping Ireland: Where have we missed?

When it comes to glamping Ireland is home to a clatter of great glampsites, as you can see above. Have we included them on?

Course we haven’t. We’ve 100% left out some great places to go glamping in Ireland from the guide above. Have a place to recommend?

Let me know in the comments section below!