While we were researching glampsites for our guide to 27 of the best places to go glamping in Ireland, we stumbled upon Larchfield Estate.
And a very funky looking glamping truck that’s kitted out better than my gaff in Dublin.
What makes this truck unique isn’t the fact that it has been converted into a funky place to kip for a night or two.
It’s the fact that it has a stove that’ll make the place cosy AF… AND a sauna.
Larchfield Estate Glamping
Can’t be arsed reading?
Just bash the play button above to take a look inside what glamping at Larchfield Estate entails.
About the truck
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.
There are gorgeous grounds all around you (more on that in a sec), the place that you’ll be staying in is nice and luxurious (and comfy) and there’s a sauna attached to it.
The truck is actually a 1952 Saurer Swiss Army truck that has been beautifully adapted and crafted to offer a romantic glamping escape.
A couple of things to note
The first thing to flag is that the truck is only available for bookings from April through to October each year. The second thing is that there’s no prices (that I could see) listed on their website.
You have to make an inquiry… which usually (but not always) translates to it’s going to be pretty damn expensive.
The history of the estate
According to their website, ‘Larchfield’s story starts back in 1660 when the land (at that time, about 1500 acres) was bought from the O’Neills. It wasn’t until 1750 that the original part of the current house was built on the site of an old farm house.’
Now, if the name ‘Mussenden’ caught your attention, keep reading:
‘It was built by the Mussendens, who were merchants bankers in Belfast. We have an interesting connection with Mussenden Temple in County Derry which was built by the Earl Bishop (a cousin) in memory of Mrs. Mussenden from Larchfield who died at the age of 22, sadly before Mussenden Temple was finished.’
Yes, this Mussenden Temple.
Photo by silvester kalcik (Shutterstock)
Other unique spots to glamp in Ireland
There are plenty of things to do in Lisburn nearby while you visit! Interested in other unusual rentals?
Dive into our guide to 29+ of the most unique places to glamp in Ireland.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.