You Can Stay in an Underground Cave at the Foot of Binevenagh

Sleeping underground generally doesn’t scream ‘luxury getaway’, but Waterfall Caves has taken a fairly convincing crack at changing that.

Set at the foot of Binevenagh in Northern Ireland, Waterfall Caves has three purpose-built underground stays looking out over two freshwater trout lakes, with forest stretching away around them.

And although they’re burrowed into the hillside, there’s nothing particularly cave-like about the interiors.

Expect big glass fronts, modern living spaces, proper kitchens in two of the caves and, most importantly, access to a hot tub.

Three caves beneath Binevenagh

There are three underground stays to choose from: Pine, Hazel and Oak Cave. Pine and Hazel are the larger options, sleeping up to four and coming with a modern kitchen, living and dining area, spacious bedroom and en-suite bathroom.

Oak is designed for two and has a smaller cooking setup with a portable oven and stovetop. All three come with Wi-Fi, a Smart TV, BBQ and firepit, along with hot tub access.

So yes, you’re technically sleeping in a cave. You just happen to have Netflix.

Have a nosey inside

The big draw inside is the contrast between what’s behind you and what’s in front.

The accommodation has been built into the ground at the foot of the mountain, but the front opens out towards the surrounding countryside and lakes.

Pine and Hazel have full self-catering kitchens, while Oak has a living and dining area along with its more compact cooking facilities.

There’s an en-suite bathroom and spacious bedroom in each, too, so this is considerably closer to a boutique self-catering stay than anything involving a sleeping bag and a head torch.

Hot tubs, lakes and forest

The setting is arguably as unusual as the accommodation itself.

The caves overlook two freshwater trout lakes, surrounded by miles of native woodland and pine forest, with Binevenagh rising behind the site.

Guests staying in the caves also have hot tub access, along with their own BBQ and firepit facilities.

That gives you a fairly decent evening plan: explore the surrounding countryside, fire up the BBQ and finish in the hot tub before disappearing underground for the night.

And there’s more than caves here

Waterfall Caves has another trick up its sleeve. Alongside the underground accommodation are Ash and Birch, two unusual Turn Around Houses that can actually rotate through 360 degrees.

That means you can turn the building to change your outlook between Binevenagh and the Magilligan landscape without leaving your seat.

They sleep up to four and come with a kitchen, private bathroom, firepit and BBQ hut, along with hot tub access.

A rotating house or an underground cave. Normal accommodation wasn’t really on the agenda here. See prices and reviews here.

Discover more unique places to stay

The stays above are just a handful of the wonderfully weird places you can spend a night around Ireland.

You’ll find plenty more in my guide to the most unique stays in Ireland, along with everything from treehouses and cabins to bell tents in my guide to the best places to go glamping in Ireland.

1. The Tranquil Tigín

You have to walk 300 metres across a meadow to reach this tiny off-grid cabin in the Wicklow Mountains.

It sleeps 2 and comes with a mezzanine king bed, enormous countryside-facing window, copper outdoor bath and fire pit, with a wood-fired sauna a short stroll away.

2. Grove Treehouse with hot tub

This adults-only West Cork treehouse sleeps 2 and comes with a roll-top bath opposite the bed and a private two-person hot tub amongst the trees.

You reach it via tree-trunk steps before stepping inside to an open-plan bedroom, kitchen and living area, with French doors opening onto a large private deck.

3. The Ballybunion Beach House

Breakers Beach House sits right beside Ladies Beach in Ballybunion, with the Atlantic filling the view from the house.

It sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms and has Ballybunion’s beaches and Cliff Walk on its doorstep, along with a hot outdoor shower for warming up after a swim or surf.

4. The Hidden Haven

The Hidden Haven is a luxury lodge for 2 in the hills of West Cork with its own lake, a wood-fired hot tub and a deck stretching over the water.

There’s a super king bed and bath with a view inside, while stone steps outside lead straight into the lake when you fancy undoing all the good work of the hot tub.

5. Balance Treehouse

The Balance Treehouse in County Armagh is reached via a private rope bridge and sits high amongst the trees overlooking the Ring of Gullion.

It sleeps 2 and comes with a glass roof above the bed, private hot tub, outdoor shower and a large outdoor net where you can kick back and admire the surrounding hills.

6. The Dunmanus Bay Barn

This restored stone farmhouse and barn sits on West Cork’s Sheep’s Head Peninsula, looking across Dunmanus Bay towards the Mizen Peninsula.

Along with its old stone walls, timber beams and slate floors, you’ve got more than an acre of grounds, a spring-fed pond and a solar-heated outdoor pool.

Read more about the Dunmanus Bay Barn

7. Dolphin Beach Lodge

Dolphin Beach Lodge sits just metres from the Atlantic on Connemara’s Sky Road, with Clifden Bay outside the windows and a secluded beach directly in front.

The lodge sleeps 6 across 3 bedrooms and, despite the wonderfully remote-feeling setting, you’re only around a 10-minute drive from Clifden.

8. The Hide at Neadú

With its grass-covered roof and views towards Glenveagh, The Hide at Neadú is one of Donegal’s more unusual little cabins.

Inside you’ll find reclaimed and upcycled pieces, an alcove double bed and wood-burning stove, while double doors open onto a private deck overlooking the surrounding mountains and valley.