Luxury Glamping in Ireland: Sleeping Under the Stars in Style

For generations, "camping" in Ireland meant one thing: waking up in a damp sleeping bag, shivering, while rain hammered against a thin sheet of nylon.

That has changed.

In the last five years, a new wave of "Ultra-Glamping" has swept the country. We aren't talking about a shed in someone's backyard. We are talking about architectural marvels: transparent bubble domes hidden in forests, treehouses with Nespresso machines and underfloor heating, and safari tents on the grounds of 5-star manors.

This is nature, upgraded.

It allows you to experience the wild beauty of the Irish landscape—the forests, the cliffs, the lakes—without sacrificing the comforts of a luxury hotel.

(This guide to unique stays is part of our master Luxury Ireland Travel Guide. If you prefer solid stone walls to canvas, check our ranking of the 10 Best Luxury Castle Hotels).

1. Finn Lough (The Bubble Domes)

Location: Fermanagh (Northern Ireland)
The Vibe: Sci-Fi Luxury.

If you have seen one photo of glamping in Ireland on Instagram, it was probably Finn Lough.

• The Concept: You sleep in a completely transparent 180° dome hidden deep in the forest. You can lie in a four-poster bed and watch the stars (or the rain) right above your head.
• The Luxury: These aren't tents. They have heated floors, ensuite bathrooms with power showers, and fluffy robes.
• The Spa: The "Element Trail" spa is a private 2-hour trail through the forest involving saunas, floatariums, and hot tubs.
• Booking Tip: These sell out 6-9 months in advance. You need to be organized.

2. Dromquinna Manor (The Safari Tents)

Location: Kenmare, Kerry
The Vibe: "Out of Africa" meets the Wild Atlantic Way.

Owned by John Brennan (a famous Irish hotelier), Dromquinna brings the elegance of a 1920s safari to the Kenmare Bay.

• The Tents: These are custom-made in India. They sit on raised timber decks overlooking the ocean. The beds are proper "Five Star" hotel beds with goose down duvets.
• The "Potting Shed": For couples, book the Potting Shed. It’s not a tent, but a tiny standalone luxury suite in the manor’s garden with a private garden.
• The Food: The Boathouse Bistro on the estate serves mussels pulled from the bay that morning.
• Itinerary Fit: This is the perfect "wild" stop on our Ultimate 10-Day Honeymoon Itinerary.

3. Treehouse Grove at Huckleberry Hill

Location: Killarney, Kerry
The Vibe: Childhood fantasy for adults.

Located just outside Killarney, these aren't the rickety treehouses of your youth.

• The Structure: Beautifully crafted timber cabins built high into the canopy of ancient oak trees.
• The Views: You are at eye-level with the birds. The terrace is the perfect place for a morning coffee (yes, they have electricity and coffee machines).
• The Location: It is minutes from the National Park, making it a great base for the Ring of Kerry.

4. Aran Islands Camping & Glamping (The Edge of the World)

Location: Inis Mór, Aran Islands
The Vibe: Rugged, windswept, and culturally rich.

To get here, you need to take a ferry. You are leaving the mainland behind.

• The Pods: These are "Clocham" (stone beehive hut) inspired pods. They are small, cozy, and heated, modeled after the ancient monk cells on the island.
• The Experience: You are staying right on the edge of the Atlantic. The sunsets here are legendary.
• The Activity: Rent a bike and cycle to Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort on a 300ft cliff.
• Logistics: You cannot bring a car. You must leave it at the ferry terminal. (See our Private Chauffeur Guide for how to manage transfers to the ferry ports).

5. Portsalon Luxury Camping (The Northern Coast)

Location: Donegal
The Vibe: Beachside Bliss.

Donegal is having a moment. It was voted one of the best regions in the world by Lonely Planet, and this site is a jewel in its crown.

• The Yurts: These are genuine Mongolian yurts, featuring king-sized beds and wood-burning stoves.
• The Setting: You are perched on a hill overlooking Portsalon Beach, widely considered the most beautiful beach in Ireland.
• Why Go: It’s remote. It’s quiet. It’s perfect for couples who want to walk on empty beaches and read books by the fire.

6. Ballyvolane House (The Historic Glamp)

Location: Cork
The Vibe: Downton Abbey in the garden.

Ballyvolane is a historic country house (famous for its gin, "Bertha's Revenge"). In the summer, they open "Glamping in the Garden."

• The Setup: Bell tents and "Glamping Arks" are scattered throughout the manicured gardens of the estate.
• The Twist: You get a "Glamping Box" with apple juice, maps, and torches. You also have full access to the main house for breakfast and dinner.
• The Food: You dine communally at a long mahogany table in the main house with the other guests. It’s a very social, high-end dinner party vibe.
• Read More: Cork is a food paradise. Combine this with stops from our Foodie’s Guide to Michelin Star Ireland.

7. Rock Farm Slane (The Eco-Option)

Location: Slane, Meath
The Vibe: Sustainable luxury on a rock star’s estate.

Part of the Slane Castle estate (famous for hosting Rolling Stones and U2 concerts).

• The Accommodation: Yurts and Shepherd's Huts made from local straw and clay. It is an organic farm.
• The Activity: Kayaking on the River Boyne or taking an electric bike tour of the castle grounds.
• Location: Only 45 minutes from Dublin, making it an easy overnight escape from the city. (Check our Luxury Dublin City Guide for what to do before you leave).

The Practicalities: Glamping vs. Hotels

Before you book, you need to manage your expectations. Luxury Glamping is comfortable, but it is not a hotel.

1. The Temperature

• Even in summer, Irish nights are cool (10°C / 50°F).
• The Fix: Most luxury pods have wood-burning stoves or electric heaters. However, bring warm pajamas and thick socks. It is part of the charm.

2. The Bathroom Situation

• Ensuite: Finn Lough, Treehouse Grove, and Dromquinna (Potting Shed) have private bathrooms inside your unit.
• Shared: Some sites (like Ballyvolane) have designated private bathrooms located a short walk away in the main house or a luxury block. Always check this before booking if you hate walking outside at night.

3. The Season

• Most glamping sites are seasonal. They open April to October.
• Exception: Finn Lough and some Shepherd's Huts are open year-round because they are fully insulated structures.

How to Upgrade the Experience

Because these locations are often remote (deep in forests or on islands), you need to plan your logistics.

1. The "Remote" Transport Issue

Finding Finn Lough in Fermanagh or Dromquinna in Kerry can be tricky on small back roads. GPS signals often fail in these dense green areas.

• The Solution: Hire a Private Driver for the transfer.
• Why: You don't want to be stressing about directions. You want to be looking out the window. A driver can drop you right at the gate of the forest.
• Read More: Check our cost comparison in Is a Private Chauffeur Worth It?.

2. The Professional Photo

Glamping locations are visually stunning. They are designed for Instagram.

• The Idea: Hire a Vacation Photographer for an hour.
• The Shot: A photo of you and your partner sitting by the fire pit outside your yurt at sunset, or looking out of the Bubble Dome. It captures the "Adventure" vibe perfectly.

3. The Hamper Upgrade

Many of these sites are self-catering or bed-and-breakfast only.

• The Tip: Before you arrive, stop at a high-end food hall (like the English Market in Cork or Fallon & Byrne in Dublin). Pick up Irish farmhouse cheeses, smoked salmon, and a bottle of wine.
• Why: Sitting on the deck of a treehouse with a curated picnic is better than any restaurant meal.

Conclusion: Is It For You?

Luxury Glamping is for the couple who wants a story. Staying in a hotel is lovely, but it’s predictable. Sleeping in a transparent bubble while a deer walks past outside? That is a memory.

If you are planning a longer trip, we recommend a "High-Low" Strategy:

• Spend 3 nights in a Luxury Castle Hotel (The High).
• Spend 2 nights in a Bubble Dome or Treehouse (The Wild).
• Spend 2 nights in the city (The Culture).

This gives you the full spectrum of the Irish experience.

Find Private Drivers to Reach These Remote Locations →