Offbeat overnight hideaways in Northern Ireland
Go off the beaten path and discover magical places to stay in the heart of nature in Northern Ireland.
Carrickreagh boathouses
The Northern Ireland landscape is a stunning mix of mountains, lakes, woodlands and spectacular coastal scenery making it the ideal place to disconnect from stress and reconnect with nature.
Finding accommodation to suit your mood couldn’t be easier with options ranging from lakeside boathouses to forest dens and treehouses or a traditional Irish clachan.
If you yearn for the peace of a tranquil lakeside getaway, head to Carrickreagh Bay in County Fermanagh where you can hire a floating boathouse. Surrounded by water on three sides the boathouse offers top-notch accommodation with uninterrupted views over the lake and a soundtrack of gently lapping lake water.
A stay in Fermanagh should include hiring a boat to cruise the lakes or taking a guided tour in an Erne Water Taxi to visit the local sights including the ancient monastic ruins on Devenish Island.
In County Armagh, you can elevate your short break with a stay in Balance Treehouse in the Ring of Gullion, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This hidden gem combines modern luxuries like voice commands, a hot tub and outdoor shower, with the simplicity of a treehouse which affords outstanding mountain views. An added bonus is the glass ceiling which enables you to sleep under the stars. While in the area, get hiking in Slieve Gullion or take a scenic drive through the mountains.
Balance Treehouse, Ring of Gullion, Forkhill, Co. Armagh
At award-winning Galgorm luxury hotel and spa, set within 450 acres of parkland in County Antrim, you can stay in a secluded Forest Den. Each den is rustically furnished and has a bohemian backyard offering guests the chance to get back to nature and soak up the tranquillity of the forest. Unwind in a private sauna, relax in a wood-fired bath or freshen up in the outdoor shower for a truly rejuvenating wellness experience.
Galgorm is a short drive from the spectacular Causeway Coast where you can visit some of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated outdoor attractions including the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Gobbins Cliff Path.
Alternatively, step back in time into an old Irish clachan nestled in the corner of a working family farm. At Barney’s Ruins in County Derry, the remains of a nineteenth-century cottage have been incorporated into new contemporary accommodation alongside a refurbished barn, both sleeping two people. Both properties have outdoor seating with firepits to enable guests to relax and enjoy the views over the surrounding countryside, whatever the weather.
Barneys Ruins night
If you want to explore further, there are a number of forest parks within easy reach of the clachan where you can enjoy a leisurely walk. Or you can hike or bike in the rugged Sperrin Mountains.