Glamping Ireland

One thing is for sure, you won’t stay bored with a glamping stay in Ireland. Even sitting in your home will be an experience on its own. It’s spacious and modern, yet crazy and adventurous. It’s the perfect accommodation for camping beginners. Take your daily dose of sun sitting on the grass, a bubbling stream nearby, and your favorite book at hand. This is your well-deserved retreat.

Glamping is basically a glamorous camping experience, meaning that you will have all the luxuries of modern life, while living in a tent, yurt or camper. You will be in the middle of nature far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Most of the accommodations allow pets and are completely independent.

See the Irish nature in its purest form

Ireland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean and it is the third largest in Europe and the twentieth in the world. Ireland comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain, with several navigable rivers extending inland. Its lush vegetation is a product of its mild but changeable climate which is free of extremes in temperature. The earliest evidence of human presence in Ireland is dated at 10,500 BC.

A ring of coastal mountains surrounds low plains at the center of the island. The highest of these is Carrauntoohil, which rises to 1,038m above sea level. Western areas can be mountainous and rocky with green panoramic vistas. River Shannon is the island's longest river at 386 km long.

There are 55 mammal species in Ireland, and of them only 26 land mammal species are considered native to Ireland. Some species, such as, the red fox, hedgehog and badger, are very common, whereas others, like the Irish hare, red deer and pine marten are less so. Aquatic wildlife, such as species of sea turtle, shark, seal, whale, and dolphin, are common off the coast. About 400 species of birds have been recorded in Ireland. Many of these are migratory, including the barn swallow. Much of the land is now covered with pasture and there are many species of wild-flower. Gorse, a wild furze, is commonly found growing in the uplands and ferns are plentiful in the moisture regions. Until the end of the Middle Ages, Ireland was heavily forested with native trees such as oak, ash, hazel, birch, alder, willow, aspen, rowan, yew and Scots' pine. Because of its mild climate, many species, including sub-tropical species such as palm trees, are grown in Ireland.

There are 6 in total national parks in Ireland. Killarney National Park was the first park established on the island. It is mostly famous for the Lakes of Killarney, oak and yew woodlands of international importance and the beautiful mountain peaks. The park has the only red deer herd on mainland Ireland and the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland. The park is of high ecological value because of the quality, diversity, and extensiveness of many of its habitats and the wide variety of species that they accommodate, some of which are rare. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The smallest national park in Ireland is The Burren. It is well known for the rare Irish species that live within the park, many of which can’t be found anywhere else. This park is popular with adventure sport enthusiasts as the many limestone cliffs, especially the ones at Ailladie, are favorites amongst rock climbers. Not only is The Burren a nature hotspot, it also has great historical and archaeological significance. Within this small park are more than 90 megalithic tombs and several portal dolmens.

Ballycroy National Park is home to one of the largest expanses of peatland in Europe. The bogs, as well as the river habitats located in the park, provide temporary habitats for migratory birds.

Action packed vacation or a peaceful and calm holiday

Many national parks in Ireland have the option of renting a bike. That way you can explore more of the vast landscapes on the island. You can take a calmer approach by hiking the Legnabrocky Trail also known as the Stairway to Heaven, because of the heaven-like views emerging in front of your eyes, while passing a vast number of landscapes from forest trails and boggy treks to coastal paths. There are many equestrian centers offering horseback riding lessons and even cross-country adventures. Irish beaches are wonderful places for a gentle ride with friends or a more adventurous gallop.

Ireland’s coast is a great place to test your sea legs with various sailing courses on offer during the summer months. While near the cliffs you can try some rock climbing or cave exploring. There are many wonderful places to swim in Ireland. Try canoeing down a slow-moving river or kayaking on the ocean, while dolphins, seals or even basking sharks swim around you. Surfing and scuba diving are also famous outdoor activities amongst tourists in Ireland.

Be sure to bring your fishing gear and try catching some delicious fish from the crystal-clear waters. Then put some spices on it and throw it above the fireplace of your glamping site. Finish the day with a hot cup of cocoa while staring at the clear skies above.

When is the best time to visit?

The Irish climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and thus very moderate, and winters are milder than expected for such a northerly area, although summers are cooler than those in continental Europe. Rainfall and cloud cover are abundant. The west tends to be wetter on average and prone to Atlantic storms, especially in the late autumn and winter months.

Inland areas are warmer in summer and colder in winter. Usually around 40 days of the year are below freezing 0 °C. Ireland is sometimes affected by heatwaves. In July the temperatures can reach a little higher than 30 °C. December and January are the coldest months and temperatures might sometimes drop as low as –15 °C.