Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway evaluate: Eire’s latest lodges are filled with surprises

From the get-go, Drumhierny is spectacular. The doorway is marked with an enormous, artfully rusted metallic signal, and when the gates swing open, you drive up an extended, tree-lined path previous the primary few lodges.

There are 100 acres of woodland to discover, with 5km of strolling trails weaving across the land — I cherished the truth that these are open to locals, in addition to company. Examine-in might be accomplished on-line upfront, together with your lodge key despatched on to your cellphone through the JustIN app, which is as helpful as it’s nifty.

Carrick-on-Shannon is a 10-minute drive away, and The Shed Distillery (residence of Gunpowder gin) is even nearer. Actually, you might even cycle there — Drumhierny is only a few quick strides from the Shannon Blueway, and the serene canal-side path takes you all the best way to the floating boardwalk on Acres Lake and into Drumshanbo. 9/10

Service & fashion

Whereas Drumhierny opened again in June, its Wellbeing Sanctuary launched only a few weeks in the past. This out of doors spa is constructed into the property’s unique walled backyard, with 4 seaweed baths, two sunken sizzling tubs and an enormous sauna with a glass wall that overlooks the gardens.

It’s a daring declare, however I believe this might be one of many most interesting out of doors spas within the nation. To soak in a bath surrounded by flowers and crops, as swallows flitter overhead and the bushes stretch skywards behind the ivy-covered partitions, is extremely particular. And also you’re not rushed, both — on the Seaweed Bathtub Expertise (€65), you’re allotted two and a half hours in whole to benefit from the space, which is a pleasure in comparison with the locations that hurry you out after half-hour. It’s €35 when you simply need the recent tub and sauna.

All through the retreat, workers are attentive and pleasant, and I cherished their khaki uniforms, which jogged my memory slightly of safari gear. On the subject of the set-up, the closest comparability in Eire is probably going Cavan’s Cabu by the Lakes, given Drumhierny’s cabins, woodland location and communal campfire, dubbed the Cedaroo. The design right here is completely different although, slightly extra easy and pared again. 9/10

The rooms

There are 16 lodges in whole at Drumhierny, all created from sustainable fibre cement and pure wooden, and every sleeping six. You may select between 4 completely different designs, however the focus of every is the enormous, floor-to-ceiling glass façade, which supplies you unobstructed views of the oak, spruce and birch bushes surrounding the lodges. Architecturally talking, they pack a critical punch.

I stayed in a Habitat Lodge, a singular ‘A’-frame cabin that appears like one thing you’d discover in an elegant resort in California’s Massive Sur. There’s a gorgeous, mezzanine-level main bedroom, with a touchdown that overlooks the enormous, light-filled residing space — itself that includes good squishy couches and an oak eating desk. In a world of countless identikit glamping pods and shepherd’s huts, these lodges are a much-welcomed breath of contemporary air.

The interiors are understated however efficient — assume glossy, easy strains with neat little touches that convey the skin in, like framed fern fronds and birch department art work. A lot of the picket furnishings is created from fallen oak from the grounds, like tree-trunk seating and funky kitchen tables. I cherished the lavatory models, with the sink perched on prime of a thick oak shelf, and the freestanding garments rail in the master suite created from branches.

The grounds round a few the Habitat lodges aren’t but planted with wildflowers, so the world round them at the moment feels slightly sparse. It didn’t trouble my companion, however when you want a lush view, you possibly can request one of many lodges that’s off the primary avenue. My private favorite? Toad Hole, which is the ‘A’-frame form however situated on slightly lane, for optimum privateness and most views. 8/10

Meals & drink