Why Glamping In Northern Ireland Is The Ultimate Little Luxury

Is glamping in Northern Ireland for you?

If you're anything like me, the idea of getting away for a few nights in the great outdoors with the family sounds like great fun.

So when you add together a cozy warm pod with beds, outdoor hot tub and the relaxing glow of a firepit, they can't wait to get going.

Surrounded by fresh air and beautiful scenery while enjoying a crackling campfire and roasting marshmallows with the kids is awesome.

But let's be realistic, not all of us are born campers. My wife and kids certainly aren't.

The thought of roughing it outside on the hard floor of a tent with damp sleeping bags is not their idea of fun at all.

That's where glamping comes into its own. It's glamorous camping!

All the fun and excitement of camping, but without the discomfort.

That's me enjoying the private hot tub under the Treehouse at Rosnashane House.

Northern Ireland with its beautiful scenery is quickly becoming very popular with glampsite providers.

There's no shortage of really great glamping experiences for you to choose from around the country.

Here's my list of some of best glamping sites in Northern Ireland.

Glamping In County Antrim

So far, I've discovered more than 30 places to go glamping in County Antrim. It's a very popular spot for tourism and people wanting to get back to nature.

With the beautiful scenery of the North Coast and attractions such as the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, The Gobbins Cliff Path and Bushmills Distillery, it's easy to see why.

County Antrim is also home to the famous Causeway Coastal Route. Wherever you spend the night, the famous coast road is never more than a few miles away from your location.

Many of the top tourist attractions in Northern Ireland are dotted somewhere along this road for you to enjoy.

Here are three luxurious locations in County Antrim to get you started.

Forest Den Galgorm

🏠 136 Fenaghy Rd, Ballymena, BT42 1EA.

Forest Den's are part of the Galgorm Resort & Spa. They also have Shepherd Huts and Cottage Suites if you prefer something different.

Whilst staying at Galgorm you also get to make use of the Thermal Village. I've been to it many times and love it.

The bohemian styled Forest Den's are really luxurious. Each has a private sauna, outdoor shower and a wood fired bath.

Inside, there is a kitchenette with microwave and fridge with a few complimentary drinks included.

Dog owners will love the fact that Galgorm offers pet friendly accommodation as not many glamping providers allow pets. More info...

Little River

🏠 90 Gracehill road, Stranocum, BT53 8JD.

Little River is just on the outskirts of Ballymoney and a short distance from the famous Dark Hedges.

They have several different luxury tents to choose from including the Treehouse Dome, Birds Nest, Treehouse Yurt, Foxes Den Yurt, Wildflower Bell and Honeybee Yurt.

It's great for families of all sizes as some of the tents can sleep 6 or more.

There is bedding provided with heating, electric and a small fridge. Outside there is a BBQ and fire pit.

This is glamping at its finest with real tents and outdoor living. More info...

Peatlands

🏠 52 Ballybogey Rd, Ballymoney, BT53 6NY.

There are two 4-Star Shepherd Hut's available at Peatlands named Curlew and Sundew.

Each hut, which is surrounded by nature, has room for two people. Perfect for a wee romantic getaway.

You can expect a Kingsize bed, private shower room, fridge, oven, twin hob, microwave and wood-burning stove.

Other amenities include free parking, fire-pit and fast WiFi.

Peatlands even has an award winning bakery on site that makes fantastic bread loaves. More info...

Glamping In County Down

There are lots of great places to go glamping and things to see and do in County Down.

I like Tollymore Forest Park for a good walk. There is also the Mourne Coastal Route to explore.

Some nice places to visit on your travels are Silent Valley, Mount Stewart House & Gardens, Scrabo Tower overlooking Strangford Lough and the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum.

Here's just a taster of the glamping choices available in County Down.

Enniskeen Estate

🏠 98 Bryansford Rd, Newcastle, BT33 0LF.

Wake up in the morning to the view of Slieve Donard while listening to the sounds of nature all around you.

That's the experience you'll have staying in a lush cabin at the Enniskeen Estate & Spa.

The new Dreamer's Drey has a private wood fired hot tub to relax in as well as a soft Round Bed for a great night's sleep.

Included with your cabin are fluffy robes, towels, toiletries and a breakfast hamper.

Other high-end cabins include the Kingfisher's Residence, Doe's Den and Mountain Cottage. More info...

Willowtree

🏠 17a Mill Rd, Annalong, BT34 4RH.

Willowtree provides a high-end adults only, pet friendly, bespoke glamping experience.

You may be stuck for choice as they have seven diferent types of accommodation, each with its own private hot tub, BBQ and fire pit.

I think my favourite would be the Goldfinch's Retreat with its Mourne Mountain views.

Amenities include a Super Kingsize Bed, Ensuite with Rain Shower, Central Heating and a Velvetiser (I had no idea what this was).

A Velvetiser is for making barista-grade hot chocolate. Now that's what I call bespoke! More info...

Fairy River

🏠 280 Moyad Rd, Attical, BT34 4SU.

The Fairy Cottages at Fairy River must be one of the most unique self catering holiday experiences I've ever seen.

They look like something straight out of Lord of the Rings.

The cottages are very spacious, each sleeping 5/6 guests with all the usual facilities. Perfect for families or small groups.

As you are right in the heart the of the Mournes, Fairy River is a great base if you love hiking in the mountains.

Silent Valley is literally just down the road too. More info...

Glamping In County Armagh

While glamping in Armagh there are plenty of places to visit and things to see and do.

Some of the more common attractions include Navan Fort and Armagh Planetarium.

On of my favourite places to visit in Armagh is The Argory. It's a National Trust property.

I like wandering around the 315 acre estate, but some people might enjoy visiting the Irish gentry house. It's more of a mansion in my opinion.

For food and drink lovers, there is always a tour of the Armagh Cider Company or Long Meadow Company.

Both offer a chance to taste some refreshing Irish cider.

Checkout these cool places to stay while you're visiting County Armagh.

Balance Treehouse

🏠 Tievecrom Rd, Newry BT35 9RU.

This is another one of Northern Ireland's most unique places to stay for a night or two.

You get to it via a private rope bridge and it has all the mod cons.

Everything you need is included such as WiFi, toiletries and bedding, wood burner, hot tub, TV and kitchen.

There is also a glass ceiling for looking up at the stars while relaxing in bed and a hammock for relaxing outside. More info...

Slieve Gullion Getaways

🏠 Railway Rd, Meigh, BT35 8JT.

Slieve Gullion Getaways are based in a small village called Meigh near Slieve Gullion Forest Park.

They have a range of Glamping Pods and Shepherd Huts that can sleep between 3 and 5 people.

Each tiny house is fully equipped with all the essentials including a private hot tub.

Some places of interest nearby include Cooley Peninsula, Killeavy Castle and Camlough Lake. More info...

Bramley Haven

🏠 69 Drumcairn Rd, Armagh, BT61 8DQ.

Bramley Haven is set in an apple orchard just outside Armagh.

They have 2 and 4 berth Shepherd Huts, 5 and 6 berth Glamping Pods and a group of Bell Tents which can sleep 4 people.

If you would like to enhance your stay you can make use of the extras they have available for a reasonable price.

These include the use of a BBQ, Firepit, Sleeping Bag & Pillow, Hot Tub and Travel cot. More info...

Glamping In County Tyrone

If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, County Tyrone is a great place to go glamping.

The number one attraction has the be the Ulster American Folk Park for a family day out.

Another great attraction that not many people know about is the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest.

To see the stars clearly you need to be in an area with very little light pollution.

Davagh Forest is great for this as it's pitch black.

For keen anglers, the River Mourne is rumored to be one of the best Salmon rivers in Europe.

So when you're ready to go, checkout some of these great places to glamp.

Craigview

🏠 17 Murnells Rd, Dungannon, BT70 2SL.

Craigview is near Pomeroy and has everything you need for a relaxing break.

Close by are attractions such as Pomeroy Forest, Loughmacrory Lough, Gortin Glens, Sperrin Mountains and Altmore Fishery.

You won't be stuck for somewhere to eat either as near Craigview is Fairhill Diner, Pizzarack and the Rowan Tree Cafe.

The luxurious camping pods are fully equipped with everything you need including use of a private hot tub. More info...

Sperrinview

🏠 71 Blackrock Rd, Cookstown, BT80 9PA.

These fully furnished cabins are in a great location for stargazing.

You are staying in one of the darkest places in Northern Ireland.

Sperrinview is only 500m from Beaghmore Stone Circles and just under a mile from Davagh Forest (where the Dark Sky Observatory is).

If you like walking or cycling, this is the perfect spot for you. Unfortunately no pets are allowed in the cabins. More info...

Gortin glen

🏠 141 Glenpark Rd, Omagh, BT79 7SU.

This privately owned family business is located right at the edge of Gortin Glen Forest.

There are five fully kitted out pods and some of them are accessibility friendly.

You can expect luxuries such as a private hot tub, Smart TV, BBQ and Firepit.

Gortin Glen is another great place for people who love walking, cycling or just getting outdoors and enjoying nature. More info...

Glamping In County Fermanagh

Fermanagh is the best county for water-based activities.

There's nothing better than renting a boat and heading out on Lough Erne.

In fact, the only way to see an attraction like Devenish Island is by boat.

I usually rent a Puffin (small 2 person boat) for the day from Manor Marine. The kids love it.

Another popular place to visit in Fermanagh is the boardwalk at Cuilcagh Mountain.

Otherwise known as the Stairway to Heaven. It's a very rewarding hike.

On a good day from the top you can see for miles.

Here's some nice places to stay while you're in Fermanagh.

Finn Lough

🏠 33 Letter Road, Aghnablaney, BT93 2BB.

These adult only Bubble Domes hidden in the forest are perfect for a romantic trip away.

A breakfast hamper is included as well as a morning Yoga session to help you get the day off to a great start.

You can also make use of the hot tub or go kayaking on the lough.

In case you aren't feeling pampered enough, there are mid-morning pastries and mimosas for you to enjoy.

Just to round off your overall experience, you can take a complimentary bike ride or watch the evening movie screening. More info...

Tempo Manor

🏠 70 Claranagh Rd, Enniskillen, BT94 3FJ.

Mullansbay

🏠 Boa Island, Kesh, BT93 8AB.

Glamping In County Derry/Londonderry

Being a city as well as a county, there are lots of things to see and do in Derry~Londonderry.

No trip would be complete without visiting the 400 year old walls which surround the city.

Other attractions around the county include Mussenden Temple in the grounds of Downhill Demense and taking a walk through the Roe Valley Country Park.

If you like the coast, you should visit Castlerock beach or Downhill beach.

Or if you like to get active, a trip to Jungle NI will not disapoint.

One of my favourite activities at Jungle was rolling down the hill in a giant inflatable ball. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

Here's a few high end camping spots for you to take a look at.