If you and your family are looking for some real action with some memorable nights under canvas and board, then look no further. All across Northern Ireland you’ll find action-packed glamping holidays to satisfy all of your little and large adventure-seekers with a taste for something a bit different but very special.
Rathlin Glamping, Rathlin Island, Co Antrim
For a true get away from it all, island glamping break, look no further than Rathlin Glamping. These are the only pods on the island so of course the uninterrupted sea views will be spectacular. A short ferry ride from the seaside town of Ballycastle, these 4 cosy pods are situated a 5 minute walk from the harbour on the island and are perfect for exploring the area.
Pine Tree Hollow Glamping, Castlewellan, Co Down
Set in a secluded rural setting bordered by a rim of 100 year old Scots pine tree in Leitrim, Pine Tree Hollow Glamping provides 3 unique cabins with nature, heritage, wildlife, and excellent local tourist facilities all on your doorstep.
This is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Mourne/Slieve Croob arear and livelier towns of Newcastle and Castlewellan.
Carrick Little Glamping, Annalong, Co Down
Three glamping pods in the heart of the Mourne Mountains in County Down with walks and stunning views right on your doorstep. Each pod has its own patio area with outdoor dining facilities and a fire pit – perfect for toasting marshmallows and s’mores and gathering around and doing a bit of old fashioned story-telling.
Escape Glamping, Castlewellan, Co Down
These luxury bell tents provide an idyllic stay in the County Down countryside. The tents come fully equipped with a cosy burning stove and you don’t have to worry about cold feet – the tents come with a carpeted floor. There is a covered outdoor kitchen with gas hob, BBQ areas and fire pits so you can still experience the great outdoors camping element whilst bedding down for the night in a luxury tent. And why not bring your dog with you too and make it a proper family break – 2 well behaved and friendly dogs are accepted per booking.
Tepee Valley, Markethill, Co Armagh
If you fancy staying in a tepee, yurt or gypsy caravan, Tepee Valley in the hills of apple county has you covered. Set in secluded hills this luxury glamping accommodation is perfect for a quiet, uninterrupted break. The quirky places to stay including yurts, log cabins and tepees all have individual heating systems so can be enjoyed all year round.
Let’s Go Hydro, Carryduff, Co Antrim
When it comes to action-packed glamping, the new kid on the block is Let’s Go Hydro, not too far from Belfast. This is a relatively new water activity park which caters for caravanners, campers and glampers of every type, from intrepid solo travellers to big extended families.
You’re never far from a water activity here when staying in one of the 40 – yes, 40 luxury glamping pods available, If it’s somewhere quirky you’re after, like a Viking hut, houseboat or igluhut, you’ll get that and more here too.
The huge aqua park features all sorts of inflatable slides and obstacle courses, with towers, climbing walls, hurdles, floating trampolines and lots more besides.
Mountain Sky Luxury Glamping, Dungiven, County Londonderry
The views of the Sperrins from Mountain Sky Luxury Glamping are probably unparalleled. From here you can see all across the ragged flanks of the mountains as the clouds glide past by day and stars slide across by night.
The facilities are to die for too in these wooden floored safari tents, which come complete with wood-burning stoves, toilets, cooking facilities. There’s even a working farm next door to give you that authentic Sperrins farming country experience, and the kids can watch the hens laying eggs and lambs following their mothers around the fields here.
There’s plenty of action in the skies overhead too, especially at night when the stars really come out to play. Part of the Sperrins are an official Dark Sky location, so watch out for the Milky Way, The Big Dipper, Venus and other highlights between dusk and dawn. Better still, head for the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in nearby Davagh Forest, which combines the latest technology, from holographic installations to virtual reality headsets, to bespoke evening audio-visual shows, to explain and illustrate the night skies and our solar system like never before.
The Container B&B, Todds Leap Adventure Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone
Able to sleep up to four people, spend the night in a brightly coloured, fully fitted shipping container dorm, at the Container B&B at Todds Leap Adventure Centre.
Each container is kitted out with their own en-suite bathroom, fridge and TV to ensure you're not short of home comforts. Also available onsite is The Tree House which offers a tranquil experience for smaller families as well as Log Cabins overlooking the stunning landscape of Clogher Valley.
All accommodation is just a short trip to the onsite restaurant, bar and loads of adrenaline inducing activities including off-road driving (suitable for ages 8 and up, no drivers licence is required), Ireland's highest zipline, body zorbing, Giant swing, Drop Zone, Clay Pigeon shooting and much, much more!
Trannish Island Bothy, Lough Erne, County Fermanagh
Trannish Island is a large island on Upper Lough Erne which is a great base to start a short mini adventure break around Upper Lough Erne. The island has an old stone cottage that has been totally revamped with a cosy wood burning stove, toilets, showers and camping platforms to sleep on; this is definitely a bit more luxurious than your average camp site.
Mum and Dad can light up the BBQ while the kids go on a fossil hunt, collect wood for a fire or explore the island underfoot.
Situated just a paddle away is Ireland's largest multi-activity centre; Share Discovery Village, where you can hire a range of canoes or kayaks to access the island or take part in one of their many exciting outdoor activities available throughout the year.
Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady, County Londonderry
With room for up to 6 people in each of their eco-friendly camping cocoons and picnic tables for al fresco dining, this is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in style at Carrowmena Activity Centre. Facilities onsite also include a BBQ and camp fire – just because you're not in a tent doesn't mean you have to miss out on the toasted marshmallows!
Carrowmena Activity Centre offers a variety of land and water activities so you won't have to stray too far to find an adventure! Have a go at archery, scale their climbing tower, zoom down the zipline or take to the water for a spot of canoe or kayaking.
Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down
Tucked away in the stunning 820 acre demesne, Castle Ward has four eco-friendly continental camping pods that can accommodate either 2 adults and 1 child or 2 adults and 3 children. Safely tucked away from any roads you'll find scenic picnic spots and BBQ areas, a choice of coffee shops and wi-fi zones, children's adventure playground areas, scenic walks and family friendly bike trails.
Located within the grounds of Castle Ward is Clearsky Adventure Centre, where you can find everything you need to enjoy the miles of multi-purpose trails including bike hire and canoe hire.
Take advantage of their family pod camping adventure package for an affordable weekend away including bike hire, archery and canoeing or for something different hop aboard their sea safari to explore Strangford Lough.
The Jungle NI Glamping Pods, Moneymore, County Londonderry
Kick back, relax and enjoy the benefits of your very own glamping pod and outdoor patio area equipped with a camp fire, BBQ area and picnic benches at The Jungle NI. Each pod sleeps up to 8 people, has electric heating and is double glazed ensuring you are kept cosy no matter what the weather.
Take on the Tarzan Tree Top high ropes course with over 40 elements suspended up to 30ft above the forest floor, whilst the little ones take on the equally exciting, but more child friendly, Mowgli version for the course. Zoom through the forest on segways, roll down the hill in a zorbing ball or take aim on an archery session – these are just some of the exciting activities you could all be getting up to.
East Coast Adventure, Rostrevor, County Down
Each pod at East Coast Adventure sleeps up to 4 people (6 pods available on site) with toilets and showers so you can experience the outdoors with an added bit of luxury. Wake up to fantastic mountain scenery before choosing your adventure for the day. The dog can even come too so no one in the family has to get left behind.
Hire bikes from East Coast Adventure and hit the Rostrevor or Castlewellan mountain bike trails or if you prefer watersports, East Coast also offer banana boating, sailing, kayaking and pier jumping in nearby Warrenpoint on the shores of Carlingford Lough. The Mourne Mountains will also be on your doorstep offering great opportunities for hill walking, abseiling and bouldering.
Looking for something a bit different? Check out our blog on luxury glamping and unique places to stay.
We hope you enjoy these suggestions. Let us know how you get on and join in the conversation online at #MyGiantAdventure
