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Travel + Fun

18th Jun 2020

Staycation: 7 hotels and glamping spots perfect for your Phase Three summer getaway

Jade Hayden

Phase Three is coming, guys. Soon.

And what better way to celebrate than ensuring that you’ve got yourself a series of glorious staycations booked?

Hotels, guesthouses, and glamping spots have been closed since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, but with the beginning of Phase Three comes the reopening of each and every one of them – some even with a few decent deals on offer too.

Sure, you wouldn’t even know you hadn’t left the country.

1. Finn Lough, Co. Fermanagh 

If you’ve not been to the bubble domes yet, you need to go to the bubble domes.

A stand-out glamping experience, Finn Lough’s bubble domes have 180-degree transparent walls to give the feel of sleeping in the wild while in the lap of luxury. Each dome comes with a four-poster bed and its own ensuite bathroom along with luxury surprises and creature comforts such as a Nespresso machine – and even a fluffy robe.

There are two miles of woodland to explore, cycle trails, water-sports and of course the spa- a two hour private ‘Element Trail’ experience.

Who needs abroad holidays anyway?!

The Finn Lough estate will reopen on July 9 with rates from £245 (about €270) per night for the bubble domes.

2. Hotel Doolin, Co. Clare

In the mood for a bit of the Atlantic Way this summer? Course you are. Why wouldn’t you be?

Lucky for us, Hotel Doolin has launched a couples staycation package, including four nights b&b, all evening meals and activities such as a Cliffs of Moher cruise, a Prosecco picnic, yoga each morning and an oyster and wine tasting session.

Hotel Doolin reopens on June 29. The couples package costs €600.

3. Wilder Townhouse, Co. Dublin 

One of Dublin’s finest resident’s only townhouses, The Wilder, have launched their ‘Together Again’ package especially for couples.

This includes a bottle of chilled Bollinger champagne, a personalised bouquet of flowers designed by leading Dublin florist, Appassionata, Maison Margiela toiletries, late check-out and breakfast in bed.

The Wilder guarantees a reassuring residents’ only environment, keyless technology for guests as well as spatially laid out areas to accommodate social distancing.

The perfect spot for your staycation this summer, tbh.

The Wilder Townhouse reopens on June 29. The ‘Together Again’ couples package starts at €299 per couple.

4. Sperrin View Glamping, Co. Tyrone

Another one for those desperate to get out of the country… Technically.

Enjoy a spot of star gazing in these new glamping pods at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains, in a “dark sky designated area.”

Each pod comes fully equipped with its own kitchenette, shower and a unique viewing window – perfect for budding astronomers or romantics out there who want to sit back, relax and star gaze.

Sperrin View Glamping will reopen from June 26 with limited availability midweek for £120 (around €132) for 2 people sharing.

5. Hotel Westport, Co Mayo 

Rising out of a majestic 400-acre woodland estate, Westport House drips with history, while its stunning grounds are home to a myriad of wonderful walks and gorgeous gardens.

Hotel Westport is the ideal location to base yourself when travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way, visiting the Islands such as Achill or Clare Island, touring Connemara, hitting one of the many blue flag beaches.

The hotel is also celebrating the opening of their new pop-up restaurant, Cian’s of Bridge, as well as a series of new family or couples socially distant staycation experiences.

Hotel Westport reopens on July 10. Packages start at €79 pps for bed & breakfast.

6. The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo 

Steeped in history, The Lodge dates back to 1865. Under the current ownership of the Tollman family, the four-star hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment to blend period features with modern touches.

The hotel is boasting a series of reopening deals including 20 percent off discount on all overnight stays for a limited time as well as a new ‘We Are Family’ offer.

The Lodge at Ashford Castle reopens on July 16. B&B start at €195 for two people sharing.

7. Tepee Valley, Co. Armagh 

Located outside the small town of Markethill, Tepee Valley Campsite boasts exceptional views over farming countryside, down to the Cusher River and across to Slieve Gullion.

A tepee for two, or a ‘festy tent’ for four, small yurts, log cabins, a shepherd’s hut and even a geodesic dome are just some of the options available for booking.

A staycation with a difference, for sure.

Tepee Valley Campsite will reopen from June 26 with prices starting at £140 (about €155) for a tepee.