Tired of the same old hotel and B&B stays? You might not even realise Northern Ireland has much more to offer. From bubble domes to treehouses and even a Swiss Army truck, you don’t even need to leave the country to find a quirky stay to match any fantasy. If you’re in a bit of a start-of-the-year lull or just fancy an escape from reality, the following guide will help you find just what you’re looking for.
The A-Frames at The Jungle situated just outside Moneymore offer the perfect combination of funky and luxury, with their triangle shape giving them their signature name. There are two A-Frames (Bee Hive & Chicken Coop) to choose from, with both made from top quality, treated wood, insulated and luxuriously finished with double-glazed French Patio doors. With two floors, they are beautifully illuminated by natural light pouring in from all directions, while also featuring an upper lookout window, for a perfect view of the natural surroundings.
The A-Frames also come with their very own kitchenette unit and a bathroom, providing all the necessities needed to enjoy your stay. On top of the necessities, there is also a private hot tub at each A-Frame, nestled in its own private outdoor area just outside the cabins. These Scandinavian-style hot tubs are not only luxurious and comfortable, but also eco-friendly, heated from the attached wood-fire compartment. The A-Frames also include a complimentary BBQ grill and fire pit, so you can get a taste of the outdoors in luxury.
The A-Frames sleep up to six people with its two double beds and one large sofa bed and are £160 per night in the off-peak season (Jan-Mar & Nov) and £220 per night in the peak season (Apr-Sep, Oct & Dec).
TO BOOK – https://www.thejungleni.com/accommodation/a-frame-cabins-the-bee-hive-the-chicken-coop.
If you’re looking to combine your childhood fantasies with comfort, look no further than the Balance Treehouse in Forkhill. Hidden in the County Down countryside, you will discover a unique little cabin high up in the treetops, overlooking green hills, stone-ditched fields, and winding narrow roads.
The entire cabin is hand-crafted, boasting a natural rustic look, but with a modern twist. The cabin not only includes an outdoor shower and a private hot tub but is fully controlled by voice commands. The Balance Treehouse is the perfect option for a romantic getaway, accessible via a private wooden rope bridge. It includes a comfortable king-size bed with a 4K cinema projector and glass roof perfect for stargazing. Plus, there is a small kitchen and a wood-burning stove, ideal for romantic dinners while looking up at the stars.
The Balance Treehouse is perfect for couples as it sleeps up to two people and is £427 per night.
Immerse yourself in nature with the stylish and comfortable domes at Finn Lough in Aghnablaney. Perfect for couples or a solo getaway, the domes feature 180° transparent walls, allowing you to relax in the beauty and tranquillity of the natural surroundings. The Forest Bubble Domes were designed to offer an escape from the noise and light of the outside world, allowing you to enjoy a night of stargazing under the stillness of the night sky.
The Forest Bubble Domes feature a king-size bed, a small bathroom with a shower, a coffee machine, as well as fluffy bathrobes and towels, plus breakfast is included! The rates for the Forest Bubble Domes vary depending on date and demand, but they are between £250 and £550 per night.
You can also upgrade to a Premium Bubble Dome, which combines two domes to offer extra space. As well as including the same amenities as the single Forest Bubble Dome, the Premium Bubble Dome features a free-standing stone bath overlooking the woodland for some extra relaxation in nature. The rates for the Premium Bubble Dome start at around £325 per night, up to around £704 on a weekend in July.
TO BOOK – https://www.finnlough.com/sleep/bubble-dome.
Trucks are usually for going places, but the Luxury Glamping Truck at Larchfield Estate in Lisburn lets you escape in a different way. Originally a 1952 Saurer Swiss Army truck, Myrtle, as it’s lovingly named is now a unique glamping pod, perfect for a romantic retreat in nature. The truck itself is nestled in the heart of a picturesque 600-acre estate, allowing for an escape from the everyday. While the truck is rustic and rather old-school, it features luxurious amenities, such as a comfortable double bed, lavish chandelier, Persian carpet, heating, and a cosy seating area.
It doesn’t stop there either, as you also have your own private sauna, complete with a floor-to-ceiling window, allowing you to take in the stunning views while you’re relaxing in the heat of the sauna. The outdoor area also includes a hammock and fire pit, so you can cosy up together for a romantic evening under the stars.
The Luxury Glamping Truck is available to book from March through to October and the rate is between £280 to £300 per night, depending on the date.
TO BOOK – https://larchfieldestate.co.uk/staying-over/on-site-accommodation/luxury-glamping-truck.
Kick back and relax in a comfortable and luxurious cabin right on the edge of a pond at The Jungle just outside Moneymore. The two-storey wooden cabin can sleep up to six people and is surrounded by nature, with greenery in the form of plants and trees accompanying the small pond. The cabin itself is also only a stone’s throw away from The Jungle’s lawn area, giving you the perfect view of some of our activities, with our Llama Trekking starting off from just beside the Pond Cabin.
The cabin features two double beds and one large sofa bed, plus a kitchen area, as well as its own bathroom, while a private wood-fired hot tub also lets you relax in peace and comfort. There is also a complimentary BBQ grill and fire pit, so you can complete your stay with a classic grill experience.
The Pond Cabin is £160 per night in the off-peak season (Jan-Mar & Nov) and £220 per night in the peak season (Apr-Sep, Oct & Dec).
TO BOOK – https://www.thejungleni.com/accommodation/glamping-pond-pod.
Get back to basics with this cosy little cabin in the heart of The Jungle just outside Moneymore. Log cabins are deeply rooted in history in Europe and in America, primarily associated with first-generation settlers, but The Jungle’s Log Cabin is a little more sophisticated than that. Featuring two double beds, two single bunks, and a double sofa bed, as well as a small kitchen unit, bathroom, and a private hot tub – all features that the settlers could only have dreamt about!
The Log Cabin sleeps a minimum of six people or up to eight people if the group includes smaller kids. The price for this cabin is £210 per night in the peak season (Apr-Sep, Oct & Dec) and £150 per night in the off-peak season (Nov, Jan – Mar).
TO BOOK – https://www.thejungleni.com/accommodation/glamping-the-cabin.
The Jungle’s Glamping Pods are currently being refurbished to give them a well-deserved glam-up. While in the past, they included eight single bunks with limited amenities, they will now include two double beds, a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a hot tub, for the perfect private getaway for couples or small families.
Refurbishment is expected to finish by May time, and the four Glamping Pods will sleep up to four people, with rates of £210 per night in the peak season (Apr-Sep, Oct & Dec) and £150 per night in the off-peak season (Nov, Jan – Mar). The Glamping Pods are currently unavailable to book, but keep an eye out on our socials and website for updates.