Plans lodged for Connemara’s first glamping site

There are plans to transform agricultural land in South Connemara into a luxury camping site – that could become a major tourist facility in the area.

Planning permission is being sought for a ‘glamping’ campsite comprising five tents that can accommodate up to six people at a time along with a service building and a boardwalk access at Ballynahown.

The glamping – ‘glamorous camping’ –proposal involves the erection of glamping or safari tents that will have en-suite bathroom facilities, separate bedrooms and camping cooking facilities.

The tents will be shielded from each other by the natural landscape and the planting of native trees and shrubs to ensure privacy and a low visual impact on the environment.

It is proposed that the tents will be dark green in colour and will have a wooden decking base. The tents will also be secured with storm tethers which will be attached to the ground.

The planning application for the glamping campsite has been lodged by Michael and Janet Conneely. Glamping is something that has become extremely popular in recent years. It is very suitable for those who enjoy outdoor activities like walking, cycling and hill walking, but at the same time want a bit of luxury.

The campsite will be constructed on three and a half acres of land and will be located around three miles west of Inverin. The subject land is currently occupied by a farmhouse and farm buildings, sheds and open farmland.

At the moment there are two small stone buildings on the site and it is proposed to convert these into a service office and a dry winter storage facility for soft furnishings. They are currently vacant.

It is the intention of the applicants to construct a barn-type building which will accommodate activities such as arts and crafts, storytelling, traditional music sessions, creative writing as well as communal meeting and dining space.

The building will also feature a laundry area, disabled toilet and a luxury bathroom where guests can avail of a seaweed spa treatment.

According to the planning file, the idea is to provide luxury camping facilities in a scenic setting. The development will provide tourist accommodation for up to 30 people with the season expected to run from April to October. Obviously the applicants expect June, July and August to be the busiest.

The target market for the glamping campsite is families, older couples and groups of friends who wish to stay for a long weekend or mid-week break. They intend to target the domestic market along with the UK market for the shorter stays.