When the information got here {that a} new forest hideaway was going to be opening in Leitrim, it’s secure to say that our curiosity was piqued.
ith a choice of custom-designed lodges dotted all through the woods, and a group of professional homeowners on the helm, the idea positive appeared promising. Nicely, now the lodges at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway are completed, the doorways are open, and we have been one of many first within the gates.
Arrival & location
An aerial view of Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway in Co Leitrim
From the get-go, Drumhierny is spectacular. The doorway is marked with an enormous, artfully rusted steel signal, and when the gates swing open, you drive up an extended, tree-lined path previous the primary few lodges.
There are 100 acres of woodland to discover, with 5km of strolling trails weaving across the land — I cherished the truth that these are open to locals, in addition to visitors. Verify-in will be accomplished on-line prematurely, together with your lodge key despatched on to your cellphone by way of the JustIN app, which is as useful as it’s nifty.
Carrick-on-Shannon is a 10-minute drive away, and The Shed Distillery (residence of Gunpowder gin) is even nearer. The truth is, you could possibly even cycle there — Drumhierny is only a few quick strides from the Shannon Blueway, and the serene canal-side path takes you all the way in which to the floating boardwalk on Acres Lake and into Drumshanbo. 9/10
Service & model
Whereas Drumhierny opened again in June, its Wellbeing Sanctuary launched only a few weeks in the past. This out of doors spa is constructed into the property’s unique walled backyard, with 4 seaweed baths, two sunken sizzling tubs and an enormous sauna with a glass wall that overlooks the gardens.
It’s a daring declare, however I believe this could possibly be one of many best out of doors spas within the nation. To soak in a bathtub surrounded by flowers and vegetation, as swallows flitter overhead and the bushes stretch skywards behind the ivy-covered partitions, is extremely particular. And also you’re not rushed, both — on the Seaweed Bathtub Expertise (€65), you’re allotted two and a half hours in complete to benefit from the space, which is a pleasure in comparison with the locations that hurry you out after half-hour. It’s €35 for those who simply need the recent tub and sauna.
All through the retreat, employees are attentive and pleasant, and I cherished their khaki uniforms, which jogged my memory just a little of safari gear. In terms of the set-up, the closest comparability in Eire is probably going Cavan’s Cabu by the Lakes, given Drumhierny’s cabins, woodland location and communal campfire, dubbed the Cedaroo. The design right here is totally different although, just a little extra easy and pared again. 9/10
The rooms
There are 16 lodges in complete at Drumhierny, all comprised of sustainable fibre cement and pure wooden, and every sleeping six. You’ll be able to select between 4 totally different designs, however the focus of every is the enormous, floor-to-ceiling glass façade, which provides you unobstructed views of the oak, spruce and birch bushes surrounding the lodges. Architecturally talking, they pack a severe punch.
I stayed in a Habitat Lodge, a singular ‘A’-frame cabin that seems like one thing you’d discover in a classy resort in California’s Huge Sur. There’s a wonderful, mezzanine-level master suite, with a touchdown that overlooks the enormous, light-filled residing space — itself that includes good squishy couches and an oak eating desk. In a world of infinite identikit glamping pods and shepherd’s huts, these lodges are a much-welcomed breath of contemporary air.
The interiors are understated however efficient — assume glossy, easy traces with neat little touches that convey the skin in, like framed fern fronds and birch department art work. A lot of the wood furnishings is comprised of fallen oak from the grounds, like tree-trunk seating and funky kitchen tables. I cherished the toilet models, with the sink perched on prime of a thick oak shelf, and the freestanding garments rail in the main bedroom comprised of branches.
The grounds round a few the Habitat lodges aren’t but planted with wildflowers, so the realm round them at present feels just a little sparse. It didn’t hassle my companion, however for those who want a lush view, you may request one of many lodges that’s off the primary avenue. My private favorite? Toad Hole, which is the ‘A’-frame form however positioned on just a little lane, for optimum privateness and most views. 8/10
Meals & drink
The sunshine-filled residing space in one of many lodges
The main target right here is on self-catering, so the one meals on provide is within the type of pizzas and chips within the Woodpecker Café, the place it’s also possible to get wine by the glass or bottle. Sadly, my pizza (€9.50) was just a little disappointing — the bottom too skinny and crisp with an overload of cheese. There are a number of locations to eat close by. Beirnes of Battlebridge is a pub that’s a five-minute stroll away, for instance, although it will get very busy over summer time weekends.
Nonetheless, the kitchens within the lodges are well-appointed and nice to prepare dinner in, with meticulously organised drawers of latest utensils and cutlery, in addition to a spotless and trendy oven, hob and microwave, and an enormous fridge-freezer. There’s a eating desk on the deck, too. 5/10
The underside line
Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway
If it merely got here right down to the design of the lodges alone, Drumhierny would nonetheless be a winner. However the addition of a spa nearly as good because the Wellness Sanctuary places it properly forward of the pack. This nook of Leitrim is usually forgotten about, however Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway is about to place it on the map.
Insider ideas
You will get a hearth pit delivered to your lodge full with an enormous stack of logs and big marshmallows for €25.
Should you’re arriving by way of Carrick-on-Shannon, head to the store in Actually Farm Kitchen (honestlykitchen.ie), the place you may get natural burgers and steaks from its personal herd of Dexter cows, in addition to freshly baked bread and contemporary greens.
Charges
Lodges begin at €450 for 2 nights. Nicola was a visitor of Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway. drumhiernyhideaway.ie
