Are you looking for an eco-friendly accommodation experience in Ireland? Then you’ve come to the right place! I recently discovered Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway in Leitrim, and I’m here to tell you all about it!
In recent years, Eco Stays have become increasingly popular among travelers who want more than just a simple hotel room.
These are experiences deeply connected to nature, rest, and sustainability, where comfort is not forgotten but instead designed in a mindful way.
The truth is, Ireland—with its lush green landscapes and ancestral bond to the land—is the perfect setting for this type of stay.
Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, in County Leitrim, is one of those special places.
Surrounded by forest, it offers peace, quiet, and the chance to live in harmony with the environment.
On top of that, you’ll also find fairy forts linked to Irish legends, which make the experience even more magical.
Another highlight for me was the SPA, especially the seaweed baths at the Outdoor Wellbeing Sanctuary, where I enjoyed a true moment of wellness right in the heart of nature.
In this article, I share my experience at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, explain how the accommodation works, and show you what to expect during your stay.
Shall we dive in?
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My Experience at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway
I arrived at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway late in the day and immediately felt a shift in pace.
The warm welcome, the towering trees, and then…the silence. The cabins are discreetly nestled within the forest. There are no unnecessary constructions, only spaces that blend seamlessly with the surroundings.
On the outside, they are simple and elegant, but inside they’re cozy and functional.
The design embraces natural light, and it’s impossible not to notice how the large windows let in the brightness of the morning.
Despite the rustic setting, nothing is missing in terms of amenities. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and spaces designed for relaxation.
It’s clear that the goal isn’t to offer luxury in the traditional sense, but to show that comfort is possible without excess. Drumhierny teaches exactly that: less can truly be more.
What stands out most is how the space invites rest. There’s no rush, no noise, no typical distractions of urban life. Just the feeling of being in the right place, surrounded by nature, with time to breathe deeply.
What It Means to Choose an Eco Stay in Ireland
Eco Stays were born from the desire to create accommodations that respect the environment while offering guests memorable experiences.
Instead of large, standardized buildings, you’ll find cabins or houses designed to blend into nature, making use of local materials, renewable energy, and minimizing waste.
In Ireland, this concept has been growing, especially because the country has a very close connection with its landscapes. Traveling to rural areas has become a trend, and many visitors look for alternatives to mass tourism.
Eco Stays provide that solution, offering a balance between comfort and sustainability.
More than just a trend, this is a response to the need to travel more consciously.
I share this conscious and sustainable vision, so staying at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway was a truly special experience for me.
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The Ancient Fairy Forts and Forest Trails at Drumhierny
Don’t think that staying at Drumhierny is just about sleeping surrounded by trees. It’s so much more than that!
The forest surrounding the accommodation has trails lined with centuries-old trees and hides something very characteristic of Ireland: the Fairy Forts.
Fairy forts are part of Ireland’s landscape and imagination. At first glance, they may look like simple circles of earth covered in vegetation, but they carry centuries of history and legend.
These forts, also known as ringforts or ráths, were built between the Iron Age and the Middle Ages, serving as protected dwellings or defensive enclosures for families and communities.
Over time, people attributed magical significance to them. They were believed to be the homes of fairies, or Aos Sí, beings from another world who could bring both protection and misfortune.
For generations, touching a fairy fort was considered risky, and even today many Irish people maintain that respect. There are stories of roads being diverted and land left untouched, all to avoid disturbing these sites.
On the grounds of Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, there are two of these forts, which strengthen the property’s connection to nature and Ireland’s cultural heritage.
Outdoor Wellbeing Sanctuary: The Spa with Seaweed Baths and Much More
Another unforgettable experience at this accommodation, and one I highly recommend, is the outdoor spa, known as the Outdoor Wellbeing Sanctuary.
Located in a walled garden surrounded by centuries-old oak trees, it’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world.
The space offers seaweed baths, outdoor hot tubs, a sauna, ice plunges, and relaxation treatments.
For me, it was one of the highlights of the stay.
Stepping into a heated hot tub with a glass of prosecco in hand, while the cool forest air surrounds everything, is an experience I’ll never forget.
The Private Chef Experience with Private Chef Co.
An Eco Stay only makes sense if it also values the people who live in the region.
At Drumhierny, I had the chance to experience this in a very special way through a private dinner with Chef Selina from Private Chef Co.
It was a memorable experience that began with a rich and creamy cauliflower soup, followed by a perfectly cooked steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and ended with a show-stopping dessert: vanilla panna cotta with plums poached in chocolate and a delicate honeycomb crumble.
Chef Selina has over 20 years of professional training in culinary arts and has worked in various parts of the world, from North America to Asia and Europe.
Her cuisine is inspired by references such as Ottolenghi and Leith’s, and her passion for creating new dishes and menus can be felt in every detail.
What impresses most is the way she balances delicate flavors and surprising textures, turning a dinner into a truly unforgettable moment. This experience added a touch of exclusivity to my stay at Drumhierny, while also highlighting the importance of supporting local talent.
For anyone wanting to experience something similar, you can contact Private Chef Co directly at theprivatechefco@gmail.com.
So, if you’re looking to create a unique menu for a special occasion, I highly recommend this experience, which combines Irish hospitality with fine dining.
Practical Tips for Planning a Stay at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway
If you’re thinking of booking your stay, I recommend doing so in advance, especially during the summer months and holiday periods, when demand is higher.
This type of accommodation has a limited number of units, which ensures exclusivity but also requires planning.
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for walking, as well as warm layers for cooler evenings, even in summer. Ireland’s weather is unpredictable, so it’s always best to be prepared for rain.
If you plan to explore the surroundings, a car can be useful, as public transport is limited in this region. However, the accommodation also promotes more sustainable alternatives, such as bicycles for short rides.
To align your stay with the spirit of the place, bring reusable bottles, foldable shopping bags, and other items that help reduce plastic consumption. Small gestures can make a big difference.
And above all, allow enough time. Don’t just stay overnight: enjoy the trails, relax at the spa, discover the local pubs, and immerse yourself fully in the forest.
Drumhierny isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s a place to pause, feel, and take home a different way of traveling.
👉Check availability and book your stay at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway.
*I visited Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway on a fam trip, invited by Donegal Tourism CLG and Enjoy Leitrim, as part of TBEX Europe. Follow @enjoyleitrim to discover everything about this amazing region.
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We travel as a family, focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference. At passaportenobolso.com, we share travel tips and practical information about destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve visited over 40 countries and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Every now and then, I also travel solo… Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
