The Staycation Booking Guide for Ireland 2021

We may not be able to holiday abroad this summer, but that shouldn't stop us from vacationing around Ireland. We all need something to look forward to after the tough year we've all had. Ranging from self-catering cottages to family campsites, we've got your back for all things staycation - any chance to escape home and venture out should be fun right?

Although the idea of a hotel sounds dreamy - someone makes your bed, cooks dinner, lays out fresh towels everyday, this can be costly if you're going for 2 weeks. Why not consider self-catering or even camping/glamping, if you're thinking about doing a longer holiday. Not only will it be more affordable and cost effective, but you will be able to keep your distance from other people and have your own space.

But, before you book anything you need to remember that things can change within a blink of an eye, the rate can increase and lockdown could easily happen overnight. So, whilst you research your staycation destinations, please check the cancellation policies and be wary before you put down a large fee. Some places will demand that you pay upfront with major cancellation fee's - if a holiday destination refuses to give you an in-depth description of the cancellation/booking policy then don't bother with that place, there are plenty others around.

So stop sulking about spending the summer at home and start looking for a mini-break in Ireland, here are few gems that have caught our eye...bring on staycation 2.0!

(Please make sure to check the latest government guidance before you book your staycation)

Camping/Glamping

Here are 3 camping/glamping options dotted around Ireland, if camping isn't your cup of tea then opt for glamping - camp in style!

Glamping tent in the forest.

1. Hidden Valley Camping
   Address: Lower Main St, Glasnarget North, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow; Phone: 086-7272872; Website: hiddenvalley.ie
   Also known as Wicklow's best family friendly holiday location. Although the campsite is small, it packs a punch, you can guarantee you and your kids will never be bored. You can either head out to the aqua park - full of inflatables, venture out kayaking, explore the 'enchanted' forest, head over to play some crazy golf or even pop out to the one of Wicklow's many beaches for the day - don't forget your swimsuit! If you'd rather stay in your caravan or in a lodge, you can do that too - most of the lodges come with their own showers and bathrooms. Prices for lodges start at €120 per night for 5 people.
2. Killarney Glamping at the Grove
   Address: The Grove, Ballycasheen, Killarney, Co Kerry; Phone: 087-9750110; Website: killarneyglamping.com
   Now this is a glamping option - for couples, everything is self-contained within the glamping suites/lodges - ideal for social distancing. Each lodge/suite offers large bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, there are even heated patios which you can enjoy whilst having a barbecue in the private barbecue areas. Looking for things to do in the surrounding areas? Well it is less than a mile from the National Park so grab your walking boots and head out for a hike! Prices start at €599 for five nights.
3. Portsalon Luxury Camping
   Address: Cashelpreaghan, Portsalon, Co Donegal; Phone: 087-6016654; Website: donegalglamping.com
   Yurt anyone? 5 yurts, all spaced out perfectly with magnificent views of the North Donegal coastline - what more could you want? All of the yurts offer queen-sized bed, along with a sofa bed, a wood-burning stove (perfect for making late night snacks) and mood lighting throughout to make the tent cosy and comfortable. Prices start at €100 per night for two people.

Self-Catering

Time for the self-catering options, maybe slightly pricier but everything is self-contained - almost like a home away from home.

Self-catered cottage.

1. Cliff at Lyons
   Address: Lyons Road, Celbridge, Co Kildare; Phone: 01-6303500; Website: cliffatlyons.ie
   Less than half an hour from Dublin, you'll find this beauty. This boutique hotel offers a variety of mishmash rooms, apartments, suites and self-catered cottages - all unique but cosy and comfy. Wanting to bring your pup? Don't worry there are plenty of dog-friendly rooms - don't forget their tennis balls when you head out for a garden walk. The hotel will organise any activities you wish to do whether thats paddle-boarding or barge trips - make sure to use the free bikes provided for all guests!
2. ArdNahoo Eco Retreat
   Mullagh, Dromahair, Co Leitrim; 083-1346242, ardnahoo.com 
   Hidden among the wilds of North Leitrim lies this award-winning eco refuge. There are 3 eco-friendly/sustainable self-catering lodges that sleep up to three and 7 guests. You can enjoy the outdoor dining space as well as the private sauna and hot-tub - don't forget to pack an extra towel. Make sure you use the homemade bread, local eggs, tea and coffee - all provided in the welcome pack, yes it is all organic. Prices range from €595/€895 per lodge per week.
3. Center Parcs
   Newcastle, Ballymahon, Co Longford; 1890-995588, centerparcs.ie
   It's best to include a family favourite. Centre Parcs is always a good time and hard to beat, although it is known to be pricey, not if done correctly. Just ensure that you take a look at the different activities and choose appropriately, also opt to cook yourself and venture out into the outdoors to keep the family entertained, by doing those you will definitely reduce the costs. There is one thing that comes to mind when you mention Centre Parcs and thats the sub-tropical paradise, this has been closed due to COVID, however it should open soon - we hope! Prices from €999 for four nights in a three-bed lodge in June.