From wild swimming to hot tub time-out in a treehouse, a bog bothy, a boathouse or a tiny house, get summer off to a relaxing start with a peaceful staycation surrounded by nature in a remote cabin, perfect for the upcoming June bank holiday weekend.
These six cabins not only offer tranquillity and privacy but also allow visitors to connect with nature before returning to their busy lives.
From a treehouse in Donegal to a Wi-Fi-free forest lodge in Westmeath, couples and friends alike can appreciate peaceful living for the upcoming sunny season.
The Floating Boathouse at Carrickreagh, Co Fermanagh
Address: Lough Erne, Blaney, Co Fermanagh
Space and price: Sleeps two guests, €179 each for a two-night stay
Say goodbye to being landlocked. This fully floating houseboat on Lough Erne offers a unique stay for prospective holidaymakers.
It's the perfect place to get in touch with nature. The accommodation sits right on the edge of a gorgeous stretch of water.
The open-plan layout houseboat includes a full-size double bed and a sofa that converts to a bed.
While two guests are recommended, a travel cot is available upon request for couples with young children.
The lodging has a fully functioning kitchen complete with an electric hob, oven and fridge. There is a Weber charcoal barbecue outside, though fuel is not included.
Elsewhere on the houseboat is a full shower room, with all bedding and towels provided by the owners.
The Black Shack at Bancran School, Co Derry
Address: Bancran Road, Draperstown, Co Derry
Space and price: Sleeps two guests, €159.50 each for a two-night stay
Outside Magherafelt, to the rear of Bancran School, is The Black Shack, a tiny house that doesn't scrimp on luxurious finishes.
It has an open-plan living space that boasts soft leather sofas and a wood-burning stove.
While small in scale, it is fully equipped for a weekend getaway, with two double bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom with a shower.
The kitchen includes a gas hob, fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, cooking equipment and utensils, while the hosts welcome guests with a breakfast pack that includes local pancakes, crisps, tea, coffee, cereal and milk.
There is a comfy leather sofa in the living area, a dining table with window seating.
Firewood is supplied for the stove.
While the listing is for two guests, the owners have said that families are welcome to contact them.
There will be private parking and access to the communal “Gin Tin”, a shared area that houses a large Weber barbecue, pizza oven and sports television.
Guests can enjoy their own personal spa hot tub with a waterfall feature, as well as a gym area inside the accompanying garage.
The Hidden Haven at Derry Duff, Co Cork
Address: Derry Duff, Bantry, Co Cork
Space and price: Sleeps two guests, €518 each for a minimum three-night stay
The Hidden Haven at Derry Duff is a sleek and stylish lodge that is secluded in the corner of the hosts’ organic West Cork hill farm.
Surrounded by panoramic mountain views and a rugged landscape, this bogland location is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Inside this stylish bog bothy, is a smart open-plan kitchen, dining and living area warmed by a wood-fired stove.
There are shelves filled with books and board games to make use of, alongside expansive windows that showcase views of the lake and mountains.
The bedroom has a super-king-size bed and opens directly onto a deck that is suspended over the deep-blue lough.
On a lower deck, a wood-fired hot tub rests beside steps down to the wild-swimming lake. There is also a barbecue and fire pit that is surrounded by locally crafted chairs.
A deep bathtub with a view of the lake can be found in the bathroom, which also features a large rain shower.
Off-grid log cabin in Co Westmeath
Address: Ballinlough, Crowenstown, Co Westmeath
Space and price: Sleeps two guests, €200.50 each for a two-night stay
For those interested in undergoing a digital detox, this log cabin in Westmeath offers the perfect Wi-Fi-free experience.
Listed by Samsu Cabins, this lodge is designed for people who are “always on to switch off” and enjoy the fresh air.
Located between 300 acres of woodlands, meadows and a lake, the cabin is designed with relaxation and comfort in mind.
Large windows allow guests to always be amongst nature, with the space feeling roomy yet comfortable.
Included is what the Samsu team describes as an “analogue kit” to help guests rewind. This includes sleep masks, sleep sprays, journals, film cameras, and books.
The cabin is also stocked with locally roasted coffee beans, tea, and some olive oil.
The cabin has a king-sized bed, which sits in front of two large windows that perfectly frame the nearby forest.
There is also a dining table and a corner bench to sit beside a wood-burning stove.
The bathroom has a copper rainfall shower and a view over the stream, which runs alongside a long nature path that is the only way to access the accommodation.
The Birdbox, a treehouse in Co Donegal
Address: Glenleighim, Co Donegal
Space and price: Sleeps two guests, €341.50 each for a seven-night stay
The Birdbox is not for the claustrophobic or those who have a fear of heights. The handcrafted treehouse is for adults only and not suited to families.
With an interior that extends to just eight square metres, it has a decked area below, accessed via a 30-metre stepped wooden walkway through the trees.
The last five metres are walked via a rope bridge.
Inside the accommodation is a sofa and a tiny wood-burning stove with all fuel provided. A small platform above the living space is where the double bed is.
It is accessed by a steep but fixed ladder-like staircase.
Most people won't be able to stand up here. But that is all part of its charm.
There is a kitchenette behind the staircase that features a double-ring induction hob, small oven, grill and small fridge with an ice box.
The bathroom is not typical either.
The toilet is right beside the shower, though it has a curtain that can be pulled across for privacy.
Lough Neagh Mirror House
Address: Lough Neagh, Antrim, Co Antrim
Space and price: Sleeps two guests, €425.25 each for a two-night stay
With its mirrored walls, this cabin is a place for reflection. The exterior reflects the surrounding scenery.
The properties are a form of kit house, designed by ÖÖD House, who supply a range of styles to boutique hotels and beautyspots in many countries.
This cabin sits on the banks of Lough Neagh, a large freshwater lake near Belfast Airport.
There are two houses on the site, one called Sunrise, the other Sunset, which each offer guests a private hot tub and shared sauna with a cold shower.
Each house has floor-to-ceiling glazing that lets in plenty of natural light, small kitchenettes and modern en-suite bathrooms.
During the day, the one-way glass means you can see out but no one can see in. At night, extroverts might get a kick out of the fact that others can see it, but each cabin has curtains to pull across for privacy.
