A gentle stay at a slow living forest retreat …
WHERE Set within Killykeen Forest Park.
NEED TO KNOW Founded by Irish owners, Olivia Hutchinson and JP Ledwidge, whose portfolio of cabin holidays includes St Mary’s Bay, Kent and the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire.
ACCOMMODATION Eight self-catering Log Cabins, six Lake Houses, six three-bed Boathouse Cabins and eight Log Cabins, all pet friendly. They are beautifully kitted out with log burners, books and games, fully equipped kitchens (with induction hobs) and The Handmade Soap Company amenities, for a home-from-home experience.
Launching this month are a further 15 design-led cabins. The one- and two-bedroom Woodland Cabins, ideal for couples, solo travellers or small families, ace open-plan living, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace. Aran blankets for wrapping up and keeping warm are provided. The light-filled Barnhouse with its own hot tub is the standout property, sleeping up to six guests across two floors.
AMENITIES The Sitooterie, a communal chill-out area, has a huge central wood burner and griddle tables for toasting marshmallows. Groceries and Badger & Dodo coffee can be purchased from Cabü Corner, which has an inspired edit of gifts (Armor Lux sweaters, Grown Alchemist products and excellent coffee table books). The Cabin Club Bar is a stylish spot for drinks and snacks.
DON’T MISS The Nature Spa with a hot tub, sauna, outdoor Japanese baths (€50 per session), massages and treatments by IS Clinical and Dessé. I enjoyed a rose quartz facial using Bomar Aromatherapy.
DO Explore the forest trails and lake – hire boats, kayaks and paddle boards from the Boathouse, where the Bothy serves snacks and sundowners.
DON’T Forget your binoculars for wildlife spotting. This Special Area of Conservation is home to 47 species of birds and nine species of bats!
VERDICT Hideaway heaven. If you crave the sound of silence this is tranquil and therapeutic.
BOOK Prices start from €550 for a two-night stay in a one-bedroom Woodland Cabin.
