Glamping and visitor experience proposal for farm on Mayo island

A fifth generation farm in Achill is set to offer a new glamping and visitor experience.

Proposals for four glamping pods, at Slievemore, Dooagh, are with planners in Mayo County Council.

Celtic Mist Luxury Glamping is a new business, offering luxury glamping accommodation at a working family farm where guests can immerse themselves in nature, engage the senses and learn about the island’s history, culture and farming life, while enjoying modern amenities in a luxury glamping pod.

Colin Kane, with father and sister, Eneas and Katie, will run the business on their sheep farm, combining their traditional farm with agri-tourism to secure its future and to create a sustainable farming enterprise while providing a valued unique tourism service.

A planning application submitted to the council sets out the family's long tradition of working in the tourism industry.

The site overlooks Dooagh Bay, with fantastic views of Croaghaun and Slievemore mountains, and is located on the Slievemore loop walk and close to the Dooagh loop walk, as well as the Deserted Village and other popular tourist spots.

Along with four premium pods with five-star comfort, as a working family farm they are proposing to have a farm observation station where guests can walk to an area and view the farm animals, observe sheepdog demonstrations and enjoy other offerings, such as feeding young lambs in the spring.

The site layout has been carefully designed to ensure it has minimal impact on the farm and the natural surrounding landscape. The business aims to highlight and feature local produce and products in each pod, as well as a local information folder for guests.

It will be suitable for couples, small families, solo travellers, nature-lovers and remote workers, with no stag or hen parties permitted.