The Blog
How I Went from ‘No Camping’ to ‘Yes Killarney Glamping’ in Ireland
Killarney Glamping hosted Alex and I for a magical night of glamping, but all opinions are my own. For more information on sponsored posts (and how I only recommend what I truly love), visit my Work with Me page.
There are two things that can turn a good place to stay into a great place to stay. One is a desirable location, and the other (which is far more important) is great management. Killarney Glamping located in Killarney, Ireland has both.
Normally I am completely uninterested in anything close to sleeping outside. I like doors and temperature controlled spaces and everything else that comes with life indoors. However, the glamping craze has caught fire the past few years and I was starting to get curious. It seemed like glamping was getting rave reviews from everyone I knew who had tried it. Whether that be from die-hard indoors people (like myself) or full-on outdoors campers (people unlike me who I don’t really understand).
When I began planning our trip to Ireland, an Instagram search for Killarney, brought Killarney Glamping up as a result. Their pictures of twinkly triangular structures caught my attention and their passion that practically jumped off the page convinced me. I wanted to meet these people and finally give sleeping outdoors a try. (Well, sort of outdoors, but we will get into that.) Linda was as kind and warm over email as she was in person when she met us on that small path that leads from the gravel parking lot to the line of glamping tents. (Unfortunately we did not get to meet her partner Mike, but I assume he is also just as kind.)
Instead a long description of how beautiful and charming it all was, let’s delve into a few questions and answers that should help you decide if glamping is for you. (It is – if I can do it then you definitely can too.)
So, it is just a tent?
The structures are Killarney Glamping are wooden A-frame structures with canvas stretched between the slats to let in lots of natural light but also afford its occupants some privacy. There is a full bed, dresser and plenty of walking around room inside that make you feel like you’re in a hotel room rather than a tent. They also have a porch outfitted with outdoor furniture and twinkle lights in case you want to pass some time outside your bedroom. Each tent also has an adjoining BBQ and little cooking area with a sink and some kitchen utensils.
Is there a bathroom?
This is the number one question I got when I told people that we were going glamping. The answer is a resounding yes! Tucked behind a sliding door in the back of our tent was a small bathroom with a toilet, sink, and mirror. There is also a shower at Killarney Glamping that is located down the path in its own little building. Neither Alex nor I used it during our one night stay, however, if our bathroom is any indication, then I’m sure it’s clean and comparable to what you would use at home.
Is it cold?
Even more than the bathroom, this was my biggest concern. I tend to run cold, especially at night, and I am a wimp at getting out of bed when the rest of the world is cold. (I never said I wasn’t spoiled about certain things and temperature is definitely one of them.) Inside each tent is a gas furnace of sorts that helps to keep the chill away. Each tent also comes with operating instructions and Linda was sure to point out the smoke detectors and fire extinguisher. (Just in case my mom was wondering – Hi Mom!) The bed also had a heated mattress pad which I didn’t know existed, but now I don’t know how I ever lived without.
Is it out in the middle of nowhere?
No, and I think this is truly the magic of Killarney Glamping. Somehow, they have taken a plot of land off a fairly main road and made it into an oasis. We didn’t fall asleep or wake up to the sounds of traffic. Rather, we heard the rush of a stream and birds singing. (Seriously – this sounds like a bad Disney movie, but it is 100% true.) The site is also about a 20-25 minute walk from the center of Killarney, which sounds like a lot, but the route has sidewalks and streetlights the whole way.
As this was our first and only glamping experience, I can’t speak to the charm of other sites. However, I do know that my bar for glamping has been set pretty high. We will definitely be looking into options closer to home, but, if you’re considering a trip to Ireland, you absolutely have to stay with Linda and Mike. The site is currently under a little bit of construction as they work on expanding, so, by the time you book your own experience, it will undoubtedly look even bigger and better than it did for us.
