The Bee Pods of Donegal, Ireland

Just finished hiking Western Ireland Sliabh Liag (pronounced as Slieve League), is a seven-mile coastal trail that follows the cliffs of the sea, which soar 1,972 ft in the air. The wind is chilly and punishing, my knees are sore after a three hour climb. As I reach the coastal village of Rossnowlagh located 50 minutes to the south in County Donegal I begin to relax.

It is a good idea to use crescent-shaped beach Popular surfing locations with Blue Flag statusThe sand is so fine that it is like silk. The Sliabh liag is a series of undulating mountains, cliffs and other features that hug the horizon. It feels as if you are standing inside a huge bowl. The Bee Pods are a grouping of five luxury glamping tents for adults only, and will be my home for the following two nights. They’re hidden amongst the hills, which gently roll towards the coast. 

The pods were founded in 2019 by Siobhan McGuckin and William McGuckin who live on the property. They are completely enclosed in 3.5 acres dense growth. The vegetation is not only very minimally landscaped but also actively planted in efforts to maintain and promote relaxation within the Irish wilderness—during my stay, William was in the process of planting 200 Golden Willows. The Bee Pods operate with sustainable principles in mind—the McGuckins shy away from weedkillers, continuously plant trees, plants, and bushes, and make their own fertilizers from plants such as seaweed, nettle, and comfrey.

“[We were] Siobhan Mcuckin said that she was “inspired by a desire to recreate this deep connection with the natural world, and to share it with others.” Travel + Leisure. She and her spouse have lived in the area for about 30 years. Sustainability is the foundation of all we do.

The guests can find a pizza-making pod, a spa, a family pygmy goats and several beehives, from which 400 pounds of honey is harvested every year.

The pods have an excellent location. Sliab Liag lies approximately 50 minutes to the north. medieval town of Donegal Only a 15 minute drive away. During my stay, I also visited a craft village The 551-year old city is a great place to buy a souvenir. Donegal CastleThe local fish taco joint is a great place to eat. Blas. I spent time in my pod to relax after a tough week of hiking along the sea cliffs. I enjoyed the view from my king sized bed of Rossnowlagh Beach, and took a bath in hot seaweed, which is an Irish indigenous healing therapy that made my skin feel baby-soft. 

Bee Pods are a luxurious retreat to relax The property hosts are warm and classic Irish, adding to the charm of this peaceful, outdoor experience.

What’s it like to stay in the Bee Pods?

The Rooms

Only five pods make the Bee Pods a quiet, intimate stay.

All pods have been designed to blend in the hillside. They are equipped with a small kitchenette, waffle bathrobes and a seating area outside. I stayed in The HiveThe room is the largest, most private and has a king-sized bed. The room featured a king size bed, a dining area with a view of the ocean, and an en suite bathroom with a rain shower. Voya organic productsUnderfloor heating. The Hive’s patio was also expensive with a Big Green Egg grill, a fire pit and a clawfoot bath tucked underneath a heated canopy. There were also tables and chairs with stunning views of Rossnowlagh Beach—the perfect spot to listen to the waves and watch the sunset with a crisp Irish craft cider. 

Each pod also contains at least one item of upcycled furnishings. The couch in The Hive belonged to Siobhan’s great-grandmother. A wooden side table was William’s grandmother. And a beautiful wooden chessboard, which has been in The Queen B for more than 30 years, is owned by the McGurkins.

Food and Drink

Each pod is given a welcome basket on arrival. In mine I found a little glass jug with milk and two eggs in beanies. There were also homemade marshmallows that could be roasted over the fire, homemade granola as well as honey from the property’s own bees. The hosts bring a wooden box filled with breakfast goodies that Siobhan has prepared. Every day the menu is different, but expect breakfast treats like overnight oats and parfaits with fresh berries or orange juice. You can also find croissants, ham & cheese toasties and eggs. Siobhan leaves dessert or cheese platters for guests to enjoy in the evenings. 

The Bee Pods have their own dedicated Ooni oven for pizza. For a small fee, you can request prerolled dough and pizza sauce, which Siobhan purchases in person from an Italian restaurant in Dublin, to make your own pies—all you need is to bring the toppings of your choice. If you don’t like pizza, or want to avoid driving to Donegal, there are kitchenettes in the pods, as well as a greenhouse filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.

The Spa

The spa is a small, cozy area that has two clawfoot bathtubs and a sandy garden area. There are also lounge chairs. For about $40, guests can reserve a hot seaweed bath. You can book in advance or on arrival at the hotel. The spa was filled with candles that smelled sweet, and Siobhan had left me some fruit and water snacks to munch.

Seaweed can make the bath smell briny but it releases minerals into the water like magnesium and zinc that moisturize the hair and skin. It’s okay to rub the seaweed on your face and body. You should also wait a few minutes before showering so your skin can absorb the oils. After my first Irish Spa experience, I felt rejuvenated with super-soft skin. Seaweed baths are available for guests staying in The Hive pod. 

Offerings Family-Friendly

The Bee Pods are an adults-only hotel, so it is not a good choice for a trip with kids.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

There are no special rooms for guests with mobility challenges at Bee Pods. Some parts of this property may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users.

The Bee Pods is committed to sustainability. Seaweed, for example, is only used on one guest. Siobhan collects seaweed after a bath, dries and uses it to fertilize the garden, along with comfrey and nettle. The property uses wood from its own trees as firewood and plants 200 trees, plants and wildflowers each year. “This is for bees, wildlife and birds.” [to provide] Siobhan: “We’re going to build a shelter for our wild animals, including pygmy pigs and foxes.” In the next few months, there are plans to install solar panel systems, rainwater harvesting systems, and charging stations for electric vehicles.  

Location

The Bee Pods can be found in southern County Donegal. Many popular places in County Donegal or County Sligo are only an hour away. Donegal Airport, the nearest major airport (CFN), lies about 55 miles from the Bee Pods, which is an hour and half’s drive.

Five minutes on foot will take you to Rossnowlagh Beach. This is a popular surf spot and one of Ireland’s Blue Flag Beaches. There’s also a surf school The nearby waves are perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to surf. The coastline is about an hour’s drive north. Sliabh Liag This fishing village is located in the heart of KillybegsIn just 15 minutes, you can reach the town of Donegal in Ireland and its restaurants and shops.

Northern Ireland, which is only one hour away, has attractions such as Irish poet W.B Yates’ graveSix-mile Gleniff Horseshoe The surfing beach and loop Strandhill County Sligo is a great place to visit.

Book Now

The Bee Pods, which are owned independently, do not participate in any hotel loyalty program. The Bee Pods do not participate in any credit card travel programs. Guests must also be aware that Bee Pods have a 2-night minimum stay requirement. It is recommended that book directly with the property Find the best deals.

Each hotel reviewed by T+L is chosen based on its alignment with our values. core values.