A few blog posts ago I mentioned that during our time off in July we had opted for a ‘staycation’. This year, it was time to do something a little bit different and have more of an ‘experience’. So I booked for us to stay in a bubble dome at Finn Lough in County Fermanagh.
Finn Lough
Finn Lough is a holiday village based in County Fermanagh, set in forested grounds around Lough Erne. It’s approximately one mile from the Donegal/Fermanagh border and about 100 miles west or so from Belfast. It has a range of accomodation (from suites to waterside cottages and lakeside lodges) and offers a range of activities on site (tennis, fishing and a marina amongst others).
What stole it for me though was a chance to stay in a bubble dome. It’s a structure with transparent walls, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors but with the creature comforts of a luxury hotel. Glamping and then some.
We set off on late on Sunday morning, arriving at Finn Lough in the early afternoon. Our first night’s stay was in one of the suites and as our room was ready early, we quickly unpacked, freshened up and set out to explore our surroundings.
As it turned out, Finn Lough is a beautiful location. Luckily for us, the sun was high in the sky and the temperature in the early 20’s. And so, it was a joy just to walk around the lake, admiring the scenery, the glistening water and the lush greenery that slopes down to the water’s edge. It literally was a breath of fresh air…
Scenes from our walk around Finn Lough
Time for a sundowner
As the weather was so good, we asked if a ‘sundowner’ (drinks and a firepit by the lake as the sun sets) could be arranged for us. It was rather late by this stage but we had not been expecting the weather to be so good so we hadn’t thought of booking ahead. Thankfully the staff were more than happy to accommodate. Within 10 minutes or so, we were back again by the water’s edge, enjoying a delicious bottle of chilled wine with just each other for company and the sun setting behind the hills. We must have stayed there until around 11 or so that night. It was total bliss !
The bubble dome at Finn Lough
The next day it was time to embark on the next element of our holiday – the bubble dome. We picked up a picnic from the hotel reception and then loaded our luggage onto a buggy for the short drive into the forest. The bubble domes are located further away from the main buildings, each one with it’s own entrance, allowing you privacy and seclusion. It’s like having your own little space pod in the forest. I had never seen anything quite like it.
Pictures of our bubble dome
Our bubble dome was quite spacious inside, with a large double bed, comfortable armchairs, a coffee machine and ensuite bathroom.
As it was quite warm inside due to the lovely sunny weather, we were more than happy to sit outside, enjoy our picnic and reflect on a great day. The dome we stayed in faced out to the lake in one direction, and on to a lovely sun kissed meadow on the other.
As time past and it turned a little cooler, we headed back indoors into our bubble dome to enjoy the rest of our evening. As darkness descended, the atmosphere seemed to change. It was quiet and perfectly still. And as I looked into the forest that surrounded us, it made me feel so small in the natural scheme of things, like nature was reclaiming the forest for a few hours at least.
As it got darker still, and it was pitch black all around us, we climbed into bed and looked up at the night sky. With no light pollution, we lay there and watched as what seemed like hundreds and hundreds of stars slowly emerged above us. I must have drifted off with that view overhead.
In summary
All in all, our stay at a bubble dome in Finn Lough was a fabulous and really memorable experience. We left feeling relaxed and with our wellbeing restored. We were lucky to have been blessed with sunny weather. But I think no matter what time of year you visit, it would still be special. I’d love to return one day, perhaps in the depth of winter when the forest has had a sprinkling of snow 🙂
For more information, please visit Finn Lough’s lovely website www.finnlough.com
Thanks for stopping by,
Paula
I have looked at these domes a few times online but don’t know anyone who has stayed there. Thanks for the review, it looks fantastic. Love the photo of the damsel/dragonfly, it’s stunning.
Oh book yourself a treat. We loved it 😊
What a fantastic treat. I would love it. Thanks for sharing.:) x
Yes..a real treat. I am very lucky 😊
Sounds like a perfect getaway xx
Oh it was bliss x
What an amazing place! I showed my husband your blog post and this bubble dome thing was promptly added to our bucket list. Oh, and your photos, as always, are so beautiful!
Yes it was amazing. Glad u liked the photos 😊
You had me at the hot tub. I’m a sucker for a spa..I’ve yet to be a hot tub this natural. Oh I wonder if my partners mum’s count (a blow up one in the back garden?!)
Those bubble some are so unusual. I take it’s rural enough so you have your ‘privacy?’ Looks sensational .
I’m sucker for a staycation.
Great post.
Aw..thank you. Yes each bubble has its own patch and locked gate and they are spaced well apart so yes very private 😊
This is so cool! I love the idea of falling asleep under the stars… And Fermanagh is such a beautiful part of the world. We used to spend the Hallowe’en half-term holiday down there when I was in school, so your post brought back some happy memories!
Ah..glad it brought back some nice memories. Fermanagh is lovely 😊