Cork's Great Escapes: Unwind in an eco pod surrounded by nature

Sat, 17 Aug, 2024 - 07:00

Breda Graham

Driving through the gates of Mount Hillary Holiday Pods in North Cork, I was instantly in awe of the beautiful glamping site created by owners Hazel and Paul Underwood.

“Oh my god, this is so pretty,” was the reaction from both my mother, who was the designated driver for this trip, and I as soon as we pulled into the car parking area.

The very warm welcome from Hazel upon arrival set the tone for what was a truly relaxing and tranquil stay.

Located just a 10-minute drive from Kanturk and a 20-minute drive from Mallow, Mount Hillary Holiday Pods offers individual holiday makers and groups the perfect glamping experience and the opportunity to unwind and fully immerse themselves in nature.

There are three beautifully designed eco glamping pods that can accommodate up to three people on the one-acre site of land, which has been carefully designed with sustainability at its core to create an atmosphere of a peaceful, eco-friendly retreat.

The interior of a pod at Mount Hillary Holiday Pods in North Cork

Attention to detail is what stood out immediately upon entering the pod, which includes a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator and kettle, a bathroom, shower, double bed, sofa bed and a table and chairs. Bed linen, towels and toiletries are also provided, and WiFi is available for guests.

The glamping site also has a communal kitchen area with additional cooking facilities, as well as a large table surrounded by comfortable seating - the perfect place to share a meal and play some of the board games provided.

There is an outdoor barbecue area with outdoor seating that is just as pretty at night as it is in the day, with overhead fairy lights creating a cosy atmosphere once dusk falls, as well as laundry facilities - always a welcomed amenity for road-trippers looking to freshen their clothing.

Firewood is provided for the outdoor fire pit, which guests are also welcome to make use of during their stay.

Each pod and communal area is painted a navy blue colour, which blends perfectly into the natural surroundings.

The holiday pods are located in the heart of the Duhallow region, which is well-known for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and its many golf courses.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Hillary and away from busy roads, there are plenty of walking trails nearby for those who want to take a leisurely stroll or those who opt for a longer hike by taking the looped trail.

Mount Hillary Holiday Pods in North Cork.

Owners Hazel and Paul said a need for more unique accommodation in nature for tourists visiting the North Cork region led to the development of their peaceful countryside getaway.

“In keeping with the unspoilt nature of the area, it was important that the accommodation was sustainable and as eco-friendly as possible,” says Hazel.

The site was developed over the course of 18 months, from planning to installing the pods, and opened for business in 2022.

Hazel says the ethos of the project was always to provide a peaceful escape where people could come and enjoy the countryside views and the outdoors, and she says they continue to make improvements through customer to make the pods even more comfortable and eco-friendly.

This year, Hazel and Paul partnered with Earthway Refill in Midleton to supply all of the site’s zero-waste toiletries and cleaning products, and the grasslands surrounding the pods are mowed in sections to allow the bees and butterflies to enjoy their natural habitat.

People from all over the world, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, , , Italy, and Saudi Arabia, have stayed at Mount Hillary Holiday Pods, but they are just as popular with locals and those from across Ireland looking for a relaxing and peaceful hideout in the outdoors.

Attention to detail is evident here, as is the owners’ love for nature and ion for a sustainable approach to providing accommodation.

If you’re looking for an escape in nature with the comfort and convenience of self-catering accommodation, Mount Hillary Holiday Pods is the perfect stay. Visit www.glampingcork.ie to book.

AT A GLANCE

Cost of Stay