FUTURISTIC…the new Forest Domes at Finn Lough Resort, Leggs.
A FERMANAGH resort has just launched a unique accommodation experience, the first of its kind in the world.
The new forest domes at Finn Lough Resort, in the Leggs area close to the Boa Island, are both futuristic and eco-friendly. Resembling bubbles and set on the wooded banks of the Erne, the domes allow guests the freedom of sleeping under the stars and among the trees while enjoying luxuries such as a four poster bed, waterfall shower, and underfloor heating.
Michael Beare, who runs the resort with his sister Gillian, said the domes were unique not only in Ireland, but the world. “There are domes in southern France, but they are stripped down and more basic. There is also a resort in Finland that has glass igloos in Finland, and they would be the closest to our domes.”
Mr Beare said they came up with the idea of bubble domes after trawling through the Internet for ideas for something different. “We wanted something that wouldn’t impact on the environment, that wouldn’t require bulldozers and diggers and so on coming into the resort,” said Michael. “We wanted something where people could feel connected to nature and the environment around them.”
There are currently two domes in the resort, a single ‘bubble’ with a bedroom and bathroom, and another two-bubble unit with a bedroom, bathroom and sitting room with woodburning stove.
Booking for the domes, only opened this week but the resort has already had great interest from potential guests. Mr Beare said the domes would be particularly suited for honeymooners and romantic breaks. “Anyone we’ve told about them has been very interested, and we’ve already sold around 40-50 gift vouchers,” said Mr Beare, who added the resort would be featured in Air Canada’s winter edition of their in-flight magazine and would be features in the spring edition of the Aer Lingus magazine.
Mr Beare, who gave up a job in finance in London to take up the running of the resort they grew up in along with Gillian who was a pharmacist, said he found those who were looking to be more connected with nature in their holiday accommodation still didn’t want to give up their modern luxuries. “People may want something different, but they still want their comfy beds, showers and so on,” he said.
The domes cost £175 and £195 per night including breakfast for two. “People may compare the price against the cost of a standard hotel room, but unique properties elsewhere in the UK would cost upwards of £400,” said Mr Beare, explaining the running costs of the domes are high.
The resort, which is also beginning to host weddings from next year, now plans to construct two more domes. “We would like to put one in the trees and another actually on the lake, on a cantilevered jetty,” said Mr Beare. “We will need to go through planning and consult with the Rivers Agency first.”
Michael Beare from Finn Lough who have been nominated in the Start Up Category RMGFH04
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