Drumheirny Woodland Hideaway in Leitrim Village, Ireland, has received planning permission to expand its accommodations and recreational amenities after Leitrim County Council approved a development application submitted by Drumhierny Holdings Ltd., subject to 17 planning conditions.
The approved plans include the construction of 12 one-bedroom chalets, replacing an earlier approved proposal for seven three-bedroom chalets under a parent planning application. The latest approval also authorizes the addition of two padel courts, reflecting the property’s continued expansion as it seeks to broaden its guest offerings.
The development will take place within the curtilage and grounds of Drumhierny Lodge, a Protected Structure, requiring the project to comply with heritage and environmental requirements established by the local authority.
In addition to the new accommodations and recreational facilities, the approved plans include the construction of a new road connecting the existing main parking area to the road leading to the rear site entrance on the L7379.
The project also includes resurfacing the existing rear access road, the development of an overflow parking area with 33 spaces behind the main parking lot, and the installation of a ground-mounted 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array. The application also covers connections to public utilities and associated site works.
According to the Irish Independent, Leitrim County Council attached 17 conditions to the approval, including measures intended to protect archaeological resources, wildlife, and the surrounding environment during construction.
Among the conditions, the developer must retain a qualified archaeologist to monitor all groundworks associated with the project.
“The archaeologist is required to notify the National Monument Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in writing at least four weeks prior to the commencement of site preparations.
“This will allow the archaeologist sufficient time to obtain a licence to carry out the work.
“The report of the archaeological monitoring should include photographs of the area before, during and after monitoring has taken place, as well as detailed photographs of specific areas, as required.”
Additional conditions require that all exterior lighting across the site comply with guidance issued by Bat Conservation Ireland to reduce potential impacts on local bat populations.
“Lamps should have hoods to prevent light spillage and should not illuminate further than needed for safety and security.”
The council also requires that all plant and machinery used during construction be thoroughly cleaned before arriving on site to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species and plant pathogens.
The approval represents the latest phase of development at Drumheirny Woodland Hideaway, which currently features 16 lodges, a wellbeing sanctuary, forest trails extending approximately five kilometers, wedding and event facilities, and outdoor attractions including hidden fairy forts.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the project illustrates how expansion proposals increasingly combine additional accommodations with guest amenities and infrastructure improvements while incorporating sustainability measures and regulatory compliance.
The inclusion of a solar photovoltaic installation, expanded parking capacity, and recreational facilities alongside new lodging demonstrates an integrated approach to property development. The planning conditions also underscore the importance of addressing heritage preservation, biodiversity protection, and environmental management early in the permitting process, particularly when projects involve protected structures or environmentally sensitive locations.
While no construction timeline has been announced, the approval enables the developer to proceed once all planning conditions and pre-construction requirements have been satisfied, including the archaeological notification at least four weeks before site preparation begins.