Planning permission has been approved for a new glamping development in Hacketstown, County Carlow, with Carlow County Council granting approval in early July 2025.
The project, proposed by Jim and Noelle Connolly, will see the construction of seven glamping pods at Ballysallagh Lower under the name “Pods in the Paddock.”
According to the developers, the long-term aim is to create a “luxury wellness-oriented and family-run glamping site.”
The site plan emphasizes low-impact design, prioritizing biodiversity and sustainability. Existing native trees and hedgerows will be preserved, while the couple plans to plant an additional 3,000 native trees, shrubs, and bushes to enhance the natural setting.
Traffic within the glamping grounds will be restricted to pedestrians and cyclists, with vehicle access limited to the designated parking area at the site’s entrance.
To support the low-traffic design, wheelbarrows will be available at each parking space to allow guests to transport their luggage to their accommodation.
Bike facilities will be integrated throughout the site, including bike stands outside each pod and bicycles available for guest use.
One of the seven pods will be fully accessible and tailored to meet the needs of wheelchair users. The entire site has also been designed with accessibility in mind, according to the Irish Independent.
Additionally, one pod will be repurposed as a therapy space where local wellness practitioners will offer services including yoga, reiki, rahanni, massage, pilates, and sound therapy.
Carlow County Council approved the proposal with 19 planning conditions attached, though specific details of the conditions were not disclosed in the planning summary.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this development reflects a growing trend toward wellness tourism and eco-conscious accommodation.
Incorporating biodiversity-focused landscaping and offering health and wellness services may help differentiate glamping sites in an increasingly competitive market.
Accessibility planning and non-vehicle-focused infrastructure also align with emerging preferences among nature-focused travelers and sustainability-conscious guests.