A fifth-generation family farm on Achill Island has submitted plans to develop a small-scale glamping operation that would combine overnight accommodations with farm-based visitor experiences, reflecting the continued growth of agritourism within Ireland’s outdoor hospitality sector.
According to a planning application filed with Mayo County Council, the proposal seeks permission to construct four glamping pods at Slievemore, Dooagh, under the name Celtic Mist Luxury Glamping. If approved, the development would introduce a new accommodation option designed to complement the existing working sheep farm while providing visitors with opportunities to learn about local farming, history, and culture.
The proposed business will be operated by Colin Kane alongside his father, Eneas Kane, and sister, Katie Kane. The family intends to diversify its agricultural operation by integrating tourism into the farm, with the stated goal of supporting the long-term sustainability of the family enterprise while expanding tourism offerings on Achill Island.
Planning documents submitted to Mayo County Council note the family’s longstanding involvement in the tourism industry and outline plans for a visitor experience centered on both the landscape and the working farm.
In addition to the four glamping pods, the proposal includes a farm observation area where guests would be able to view livestock, watch sheepdog demonstrations, and, during the spring lambing season, participate in activities such as feeding young lambs.
The proposed site is located at Slievemore overlooking Dooagh Bay and is situated near several established visitor attractions, including the Slievemore Loop Walk, the Dooagh Loop Walk, and the Deserted Village. The location is intended to appeal to travelers seeking access to outdoor recreation and cultural heritage while staying in nature-based accommodations.
According to the Connaught Telegraph, the site has been designed to minimize its impact on the surrounding landscape and ongoing farm operations. The family also plans to feature locally produced food and products within each accommodation unit and provide guests with information about local attractions, businesses, and services.
The proposed accommodations are intended for couples, solo travelers, small families, nature enthusiasts, and remote workers. The operators have indicated that stag and hen parties would not be permitted at the property, reflecting a positioning toward quieter, experience-focused tourism.
The application is currently under consideration by Mayo County Council, which will determine whether the development can proceed following the planning review process. No decision date has been announced.
For campground, glamping, and outdoor hospitality operators, the proposal illustrates how small agricultural businesses continue to diversify through experience-based lodging rather than traditional accommodations alone.
Combining overnight stays with educational farm activities, locally sourced products, and connections to nearby walking trails and cultural attractions can help extend guest engagement while creating additional revenue streams beyond accommodations.
As demand for authentic rural experiences continues to influence travel decisions, similar projects may provide insight into how operators can leverage existing land, heritage, and agricultural assets to develop differentiated tourism offerings while maintaining compatibility with their primary land use.