Along the coast of Donegal, Ireland, The Bee Pods offers a glamping retreat that combines modern comfort with sustainable practices. Overlooking Rossnowlagh Beach, the site features dome-shaped accommodations with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Founders Siobhan and William McGuckin developed the concept with a focus on environmental preservation, planting hundreds of willow trees, composting local seaweed, and maintaining gardens that support bees and goats.
The retreat’s signature experience is a traditional Irish seaweed bath. Drawing from fishing community traditions, freshly harvested algae are immersed in warm water, releasing minerals that are said to promote relaxation and benefit the skin.
Guests can follow the bath with either spa treatments or a swim in the Atlantic. The combination of heat therapy and cold-water immersion is marketed as both invigorating and rooted in local heritage.
Accommodation pods at the site are designed for comfort and ocean views. One example, The Hive, features a king-size bed, radiant floor heating, a wood-burning stove, and a freestanding bathtub under a heated canopy.
Interiors incorporate natural materials and neutral tones, while amenities include outdoor cooking facilities such as a Big Green Egg barbecue. Breakfasts are delivered in wooden boxes with locally produced foods, including on-site honey and seasonal items.
The Bee Pods uses solar heating, rainwater collection, and locally sourced building materials. For outdoor hospitality operators, the development illustrates how environmentally responsible tourism can coexist with upscale guest experiences.
The combination of low-impact infrastructure and curated amenities may appeal to travelers seeking both sustainability and comfort.
The site is accessible from Dublin by a three-and-a-half-hour drive or via train to Sligo followed by local transport. Travel from mainland Europe typically involves flights to Dublin from major cities such as Paris or Lyon, with off-peak fares starting around €70.
According to Newsday.ie, the property operates year-round, with weather conditions along the Atlantic coast requiring layered clothing.
For industry professionals, The Bee Pods demonstrates a model that merges location-driven appeal with environmentally conscious operations—an approach that could be adapted for other coastal or nature-based destinations.
Featured image by The Bee Pods via thebeepods.com