Conditional planning permission has been granted for a new glamping development in Drumcunnion, Shantonagh, County Monaghan. The project, proposed by applicant Ben Finlay, was approved by Monaghan County Council on October 21 following the submission of additional documentation and site plans.
The application, submitted on July 8, outlines plans for the construction of two glamping pods, a sauna, an internal path network, a driveway, and a designated car parking area.
The site will make use of existing wastewater treatment systems and a percolation area, as well as maintain its current entrance and exit onto the public road.
Monaghan County Council’s conditional approval includes nine specific conditions that must be met before and during the development process.
The approval followed a review of revised site layout plans, a statement outlining the site’s specific tourism needs, and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report addressing wastewater and environmental considerations.
According to a report published by the Northern Sound, the project is designed to offer an alternative accommodation experience that caters to growing interest in rural and nature-based stays.
With just two glamping pods, the development represents a small-scale venture within County Monaghan’s evolving tourism landscape.
For local tourism and outdoor hospitality operators, the project reflects continuing investment in alternative accommodations in rural Ireland.
Small-scale developments like this one align with trends showing a rise in demand for low-impact, high-comfort accommodations that appeal to both domestic and international travelers seeking a nature-based experience.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, the Monaghan development offers a practical example of how rural sites can diversify local tourism offerings while maintaining compliance with planning and environmental requirements.
The inclusion of wellness features such as a sauna, alongside environmentally responsible wastewater systems, demonstrates how developers can balance visitor experience with sustainability—a growing priority within Ireland’s rural accommodation industry.