A planning application has been submitted to Donegal County Council for a small glamping development outside Ardara, proposing three glamping pods and supporting infrastructure in the rural townland of Newtownburke.
The application, lodged by John McNelis, outlines plans for tourist accommodation situated approximately six kilometres west of Ardara.
According to documents filed with the council, the project includes three glamping pods, a dedicated parking area, a proprietary wastewater treatment system, a percolation area and associated site works. The council has set January 30, 2026, as the due date for a decision, according to DonegalLive.
Glamping, which combines camping with upgraded amenities, has continued to attract visitor interest in regions focused on outdoor leisure.
Donegal, with its landscape and coastline, has experienced increasing attention from operators exploring small-scale accommodation projects that appeal to travellers seeking alternative stays.
Planning activity of this type is viewed by some industry observers as an indicator of sustained demand for low-impact, experience-based accommodation within rural tourism markets.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the application reflects ongoing interest in compact glamping investments designed to integrate into existing landscapes while offering differentiated lodging options.
The proposed scale of the development is consistent with a growing trend in which operators start with two to five units to test seasonal performance, assess infrastructure needs and evaluate market reach.
Applications involving proprietary wastewater and percolation systems may also signal how rural projects are adapting to environmental compliance requirements, particularly in areas where access to public utilities is limited.
If approved, the development could contribute to the region’s inventory of non-traditional accommodation while offering another example of how small operators enter or expand within the glamping market.
The early-year decision timeline may also allow potential investors or operators to monitor approval progress and compare regulatory conditions across Irish counties undertaking similar reviews.