A planning application has been submitted to Leitrim County Council for the development of a new glamping site in County Leitrim.
The proposal, filed by applicant Killian Bannon, outlines plans to construct a small-scale glamping facility consisting of five fully serviced pods at Derreen (Johnston), Aghacashel, Co. Leitrim. The application was lodged on October 29, 2025, with a decision expected by December 23, 2025.
According to the submitted plans, the project will include the installation of access pathways to each pod, a carpark, a storage building, a new entrance, and designated refuse storage and signage.
The development also proposes the upgrade and relocation of the existing wastewater treatment system to a commercial capacity, along with improvements to the site’s polishing filter.
Retention permission is also being sought for existing site boundaries and other associated works.
The proposed site is located in a rural part of Leitrim, between the towns of Drumshanbo and Ballinamore. Its positioning in the countryside aligns with the growing trend of small-scale glamping developments that aim to provide rural tourism experiences while utilizing local landscapes.
If approved, the project could support Leitrim’s ongoing efforts to expand its rural tourism offerings, according to a report published by the Irish Independent.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, projects like this demonstrate continued interest in low-impact, nature-based accommodations that appeal to travelers seeking secluded getaways.
Small glamping operations have been viewed by local authorities in several Irish counties as a means to diversify tourism, extend visitor stays, and contribute to local economic activity without requiring large-scale infrastructure.
As Leitrim County Council reviews the proposal in the coming weeks, the outcome could provide further insight into how rural counties are balancing tourism development with planning and environmental considerations.
The decision, due before the end of December, will determine whether the project can proceed in 2026.