The future of Longford’s (Ireland) glamping industry is set to take off—and it is limitless. Thanks to the exciting brand-new Leitrim Aeropods company.
With the re-opening of society, many people are now looking forward to that trip they’ve put off for the past two or three years.
While many of us dream of an adventure abroad in an airplane, two Leitrim men also dream big of airplanes, but for a very different reason.
Kevin Regan and Shane Thornton have created a niche on the market by taking advantage of the work-from-home trend over the past few years and combining it with, of all things, old airplanes.
Regan and Thornton have begun transforming old, unused airplanes into modern standalone units that can be used as workspaces or an extra backyard extension to your home.
Regan, who hails from Rossinver, said he’s always been interested in planes, and a friend showed him a photo of an old jet that was being dismantled into parts, and he was able to come up with the idea that he and Shane could make something of it.
The two have their own company, NW Water Services, a leak detection firm that works with Irish Water around the country employing 16 workers.
The airplane concept became a reality after they bought a 20-window section of an old commercial jet fuselage in Cardiff, divided it into four pieces, and hauled it on the back of a truck to Shane’s house at Glenboy, Manorhamilton.
The first unit was made in Thronton’s garage. Since then, Thornton and one of their employees have been making units at the old Connacht Gold store in Croghan, which they have leased from Shannon Gaels GAA Club.
Regan said that the enthusiasm for the pods has been crazy, with the first four pods already sold and two of them being bought by taxback.com to use as offices.
Kevin said a man came to the site searching for eight more spacious units, each with an en suite which he hoped to put in a glamping spot in Longford.
Another request has come in from Kerry from a man looking for ten units, subject to planning approval.
Regan stated that the units could also be converted into a fantastic mobile home model that has the most luxurious finish.
One of the main challenges, according to Regan, is the difficulty in locating old planes since there are only four facilities in Europe taking apart old planes.
But, he does have great contacts, and they travel to the site of origin and return with the items.
Thornton and the other employee work on the project while electricians and plumbers are on hand to finish the job.
All you require is a concrete foundation and then connect it, and it’s all set to go. The pods are galvanized, with floors of steel and full insulation. They also have Munster Joinery doors and panel heaters. The pods do not require maintenance or painting and simply need a few washes or paint. They are practically guaranteed to last forever.
They come in various sizes, but they are always four meters wide. They can range in length from between four and 20 windows.
Aeropods is just beginning to take off, but the business is already growing for the two entrepreneurs with high-flying ambitions.