Imagine being immersed in the great outdoors yet ensconced from the elements. Being gently hushed to sleep by the sounds of nature whilst being snuggly tucked up in a four-poster bed. Now, imagine taking a long hot bath under a canopy of twinkling stars. Well, that’s exactly what you can do when you stay in one of the Finn Lough bubble domes. When I first saw photos of the Finn Lough bubble domes I thought they must be in Finland or Iceland.
They looked so space-aged and glamorous. I just assumed I’d have to go on an expedition to a far-off land to experience them. So, I was delighted to discover that the Finn Lough bubble domes are just up in Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. That’s less than a three-hour drive from where I live. I was even more delighted to find out I would be staying there for one night on a business trip.
The bubble domes are tucked away in Muckross Wood in the unspoilt Fermanagh Lakelands. I could see Lower Lough Erne from my bubble dome. In fact, I could see a lot of things from my forest bubble dome as they have 180-degree transparent walls. However, whilst I could see out into the woodland I could not see any of the other bubble domes nor could they see into my bubble dome. Everything felt safe, secure and secluded.
It is a very luxurious way to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of nature.
Each bubble dome features a four-poster bed with a heated mattress with the most sumptuous bedding I have ever snuggled into. The bubble domes also have underfloor heating and comfortable armchairs made from Aroca wood. There’s a Nespresso machine and radio and a torch for late-night walks in the wood.
The bathroom is in a little annexe bubble. The shower is hot and powerful and there are delicious smelling toiletries to lather up with. When done, there are fluffy robes and slippers in which to wrap up and lounge about.
I was staying in the Premium Bubble Dome which has a free-standing stone bath. The bath was so deep I felt I needed armbands to stay afloat. There was plenty of hot water too for numerous bathing sessions.
It was unlike anything I had been in before. It was like being in a snowdome. Then once I calmed down I made a coffee and relaxed back in the rocking chair. I just listened to the trees rustling in the wind and the lapping of the lake.
There is no wi-fi in the Finn Lough bubble domes so I had no distractions. In fact, there was no phone coverage at all and you know what, I was ok with that. For the first time in a long time, I just switched off and enjoyed my surroundings.
I went for a walk in the woods and then headed to the lakeside marquee. Here, I took a seat by the roaring fire and wrapped up in a blanket. I nursed a drink whilst watching the sunset. It was idyllic. I was really taken with the whole romance of it all.
The menu is seasonal, fresh, foraged and local and the chef really knows how to put a menu together and to bring out the best in all the ingredients. I can’t remember the last time I had food that really celebrated Irish cuisine the way the dishes did at Finn Lough. It was creative yet uncomplicated and elegant yet comforting at the same time. It was everything I wanted from a meal and a vegetarian meal at that. Those that had the meat dishes were as impressed and delighted with their food as I was with mine.
The bar has great local craft beers and ciders and some very good Boatyard Distillery gin made with local botanicals. We could have stayed there for hours just chatting with the super friendly staff and guests but I was desperate to get back to the bubble dome and enjoy the whole experience. We caught a ride on a golf cart back up to the forest. It would have been fun finding our way back in the dark but it was raining heavily so we gratefully took the lift.
Back in the bubble dome we immediately began to thaw out and dry off thanks to the warmth of the bubble (don’t laugh, but I did wonder how the bubble didn’t melt). We then sunk into the huge four-poster bed and cocooned ourselves in the duvet. The bed is so comfortable and the place is so quiet that my partner drifted off to sleep within minutes. I, however, was too excited to sleep. The novelty of the bubble dome was nowhere near wearing off.
The top of the bubble dome is transparent and there is no light pollution so this is the perfect way to see the Milky Way. I was hoping to see a shooting star, too, so I tried my best not to blink. I didn’t want to miss one second of the night sky. After about an hour the clouds cleared off and I had a canopy of the biggest and brightest stars I had ever seen. The sky shimmered with the number of stars. I felt I could just reach out and touch them but I think it was just the plastic of the bubble dome magnifying the stars. I lay awake all night looking at them twinkle and listening to the rain bounce off the bubble. The whole experience was necromantic.
I decided I wanted to be bathed in the same light. I got up and ran a bath and relaxed in the tub in the middle of the forest. It was a very entrancing and exhilarating experience. I wasn’t worried in the slightest that anyone would see me but it really did feel like I was having a bath in the outdoors. I stayed in the bath until the sun came up, just staring out at the lake and the trees not wanting the experience to end.
But then my tummy began rumbling and I was so excited to see what was for breakfast. When I got to the breakfast room I was not disappointed. I wanted to try everything on the menu but I went with the baked avocados because, you know, Instagram loves an avocado or two.
I’ve stayed in some magnificent hotels around the world but staying in the Finn Lough bubble domes is one of the best resort experiences I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying and I would wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone.
Finn Lough is a 100-acre resort with a whole host of activities and outdoor pursuits. There are loads of walking and biking trails and you can hire peddle kayaks, canoes and boats to explore the lakes, you can go fishing and there are tennis courts and an airsoft arena and a children’s play area.
There is a spa too where you can be pampered and indulge in a two-hour elements trail that combines many different treatments and saunas and pools. You can of course just chill out in the outdoor hot tube and take in the wonderful lake views.
If the Finn Lough bubble domes aren’t suitable for you, there are other accommodations. You can stay in waterside cottages, catered suites and lakeside lodges.
Here’s my Snapchat story from my stay at the Finn Lough Bubble Domes (my InstaStory is also on my YouTube channel).
Here’s a video of the Finn Lough Bubble Domes from the Finn Lough Resort YouTube channel.
“Thanks for reading”
You may also like my review of The Pullman Restaurant on the Orient Express in Galway.
Or my review of Longueville House Restaurant.
Or my review of Longueville House, Mallow, Co. Cork.
If you like this review of the Finn Lough Bubble Domes, please share it with others.
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Wow this place looks amazing! I have never heard of it, but I need to add it to my list of must stay places.
There's nothing else like it in Ireland. You really should try to book a night when you come visit.
This is so awesome! It reminds me of those small glass balls people shake to mix up the snow in it... I think they are called snow globes.
Any way, I think the best part of this experience, for me, would have been the stars!
The stars were wonderful that night. I was so happy the clouds went and I had a clear sky. And yes, it also reminded me of a snow globe.
Haha, I am glad I am not the only one thinking about the snow globe - that would be weird otherwise!
Oh. My. Word. Talk about a once in a lifetime experience! This is so awesome! I need to look for flights to Ireland stat!
Do it! You can fly to Dublin or Belfast and easily drive from there. It is totally worth it.
Thats probably the single most awesome thing I have come across recently. Need to get this one on the bucket list ASAP. And more importantly tick it from the list soon:)
I was pretty blown away by it too when I saw it. It is on a lot of bucket lists for sure!
Oh this is just so awesome. I am headed to the North for a 6 month housesit and have put this on my to do list - I can't wait.
Oh fantastic. You will love it but make sure you book in advance as there are only five bubble domes.
Woah, I've seen pics of these from listicles and whatnot, but never such an in depth description of the bubble domes. They look and sound really incredible. Though what about privacy? I mean, I guess they're far enough separated that it's not an issue? I love the idea though of sitting in a tub and stargazing all night while not having to worry about mosquitos and animals though!
They are far enough from the other bubbles so nobody can see in and the bottom half are covered up. The side that is fully transparent looks out on to a lake that nobody can really get to, so privacy isn't an issue at all.
Wow! This is like something comes out from a fairy tale. Absolutely stunning place and environment to stay. I put it on my travel bucket list instantly.
I think it is on a lot of bucket lists, and rightly so. It is a very unique experience.
This is so amazing. I would love this as we are not far from Ireland. We spent a weekend in an igloo once and it was a crazy wonderful experience.
I would love to stay in an igloo! And you can get cheap flights from London to Dublin or Belfast and easily get to the bubble domes from there!
What an interesting way to travel! I've never heard of these domes, but they look amazing! The relaxing and amazing part of being immersed in nature with the comforts of a classy hotel room. Will definitely try to stay here when we finally get to Ireland!!
Oh do come to Ireland and do stay here. You won't regret it.
Wow! I've heard about this place but I never knew it was this gorgeous! This experience is definitely worth the splurge!
Yup! It is totally worth the expense. It is a very unique experience.
That resort looks like it was so amazing. I love all of the food there which looks amazing. But the bubble domes out there and seeing the beauty of nature all before you . . . that's just too awesome.
The food, the bubble dome, the campfire, the local gin, it was all so so good. I hope I get to go back and try out even more of the facilities next time.
I've heard about these bubble hotels before!! They look incredible, I love to go outside of cities to take astrophotography so I would love to be in one of these bubbles in the middle of the countryside on a clear night to see the milky way. What a unique hotel experience and the food does look delicious!
You would get stunning astro photos from here!
I would probably have the same reaction: taking pictures of everything. The decor, the bathroom, the breakfast set up, the stars, the spa..all so lovely. Seems that you had a fabulous time ♥
I did have a fabulous time. I was too excited to sleep. Even with all the photos I took none of them show how truly beautiful this place is.
I never knew of such living in Dome in Ireland. This is really cool way to spent holidays. Under the nature with all amenities wow so great. Ideal for new wed couples.
It would be perfect for a honeymoon!
This is simply incredible! I really hope I get to experience this some day.
Sure, it's only a few hours up the road from Dublin so you save the price on airfare!
This is an absolute fairytale! Would love to see if I could make this work financially, it seems like the ULTIMATE getaway! Unplugging here and there is super important - I agree with you.
Oh you really should try and go. It is totally worth the price. It is a fabulous experience and so much to do there too.
HOLY SCHMOLY! I am hoooking my husband up with this trip right now! I need to be there like right NOW!
I am actually glad that there was a vegetarian menu option! Its incredible! I'd be up like you too watching the sun rise and the stars! so beautiful!
Do it! It is SO romantic. You and your husband will love it.
Ohh wow, this is the first time I heard about this and so amazing, I wish I can experience this too someday
If you ever make it over to Ireland let me know and I'll tell you all the cool places to visit.
Never heard of these before, but I can picture myself living in three. One for sleep, another for kitchen, another for shower!
An ideal home, for sure!
Melanie, I finally managed to get here last weekend and oh my god it was just amazing! Just how you described it and more. The staff are so incredibly nice and the food is delicious. Not a cloud in the sky and such an unforgettable experience. I'll defiantly be back!
10/10 x
Thank you very much for the invitation :). Best wishes.
PS: How are you? I am from France :)