Quirky accommodation and outdoor adventure on a staggeringly beautiful organic farm near Clifden (each sleeps 2)
The Stilt House, Fernwood Farm
Stilted cabin with super-kingsize bed, ensuite shower bathroom, kitchen and wood-burner, plus private deck with outdoor Swedish bath.
The Treehouse Dome, Fernwood Farm
A geodesic dome amongst the trees with super-kingsize bed, ensuite shower bathroom, kitchen and wood-burner.
The Fernwood Studio, Fernwood Farm
Scandi-chic studio with super-kingsize bed, ensuite shower bathroom, kitchen and wood-burner.
Space & setting.
Why take the high road when you could take the Sky Road? Along Ireland’s magnificent Wild Atlantic Way, this stunning route takes road-trippers, view-finders and wild-swimmers out onto the Kingstown peninsula and back via Clifden, one of Connemara’s prettiest towns, with stunning coastal panoramics of the Atlantic Ocean along the way. Explore it all from this vast organic farm with its own staggering views, home to 3 beautiful hideaways where guests can slumber under the stars and wake up to the ever-changing seasons.
From above, the geodesic dome looks just like the chanterelle mushrooms that bloom nearby, growing amid a bed of moss as if from a storybook – and from inside, it’s every bit as fairytale fabulous. Meanwhile, the studio’s clean, serene interiors are a dreamy detox from everyday clutter and WFH fatigue. The stilted cabin is the newest addition, an architectural woodland wonder that envelopes you in nature with the forest-green elliptical curved walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. Leisurely forest walks lead down to Salt Lake (where a serotonin-inducing swim with the swans awaits) then it’s into the lakeside sauna or onto the lush Connemara Greenway trail, which stretches all the way from Clifden to Galway. You’ll need a car to get here, but a stay can be done entirely on foot or 2 wheels, including walking into town for foodie restaurants and live-music pubs.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive
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Sustainability.
The farm is organic and you can buy its produce. All cleaning products and toiletries are eco friendly.
Surrounds.
- Ramble through ancient woodland down to the Salt Lake for a wild swim, especially magical at dawn
- There’s a revitalising lakeside sauna for a Scandi-style wellness experience, and a romantic rope bridge among the forest’s flourishing greenery.
- Walk or bike a section of the lush Connemara Greenway — Ireland’s longest off-road trail — which connects Clifden to Galway. Hire bikes if you haven’t brought yours.
- Clifden itself is a’bustle with great restaurants and lively pubs; just 1.5km away.
- That said, Fado Pizza van serves up hot slices of pie on-site, so you needn’t leave the farm to find supper (at weekends in winter, and six days a week during high season).
- The mile-long Dogs Bay beach and horseshoe-shaped Gurteen are 2 sides of a nearby sandy tombolo. Expect crystal-clear waters and good conditions for windsurfing.
- Home to Benedictine nuns for over a century, Kylemore Abbey is a historical property in Connemara’s inspiring countryside with walled gardens and a neo-Gothic church.
- One of the most breathtaking views around can be found in Connemara’s National Park, at the top of Diamond Hill (there are 2 routes up depending on your energy levels).
Specifics.
- A 150-acre organic farm with 3 accommodation units:
- A stilted cabin, a geodesic dome amongst the trees, and a studio adjoining the owners’ house
- Each unit has:
- Super-kingsize bed
- Ensuite shower bathroom
- Simple kitchen with basic supplies
- Board games, cards, candles, books, WiFi, B&O Bluetooth speaker
- Smart TV in the Studio
- Private deck with outdoor wood-fired Swedish hot tub for the Treehouse
- The owners live on-site
- Walk to shops, pubs and restaurants in Clifden (1.5km)
- Sorry, no children or pets
- Price ranges: Studio £140-190, Dome £230-280, Stilt £250-310
- Booking conditions: a 2-night min stay, which raises to 3 nights over Christmas, Easter and July/Aug.
- Remember to pack: wet weather gear — no guarantees here! Walking boots and swimmers are also a must
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
It’s a 3-minute drive, 15-minute walk to Clifden town centre, just 1.5km… but when you’re here you feel a million miles away from civilisation!
Clifden, the capital of Connemara is located 75km west of Galway city. You should always allow 1hour 15 minutes for the drive from Galway city to Clifden. Prepare for jaw-dropping scenery on this drive as you leave Oughterard and get your first glimpse of the mountains and unique landscape that Connemara is famous for. Clifden is as far west as you can come, next stop Nova Scotia.
A car would be beneficial but not essential; you can get a bus from Galway then walk / ask us for a pick up. If you want to explore Connemara during your stay, a car is an essential.
Two nights, except on Sunday nights off season, when you can book 1-night stays. During high season – June, July and August – it’s a minimum of 3 nights at the weekend, and 2 nights midweek.
No; the aim is a complete escape for grown ups, whether they be couples, friends or siblings. The cabins are designed to accommodate 1 or 2 adults in great comfort.
No — this is a working farm and surrounded by working farms with sheep, so they simply cannot introduce the risks of animals unfamiliar to their surroundings.
No, this is purely self catering. As Clifden is a mecca of good food they leave that up to the experts! There is so much on offer just 1km away; you’ll be sent recommendations when you book.
The basics to get you started. Tea, coffee, sugar, porridge oats, cooking oil, salt & pepper. There are 3 supermarkets in Clifden town for you to stock up: Super Valu, Lidl & Aldi. Each cabin has a single-ring induction hob and microwave/oven combi. All bed linen and towels are provided. Kindling and firewood is always fully stocked and we have some of the best drinking water in Ireland, straight from the tap.
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