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Glamping has never been more luxurious – whether in a yurt, pod or gypsy caravan

Holidays at home have never been so creative – or comfy – with modern 'glamping' sites popping up across Northern Ireland. We've picked some of the best places to pitch up for a few days' relaxing in the great outdoors

The interior of a camping pod at Crom Estate
The interior of a camping pod at Crom Estate The interior of a camping pod at Crom Estate

FED up with cramped tents and damp sleeping bags but still want the adventure of a night spent sleeping under the stars with your family?

Northern Ireland now has a surprising number of good 'glamping' sites which will suit parents aiming for the luxurious side of camping – as well children in search of their inner Indiana Jones.

Glamping offers a glamorous way to camp for families wanting to combine the great outdoors with the comforts of home by bedding down in modern tepees, yurts, camping pods, and even a fully furnished gypsy caravan.

And, it is becoming an increasingly popular way to holiday at home, according to Rachel Quigg of Tourism NI, offering visitors "the chance to enjoy an al fresco holiday in the countryside without forgoing luxuries such as the comfort of a bed and electricity".

"Many of the sites are located in stunning areas including the grounds of National Trust conservation site Crom Estate, Tepee Valley in the Armagh countryside and in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains in Co Down," Rachel says. "It is a great time to enjoy a ‘glamping’ trip in the great outdoors."

For those interested in glamming up their camping experience this summer, Tourism NI has highlighted a number of pitch-perfect sites across the north.

In Co Armagh, glampers can enjoy exceptional views over the farming countryside down to the Cusher River and across to Slieve Gullion in Tepee Valley Campsite outside Markethill.

Although not generally known for its tourism pull, the quaint market town can make a perfect base for an alternative family holiday in accommodation ranging from a traditional native American tepee to yurts, a log cabin, a 'geodesic dome' or romantic gypsy caravan, aptly named The Rosie Lee.

History buffs, meanwhile, can explore historic buildings and woodland walks at the Crom Estate in Co Fermanagh which also has a children's play area.

Situated by the visitors’ centre and close to the main campsite, two glamping pods have been opened by the National Trust and come equipped with lighting, heat, kettle, microwave electric points and table and chairs. One of the pods is 'dog-friendly', so the family pet can join in the fun.

Again in Co Fermanagh, Trannish Island Bothy on Upper Lough Erne, is home to an old stone cottage which has been revamped to include wood burning stove, toilets, showers and camping platforms for sleeping.

Also in Co Fermanagh, camping-with-comfort can be found at Finn Lough Resort's new 'forest domes' – the only structures of their kind in the UK and Ireland.

Featuring 180 degrees transparent walls, visitors can gaze at the stars from 'indoors' before sleeping in a bespoke four-poster bed. An ensuite bathroom, coffee machine, fluffy robe, slippers and daily breakfast complete the luxury package.

And, if you’ve ever fancied staying in a jungle – without poisonous snakes and deadly spiders – then a trip to Jungle NI in Magherafelt promises an exhilarating but safe substitute for the real thing.

Set in a forest, purpose-built huts sleep up to eight people and are double-glazed, secure and lockable, while outdoor tubs are designed to enhance the de-stressing experience.

Meanwhile, an action-packed ‘glamping’ break can be had at Todds Leap in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, which boasts a purpose-built road course and mix of adventure activities including JCB driving, rodeo bull, paintball and blindfold driving.

The site offers log cabins with communal barbecue area, clubhouse and licensed restaurant.

Head west to Co Derry and you can pitch up at Mountain Sky Luxury Glamping, Dungiven, for another type of camping – this time in tents with wood-burning stoves, oil lamps and even a 'proper' flushing loo.

Yet more comfy camping facilities are located in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains at East Coast Adventure Glamping within six miles of the picturesque village of Rostrevor and close to Carlingford Lough.

Here, families can take part in outdoor activities that include mountain biking, water sports and archery, before retiring to modern camping pods for the night.

:: For more information see www.discovernorthernireland.com/glamping.