Glamping - the best of the rest

1 Boutique Camping Westmeath

Whether you want to sleep under the stars (or, eh, clouds) in a Mongolian yurt, tree house or a shepherd's hut, this parkland within the surrounds of Mount Druid offers opportunities aplenty to leave behind the daily grind.

Aside from the bathing and cooking basics, the 100-acre estate boasts its own lake, boathouse, dining deck and a converted loft that serves as a communal kitchen. Meanwhile, the nearby village of Castletown Geoghegan only amps up the escapism factor.

Note that, due to its overwhelming popularity as a wedding destination, the site is booked out until November. From €100 per night.

See boutiquecamping.ie or call 087 987 5277; Email: hello@boutiquecamping.ie.

2tea pot lane Leitrim

Much as its moniker suggests, Tea Pot Lane is a luxury campsite with quirky style in mind . Campers can avail of accommodation in a yurt, an on-site thatched cottage or – for those with an inner kid dying to get out – a treehouse.

The site is nestled at the foot of Ben Bulben, with Donegal and Sligo within driving distance. Proving they have a fine eye for detail, the campsite organisers even offer an on-site spa, a salad and herb garden, and live DJs or musicians to make your trip go with a bang. Prices start from €200 for a two-night stay (for couples and children under 16).

See glampingireland.ie or call 087 934 0341; Email: info@glampingireland.ie.

3 Kinsale glamping Cork

If it's breathtaking views and a chance to get back to nature you're after, you can't go far wrong with a sea and/or harbour view in this Kinsale beachside spot. Spend time in a full-size, solar-powered Mongolian yurt, and cook up your meals using a pizza oven and BBQ facility.

Takeover in the on-site chalet – complete with TV and internet – if the weather becomes a bit too erratic and you need a breather from becoming at one with the great outdoors. Prices start from €240pp for a two-day weekend stay.

See kinsaleglamping.com or call 087 177 0039; Email: mail@kinsaleglamping.com.

4 Battlebridge caravan and camping Leitrim

The age-old image of the creaky caravan park fast recedes into the background at this riverside site, which has brought caravanning back into style.

Billing itself as a "fashionably bohemian" way to enjoy the great outdoors, Battlebridge prides itself on its eco-peaceful atmosphere, on-site bar food and trad music sessions beside turf fires in the communal areas.

Campers can combine a four-night stay in a bell tent with a three-night River Shannon cruiser hire for €200pp (based on four), which sounds like a recipe for a week to remember.

See battlebridgecaravanand camping.ie or call 071 965 0824; Email: camp@battlebridgecaravan andcamping.ie.

5 Ballyvolane house Cork

Ballyvolane House's country house has become a much-sought after wedding destination, and it has rather cleverly jumped atop the glamping trend with style. Its 5m bell tents, which accommodate two adults and up to three children, are roomy and comfortable.

Campers are given a 'glamping box' on arrival containing essentials such as matches, water, local Crinnaughton apple juice, a jar of homemade chocolate cookies, maps of the estate, a torch and head lamps. As an added bonus, a full Irish breakfast is served in the main house each morning.

From cotton sheets and tea-light chandeliers to hairdryers in the wash house, Ballyvolane House provides a back-to-basics feel without scrimping on comfort. Prices start from €225 for a two-night stay in a two-person tent.

See ballyvolanehouse.ie or call 025 36349; Email: info@ballyvolanehouse.ie.