Lough Mardal Lodge

That little wood stove made for one of my favourite moments. Rain pattering outside while we sat by the fire felt so cosy and peaceful, and close to nature. The stay has a wonderfully rustic feel, almost like getting a glimpse of life in an earlier tribal society. Even using the traditional outdoor toilet was a new and interesting experience. At the same time, there are modern bathrooms and showers, so you can enjoy that basic, natural setting with everyday comforts too. It was a distinctive experience, with a nice mix of nature and convenience. We found it both memorable and enjoyable.

The kids had a great time roaming around and playing games while the adults relaxed and chatted. This gadget-free place was a real treat. My husband loved the sauna and jumping into the lough, and he'd recommend it. Our seven-year-old wanted to stay and live here. The yurt was clean and comfortable, and the children's beds were warm and snug. The kitchen and bathrooms were lovely, and the showers were properly hot. Everyone was friendly, and we all found the stay really relaxing. Wish we'd had longer.

Marcus and his family seem to have made a lifelong dream come true here. The whole place has a thoughtful sustainable approach, from the building materials and resource use to the compost toilets, rainwater and cleaning products. We need more places like this. We stayed two nights in a yurt, and it was a special experience even in winter. The grounds are surrounded by nature, and the main house has a big, bright lounge, a roomy kitchen and a pizza oven on the terrace. The showers and toilets were clean and spacious. The wood-fired sauna sits in a secluded spot right beside the lake, where you can swim. We could also charge our Tesla overnight at the car park charging station. Arrival and departure were straightforward, with a self-service setup. Highly recommended.

We could bring our dog, which was a nice bonus. The setting is so peaceful, and the off-grid feel made it a cosy, romantic place for a digital detox. There was a snag with the sauna. We had the first morning slot, but nobody told us we'd need to light it ourselves. I understand now why it's booked for two hours. The fire in the yurt had gone out overnight too, so we woke up cold, though it relit quickly. That probably wouldn't be a problem in summer. We still loved our stay.