Q&A

What is a Yurt?

A yurt is an ancient round tent-like structure made from a lattice of flexible wood. Yurts have been the primary type of home in Central Asia, particularly Mongolia, for thousands of years. The yurts at Lough Mardal Lodge are a modern take on these ancient dwellings. They are 20ft in diameter and quite tall offering plenty of room inside to stand upright. They have been fully insulated, are luxuriously furnished and each has a clear dome sky-light for stargazing. A wood-burning stove keeps them warm and cosy all year round. All the yurts are well separated from each other ensuring plenty of privacy and they all have their own decking from which you can enjoy the stunning views of lake, mountains or forest - most have all three.

How many people do the Yurts sleep?

Each yurt has a Superking bed as standard and up to two single beds so can comfortably sleep two adults and up to 2 children (U18). There is ample room in the Superking bed if you are happy to squeeze in a third child (no extra charge).

How much is a night in a Yurt?

Rates are €130 per night and this is based on 2 Adults sharing a Superking bed. Additional occupants (up to a max of 2): Child €20/Adult (aged 18 upwards) €30 each per night. To book extra adults please contact us directly here. Early bird bookers can avail of discounts and there are often off-season discounts.

Is bed linen included?

Yes all bed linen is included - white 100% cotton sheets, heavy 15 tog duvets and Donegal woollen blankets to keep you cosy. Hot water bottles are also provided.

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast is not included. We can arrange Breakfast Packs or BBQ packs for you to cook here yourself, these can be selected as an Add-On as part of the booking process when booking your yurt online here. There is a large fully equipped kitchen with allocated storage and fridge space in the Lodge where food can be stored, prepared and cooked. Socially distanced dining is provided in the large Reciprocal Room of the Lodge or you can eat in your yurt. There are also plenty of recommendations here for great places to eat locally if you're not in the mood for cooking.

Are there loos in the yurts?

No - the loos are in the Lodge (communal building) aprox 50-75metres from your yurt. We do plan to add en-suite loos to the yurts in the near future.

Is there electricity in the yurts?

No, the yurts are completely off-grid which is all part of the adventure! Rechargeable lanterns and candles which are provided create a magical atmosphere and the wood-burning stove ensures you stay warm.

Each yurt has a designated secure locker in the Lodge with its own charging points for recharging electronic devices.

Is firewood included in the price?

Yes all firewood is included.

Are the yurts warm? Even in Winter?

The yurts are fully insulated and will definitely keep you nice and warm. In winter we recommend keeping the stove gently lit throughout your stay to ensure your yurt stays cosy. In the summer it is only really necessary to light the stove on the chillier evenings.

What precautions and measures are being taken to protect guests against the spread of Covid19?

We're doing everything we can to safeguard our guests against the spread of Covid-19. You can read about all the measures being taken at the following link - www.loughmardal.ie/covid19.

What cooking facilities are there?

There is a very large kitchen for communal use in the Lodge with ample room for storage & refrigeration of food supplies. The kitchen has two sets of cooking hobs, three sinks, an oven and two fridges and a dish-washer. (There is no microwave.) Two weeks prior to arrival guests receive more detailed information regarding the systems in place and what is provided in the kitchen.

Are there showers?

Yes there are 3 self-contained wet room showers in the Lodge (no shared changing areas) with complimentary shower gel. Towels are also provided.

Are towels provided?

Yes towels are provided along with shower gel and soap. You just need to bring your own shampoo. Please bring your own beach/lake towels however.

Is there a hairdryer?

Yes there is a hairdryer in the shower area of the Lodge which you are welcome to use.

Is there somewhere secure for valuables?

Yes each yurt has its own secure locker located in the lobby in the Lodge. Within the locker there also charging point where you can leave any mobile devices charging while securely locked away.

How suitable is it for kids?

Sleeping in a yurt is a magical experience for everyone, particularly kids. Star gaze together at night through the clear dome skylight or toast marshmallows around the campfire. And if your kids have boundless energy and like plenty of running-around space they will love it here. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore and a very shallow shoreline right around the lake, ideal for paddling and collecting stones (once supervised by an adult). Our two young kids and Archie (our over-friendly dog) will be delighted to show our younger guests around.

Are there any activities organised for kids on-site?

Kids here go free-range, there are no structured, organised activities. They are encouraged to run wild, use their imagination and create their own fun and there is no shortage of inspiration in nature’s playground. Warning for parents: there will be twigs in hair and soil on clothes. And most definitely pack wellies.

Within a 15-20 drive there are plenty of activities, eg surf-lessons in Rossnowlagh or horse-riding and bike hires in Bundoran - these can be booked in advance by selecting them as an Add-On in the online booking process here.

How suitable is it for teenagers?

Warning: there is no WiFi! If your teenager enjoys (or needs to be introduced to!) the old fashioned non wifi-dependant joys of life such as reading, walking, playing cards or boardgames, wild swimming and enjoying the countryside then they might just enjoy it! If all else fails there are plenty of activities locally, eg surf lessons, bike-hire, horse-riding, etc - which can be booked through us.

Can you swim in the lake?

Yes – it has a very shallow shoreline so you can ease in gently and it is absolutely glorious on a warm day. The lake bed is a bit stony and muddy in parts so water/swim shoes can come in handy. Please ensure that children are supervised at all times.

Can you fish in the lake?

Yes - the lake has some Pike and Perch which you are very welcome to fish. You will need to bring your own fishing equipment.

Are you pet-friendly?

Yes – we have two pet-friendly yurts. There is a pet surcharge of €20 and this can be applied as an Add-On in the booking process if you wish to book a Pet Friendly yurt.

Can we pitch a conventional tent on your site?

No tents can not be pitched. There is a conventional camping site nearby, Boortree Camping in Rossnowlagh.

Can I park beside my yurt?

Cars must all park in the designated car park behind the Lodge. However, there is a space near the furthest yurts where you can park temporarily to off-load and then move car to the car park. Wheelbarrows are also available on request

How many yurts do you have?

We have 5 Yurts and 1 Shepard's Hut. If you are considering booking all 5 for a group booking please contact us directly at info@loughmardal.ie or Ph 00353 86 0233360.

Are there any beaches nearby?

Yes, there are two beautiful big beaches within a 10 minute drive – Rossnowlagh Beach and Murvagh Beach

Do you you provide kayaks/watercraft?

No not currently sorry, but you are free to bring along yours if you have one. Life-jackets must be worn at all times and any activities on the lake are taken at your own risk.

Is there accommodation in the Lodge building?

No, the Lodge building has no accommodation. All accommodation is in the yurts and Shepherd's Hut. The Lodge building has all the amenities - Kitchen, Lounge, Lockers, Loos & Showers

What is a Shepherd's Hut?

A Shepherd's Hut is a cosy little cabin - traditionaly used by shepherd's during lambing season so they could sleep close to the sheep. Our Shepherd's Hut sleeps 2 adults. It is simply furnished with a king size bed, a wood-burning stove and a small outdoor veranda with a beautiful lake view.

How much is a night in a Shepherd's Hut?

It is €120 per night based on 2 adults sharing. It is not suitable for children - or pets, sorry!

What is your cancellation policy? Particularly in relation to Covid-19 restrictions.

Payment is refundable if you cancel anytime up to 14 days prior to arrival date, after which it is non-refundable. Please note there is a cancellation charge of €10 or 3% (whichever is the greater) to cover card processing fees and admin. In the case of a Force Majeure, for example Covid-19, where we are obliged to close unexpectedly or if you are no longer able to travel due to Covid19 government-imposed travel restrictions then our normal cancellation policy is suspended and all bookings that are effected, inside or outside the 14 days, will be offered a postponement or gift voucher for the value of the booking which can be redeemed anytime in the future.

What are the payment terms?

We ask for full payment at time of booking. This is refundable anytime up to 14 days prior to your arrival date, should you wish to cancel. After this point it is non-refundable. If you would like to discuss an alternative payment arrangement we will do our best to accommodate you, just get in touch with us on info@loughmardal.ie