Ox Mountain Glamping

Sometimes I go to places that just take my breath away, places that are so special I want to tell the world about them. Today I visited one of those places. I’d seen some posts on Social Media about a red bus in the heart of the Ox Mountains in Sligo and because I’m nosey I had to go and have a look for myself.

I was greeted by Dermot, who runs the Ox Mountain Adventure Camp along with Monica. They are located around 8 miles from Tubbercurry in one of the most stunning locations you think of. If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind I can’t think of anywhere better. There’s no WiFi and no phone signal, just you and nature.

Whatever the size of your family there’s accommodation to suit you, and because there is so much land social distancing isn’t a problem. You are just beside Mass Hill and you are very close to Lough Easkey too – which is Sligo’s answer to Connemara. For the younger folk and animal lovers there are rabbits, chickens, dogs, Genie the Pygmy Goat and Babe the Pig.

There’s stunning scenery wherever you look, from a rushing river, the peaceful forest and the magnificent mountain. Just a little bit of heaven. I’ll tell you more about the accommodation on the site:

The Red Bus – a converted double decker London bus. It’s a 1991 Leyland Olympian semi-open top bus. It’s just magic! It sleeps up to 6 people, there’s all mod-cons, including a shower and toilet. There’s even a balcony!

The Ox Mountain Tree House. I loved the bus until I saw the tree house. It feels like you are part of the forest as you watch the birds in the trees and the ducks in the stream. The tree house sleeps up to five and again has everything you need.

The Ox Mountain Cottage. A stunning 200-year old cottage on its own grounds. You can enjoy roaring fires and a cosy stay here, surrounded with fields of sheep for company. This is the perfect rural retreat, as the cottage has its own entrance so you aren’t near anyone at all.

The Ox Mountain Lodge. This has two bedrooms and would be perfect for families. Again you have the wonderful setting of the area, which is ideal for getting away from it all.

The Shepherd’s Hut. A lovely cosy hut comprising of one room with a sofa that folds out into a double bed. No worries about trekking miles for a toilet either as bathroom facilities are in the hut next-door.

For summer camps, team building etc. there’s the Bunk ‘n’ Barn and camping. Before Covid, the Ox Mountain Adventure Camp used to run all kinds of events and camps. These aren’t happening at the moment but it’s worth keeping an eye on their website for further updates.

Whatever accommodation you choose this place would be the perfect base for you to explore. It’s just off the Sligo Way – which is an 80km walk taking in some stunning scenery. It’s also very close to the Wild Atlantic Way and you are also close to Ballina, Ireland West Airport and Sligo.

Thanks so much to Dermot and Monica for the cuppa and the chat and for letting me explore.