Finn Lough is a magical luxury retreat in Northern Ireland. The moment we arrived, we left the hustle and bustle of city life behind and reconnected with nature and calm. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a group of friends planning a break, or anyone looking for something truly special and luxurious, this place is for you.
This blog is in partnership with Finn Lough and Tourism Ireland. All opinions are our own. This post may contain affiliate links; please read the full disclaimer here.
Where is Finn Lough and how do you get there?
Finn Lough is located in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. We flew from London Heathrow to Belfast City Airport, picked up our hire car at the airport and drove to the retreat, which took roughly two hours. The retreat sits right by the border with the Republic of Ireland, just 2 miles away. Driving is the most convenient way to get there, and the Irish countryside along the way is some of the best scenery you’ll see. There’s plenty of parking on site, right outside reception.
First impressions
To be honest, it was a jaw-dropping experience. We drove in through the greenery, passing the woods, and were greeted with a glass of bubbles on arrival while our luggage was stored safely at reception. We still had a couple of hours before check-in, so we picked up the free bikes and went exploring the woods. The best part is that the retreat is surrounded by the lake, so we enjoyed cycling right beside the water. We paused for a moment to soak up the view before heading off-road inside the property. It was truly peaceful. We were lucky enough to be greeted with lots of sunshine, which is quite unusual for Irish weather. We also took the opportunity to explore the whole area, from the hidden spots in the woods to the surrounding countryside. By the time we checked in, the city already felt a world away.
Our night in the Cove Suite
Our first night was in this beautiful Cove Suite. Tucked right beside the lake, this cove-style stay is small and cosy, yet spacious enough for a couple. The circular room has a large double bed facing the lake and a huge glass sliding door, and the best part is that it opens a full 180 degrees, so you can step straight outside.
The room also has a spacious walk-in shower with luxurious toiletries, a wardrobe, a coffee machine and a mini fridge stocked with complimentary local drinks, milk and water, plus complimentary cookies for two. The sliding door has large automatic curtains, which give you complete privacy too. There’s also a small seating area, perfect for sipping coffee with a view.
I have no words to describe how peaceful the morning was, with the sunshine and the view across the lake. We kept the door open for a few hours and closed it at night. It felt completely private, and we felt safe throughout our stay. Every morning, Finn Lough serves breakfast in a box at your preferred time slot. This is what a slow morning truly looks like: a calm start to the day with nothing but the gentle sound of the lake. It’s the kind of morning you never want to rush.
Sleeping in the Bubble Dome
The next day, we checked into the stay we’d been looking forward to most. Oh my god, we actually slept in a Bubble Dome hidden in the woods! First, don’t judge it by how it looks: it’s truly magical and completely private. How? The domes are tucked deep in the woods, so you won’t easily find them unless a member of staff takes you there. On check-in day, Finn Lough drove us over in their stunning little orange electric van.
You get your own access key, and the main wooden gate is locked, so the area is private to guests staying in the domes. Each dome sits well apart from the others, with its own private entrance and nothing but woods around it. There are staff on site, just a phone call away, but they never come into your space unless you ask them to.
Inside the Bubble Dome
The dome has two doors to keep it inflated, so you go through the first one and close it completely before opening the second. Inside the first is a separate space to store your luggage. Through the second door, the living space opens up: a big bathtub, a separate toilet and shower, a huge double bed, a coffee machine, a heater and a fan, and a Marshall speaker to set the mood. All around you, all you can see is the woods.
Is sleeping in a Bubble Dome scary?
Is it scary? The thought did cross my mind, but it isn’t scary at all. It’s a completely different feeling when night falls, and the lights go off, and you look up at the sky. I can’t remember the last time I experienced anything like it. Sleeping under the stars might be the best part, especially if you badly need a break from daily life.
Breakfast in the dome
The next morning, breakfast was brought to the dome. We got a call on the intercom and could either let the staff walk up to the door or go out to collect the breakfast box ourselves. It was a vegetarian option, and we absolutely loved it. To complete the mood, it was drizzling outside, and we couldn’t have asked for more. We highly recommend spending at least one night in a dome.
Cove Suite or Bubble Dome: which should you book?
Both are absolutely incredible options. If you’re up for a little adventure and love the idea of sleeping under the stars, close to nature, choose the Bubble Dome: it’s worth every penny. If you’d rather wake up to a lake view in a beautiful lakeside setting, the Cove Suite is for you.
Honestly, both are perfect examples of slow living and unique stays, and I can’t recommend them enough, so I’ll leave the choice to you. We’ve shared plenty of pictures to help you decide, and don’t miss our Instagram stories and posts about this incredible experience.
Things to do at Finn Lough
There’s so much more to Finn Lough than the stays themselves. The rooms are incredible, but the activities and experiences are just as amazing. Best of all, Finn Lough can host large groups and still give every guest a completely private feeling. Here are the activities we recommend.
Bike rides
Bikes are free for guests. On the day we arrived, we picked up our bikes from the shed and went exploring the woods and the lakeside views. Because the estate is so big, cycling is much easier than walking. We even cycled to our Bubble Dome in the evening after a big dinner.
Shoreline Spa
Finn Lough has two spa experiences, starting with the Shoreline Spa. It’s open to all guests every morning from 9 to 11 for a morning swim and the lakeside sauna, and you can book later slots for an extra charge. We absolutely loved the lakeside hot tub in the evening, after a swim and the sauna. The relaxation room is huge, and it’s built in the same style as the bubble domes.
Elements Trail spa
If you’d like something completely private, this is for you. It’s absolutely incredible and our top recommendation. We had our own time slot, and on arrival the lovely staff handed us robes, slippers, a bottle of water and a key for our belongings, then explained the whole trail.
We started in the floating pool, which was incredibly relaxing, and the salt water was great for our skin. An automatic timer means you don’t need to watch the clock, and afterwards there’s a shower to rinse off the salt. Next, we walked through the woods to the sauna, set right beside the lake so you can take a dip in the shallow water afterwards, then on to the steam room. Our favourite was the bubbling hot tub in the woods: the only sounds were birdsong, the bubbles and nature. We finished in the relaxation room with refreshments overlooking the greenery, before heading back to where we started to shower and change.
The best part is that there are long enough gaps between each booking, so you have every experience on the trail to yourselves. Totally private.
Elevensies at 11 am
One of Finn Lough’s unique touches, and free for all guests. Every morning at 11, the lakeside bar serves coffee, mimosas and cake. It’s a lovely start to the day after breakfast.
Vintage cinema
Every evening at 9 pm, Finn Lough screens a vintage film. The tiny theatre is cosy and sits right below the restaurant, sharing a space with the bar, which is open until midnight. It’s the perfect way to end the day, drink in hand.
Polytunnel tour
Finn Lough has its own farm, where they grow fresh produce such as strawberries and tomatoes. With bees humming around, we picked fresh fruit straight from the plants.
Kayaking
If you still have time, you can rent kayaks and head out on the stunning lake. We didn’t manage it ourselves, as we ran out of time after everything above, but we saw plenty of other guests setting off to explore.
Food and drink
Finn Lough has its own restaurant, Lasair. The food was absolutely incredible: fresh, organic, home-grown or sourced fresh from the market. It works on a small-plates concept, so you may need to order a little more than usual. For two of us, we shared two or three small plates as starters, followed by mains and then dessert. Alternatively, you could order four or five plates to share between you. The best approach is to ask the staff for advice, and they’ll guide you.
Lasair is a fine-dining experience, and the prices reflect that. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, try the lakeside bar, which closes earlier, around 6 pm, and serves fresh pizza and other bar food. Either way, add Lasair to your list for at least one romantic dinner during your stay.
Is Finn Lough worth it? Our final verdict
We loved the idea of leaving the city hustle behind and diving into a truly magical experience. Both stays were great, and we’re so glad we chose two different ones. The Elements Trail spa and Bubble Dome are at the top of our highlights list.
Good to know before you book
- Getting there: the retreat is at least a 2-hour drive from Belfast City Airport.
- Internet: signal in the countryside isn’t reliable, so download offline maps before you set off. Once you arrive, there’s free Wi-Fi throughout your stay.
- Adults only: children aren’t allowed, unless you’ve booked all or most of the retreat for a special occasion.
- What to pack: a variety of clothes, including activewear, swimwear and smart-casual outfits for dinner, because there’s so much to do.
This is an experience that will make you want to come back. Finn Lough is absolutely worth it, and if you’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland, it should be high on your list.
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Northern Ireland is perfect for a weekend away. We’re also sharing a separate guide with where to stay in Belfast, the must-visit places and the best day trips.
