Lough Mardal Eco Lodge is nestled within 90 acres of pristine Atlantic bogland in County Donegal. It offers an authentic off-grid glamping experience just 15 minutes from Ireland’s spectacular coastline.
This award-winning eco retreat provides the perfect blend of luxury accommodation and environmental consciousness, featuring handcrafted yurts and shepherd’s huts constructed using traditional natural building methods. Built from local strawbales, timber, and cob, the lodge embraces sustainability while offering panoramic lake and mountain views.
Guests can disconnect from modern life’s distractions in accommodation lit by lanterns and warmed by wood-burning stoves, while enjoying amenities like a lakeside sauna, pizza oven, and campfire gatherings under star-filled skies.
Their story
Lough Mardal Eco Lodge was founded by Clare and Marcus in 2015. They were driven by a shared dream to create a sustainable glamping retreat in the unspoiled beauty of Donegal. Leaving behind high-energy careers in the events industry, they made a bold move to a 90-acre bogland site. With their six-month-old twins in tow, they began their new life living off-grid in a simple yurt.
Their vision was to build an eco-friendly business where visitors could disconnect from modern life. They wanted to offer luxury accommodation built entirely from natural materials. Today, Lough Mardal Eco Lodge stands as a testament to sustainable living. It gives guests a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the peace of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The Lodge utilizes locally sourced roundwood timber, strawbales, and lime for external walls, while internal walls incorporate cob (earth, sand, and straw) – completely recyclable, biodegradable materials.
- The living grass roof, created from excavated site materials, seamlessly integrates the structure into its natural landscape.
- The construction process prioritized minimal environmental disruption across 90 acres of protected blanket bog habitat.
- All accommodations run off‑grid, powered by solar energy and warmed with wood‑burning stoves using locally sourced, sustainable hardwood.
- Nearly 100 international volunteers contributed to the natural building process, creating lasting educational opportunities while reducing labor-intensive construction impacts on local ecosystems and wildlife corridors.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The Lodge operates entirely on 100% renewable energy, combining on-site solar panels that meet approximately 60% of electricity needs with wind energy from Airtricity for remaining requirements.
- All five yurts and shepherd’s hut function completely off-grid, utilizing rechargeable lanterns and candles instead of conventional lighting, significantly reducing energy consumption.
- The eco-building showcases remarkable thermal efficiency through natural construction materials including straw-bale walls and cob internal structures, providing superior insulation and thermal mass.
- Double-glazed windows and strategic passive solar design maximize natural daylight while minimizing heating requirements. Wood-burning stoves using locally-sourced hardwood provide heating.
- Energy-efficient appliances, motion-sensor lighting, and air-to-water heat pump systems further optimize consumption.
Pioneer in waste management
- The facility operates under a strict “Leave No Trace” policy, completely eliminating single-use plastics while providing refillable glass bottles for guests.
- All waste is systematically separated into recycling and composting bins for paper, plastics, glass, aluminum, cartons, and food waste, ensuring maximum diversion from landfills.
- The lodge’s innovative approach includes extensive upcycling initiatives, transforming materials like old tires into yurt bases, repurposing pallets for log storage boxes and shower mats.
- Grey water and sewage are processed through a natural reed-bed and wetland filtration system, eliminating chemical treatments and protecting surrounding ecosystems.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The lodge features compost toilets and eco-friendly cleaning supplies, avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach that could harm their natural reed bed filtration system.
- In the kitchen, they prioritize locally-sourced organic ingredients, including produce from their own certified organic garden and eggs from rescue hens.
Actively protects nature and community
- The Lodge protects its precious blanket bog habitat, home to declining wildlife species, through organic farming practices and careful land management. Nine thousand native broadleaf trees have been planted to enhance biodiversity and create wildlife corridors.
- Rare breed Dexter cattle roam freely across the certified organic land, while rescue hens contribute to the farm’s sustainable ecosystem.
- The Lodge supports local artisans, sources supplies from Donegal producers, and operates as a social hub fostering meaningful connections.
Most Popular Activities Near Lough Mardal Eco Lodge
- Off-grid glamping in luxury yurts with clear sky domes for stargazing.
- Wood-fired lakeside sauna sessions with cold lake plunges.
- Wild swimming and kayaking in pristine mountain lakes.
- Forest hiking and wildlife spotting across 90 acres of protected bogland.
- Traditional pizza oven cooking and campfire marshmallow toasting.
- Surfing and SUP lessons at nearby Rossnowlagh and Murvagh beaches.
- Beach horseback riding along dramatic Atlantic coastline.
- Eco-building workshops showcasing strawbale and cob construction techniques.
- Organic farming experiences with rare breed Dexter cattle.
- Guided nature walks through blanket bog habitat spotting protected species.
- Wellness retreats combining sauna therapy with mindful forest meditation.
- Traditional Irish music sessions at local Ballyshannon venues.
HOW TO GET THERE – read our guide on Ireland airports
Best Time To Visit Lough Mardal Eco Lodge
- The best time to visit Lough Mardal Eco Lodge is from late spring to early autumn. Between May and September, the weather is ideal for hiking, surfing, and stand-up paddling along Donegal’s stunning coast.
- During the warmer months, guests can unwind with lakeside sauna sessions followed by refreshing cold plunges. In the evenings, wood‑burning stoves in the off‑grid yurts and Shepherd’s Hut create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Summer offers magical stargazing through clear sky domes. Longer daylight hours make it ideal for exploring the 90-acre bogland and spotting wildlife.
- May and September offer great value with fewer crowds. These shoulder months bring mild weather for both indoor relaxation and outdoor activities.