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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.
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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).
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How much is a night in a Yurt?Rates are from €148 per night based on 2 Adults sharing a Superking bed. Additional occupants (up to a max of 2) are: Child €20 / Adult €50 per night. Last minute or early bird bookers can often avail of discounts and there are often off-season discounts. Peak rates apply in June, July & August when there is also a two night minimum stay.
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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.
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How much is a night in a Shepherd's Hut?It is €110 per night based on 2 adults sharing. It is not suitable for children or pets, sorry!
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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
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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.
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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.
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Is breakfast included?Breakfast is not included. We can arrange Breakfast Packs (and other food 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 your own allocated storage and fridge space in the Lodge where food can be stored, prepared and cooked. There are also plenty of recommendations here for great places to eat locally if you're not in the mood for cooking.
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Are there loos in the yurts?There are En Suite toilets in all the Yurts. The Shepherd's Hut also has its own toilet next door to the Shepherd's Hut.
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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.
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Is firewood included in the price?Yes all firewood is included.
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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.
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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.
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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.) Just outside the kitchen there is a large BBQ and Pizza Oven which guests are welcome to use. You will need to bring charcoal if you plan to use the BBQ, alternatively a bag of charcoal is available to purchase here. All kitchen utensils, pots, pans, etc. are provided. Guests have an allocation of plates, cups, bowls and cutlery for use during their stay. Tea & Coffee is provided along with basic kitchen condiments, e.g. cooking oil, salt, pepper, sugar, etc.
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Are towels provided?Yes towels are provided. Swimming towels are also provided and are located in the shower room. (Please do not use the white ones provided in your accommodation.
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Is there a hairdryer?Yes there is a hairdryer in the shower area of the Lodge which you are welcome to use.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Are there any activities organised for kids on-site?Kids here go free-range. 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. We do offer SUP sessions on the lake for kids or adults and within a 15-20 drive there are plenty of activities, eg surf-lessons in Rossnowlagh or horse-riding - these can be booked in advance by selecting them as an Add-On in the online booking process
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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.
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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.
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Do you you provide kayaks/watercraft?We do not currently provide watercraft but you are free to bring along yours if you have one. We can arrange guided SUP sessions on the lake for adults and kids for which equipment is provided, this can be booked as an Add-on when booking online. Any activities on the lake are taken at your own risk.
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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.
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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.
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Can we pitch a conventional tent on your site?No, tents cannot be pitched sorry. There is a conventional camping site nearby, Boortree Camping in Rossnowlagh.
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Can you swim in the lake?Yes the lake is gorgeous to swim in. There is a pathway leading off the main track by the lakeshore which leads to a good spot to get in. The lake has a very shallow shoreline which gets progressively deeper. It is initially a bit stoney but it gets softer underfoot the further you wade in. Swimming towels are provided and are located in the shower room.
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Are there any beaches nearby?Yes, there are two beautiful big beaches within a 10 minute drive – Rossnowlagh Beach and Murvagh Beach
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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
Has your question been left unanswered? Just send us an email here or phone us on 086 0233360.
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