New ‘Glamping’ Pods, offering a range of home comforts, have recently opened their doors at the National Trust’s Crom Estate, near Newtownbutler.

Looking out over Lough Erne and situated ‘a stone’s throw’ from the water, the previous guests of the abodes always snorted approvingly!

“In the past, they were used to house pigs, but they’ve certainly had an upgrade since then!” disclosed a spokeswoman, in reference to the exciting new facilities.

She pointed out: “Crom Estate is already a well-known camping destination, but for those who want to enjoy a little more luxury, this year we’ve introduced two new ‘glamping’ pods.” They are located right beside the visitor centre and close to the campsite facilities.

The pods have enough space to accommodate from two adults to a family of five with two single beds and plenty of floor space.

“They are well equipped with home comforts to make your stay that bit easier, with a microwave, kettle, heater and electric points to charge those smartphones and hairdryers! The café is close by, and there is a selection of food available in the visitor centre,” indicated the spokeswoman.

In addition to the campsite and Glamping Pods, Crom Estate also offers self-catering Holiday Cottages, boat hire and fishing.

Another attractive feature at Crom Estate is The Culliaghs, an American garden of around nine acres in size with records dating back to the 1860s. It contains a variety of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and exotic trees set in a mature Oak woodland.

“Today the Culliaghs path consists of an ‘off the beaten track’ trail that takes you through the Rhododendrons and past a site where once the invasive Rhododendron ponticum had a stronghold, now cleared and allowed to regenerate with native flora,” indicated the spokeswoman.

She continued: “The main avenue into Crom Estate once came through the Culliaghs, thus why it was once an American garden and it can still be seen today as the central path now follows the old avenue.

When walking through the Culliaghs you might be lucky enough to see wildlife such as Red Squirrels, Fallow Deer, Pine Marten, Badgers and wild flowers such as Foxglove and Wood sorrel. Woodland birds twitter high above, and beyond there may be the bleating of sheep, and nothing else.” For information on the new ‘Glamping Pods’ - regarded as the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun set - people can contact Crom Estate.