Our Online Editor, Claire Burge, asked the team behind Boutique Camping a few questions. Take a read and consider a few options for your own alternative wedding or hen nights:
1. I sense a story behind this business. Do tell.
We bought Mount Druid in 2005 with a vision of planting trees around the entire perimeter. Adrian always knew he wanted to do something in the leisure line so over the next years he developed the site by putting in pathways, a walled garden, 3 lakes and other pieces of infrastructure.
The first tree was planted on March 17th 2006 – it was a Beach tree – there are now over 200,000 trees planted across the land. Then we imported 10 yurts from Mongolia in August 2011 and additional yurts arrived early 2012. In the meantime we also built Shepherd’s Huts. The idea of doing weddings at Mount Druid evolved last Christmas when a visionary couple looked at the site last February and stayed for a night – they fell in love with the place and discussed the possibilities of having the first wedding at Mount Druid. Coincidentally we were converting the Barn and stables with the same idea in mind. Our first wedding took place on July 7th 2012 and so another chapter began.
2. Are you and Deidre avid campers?
Myself and Deirdre to be honest were not avid campers.
3. Tell us a bit more about the boutique element. Surely camping is anything but?
Yurts are waterproof no matter what the weather. They have a double bed with all bed linen provided. They also have a stove with a good stock of firewood for your stay. You have a lot of privacy in your yurt/hut which makes the experience even better. Each yurt is located within close proximity to a hot shower and a toilet. Campers also have two communal areas to choose from with fully equipped kitchens and an option of their own barbeque.
4. Tell us a crazy story about camping gone really wrong.
Personally as a young fella in 1985-1986 I use to go camping every weekend and it would constantly rain. Invariably you would wake up every morning in a pool of water with the tent collapsed on top of you.
5. Tin plates or plastic mugs?
Tin plates.
6. Hiking boots or flip flops?
Hiking boots.
7. Where will we find you spending your free time when you are not running the business?
In my living room with a bottle of wine.
8. Business expansion plans?
More accommodation to include a tree house or 2, more Shepherd’s huts, another Barn, separate area on the land for camper vans, dedicated children’s play zone.
9. Your favourite spot in the world for camping?
Here at Mount Druid of course!
Boutique camping is the home of luxurious camping and self-catering in the peaceful surroundings of Mount Druid. Set in a parkland of over 100 acres and 200,000 trees with a lake and boathouse! Whether you decide to stay in a cosy yurt, tree house, Shepard’s hut or a self catering cottage, we are sure your stay will be one to remember. Set in the quaint village of Castletown Geoghegan, you are within walking distance of local pubs and shops. They are dog friendly too so you can bring your four legged friend!
