Tigin

You won’t spot Tigín from the road — it’s a 300m walk in, through long grass and birdsong, past orchard trees and wild meadow. And that’s the point. Hidden in the very heart of 73 acres of woodland and rolling pasture, this tiny house was built to disappear into nature, not stand out from it. Inside, everything is simple and intentional. Natural cork walls, marmoleum floors and beech ply from floor to ceiling give a feeling of real warmth and calm. It was built by Common Knowledge, a social enterprise in the west of Ireland, and has been furnished with things the owners genuinely love — well-made pieces sourced from small brands and artists. A ladder leads up to the sleeping loft, and down below, the table calls for breakfasts with a book, late-night card games, and rainy afternoons with tea.

Outside, it’s even better. There’s a wood-fired sauna with a huge panoramic window overlooking the hills, and an outdoor copper bath for soaks under the stars. You’ll likely spot deer grazing in the early morning light, and hear owls as you sit around the firepit with a smoky glass of red. Basically, the walk to the cabin feels like crossing into another pace of life. Originally created as a personal retreat for the owners, they spend time here to properly switch off, and it’s easy to see how. There’s no rush, no noise, no pressure to do anything but be here.

Getting here: drive, or train to Rathdrum then taxi (10 mins)