Best Things To Do When Staying In Our Woodland Huts

Nestled in the grounds of the Virginia Park Lodge estate

Are twelve bespoke, handcrafted Woodland Huts offering the perfect accommodation for those who enjoy the outdoors, but crave home comforts including running water, plumbing, electricity and a wood burning stove to take the edge off the evening chill.

The huts can be booked on a self-catering basis where guests can enjoy all the splendour of the grounds, woodlands and local amenities.  Here are our top suggestions on the best things to do during your Woodland Hut stay.

Deerpark Forest Walk

Enjoy direct access to approx. 160ha. of forest walks straight from the your Woodland Hut door. In the mainly broadleaf forest, where many of the older trees were planted over 100 years ago by the estates original landowner, Marquis of Headfort, the looped walking trails are well mapped and marked. Guests staying during the months of spring will be delighted by the fields of blue bells, while tranquil rivers, bridges, old boat houses and stunning views of the lake can be enjoyed all year round.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy a leisurely self guided afternoon on the lake, exploring the natural beauty of the Lough Ramor or if fishing is more your sport, then the Lough also has a long angling history and is known for its excellent pike fishery.  When booking your Woodland Hut, boat and fishing tackle hire can be arranged with the lodge direct.

Golfing

The Virginia Golf Club is a nine-hole golf course, which borders the estate, overlooking the lough and will challenge even the most experienced golfer. Tee times can be booked through the club direct.

Shooting

As a true country sports estate, we can arrange Clay Pigeon shooting or a shooting weekend for groups of 15 of more. Professional stalkers, guides and qualified instructors, plus all necessary equipment can be arranged when booking your stay starting at €125 per guest.

Indulge in Irish Cheese

A short drive (10 minutes) from the lodge is the former Virginia Road Railway Station which has been restored by Sheridans Cheesemongers as their warehouse and retail shop, offering the largest display of award wining selection of quality chesses, foods and wines.

Every Saturday they host a small market for local food producers; including their butcher, local fruit and veg grower and many more and on the last Sunday of every May they host an Irish food Festival, celebrating the best of Irish food including many of their producers from around the country.

Hire a bike or go horse riding

Derryham Stables is located in the heart of Killinkere, which is just a 20-minute car journey from the Lodge and offers group, semi-private or private horse riding lessons.  You can also book a leisurely one to three hour horse ride, where you’ll be guided on quiet countryside roads with several routes to choose in the area.  A wide range of horses and ponies are available to suit all riders of all abilities.

Feel Good Bicycles is an independent bike shop on the main street in Virginia and the team there will set you up for a leisurely cycle or an adventurous off road experience. Be sure to call ahead of your visit so they can organise bikes according to your needs.

Pub & Restaurants

There are some excellent dining options in and around Virginia.  Only a 10-minute walk from your Woodland Hut is The Riverfront Bar & Restaurant offering traditional pub food and a welcoming atmosphere. Alfresco dining with spectacular panoramic view of Lough Ramor can be found approximately 2km from the cabins, at St. Kyran’s Restaurant, which offers a highly recommended tasting menu from Eddie Atwell, known for his appearance on Great British Menu.  

Explore Ireland’s Past

The heritage town of Kells is approximately a 20-minute drive from Virginia and worth a visit if you enjoy stepping back into Ireland’s ancient history. Its abbeys, high crosses and round towers are an excellent example of early Christian architecture.  The town also boasts an excellent café called The Book Market with a wonderful selection of 2nd handbooks you can read (or buy) while enjoying your coffee and cake!  Near the town of Kells, we also recommend you pop into The Courtyard where owners Una & Cara McLoughlin have curated a wonderful collection of unique gifts and household accessories.

For an immersive experience in recent historical events that have impacted Ireland, The County Cavan Muesum is a 10 minute drive from the lodge and includes a WW1 trench experience and a replica of the GPO which tells the story of the Easter Rising plus much more.

If you are in a group of 10 or more and keen to explore Virginia Park Lodge’s own history, then we can arrange a walking tour of the estate and surrounding area with our local historian.