Blackstairs Ecotrails
An eco and regenerative small and sustainable family business, specialising in luxury Shepherds' Huts accommodation, wild food foraging and event centre in South Carlow. Blackstairs...
Glamping Under The Stars in Co. Laois is an award-winning, family-owned boutique glampsite set on land that has been carefully restored from working farmland into a thriving nature-rich retreat.
Guests are warmly welcomed into a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where simple pleasures take centre stage — toasting marshmallows around the campfire, stargazing under dark skies, and enjoying the peace of the Irish countryside while children explore safe, open green spaces.
Sustainability and biodiversity are at the heart of everything we do.
Across the glampsites, native trees and hedgerows have been planted, wildflower meadows established, and wildlife-only zones and ponds created to support pollinators, birds, amphibians and mammals.
Low-impact lighting protects nocturnal wildlife and dark skies, while grass-roofed accommodation blends gently into the landscape. By making space for nature to thrive, Glamping With The Stars aim to create unforgettable guest experiences while demonstrating how tourism can play a positive role in restoring biodiversity and reconnecting people with the natural world.
Our proudest sustainability achievement is transforming former farmland into a thriving, nature-rich glampsite where biodiversity and guest experience enhance one another.
By making space for wildflower meadows, native trees, wildlife-only areas and dark skies, we’ve shown that low-impact tourism can actively restore nature while creating magical, memorable stays.
Our Top Tip: Start where you are – even small, steady actions can have a meaningful impact over time.
Cullenagh
Portlaoise
Co. Laois
R32 WP7V
Ireland
At Glamping Under The Stars, we believe that creating magical, memorable glamping holidays can positively impact our natural environment, local wildlife, our guests, and our wider community. Our mission is to operate as a low-impact, nature-positive, and inclusive tourism business, making space for biodiversity to thrive while inspiring meaningful connections with the natural world.
Restored former farmland into nature-rich glampsites with wildflower meadows
Planted native trees and hedgerows; created wildlife-only zones and a biodiversity pond
Pollinator-friendly planting across the sites
Grass-roofed, energy-efficient accommodation (including ICF construction)
Low-level lighting to protect dark skies and nocturnal wildlife
Reduced single-use plastics; composting and recycling systems in place
Nature trails and on-site information to encourage guest engagement
Focus on screen-free, nature-based play and wellbeing
Collaboration with local suppliers and creation of local employment
Promotion of County Laois as a low-impact, nature-rich destination
Future plans include solar panels, stargazing and foraging events
While Glamping Under The Stars does not currently hold formal sustainability certifications, their approach to biodiversity and low-impact tourism has been widely recognised within the sector.
They are regularly invited to speak at sustainable tourism events, workshops and business forums, (most recently by Failte Ireland, EU Just Transition, and the Laois Chamber Alliance), and their business is recognised as a standout regenerative tourism case study.
They believe in leading by action, sharing learning openly, and contributing to the wider conversation around biodiversity-led tourism in Ireland.
Glamping Accommodation (Family Friendly)
Private Venue Hire for Group Accommodation, Private Parties, & Retreats.
Two Glampsites:
Mountain Glampsite: ‘hobbit village’ of six grass roofed hobbit houses
Meadow Glampsite: Mix of sustainable accommodation (treehouse cabins, eco-lodge, wood lodges, & a shepherd’s hut).
*Both sites offer: private bathrooms, large indoor kitchen/dining space, outdoor BBQ & picnic areas, & seated campfire area. Large lawn spaces and several acres of wildflower meadow.
Glamping Under The Stars community engagement has been informal and locally focused.
They are long-standing supporters of Laois Tourism and the Laois Chamber Alliance, and have occasionally hosted free community gatherings and local group meet-ups at their glampsites.
Glamping Under The Stars aim to continue building meaningful connections with local groups and explore further opportunities for collaboration aligned with sustainability and wellbeing.