Major new tourism development planned for popular Donegal location
The proposed development would include 10 glamping units, a wellness centre, seaweed baths, sauna and outdoor yoga areas.
Plans have been lodged with Donegal County Council for a new glamping and outdoor wellness retreat at Rockstown, Clonmany, as part of an expansion of the Tullagh Bay Equestrian and Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre.
Applicants Bernard and Catherine Devlin are seeking planning permission to develop 10 eco-friendly glamping units, a wellbeing centre, an on-site wastewater treatment system and associated site works on lands approximately 1.8 miles from their existing tourism business.
According to the planning application, the proposed development is aimed at expanding the family's tourism offering by combining outdoor adventure activities with health and wellness experiences.
The plans include a semi-outdoor wellness centre featuring seaweed baths, a sauna, and outdoor meditation and yoga decks overlooking the sea and surrounding hills.
The glamping accommodation would cater for couples and families and has been designed to blend into the natural landscape.
Accompanying planning documents state that visitors would be able to base themselves at the site while taking part in activities including hill and coastal walking, wild sea swimming, birdwatching, cycling and water sports.
The proposed development would also offer activity packages combining hiking, cycling, wild swimming and other outdoor pursuits with relaxation and recovery experiences. Direct access to Rockstown Bay would allow guests to participate in water-based activities provided through the Devlins' existing Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre.
In a planning statement submitted with the application, Bernard and Catherine Devlin said the project would strengthen the long-term future of the family business.
"This expansion would secure the long-term future of our family business, enabling further diversification from our farming roots while ensuring stability in changing markets," they said.
They added that the development would also provide wider benefits for the local economy.
"It would bring tangible tourism benefits by attracting overnight and multi-day visitors, increasing local spend in shops, cafés and attractions, and extending the tourism season beyond the summer months."
Donegal County Council is expected to make a decision on the planning application in early September.