Escape; a word that evokes entirely different meaning for different people yet one we hear more + more of late, my recent escape came recently just post New Year + after bleak period of isolation due to me contracting Covid that my husband + I, along with our little dog Winston, decided to pack up + swap our every day for something our hearts were craving : the luxury of total switch off from the world - a true escape. Inspired by an adventure that required little thinking or planning, we wanted something within driving distance, something at home here in Ireland that felt easy + seamless. So we checked out CABÜ + checked in.
Set in the most idyllic surrounds of Killykeen Forest Park, CABÜ (By The Lakes) is just over two hours from Dublin + yet it felt as though we were on the other side of the world - in the most welcomed of ways. A collection of log cabins + lake houses, the unique property looks out on to the beautiful viewpoint of Lough Oughter which you can access via CABÜ’s private jetty + all of which links to an elaborate system of lakes + rivers nearby.
Equipped with all the essential luxuries + amenities of a heavenly escape - all available within CABÜ, it was a dreamy situation to arrive to the self-contained, cosy + nurturing nature of a January break in such a location. Enamored by the outdoors, we went on beautiful long walks each day with Winston (CABÜ is dog friendly), my husband kayaked daily, we spent time in the Japanese Bath + sauna each night + basically blissed out in the fact that we were in this most stunning place surrounded by the beauty + healing powers of nature.
This trip was one we will no doubt keep as one of our go-to Irish escapes, the perfect place that brought us back in touch with the simplicities of what’s most enjoyable + what heals your soul - the basics. Well, ok I say basics but let’s be real, I’m all about making it chic too + there’s no doubt a sense of it being a more rustic, Irish version of Soho Farmhouse; in a way, a faultless blend of outdoorsy vibes mixed with the perfect touches of luxury.
Waking up in a forest, filled with singing birds excited by the dawn of another day is quite literally a magical way to start any day. And this, along with the stunning views from the Lake House, is exactly what awaits you each morning - no matter the weather. As someone who leans quite deeply toward very dark + depressed states of being which can play out in my life for extended periods of time, something I always have in my wellness toolkit is the healing properties of nature. Long walks or runs outdoors + simply being outside whether reading on the grass in the summer or sea swimming no matter the season are all extremely beneficial, however for me, forests in particular are a significant part of the wellness-in-nature + one of the parts of nature that I absolutely love getting lost in. So while being in one of those lower periods in myself at the time, our escape to CABÜ was a heavenly moment to regroup + find some clarity + peace within.
The ecology system of the area on which CABÜ sits is marked as an official Special Area of Conservation (SAC) + also a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to it’s biological + ecological importance which of course means that it plays home to an array of beautiful Irish wildlife. Everything from small mammals, a minimum of 47 different species of birds, bees + butterflies, to otters red squirrels, rabbits, voles, stoats, weasels + badgers it is a dream to stroll the grounds knowing that nature is being encouraged to do her Motherly thing. And while this may sound kind of ‘yuck’ to some or perhaps isn’t your thing, to me it felt like you’re a guest in their beautiful world, a world we once took care of + the very one that has me in awe of what nature is capable of when we don’t disturb or destroy her processes. CABÜ must be praised for their work in making this a part of the world that remains somewhat unspolied + wholesome.
Beyond the beauty all around you, what I loved about CABÜ too is the cosy nature of it being a perfect Winter escape (we were there in January). The chic on-site grocery store + the beautiful indoor/outdoor bar area with big old fires + warm cosy blankets + throws to get wrapped up in, along with champagne-in-the-hot-tub evenings under the stars make for a destination you need never leave once you arrive. I highly recommend.
T H I N G S T O D O // Forest bathing // Saunas, Hot Tubs + Japanese Baths // Fishing // Boat trips // Kayaking // SUP // Hiking near + far // Cycling // Running trails //
L O C A T I O N // Co. Cavan, Ireland
L E A R N M O R E // C A B U
W H A T T O P A C K
