Shepherd’s huts have a rich history and recently, are being used in Ireland as smaller houses and business opportunities.
Let’s learn more about shepherd’s huts, exploring their origins, features, modern uses, and benefits.
Key Takeaways
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Unique Experience | Shepherd’s huts offer a unique and cozy accommodation experience close to nature. |
| Versatile Use | Can be used as holiday rentals, home offices, artist studios, and garden retreats. |
| Scenic Locations | Found in scenic locations across Ireland, providing a peaceful retreat. |
| Eco-Friendly | Environmentally friendly with a small footprint and sustainable living options. |
| Comfort and Charm | Combines rustic charm with modern comforts for a memorable stay. |
A Brief History and Origin of Shepherd’s Huts
Shepherd’s huts date back to the 15th century, initially used by shepherds in present-day UK and France during lambing season – to provide shelter and a place to tend to their flocks.
Traditionally, these huts were simple structures with wheels, making them easy to move around the fields.
Today, the heritage of these huts has been preserved and also improved – as they have evolved into versatile, stylish retreats.
Features of a Traditional Shepherd’s Hut
A traditional shepherd’s hut typically features:
- Sturdy Construction – Made from wood or zinc and sometimes metal, ensuring durability.
- Wheels – Mounted on wheels for mobility.
- Compact Interiors – Efficiently arranged with essentials like a simple bed, stove, heating and/or seating.
- Rustic Aesthetic – Simple, functional design with a charming appeal.
Modern Uses of Shepherd’s Huts in Ireland
Shepherd’s huts have found various modern uses, including:
- Extended Granny Flat
- Holiday Rentals and Glamping – Popular for unique coastal holiday experiences in Ireland and Northern ireland.
- Home Offices and Studios – Ideal for a workspace or creative studio in the back garden.
- Additional Living Space – Used as guest rooms, home gyms, or extra bedrooms.
Benefits of Staying in a Shepherd’s Hut
Staying in a shepherd’s hut offers several advantages:
- May not Require Planning Permission – If you just want a unique addition to your back garden, you can design your shepherds huts such that it stays under the 25m squared limit required for planning permissions for small structures in Ireland.
- Connection with Nature – Most shepherds for getaways and holidays are located in scenic areas. These huts provide a peaceful retreat close to nature.
- Unique Experience – For people that want a unique getaway experience, shepherds huts are a cool way for you to earn bragging rights amongst coworkers and friends. The best thing about them is that they are perfect for singles as well as couples.
- Eco-Friendly – Most structures in Ireland are built with easily recyclable materials and are sustainable living options.
- Comfort and Charm – You can blend the old rustic appeal of shepherds huts with modern amenities.
Shepherds Huts UK & Ireland – Facebook Community***
The “Shepherds Huts UK & Ireland” Facebook group is a community with over 15,000 members dedicated to discussing all aspects of shepherds huts in Ireland and the UK. It covers a wide range of topics, including sharing:
- Project Showcases – Members share pictures and updates of their shepherds huts and tiny home projects.
- Maintenance Tips – Advice and suggestions on maintaining shepherds huts.
- Planning Advice – Tips, tricks, and experiences related to planning permissions and regulations.
- Supplier Reviews – Recommendations and reviews of shepherds huts suppliers.
- Technical Assistance – A space to ask and answer technical questions.
The group provides a platform for members to exchange experiences, seek guidance, and discover practical solutions related to shepherd’s hut living in Ireland and the UK. It’s also an ideal place for both current owners and those considering buying or building a hut.
You can check out the group HERE.
4 Best Shepherd’s Huts Manufacturers in Ireland.
If you’re looking to buy or build a shepherd’s but in Ireland, check out our list of reputable manufacturers, retailers and builders. We have condensed key details for quick reference and highlighted the unique aspects of each candidate.
1. Donegal Shepherd Huts
DETAILS
| Website | http://shepherdhuts.ie/ |
| Address | Moville, Co. Donegal |
| Opening Hours | – |
| – | |
| Phone | 00353 86 107 2728 |
| Rating | 5/5 on Facebook 5/5 on Google |
KEY FEATURES
- Know for high quality materials, providing value for money and delivering excellent customer service.
- All hand-crafted and built in Donegal
- Impressive beautiful photo gallery of completed builds on their website
- They also allow overnight stays so guests can book on Booking.com
- All huts are bespoke and therefore will vary in design and finish
- 3 main types of huts on their website, all complete with chassis, insulation, gutter, pipes, wiring and more!
2. Irish Shepherds Huts
DETAILS
| Website | https://www.irishshepherdshuts.com/ |
| Address | Castletownbere, South West Cork |
| Opening Hours | N/A |
| info@irishshepherdshuts.com | |
| Phone | 00353 (0) 86 0376899 |
| Rating | – |
KEY FEATURES
- Led by husband and wife team with over 35 years of high quality joinery experience
- Great combination of traditional and modern craftmanship techniques used on each hut
- Huts are built for both residential and business use
- Each hut is fully customisable as per the clients needs
- No planning permission is required except in exceptional circumstances – another headache avoided!
- Huts are fully insulated meaning they can be enjoyed all year round and can be adapted to include wi-fi, stove, en-suite bathroom, kitchen, veranda and exterior storage
- For a pricing guide, read HERE.
GO TO THEIR WEBSITE TO SEE MORE.
3. Clinstown Shepherd’s Huts
DETAILS
| Website | https://clinstownshepherdshuts.ie/ |
| Address | Clinstown, Stamullen, County Meath |
| Opening Hours | Mon – Fri : 9 to 5pm |
| clinstownshepherdshuts@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +353 87 7091709 |
| Rating | 5/5 on Google |
KEY FEATURES
- Led by Paul Lyon, with over 30 years’ experience in cabinet making and antique furniture restoration.
- Huts can be used as an extra room, gym, home office or glamping accommodation.
- Huts are built on a countryside farm to customer specifications, using the very best materials and build techniques
- Show hut on-site which is available to view by appointment.
- Check out gallery HERE.
4. GWP Sales
DETAILS
| Website | https://gwpsales.ie/ |
| Registered Address | Annagh, Glenfarne, Leitrim |
| Opening Hours | – |
| info@gwp.ie | |
| Phone | |
| Rating |
KEY FEATURES
- Specialists in manufacturing wood products including wood fencing, garden sheds and glamping huts
- All sheds are fully customisable
- All raw material is sourced from FSC approved forests.
- Over 30 years in business
- Finance available on most products with Vendor Finance
Top Locations to Find Shepherd’s Huts Getaways in Ireland
Shepherd’s huts can be found in various scenic locations across Ireland. Some top spots include:
- Blackstairs Eco Trails – Located in Carlow, offering a rustic and eco-friendly experience (Blackstairs Eco Trails, Carlow Ireland).
- Little Green Glamping – Nestled in Dromahair, Leitrim, perfect for a luxurious glamping experience (LittleGreen Shepherd huts).
- Horetown House – In Wexford, providing a blend of luxury and rustic charm (Horetown House).
- The Deerstone – In Wicklow, featuring eco-friendly amenities and beautiful surroundings (The Deerstone).
What to Expect When Staying in a Shepherd’s Hut
When staying in a shepherd’s hut, you can expect:
- Amenities: Comfortable bed, stove, and often a kitchenette and bathroom.
- Cosy Atmosphere: Warm, inviting interiors with rustic and vintage decor.
- Serene Environment: Located in tranquil settings, perfect for relaxation.
- Unique Touches: Each hut is unique, often reflecting the personal style of the owner.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s huts in Ireland provide a unique, charming, and eco-friendly accommodation option.
Whether used as a holiday retreat, a home office, or an additional living space, these huts offer versatility and appeal. Explore the various locations and providers mentioned to find your perfect shepherd’s hut manufacturer and/or experience.
Call to Action
Have you stayed in a shepherd’s hut? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
For more information on unique, affordable housing options in Ireland, subscribe to our blog and explore our other articles on modular homes, log cabins, container homes, and more.
For more details on shepherd’s huts, visit Maintaining Shepherd’s Huts and Shepherd’s Huts Business Opportunity.
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