Linden Lodge at Lough Sillan House dog-friendly, adults-only, lakeside retreat

We are Sabina and David, and we feel incredibly fortunate to call Lough Sillan House home. Since moving here, we have lovingly restored the old stone cottages and created a peaceful place where guests can slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy the lake, gardens and spa.

We did much of the restoration work ourselves, and every cottage has been designed with comfort, character and a real sense of place in mind.

We also like to host personally. We welcome guests when they arrive, show them around the cottage, gardens and spa, and are nearby if they need anything during their stay — whether that is a local recommendation, extra firewood or a helping hand with the pizza oven.

For us, the best reviews are the ones that say guests felt genuinely welcome, were able to switch off, and left wishing they had stayed a little longer.

We chose this area because of its extraordinary natural beauty and sense of calm. Lough Sillan House sits on the shores of Lough Sillan, surrounded by 9.5 acres of gardens, woodland and lakeshore, yet it remains within easy reach of both Dublin and Belfast.

It is the combination we love most: you can feel completely tucked away in nature without having to travel to the far reaches of the country to find it.

There is no need to rush once you arrive. Guests can walk through the gardens and woodland, swim or kayak on the lake, watch the sunset from the spa, cook outdoors or simply find a quiet bench and enjoy the view. The landscape changes with the seasons, but the sense of peace is here all year round.

Linden Lodge combines space, character and flexibility within a beautifully restored historic building. Once a 200-year-old stable, it has been transformed into a spacious adults-only retreat while retaining much of its original character.

Its open-plan layout makes it airy and generous while still feeling cosy and welcoming. It sleeps 2–4, so it works equally well for couples, close friends or a relaxed girls’ getaway. Linden Lodge is also dog-friendly, and dogs stay free.

What really sets a stay here apart, however, is that the cottage is only one part of the experience.

One price, no surprise extras. Private lakeside spa time with hot tub, sauna and relaxation room is included, along with lake access, kayaks and paddleboards, the gardens and woodland, outdoor kitchen, BBQ and pizza oven. Breakfast provisions, Prosecco or Nosecco, tea, coffee and treats, robes, towels and toiletries, unlimited firewood, BBQ gas and pizza-oven pellets are also included.

Guests can spend the afternoon kayaking, enjoy the spa overlooking the lake, cook pizzas or BBQ in the courtyard, wander through the gardens and then settle beside the wood-burning stove.

That is why so many one-night guests tell us they wish they had booked two. There is simply more here than you can comfortably fit into a single night. One night makes a lovely escape; two gives you time to really enjoy Lough Sillan House.

Perhaps most importantly, Linden Lodge feels personal rather than anonymous. We welcome guests ourselves and are close by if needed, while giving you all the privacy and space you came away to enjoy.