Plans lodged to turn disused Cork quarry into glamping site

Plans to transform a disused quarry near Coachford into a substantial tourism hub with log cabins, glamping pods, and motorhome bays have been submitted for approval to Cork County Council.

The application, by Lee Valley Glamping Ltd, whose director is Paudie Sheahan, also includes a proposal for a water pond for “bumper boat activities”, an indoor play area with a café and mezzanine floor, as well as a two-storey clubhouse with a bar and kitchen facilities.

If given the go-ahead, the development would take place on a site of about 15 acres (6ha) adjacent to the Glashagarriff River, a tributary of the River Lee, in the townland of Coolnagearagh and would necessitate the removal of remaining quarrying material and equipment.

The plan would deliver more than 60 short-stay accommodation units, including 11 x two-bed log cabins, 22 x one-bed log cabins, 25 serviced motorhome parking bays, and five serviced glamping pods with a fence around the site.

 It would also include a single-storey reception building and shop, single-storey communal bathroom and shower facilities. The proposal to develop the site into a short-stay tourism destination was first floated almost 20 years ago, but was put to bed following the financial crash, according to planning documents.

The information is contained in a previous application for a development similar to the current proposal, which was lodged with the Council in 2022 by architect Tony O’Sullivan, on behalf of the current landowner, Paudie Sheahan.

Mr O’Sullivan said the proposed development had been designed “in accordance with Fáilte Ireland guidelines for camping and caravan parks, with a view to providing a four-or five-star park rating upon completion.

“As the site is located in an area of natural beauty [Lee Valley] and on a designated scenic route, the scheme aims to retain a natural feel,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

A decision on the current application is due on November 26 next.