By Alaric 
If you’re looking for a unique stay in Northern Ireland then you must consider Lough Neagh Mirror Houses.
These brand-new Invisible Cabins seamlessly integrate with nature and are perched next to the largest freshwater lake in the UK.
This cosy retreat offers a chance to unwind in nature and digitally detox. You can take a break from busy living and screen time to be present.
It even comes with a private hot tub where you can relax under the twinkling stars of the night sky.
I recently had the chance to stay in one of these new Mirror Houses and I can’t wait to share my experience with you.
I also have an exclusive ÖÖD discount code for you. Use ThirdEyeTraveller20 when booking to get 20% off until the end of November!
Third Eye Traveller was kindly sponsored by Lough Neagh Mirror Houses in exchange for an honest review. Although I was a guest, all photos, videos and opinions are my own.
What is an ÖÖD Mirror House?
ÖÖD Hotels offers luxurious accommodations in unique mirror houses in over 25 countries around the world.
These stunning mirrored cabins reflect the beautiful locations around them and provide an unforgettable and adventurous vacation in nature.
They are often called ‘invisible cabins’ as you can hardly tell that the cabin is there as it seamlessly blends into its surroundings.
What’s also great about these properties is that the innovative glass means you can see out of your cabin but no one else can see in!
Sleep in an Invisible Cabin in Lough Neagh
ÖÖD’s latest offering is a twin pair of mirror cabins on the edge of the scenic Lough Neagh near Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The cabins are owned by the friendly couple Andrew and Chloe and their gorgeous newborn daughter Poppy.
Brought together by a passion for Holstein Dairy Cows the couple both live in Ballyginnif, a four-generation family farm that is home to a herd of miniature Australian Lowline Cattle.
They wanted to create the Lough Neagh Mirror Houses to share their ‘Little Slice of Northern Irish Heaven’ with others.
If you didn’t know, Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and contains over 800 billion gallons of water.
It’s a magical and ancient place full of myths and legends.
According to local lore, the lake was formed when a Giant called Finn McCool scooped a chunk of earth and tossed it over to his Scottish rival.
He missed and the earth landed in the Irish Sea forming the Isle of Man.
The miss throw also caused a huge crater and that is what we now know as Lough Neagh!
Lough Neagh Mirror Houses – a digital detox in nature
Lough Neagh Mirror Houses is the perfect place for a relaxing retreat into nature. It’s the city break you never knew you needed.
Even though they are a stone’s throw away from Belfast International Airport, the mirror houses feel a million miles away as they are surrounded by farmland, water, and wildlife.
They even have a Digital Detox Box where you can store your phone and take a much-needed break from screen time.
Personally, this was a big thing for me. As a travel blogger, I’m always on the go and most of my work is made using technology.
So, taking a screen break was refreshing…even if a little difficult to get used to!
Mirror House Tour – Lough Neagh Sunset
I stayed in a luxurious cabin called Sunset, the other being Sunrise.
Both cabins are identical in style with slightly different furnishings.
All of the Lough Neagh Mirror Houses are small living spaces but they are fitted out with modern designs and luxury.
Despite the cabins being compact, they really have thought of everything and come fitted with everything you need for a relaxing break.
The spaces have been cleverly designed in the way that they maximise space but also feel very homely and welcoming.
As the cabins are mirrored, they don’t feel cramped at all due to the fact you can look out onto stunning views for miles.
A great thing about this retreat is that the check-in here is completely contactless.
You’ll be sent a code for a lockbox containing your cabin keys with your booking confirmation. It couldn’t be simpler.
Living Space & Bedroom
The Mirror Houses at Lough Neagh are an open-plan design so you’ll find your bedroom next to the living area and kitchenette.
But, I was pleasantly surprised at how cosy and luxurious the cabin was.
There is a spacious double bed with a memory foam mattress, crisp sheets and mood lighting.
The sitting area was also very chic with deluxe velvet seating and a large table to dine and relax.
There is space to store your luggage under the bed and also a ‘secret’ wardrobe with space to store luggage.
This nook is also where you’ll find robes, flip flops, throws, games and a few extra bits and bobs.
Kitchenette
The Kitchenette is minimalist but is surprisingly well-equipped for cooking and cleaning.
The open-plan shelves have glasses, mugs and plates as well as salt, pepper, coffee, sugar, tea and a jar of granola.
You’ll also find a kettle and Nespresso machine with coffee pods.
There is a spacious fridge to keep fresh groceries and several hidden cupboards reveal draws with utensils, cutlery, a bin and a first aid kit.
There’s also a large sink with some washing up liquid, washing up brushes, dish towels and cloths.
For cooking, you have a chopping board, a saucepan, a frying pan, a toaster and a small portable hob similar to a camping stove when glamping.
I have to admit it was quite a challenge to cook everything in one pan as there is minimal space but I got there in the end!
If you’re not up for cooking (I don’t blame you) there are some local takeaways and a pub in the area that you can visit instead.
Bathroom
As you would expect in this space, the bathroom is very compact and minimalist.
However, it is also very cleverly designed to save space but not scrimp on comfort.
You have the necessities of a toilet, a small sink and a washroom area. But, I wasn’t expecting a heated towel rail and a powerful rainfall shower!
I was a little worried that the bathroom would also be mirrored and people could see me inside.
Thankfully, the glass in the bathroom is covered over your head so no one will get an eye full.
Outside Decking & Hot Tub
Both the cabins come with spacious decking which is perfect for a relaxing coffee or glass of wine on the terrace.
In summer, there is also a BBQ. So, you can enjoy an al fresco dinner with views over Lough Neagh.
The best part is that each mirror house has a private hot tub and it will be switched on and ready for you to use. It’s perfect for a relaxing soak.
The water is the perfect temperature at 40 degrees celsius and has a whirlpool and jets.
At night time, I also loved the LED lighting so the water lit up in all different colours of the rainbow.
I loved sipping on a glass of wine here under the twinkling stars!
Northern Ireland can be chilly in November but the temperatures were perfect.
The Wee Sauna
As well as having access to your own private hot tub, guests can also use the Wee Sauna.
This is a shared space nestled between the two cabins and can be used free of charge at any time during your stay.
You can don your robes and sliders to make the short walk over.
The sauna includes an ice bucket shower and a heated sauna with space to relax and unwind.
You may need to turn it on and allow some time to warm up. There’s a power panel just outside.
I have to admit, I’m claustrophobic and sometimes saunas make me quite anxious if they are too steamy.
However, this one was very comfy so I was able to enjoy it.
I loved the fact that the sauna is also mirrored so I could see out towards the lake but no one could see in.
What’s included in your stay at Lough Neagh Mirror Houses?
Both of the Lough Neagh Mirror Cabins include a luxurious living space with a bed, living area, kitchenette and bathroom.
You’ll also get access to a private decking area and hot tub throughout your stay as well as the Wee Sauna which is a shared space.
There will be towels, bedding, throws, spa robes. There’s also soap, toiletries, and washing-up liquid.
In the kitchenette, you’ll find basic cooking utensils and a few condiments like salt, pepper, sugar, coffee and tea.
A kind added touch is the lovely welcome package that you will receive. Mine included bread, local butter, jam, milk, orange juice and chilled water.
There was even a family bar of Galaxy Chocolate and a large pack of Tayto crisps waiting for me.
Tayto are a classic snack in Northern Ireland that you can’t leave without trying!
They really have thought of everything that you would possibly need for a relaxing stay.
There isn’t much that you need to worry about bringing with you apart from your luggage, distractions, groceries and libations.
Things to do during your stay
If you were getting cabin fever during your stay there are lots of gorgeous places to explore in the area.
The obvious choice would be a stroll around Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK.
Here, you can take in the views from the water and see all the wildlife like swans and birds.
Just a few miles from Lough Neagh there is Antrim Castle Gardens which is a gorgeous castle ruin dating back to the 17th century.
Northern Ireland is also a very compact country and there are a few day trips that you can take if you want to go further afield.
If you wanted to explore more nature, I would head towards County Down to explore places like the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park and Downpatrick.
There’s also the County Antrim and the Causeway Coast where you can visit places like the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Is booking a Lough Neagh Mirror House worth it?
Most definitely. Booking a cabin here is a retreat into nature and the relaxing break you never knew you needed.
In this modern world with busy living, record screen times and overworking, it’s hard to find time to fit in a break and be truly present.
Lough Neagh is the perfect opportunity to take a much-needed break, wind down and detox from devices.
I would highly recommend it. It’s truly unique accommodation in Northern Ireland and you won’t forget this adventure in a hurry.
Things to consider before booking
Although living in a small remote Mirror House in nature is a dream to many, including me, it may be not for everyone.
Here are a few things to consider before booking your stay;
- Remoteness – there isn’t a lot to do here as it’s meant to be a retreat to detox. Those who need to keep busy or be around people may start to get antsy.
- Lack of Space – if you’re someone who takes lots of luggage or someone who requires a lot of space this may not be for you.
- Small Kitchen – cooking in the kitchen can be a challenge as there is only one portable induction hob. Be mindful of what you bring to cook and try to bring simple to prepare meals.
- Limited Signal – there is limited signal here in Lough Neagh, WiFi is available though.
How to book Lough Neagh Mirror Houses
You can easily book Lough Neagh Mirror Houses online and there is a booking page for both Sunrise and Sunset cabins.
Prices start from £250 a night and there is a minimum two-night stay on the weekends.
I would try to book your stay as far in advance as possible as these retreats are very popular.
ÖÖD have also very kindly given me a discount code for my readers to use.
Simply use the code ThirdEyeTraveller20 when booking for a 20% discount until the end of November!
Where are the Lough Neagh Mirror Houses?
ÖÖD Lough Neagh is just 3 miles away from Belfast International Airport and a 30-minute drive away from Belfast City Airport.
It’s the perfect retreat in Northern Ireland as it’s centrally located and not far from major attractions.
If you’re not driving, you can easily take a local taxi or Uber to the property from Belfast International Airport in 10 minutes.
If you’re driving or renting a car, the property has a small parking area next to the cabins that you can use during your stay.
You can find the property next to Ballyginnif Farm Bed & Breakfast. There will be an ÖÖD sign leading the way!
Read more of my Northern Ireland guides
Ballintoy Harbour – Welcome to the Iron Islands
How to visit Dunluce Castle
A complete guide for Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Game of Thrones Studio Tour review
How to visit the Game of Thrones Tapestry
Glass of Thrones walk in Belfast
How to visit the Dark Hedges
Cushendun Caves Game of Thrones location
How to visit Pollnagollum Caves
Discover Northern Ireland
Save ÖÖD Lough Neagh Mirror Houses for later!
