For more than 40 years, Finn Lough on the shores of Lough Erne has been offering a peaceful escape surrounded by nature – and its unique bubble domes are drawing visitors from far and wide
Matt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor
08:55, 20 Apr 2026
Holidaymakers can stop in a bubble dome in Northern Ireland(Image: Channel 4)
A “secret” hotel in Northern Ireland has been compared to something straight out of “Space Odyssey”. For over 40 years, Finn Lough, nestled on the shores of Lough Erne, has been providing a tranquil retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Situated on the Fermanagh/Donegal border along the northern shore of the lough, the lavish escape has been described as “looking more like an alien space craft” than a traditional getaway. Brother and sister Gillian and Michael Beare took over the property from their parents Bobby and Rosie in 2014.
At that time it was a “secret haven” offering 12 self-catered holiday homes. However, the siblings chose to grow the business by introducing luxury bubble domes, with the premium domes featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and private toilet.
The brother-sister duo were keen for the 50-acre woodland to serve as the “star of the attraction” when designing the bubble domes. Speaking on Channel 4’s World’s Most Secret Hotels, Gillian said: “The opportunity to immerse guests in nature, you can’t do that with four walls, it’s just not possible.
“The draw and the beauty of the bubble domes is that you wake up to bird song. You open your eyes and the first thing you see is that forest scape in front of you, you see the sky, you hear the rain.”
Finn Lough bubble domes in Northern Ireland(Image: Windfall Films)
Michael explains that the inflatable bubbles offer guests the chance to “connect with their surroundings”, while the opaque panels in the bathroom ensure privacy. The bubbles themselves rely on a continuous air supply and two sealed doors to stay inflated. “When you come in, it’s a double-door access, so it’s a bit like Space Odyssey, you wait for one hatch to close before you open the second one,” Michael explained.
Gillian went on to describe how gazing at the stars from bed may appear to be “such a simple thing,” yet many guests cherish the “child-like wonder”. “There’s something to it that’s really magic,” she said.
The bubble domes boast a luxury free-standing bath(Image: Channel 4)
Michael, who left a career in finance with Deloitte in London to take on the venture, says the pair were determined to ensure each bubble dome had its own privacy. He said: “We always resisted the temptation to cram them on top of each other.
“Each one has its own private pathway. You need 30 to 40m minimum between pods.”
Michael runs Finn Lough with sister Gillian(Image: Channel 4)
Alongside the bubble domes and cabins, Finn Lough boasts a spa, entertainment centre, and restaurant. One visitor described their stay at the resort as an “amazing” experience.
Guest Deborah Mooney said: “It really does feel like you are in your own little bubble. It’s never too busy and it’s spread out enough that you do get peace and quiet.
“If you’re coming here, you do have to try the full experience, in one of the bubble domes under the stars. It was amazing, you’re just in the middle of a forest, so it was perfect.”