by Jade French

When domestic travel finally gets going again in Ireland, we know just where to look for inspiration: the Indo Fab 50 list. This list of Ireland's fifty most interesting places to stay in 2021 not only gives us hope (especially with inter-county travel to resume in Ireland from May 10) but also provides an insight into some of the key hospitality trends to look out for.

Sustainability shout outs
Each listing is given a sustainability shout out, showing that the hospitality industry remains keen to stay green. There are some locations that have gone above and beyond: for example, Two Green Shoots (Glengarriff, Cork), an off-grid, solar-powered bell tent, made from sustainably harvested local timber. Or, if you’re looking for an eco-elegant aesthetic, Europe Hotel (Killarney, Kerry) offers a luxury, local experience with stunning views of Lough Leane. For golf enthusiasts, Adare Manor (Adare, Limerick) boats a golf course that aims to be the first in the world to gain the ISO 20121 sustainability standard.

Open spaces, tiny stays
One trend that emerges from the list is a yearning for open spaces, fresh air and autonomy and we loved all the imaginative responses to the great outdoors. Further Space (Glenarm Castle, Antrim) has landed with a cybernetic-nature hybrid set against the backdrop of the 17th century Glenarm Castle. Then, Frank the Shipping Container (Tuaisceart, Donegal) has an altogether wholesome vision of the future: compact, sustainable, and perched on the shore of a coastal lake. Pods, domes, containers and more take the tiny home trend and turn it into a destination. 

Design-led personality 
Another trend that ran through the collection was a nod to design-led interiors. There’s something to suit all tastes, from historic castles to architectural wonders, cosy cottages and eco-pods. So, whether you’re looking for a boutique home to carefully curated curiosities like The Harrison Chambers (Malone Road, Belfast), or the gorgeously grandiose Ashford Castle (Cong, Mayo), or the more streamlined light, lines, and landscape of Cliff Beach House (Ardmore, Waterford) — this list has you covered! 

Pandemic innovators 
Every single one of the locations listed has grappled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Indo Fab 50 list has done an amazing job of highlighting the ways in which the hospitality industry has shown ‘extraordinary resilience and imagination’. So, we appreciate that — soon enough — great getaways will come to those who wait!

Independent.ie