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30th Jul 2018

PICS: The first lodge has been built at Ireland’s brand new ‘forest resort’; here’s what it looks like

Conor Heneghan

holiday resort ireland

Who needs a holiday abroad when this is on your doorstep?

The first lodge at Center Parcs in Longford, a major holiday resort in the midlands, has been completed as development continues at the resort before it opens its doors next summer.

The first Woodland Lodge, one of three types of lodge that customers will be able to choose from at the resort, has been completed and will be one of 466 lodges that will eventually form part of a development designed specifically with families in mind.

As well as two other types of lodge – Executive and Exclusive – there will also be an additional 30 apartments, suitable for couples, in a project worth €233 million that will be the first of its kind in Ireland.

Each lodge will feature stylish, child-safe interiors with spacious open plan living, a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, comfy sofas and a log-burning fire.

The Executive Lodges will feature a games room with pool table and games console and a private sauna, and the Exclusive Lodges provide the added luxury of a steam room and outdoor hot tub.

Up to 2,500 guests will be catered for at Center Parcs, which will offer up 100 indoor and outdoor activities, a luxury spa, a range of restaurants, cafés and shops and the popular Subtropical Swimming Paradise, set to be Ireland’s biggest water park.

The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in the midlands, with Center Parcs expected to add approximately €32m to Irish GDP per annum and €1 billion over the next 20 years.

As the launch of Center Parcs Longford Forest nears, it is expected that three lodges will be completed per day going forward, with 850,000 hours of labour predicted to be spent building and completing the accommodation in advance of the opening in 2019.

Martin Dalby, Center Parcs CEO, commented: “We are delighted to announce the completion of the first lodge at Center Parcs Longford Forest – a really significant milestone, and to be able to give Irish families an insight into what is awaiting them.

“We’re committed to providing families with top quality accommodation in the tranquil surrounding of the forest and are excited to welcome Irish families to Center Parcs next year.”

Below is how the project it will look once its completed ahead of the grand opening next summer; for more information, check out the Center Parks website.