Little Gem is exactly what its name suggests: a cute, character-filled stone cottage for two, tucked into a secluded courtyard in the grounds of historic Lough Sillan House.

Designed as an adults-only romantic hideaway, it combines exposed stone, quirky details and beautiful stained glass with a cosy atmosphere that feels completely its own. The low double bed is deliberately positioned to catch the changing light through the coloured glass, creating one of Little Gem’s most distinctive features.

Outside the cottage, an entirely different world opens up.

Private time (2x75mins) at our lakeside spa is included with your stay, with hot tub, sauna, relaxation room, hot shower and direct access to Lough Sillan. You can kayak or paddle board, swim, wander through 9.5 acres of gardens, woodland and lakeshore, or cook and eat outdoors using our covered kitchen, BBQ and pizza oven.

One price. No surprise extras. Private spa time, kayaks and paddle boards, breakfast provisions, Prosecco or Nosecco, tea, coffee and treats, towels, robes and toiletries, BBQ gas and pizza-oven pellets are included in your stay.

We personally welcome guests when they arrive and show you around the cottage, gardens and spa. We are close by if you need anything but give you the privacy and space to enjoy your escape.

One night is a wonderful little adventure. Two nights gives you time to really enjoy it. Guests regularly tell us they simply did not have enough time to fit everything in — spa, lake, kayaking, gardens, outdoor cooking and, importantly, doing very little at all.

Little Gem is particularly popular for romantic breaks, birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions, and we can arrange extras such as flowers, cake, balloons or banners with advance notice.

The bed in Little Gem is intentionally low as part of its design. If you would prefer a conventional higher bed, Copper Cove or Linden Lodge may be a more comfortable choice.

Despite its secluded lakeside setting, Lough Sillan House is approximately an hour from both Dublin and Belfast.

Little Gem isn’t a conventional hotel room or holiday cottage. It is small, quirky and full of personality — a place to slow down, switch off and experience something a little different.