Costa del Laois, anyone?

A couple planning on building a luxury beach resort in Co. Laois have been given the go-ahead. As reported in the Laois Nationalist, Iveta Melgaile and Patrick Bowe were given planning permission to bring a beach resort to Laois, despite the fact that that it's Ireland's only doubly-landlocked county. Instead of the sea, the glamping spot will be centred around a pond and situated in Clomeen North in Errill. Some of the features of the proposed development include a spa treatment centre, a barbecue hut, and a sports activity hub. The rooms, meanwhile, will all be wheelchair-accessible, self-contained and with stunning pond vistas. If that wasn't enough, guests will have access to their very own hot tub and barbecue area. While Laois might not scream sunny getaway, Megaile and Bowe have ensured prospective guests that the resort will be "surrounded with exotic plants and palm trees as well as a white stone beach with double sun-loungers and large day beds for couples." On top of that, the resort has been "positioned in a way that the sun catches the beach all day long from sunrise to sunset and will bloom with water lilies". The planning application points to the appeal of the Co. Laois beach resort, and outlines the various activities guests can indulge in. It reads: "A large pit will provide local musicians and storytellers for the guests, as well as sports for guests such as basketball; life-size chess pieces, volleyball and mini-golf will also be available." Additionally, Iveta and Patrick have plans for a "Celtic house made of wood, with old-style fireplace for winter evenings with storytellers and Irish music."