Charming 'Digital Detox' Cabins In The Irish Countryside Offer A Cozy, Unplugged Vacation

If you've been craving a break from staring at screens all day, it may be time to plan a peaceful international vacation to Ireland, where you can enjoy a digital detox in sustainable cabins. Modern technology like cellphones and WiFi has expanded access to information globally and helps us stay connected with loved ones all over the world, but living in the digital age isn't without its challenges. Technology can be addictive, and it often has negative impacts on our health. Depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and social isolation are just a few of the many problems that have stemmed from our increasing reliance on modern technology. While it's important to stay informed about world events, overconsumption of information can lead to overwhelm. Many people are choosing to take a "digital detox," which can help reduce stress, increase focus, and even improve relationships.

Samsú, a vacation rental company in Ireland, offers luxurious cabins where you can unplug and unwind. There are solar powered amenities like lights and appliances, but you won't find any WiFi or screens to entertain you. There are two different cabins (one in Wicklow and the other in Westmeath). Both are located about an hour outside of Dublin, making this an easy break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Both cabins have a minimum stay requirement of at least two nights on weekdays and three nights on weekends, because studies show that 48 to 72 hours is the amount of time it takes to fully connect from our electronic devices. If you're looking for a place to immerse yourself in nature without being distracted by your electronic devices, Samsú cabins could be the perfect place to stay during your Ireland vacation.

The creator of Samsú is a reformed workaholic named Rosanna Irwin, whose life changed for the better when she traveled to a small Danish island called Samsø after experiencing burnout. "Through most of my 20s, I was living unsustainably –– waking up to immediately check my phone and emails, before clocking up to [14] hours of screen time a day. I wanted the days to be longer, more efficient, more productive, more travel, pints, work, more emails, more social media, just more. Eventually, I burnt out," Rosanna wrote on the Samsú website.

The days she spent on the island of Samsø changed the trajectory of her entire life. She was inspired by the slower pace and the ways in which the locals connected with nature. "​​I spent three nights camping there in the middle of a meadow, and never before had my mind felt so at ease. I returned from the trip a new person and wondered how I could recreate this feeling for others," she wrote. A month after her return, she quit her job and moved back to Ireland, and started to work on her vision for Samsú.

The name Samsú is also a nod to the sustainable island that inspired Rosanna. According to the website, the word is meant to evoke that feeling of total peace and contentment, without negative feelings of overwhelm. Both off-the-grid Samsú cabins are located in the Irish countryside and are surrounded by beautiful scenery. Rosanna hopes they will provide people with an opportunity to connect with nature and reconnect with themselves. Since the cabins are powered by sustainable energy, they're a great option if you want to minimize your carbon footprint while traveling. 

Each of the two Samsú cabins comes equipped with a lock box where you're encouraged to place your electronic devices for the duration of your stay. You'll be provided with a low-tech Nokia in case you need to make an emergency call, maps, and a polaroid camera to take photos. Your cabin will also come equipped with a curated selection of books to read, as well as other activities like board games and foraging guides.

"We as humans need to unplug every once in a while in nature. It's an ancient remedy that improves our creativity, problem-solving, and general well-being. That's why I created Samsú –– to provide spaces for our minds to rest in nature," wrote Rosanna.

The Tigín cabin is located in Wicklow on a 70-acre farm with views of the Wicklow Mountains. You'll hike through a beautiful meadow to reach the solar-powered cabin, which has a king-size bed for two adults. It's perfect for travelers in search of an eco-friendly vacation with its dry toilet and filtered well water, and was crafted using natural materials and locally-made furniture. There is also a sauna and an outdoor bathtub where you can relax and unwind. For the perfect day trip, visit Ireland's largest national park, which is about 30 minutes away. The Saoirse cabin is surrounded by forests in Westmeath on 350 pristine acres of land. There is a wood-burning stove and an outdoor fire pit, along with an outdoor bathtub. If the weather permits, you can also enjoy swimming in the onsite lake. Both cabins are dog-friendly and equipped with everything you need to cook meals –– just make sure you stop for groceries on your way in.