Architectural firm Scott Brownrigg has released its vision for a sustainable tourist hub in County Monaghan, Ireland.

The concept, which is currently out for public consultation, sees land on Muckno Estate transformed into an innovative tourist destination promoting local nature, heritage and culture. The project would comprise a series of glazed domes inspired by Ireland’s drumlins – streamlined oval hills embedded into the landscape – which are a historic feature of the estate’s topography.

The domes would provide a variety of accommodation options for tourists, including a lakeshore wellness hotel with guestrooms spread across the estate, designed to reflect a shift in interest towards more boutique locations with wellness offerings and minimal impact on the environment.

Each dome would also offer a range of indoor adventure activities available year-round, while one of the domes would be built with the intention of protecting Hope Castle. By enveloping the 18th Century property, the dome would function to shield it from the elements and minimise future maintenance costs.

The project aims to be carbon neutral: domes would be supported by rammed earth walls built from natural raw materials excavated from the estate; locally-sourced timber would be used to construct lattice roofs engineered by the late Peter Rice; and passive environmental techniques would control the domes’ internal climate, utilising heat sourced from the ground and Lough Muckno.

Developed in collaboration with Monaghan County Council and Fáilte Ireland, the concept intends to generate tourism growth in the region, with guidance from international tourism consultant Professor Terry Stevens. The project would be built with significant involvement from the community, providing the opportunity to harness any benefits and regenerate the region, while connecting with wider Greenways and other attractions.