Unique lifeboat hides something incredible inside and is ‘Ireland’s best kept secret’

The decommissioned lifeboat in ‘Ireland’s hidden heartland’ underwent a major transformation before moving to its current location on the banks of the River Dromore

A unique lifeboat sitting on a riverbank hides something amazing inside. The vessel has even been described as “Ireland’s best kept secret” for people who are fans of the outdoors.

The lifeboat is located more than 40 miles away from the sea in County Monaghan, described as “Ireland’s hidden heartland”. It has now been transformed into the Yellow Submarine by owner Ollie Gibson.

It no longer goes out to sea for rescue missions, instead being used as a holiday let for people wanting a remote getaway. Speaking on Channel 4’s World’s Most Secret Hotels, Ollie said: “For people who love the outdoors, this is best kept secret in Ireland.”

The riverside plot was purchased by Ollie’s dad almost 14 years ago with a plan of using it for holiday cabins. However Ollie’s father died before he was able to realise his dream, leaving the businessman to put his own unique twist on the idea.

It was when he saw the decommissioned lifeboat listed for sale that Ollie’s vision truly started to take shape. He continued: “I spotted it on the internet and headed off to West Cork and struck a deal.

“When I got home, my kids started calling it a submarine, so we thought, ‘Why don’t we roll with that?”

Inside the vessel was given a huge makeover so it could fit four bunk beds, a full-size double bed, desk, and kitchen area. The floor was also lowered in order to add more space in the boat.

And in order to make the boat “liveable,” he had to build a whole new section onto the rear of the structure using steel-cone. It became part of the living area as well as the external propeller to turn the craft from a lifeboat into a striking yellow submarine.

Ollie said: “This was the most challenging part of constructing the submarine. In all, the whole tail section was 90 percent of the work in the submarine.”

He managed to reuse some extraordinary items to kit out the submarine. The bunk beds came from heavy goods vehicles, the propeller was previously a radiator fan from an articulated lorry, and the portholes were previously washing machine doors.

Holidaymaker Volker Terhorst was won over by the hidden hotel. He said: “This is absolutely the best. It is very cozy – it is really, really amazing.”

Guests visiting the Yellow Submarine are offered the chance to explore Monaghan with Ollie, who will take them on a guided canoeing trip as they meander along the River Dromore.

Ollie added: “We have six lakes here that are accessible from the river. It’s a landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in Ireland.”

The Yellow Submarine is available for bookings throughout summer. Each winter Ollie transports it back to home for safekeeping.