Ireland - Atlantic Way

[BeeBee]

We are in the planning stage for our Ireland trip this year and taking in all of the info we can find. A Xmas present of Take the Slow Road Ireland started the ball rolling.We’ll be travelling from South Glasgow, ferry over and a week to travel around. Anyone experience of travelling with their dog as he the ‘3rd’ on board member.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

We are in the planning stage for our Ireland trip this year and taking in all of the info we can find. A Xmas present of Take the Slow Road Ireland started the ball rolling.We’ll be travelling from South Glasgow, ferry over and a week to travel around. Anyone experience of travelling with their dog as he the ‘3rd’ on board member.

View attachment 117868

Interested in this also.
We’re planning a 2 week trip to Ireland this year. Probably a ferry to Belfast from Cairnryan and a return from either Dublin to Hollyhead or Rosslare to Fishguard.
Any tips on must see places and campsites gratefully received. Might have a night or two in a proper bed so any guesthouse/hotel/pub recommendations would be welcome.

 

[Hawthorn37]

You might to look up a vlogger on the Charlie & Me YouTube channel. The guys visited about every site in Ireland, at least once! There is also a podcast he contributes to, with a couple of other guys, discussing touring in Ireland, called The Camping Crew. Based on this info., we’ve planned a couple of tours of the northern and southern parts of the country which we hope to do next year, all being well.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjxjavvoJWEAxX2UEEAHcsJBTgQFnoECBQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthecampingcrew.ie%2F&usg=AOvVaw1OkNOTV6wyRCYFix6fUnVA&opi=89978449

 

[BeeBee]

Interested in this also.
We’re planning a 2 week trip to Ireland this year. Probably a ferry to Belfast from Cairnryan and a return from either Dublin to Hollyhead or Rosslare to Fishguard.
Any tips on must see places and campsites gratefully received. Might have a night or two in a proper bed so any guesthouse/hotel/pub recommendations would be welcome.

We were thinking of a June trip and are finding the size classifications a bit confusing … Stena line, Cairnryan to Belfast.
Which option did you choose ?

 

[Arnoob]

Another word of advice: travel clockwise so you have the sea on your left side and all view blocking touring cars to the right

 

[nickb77]

I've just got back from doing the entire Wild Atlantic Way (South to North) in my Cali. Happy to help if anyone has questions. I used Stena Line and selected 'Motorhome/Minibus to 6m'. Fishguard to Rosslare outbound, Belfast to Liverpool on the way back. The Cali is absolutely perfect for the Wild Atlantic way. I stayed in a mix of campsites and a few off-grid spots.

 

[Broadstone Bob]

I've just got back from doing the entire Wild Atlantic Way (South to North) in my Cali. Happy to help if anyone has questions. I used Stena Line and selected 'Motorhome/Minibus to 6m'. Fishguard to Rosslare outbound, Belfast to Liverpool on the way back. The Cali is absolutely perfect for the Wild Atlantic way. I stayed in a mix of campsites and a few off-grid spots.

Hello Nick, we’re off to Eire for 10 days beginning of August culminating in a nephews wedding in Sligo ( that’ll be a nice hotel with extended family)
starting near Dublin where we collect our daughter
love some advice on the clockwise coast trip and pitches.
our 1st time to Eire … glad our nephew is marrying an Irish lass to get me into gear!

 

[briwy]

We did it last year. Stayed on a campsite (Camac Valley) just outside Dublin for two nights with a bus ride into town one one day. Then just set off round the coast without any real plan, just taking it easy and wildcamping most nights using Search for Sites or Camper Contact or simply stopping at a likely place. Plenty of wildcamping spots. The only site we booked was the one outside Dublin as we like to not be tied down to time or place. We went in May and there was no problem finding a site when we needed one. Obviously could be completely different at busy times.

 

[BeeBee]

We’re currently sitting on a wee camp site, 7 miles west of Enniskillen ( Blaney’s, , small and very quiet ) and off to Sligo tomorrow and then Donegal.. We stayed for a couple of nights in Bushmills, Ballyness Caravan Park, very good and for us ‘dog friendly’.
The Antrim coast was braw, enjoy.

 

[nickb77]

Hello Nick, we’re off to Eire for 10 days beginning of August culminating in a nephews wedding in Sligo ( that’ll be a nice hotel with extended family)
starting near Dublin where we collect our daughter
love some advice on the clockwise coast trip and pitches.
our 1st time to Eire … glad our nephew is marrying an Irish lass to get me into gear!

If you're planning to pickup the Wild Atlantic Way (starts in Kinsale) then I'd recommed a good guide book. I used Road Trip Ireland Guide Book - The Ultimate Ireland & The Atlantic Way Guide by Robbie Roams

Following the Wild Atlantic Way is very easy as the route is well signposted. Just don't get caught out by following a sign for the Southern route when you're heading North or vice versa. There are also loads of WAW signs directing you off the main route to all sorts of different points of interest so just try a few at random - I was never disappointed.

If I was visiting Ireland again I'd make more use of off-grid parkups and less campsites. Just get the Park4Night and searchforsites apps on your phone for ideas. I pre-booked campsites and probably didn't need to as it became quite restrictive having to aim for a specific place each day.

These are the campsites and parkups I used between Rosslare and Sligo.

Rosslare	Coral Gables, Tagoat	OK for 1 night, Next to a main road so some noise. Good if you need somewhere close to the ferry	https://www.coralgablesguesthouse.com/
Clonakilty	Desert House, Clonakilty	Working farm. Very basic toilets and shower but quiet	https://deserthousecamping.ie/
Ballydehob	off site parking by old railway bridge	Great off-grid spot	https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ozvRQ1hFqmbeuFT7
Allihies	Allihies Camping +353 86 812 1582	Cheap and basic but next to a stunning beach. Don't take advance bookings - just phone ahead on the day or turn-up as they have plenty of space	https://maps.app.goo.gl/ys52N9p6FBdytrah7
Caherdaniel	Wave Crest Caravan Park	Pretty good, if a little expensive	https://wavecrestcamping.com/
Glenbeigh	Glenross Caravan and Camping	Very clean and tidy, but expensive	https://www.campingkerry.com/
Dingle	Paidi o sei pub	Free overnight parking in their car park. Very traditional Irish pub	https://paidiose.com/paidi-o-ses-pub/
Kilrush	Kilrush Marina	Excellent facilities and relatively cheap	https://kilrushmarina.ie/
Galway	Salthill Caravan Camping	OK, but very expensive	https://salthillcaravanpark.com/
Clifden	Clifden Eco Beach Camping	Quirky site run by lovely couple. Next to a private beach	https://clifdenecocamping.ie/rates/
Achill Island	Lough Acorrymore Dam	Lovely off-grid spot. Very quiet and remote	https://maps.app.goo.gl/woG7AZyPyYwkrLQ29
Ballina	Belleek Park Camping	Good value, but nothing nearby you can walk to	https://www.belleekpark.com/

Have a good trip!

 

[Norfolk Jim]

We are in the planning stage for our Ireland trip this year and taking in all of the info we can find. A Xmas present of Take the Slow Road Ireland started the ball rolling.We’ll be travelling from South Glasgow, ferry over and a week to travel around. Anyone experience of travelling with their dog as he the ‘3rd’ on board member.

View attachment 117868

 

[Norfolk Jim]

We are in the planning stage for our Ireland trip this year and taking in all of the info we can find. A Xmas present of Take the Slow Road Ireland started the ball rolling.We’ll be travelling from South Glasgow, ferry over and a week to travel around. Anyone experience of travelling with their dog as he the ‘3rd’ on board member.

View attachment 117868

He's a cracker - we have a 7 year old Drakeshead and he weighs 36kg but has long legs so doesn't look fat. Handfull at times and we'll be taking him away next spring once we've got used to Cali. We'll be in Ireland in late August for sons wedding at place called Castle Leslie. He's marrying a Galway gal. We then plan a trip around next spring with his new in laws who have a Merc conversion.

 

[BeeBee]

Our plans for leaving Tavish in the van as we travelled over Cairnryan to Belfast with Stena Line worked out well. He was absolutely fine. Left all four windows open 2 - 3 inches and a non spill water dish on the rear passenger floor. Think he slept mostly, was a little excited as we returned to the van, then lay down for the onward journey.
The area for walking dogs as you line up prior to boarding is better on the Cairnryan side. It’s not great on Belfast side, pretty small, cramped and weaving between vehicles… but the pees were done … lol
pic of Tavish giving it ‘peek a boo’ whilst waiting to board.

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Where does your lab sleep or do you use upper bed? Is there enough room with lower bed out. Our conversion had an open space under end of bed when down. Our lab doesn't curl up, he sort of lounges stretched out!

 

[BeeBee]

We use both beds. My husband is tall and finds the upper bed a faff, so I usually sleep up top and he and the dog are on downstairs bed.When downstairs bed is out there isn’t room for a ‘big dog’ on the floor space, so he’s up on bed on top of a travel dog mat.
On one night in Ireland last week, it was too windy to put up pop top, so we were all downstairs…. he amazed us by jumping up onto the swivelled passenger seat curled up and slept there! ( and he’s not a small lab, quite tall working line)

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Oh bless him. Pretty sure Skye wouldn't be able to curl up on passenger seat like yours, he's simply too big. His paws touch my shoulders if he jumps up for a hug. He's a Drakeshead and too damn clever. We'll both be slepping donwstairs as no way my wife would climb up and Skye wouldn't keep still. As said he doesn't curl up anyway so may be ok stretched out with passenger seat pushed away.

 

[BeeBee]

Oh bless him. Pretty sure Skye wouldn't be able to curl up on passenger seat like yours, he's simply too big. His paws touch my shoulders if he jumps up for a hug. He's a Drakeshead and too damn clever. We'll both be slepping donwstairs as no way my wife would climb up and Skye wouldn't keep still. As said he doesn't curl up anyway so may be ok stretched out with passenger seat pushed away.
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I’m sure you’ll find your own solution. I have heard of others doing for their bigger dogs what some with toddlers do when everyone is downstairs. That is, swivel both front chairs, place a piece of board accross both and their bed on top. I guess a rectangular bed for your Skye to spread out on.

 

[BeeBee]

I believe B&Q board has been used just cut to appropriate size and stored in boot plus something like this from Amazon.

OneTigris Dog Bed Travel Large, Portable Dog Bed Camping Dog Bed for Washable Durable Oxford Portable Dog Sleeping Mats for Car Crate Sofa also For Indoor Outdoor Camping Travel Green​

Dog​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZH4886L/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[Norfolk Jim]

I believe B&Q board has been used just cut to appropriate size and stored in boot plus something like this from Amazon.

OneTigris Dog Bed Travel Large, Portable Dog Bed Camping Dog Bed for Washable Durable Oxford Portable Dog Sleeping Mats for Car Crate Sofa also For Indoor Outdoor Camping Travel Green​

Dog​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OneTigris-Portable-Sleeping-Water-Resistant-Outdoor/dp/B07ZH4886L/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2R5N3FIPKNTFZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZnBCDt653F--unDeDhvcJXGNhx0GSEEXr7WkWuM3mdVSUa76T8de9nNlz3brtFu_VTKslq_JvCex7kuWpfEJdCqzAYFe-lNRHR3can-k5G6rBLPzCaAabnWIe1CLz3JjkmtttL4REatyVmxE1fzD-gSgUaVYK2_FT2BLodrYHoCA-GYCTdQ_Wxww8XT9pIBj6Lxn93hYBzfU9wTIBNGi2w.5_VW9zscqD5eWoeG0ntgWGwol1ilLi98ZRMFSqI5Gx0&dib_tag=se&keywords=dog+travel+beds&qid=1719835638&sprefix=dig+travel+beds,aps,98&sr=8-3

Ha ha - thanks. I think he'll be ok on floor as he is incredibly OCD and food orientated!!!!! He'd freak out on front seats I reckon. This is the pure bred gundog from internation field trials champion who doesn't like water - this is what we're dealing with lol...............now if there was a pheasant or partirdge on front seat that may work!!!!

 

[BeeBee]

Ha ha - thanks. I think he'll be ok on floor as he is incredibly OCD and food orientated!!!!! He'd freak out on front seats I reckon. This is the pure bred gundog from internation field trials champion who doesn't like water - this is what we're dealing with lol...............now if there was a pheasant or partirdge on front seat that may work!!!!

Who knows one of these trips we may bump into one another, our boy likes water and game birds too …. lol

 

[Broadstone Bob]

If you're planning to pickup the Wild Atlantic Way (starts in Kinsale) then I'd recommed a good guide book. I used Road Trip Ireland Guide Book - The Ultimate Ireland & The Atlantic Way Guide by Robbie Roams

Following the Wild Atlantic Way is very easy as the route is well signposted. Just don't get caught out by following a sign for the Southern route when you're heading North or vice versa. There are also loads of WAW signs directing you off the main route to all sorts of different points of interest so just try a few at random - I was never disappointed.

If I was visiting Ireland again I'd make more use of off-grid parkups and less campsites. Just get the Park4Night and searchforsites apps on your phone for ideas. I pre-booked campsites and probably didn't need to as it became quite restrictive having to aim for a specific place each day.

These are the campsites and parkups I used between Rosslare and Sligo.

Rosslare	Coral Gables, Tagoat	OK for 1 night, Next to a main road so some noise. Good if you need somewhere close to the ferry	https://www.coralgablesguesthouse.com/
Clonakilty	Desert House, Clonakilty	Working farm. Very basic toilets and shower but quiet	https://deserthousecamping.ie/
Ballydehob	off site parking by old railway bridge	Great off-grid spot	https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ozvRQ1hFqmbeuFT7
Allihies	Allihies Camping +353 86 812 1582	Cheap and basic but next to a stunning beach. Don't take advance bookings - just phone ahead on the day or turn-up as they have plenty of space	https://maps.app.goo.gl/ys52N9p6FBdytrah7
Caherdaniel	Wave Crest Caravan Park	Pretty good, if a little expensive	https://wavecrestcamping.com/
Glenbeigh	Glenross Caravan and Camping	Very clean and tidy, but expensive	https://www.campingkerry.com/
Dingle	Paidi o sei pub	Free overnight parking in their car park. Very traditional Irish pub	https://paidiose.com/paidi-o-ses-pub/
Kilrush	Kilrush Marina	Excellent facilities and relatively cheap	https://kilrushmarina.ie/
Galway	Salthill Caravan Camping	OK, but very expensive	https://salthillcaravanpark.com/
Clifden	Clifden Eco Beach Camping	Quirky site run by lovely couple. Next to a private beach	https://clifdenecocamping.ie/rates/
Achill Island	Lough Acorrymore Dam	Lovely off-grid spot. Very quiet and remote	https://maps.app.goo.gl/woG7AZyPyYwkrLQ29
Ballina	Belleek Park Camping	Good value, but nothing nearby you can walk to	https://www.belleekpark.com/

Have a good trip!

Really appreciate your insight and detail Nick Thank you Bob