Larkrise
VIP Member
Just back from our first longer outing. Nothing to report Cali-wise, all worked perfectly and we came to appreciate (even more) the clever and workable design.
Some feedback for those planning trips, to add to what others have said, but first a health warning! We had great weather, the locals couldn’t believe it…everything is great when the sun shines. We (for the first time in our lives) were able to go outside of school holidays- campsites and their facilities will be different when under pressure of numbers. We are prejudiced against sites that are predominantly mobile homes, and favour smaller touring sites with space around us.
Guess what? Ireland is really badly endowed with small sites. There is no equivalent to the 5 unit certified site and most of the sites we found were bigger. Having said that, some of the motor-homers had discovered safe and tolerated wild camping places even though it is supposed to be illegal.
We travelled from Dublin due west to Connemara then down the coast skipping Co Clare, round the south east and back to Rosslare. This was an outstanding trip, full of surprises and we were completely taken aback by the beauty and drama of the geography. Some very narrow mountain passes, completely no-go to the motorhomes and delightful in the Cali (if a bit scary at times!).
Campsites (searches will find more detail) that we stayed at, with a few comments. We did not book any of these, but I would say it would be essential once holidays are underway (all of July/August):
Lough Ennell Caravan and Camping Park: Easy drive from Dublin. Beside gorgeous Lough Ennell but this really was full of mobile homes, so we just stayed the night and we were pleased to move on to
Clifden eco Beach Campsite & Caravan Park: such a lovely place, private beach, spectacular situation, very friendly owners and other tourers and good facilities. Could have spent longer here, Connemara is beautiful.
Beara Camping: OK site especially when quiet. Nearby to lovely beach/bay
Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park: great location on ring of Kerry, camp by waterside, lovely facilities and atmosphere.
Eagle Point Camping: on Bantry Bay. We had high expectations and in fact arrived, inspected and moved on. Seemed rather cramped, not quite as good access to the shore as we had thought and many permanently located caravans lined up, so on to
The Meadow Camping Park: (Co Cork) Nice little site in rich farmland, ok for a night. Ancient stone circle just down the road (missed some interesting goings on at the equinox by one day…plenty of abandoned tea lights and incense remaining)
The Apple Camping and Caravan Park: (near Cahir, Tipperary) We loved this one, very spacious in middle of working fruit farm (at height of strawberry season too!); great facilities and cheap too.
St. Margarets Beach Caravan & Camping Park: good site with good facilities for early sailings from Rosslare; near to nice beach, but got quite busy (with others getting the boat too).
And now to start planning two weeks out of Santander in Sept/Oct...
Some feedback for those planning trips, to add to what others have said, but first a health warning! We had great weather, the locals couldn’t believe it…everything is great when the sun shines. We (for the first time in our lives) were able to go outside of school holidays- campsites and their facilities will be different when under pressure of numbers. We are prejudiced against sites that are predominantly mobile homes, and favour smaller touring sites with space around us.
Guess what? Ireland is really badly endowed with small sites. There is no equivalent to the 5 unit certified site and most of the sites we found were bigger. Having said that, some of the motor-homers had discovered safe and tolerated wild camping places even though it is supposed to be illegal.
We travelled from Dublin due west to Connemara then down the coast skipping Co Clare, round the south east and back to Rosslare. This was an outstanding trip, full of surprises and we were completely taken aback by the beauty and drama of the geography. Some very narrow mountain passes, completely no-go to the motorhomes and delightful in the Cali (if a bit scary at times!).
Campsites (searches will find more detail) that we stayed at, with a few comments. We did not book any of these, but I would say it would be essential once holidays are underway (all of July/August):
Lough Ennell Caravan and Camping Park: Easy drive from Dublin. Beside gorgeous Lough Ennell but this really was full of mobile homes, so we just stayed the night and we were pleased to move on to
Clifden eco Beach Campsite & Caravan Park: such a lovely place, private beach, spectacular situation, very friendly owners and other tourers and good facilities. Could have spent longer here, Connemara is beautiful.
Beara Camping: OK site especially when quiet. Nearby to lovely beach/bay
Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park: great location on ring of Kerry, camp by waterside, lovely facilities and atmosphere.
Eagle Point Camping: on Bantry Bay. We had high expectations and in fact arrived, inspected and moved on. Seemed rather cramped, not quite as good access to the shore as we had thought and many permanently located caravans lined up, so on to
The Meadow Camping Park: (Co Cork) Nice little site in rich farmland, ok for a night. Ancient stone circle just down the road (missed some interesting goings on at the equinox by one day…plenty of abandoned tea lights and incense remaining)
The Apple Camping and Caravan Park: (near Cahir, Tipperary) We loved this one, very spacious in middle of working fruit farm (at height of strawberry season too!); great facilities and cheap too.
St. Margarets Beach Caravan & Camping Park: good site with good facilities for early sailings from Rosslare; near to nice beach, but got quite busy (with others getting the boat too).
And now to start planning two weeks out of Santander in Sept/Oct...
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