Campsites in Ireland

[Plasticman]

Well I think the roads over there are generally very good, eec chucked loads of coin in and the main cities etc are linked well,
certainly I prefere driving there than here. and yes the Nth does have good stuff and I spend lot in and around donegal
mm

[Flibbertigibbet]

I agree with Bren Inch beach is ace and I loved Revyle beach site just lie in bed with tail gate open listenign to the waves http://www.camping-ireland.ie/parks/gal ... -park.html

[Cruz]

Prices to Ireland are ridiculous. I know when we went I managed to wangle some 'event ticket' offer that was doing the rounds that brought the price down to £180 flexible return (Stranraer to belfast, Dublin to Holyhead).

I priced it up the other day and it was over £350

We need a bridge/tunnel

[MacWilliam]

we'll probably go round the island within a week!

not much point going then as you need loads of time to chill and see stuff
mm

Well everybody has they own way of chilling out.
Seeing is one way, playing and listening is another.

Found some gigs in Donegal http://www.frankiekennedy.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like there is a good session also in Bray, county wicklow and another one near Cork on the 27th...
http://www.debarra.ie/index.php?q=node/318" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That'll keep us chilled out ...

Booked the ferry from Cairnryan. It is 300 quid for a T3 and two adults. The GSD and the pipes get across for free!

[OXI]

MacWilliam,

If you like traditional Irish music you'll find hundreds of pubs have sessions all summer. Just ask in pubs wherever you are and you'll soon find out where to go.

If you come to Belfast there are two campsites on the edge of the city and great music most nights in various pubs.

We have several big music festivals in the city too covering blues, jazz, indie, folk, rock etc.

Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic holiday and enjoy Ireland.

Frank.

[MacWilliam]

MacWilliam,

Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic holiday and enjoy Ireland.

Frank.

Thanks Frank

I'll have to make de most of this winter week as that is the only opportunity i'll get to visit Ireland..committed to spend two weeks in France to keep in touch with family and the guys on our forum (T3Zone.com)

But I am sure the folk scene is vibrant in Ireland and that I wont be left stranded....;o)

w

[Louey]

I've been to Ireland many many times, sadly only once in the camper (and that was very memorable).

We spent 4 weeks hopping around visting family and friends and only spent two nights on one campsite. You can Wild Camp easily and safely. We stopped in Dun Laoghaire near to a fantastic 'Bathing Spot' called Forty Foot- a memorable swim (not sure who screamed louder at the cold, Heather or me) which was next to the Jame Joyce Tower & Museum. There is also Purty Loft, a music venue that I saw Rob Strong playing (father of Commitment singer Andrew Strong) who gave me a ticket to see James Brown at the Point

South of Dun Laoghaire is County Wicklow - a drive and a wild camp near GlendaLough is recommened - perhaps Sally Gap as its nice and quiet. South from ther eis Cork - I had a shot time there a few years back so I can't recommend it, plus its a city and I like ot get away from them as much as possible - hence I haven't mentioned Dublin (like London but with a Paddy theme).

The west coast is amazing from the Dinlge all the way up to Sligo - if you love a surf (bring your own board as hire is rare) then I can tell you that Strandhill in Sligo will knock you for six - and the only campsite we used was there, I would rate it 3 out of 5. Its right next to the beach too. Near there is a place called Queen Meaves Grave/tomb a site to bee seen, especially from the top of it - wish I had a panoramic camera back then .

I could go on for weeks about Donegal - add all the superlatives here If you want music then try McGrory's of Culdaff some fantastic artist play there, good food and atmosphere. Heading into the North I have to say good things about my home town Of Derry - always had a good time there even during the troubles when I was about 18ish - never had a bad night or experience (apart fromt he soldiers pointing guns at you). You must spend a night within the confines of the Lough Navar Forest Drive. It is home to some great walks, views out over Lower Lough Erne into the North and Donegal and you might see the Pereguine Falcons too - one of the best wild camp spots we've ever done. The North Antrim Coast has fantatsic beacher, the Giants Causeway (very worth while), The Bushmills Distillery and Glenariff Forest Park.

Plenty to see and do. Don't forget your camera

[MacWilliam]

Brilliant Louey....You've just shrunk the island for us..

Loads to read before we set off..

[Plasticman]

as Louy says, weve friends there, and you can spend a month in the county and only scratch the surface, here s a link to
http://www.ardara.ie/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
then just up the way to
http://www.magherabeach.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
at low tide walk to the island and pick wild oysters and loads of muscles etc. friend has some grasseaters there that he lets out for riding, straight onto the beach..
down to
http://www.killybegs.ie/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
we park on the harbour next to the fishing boats, loads to do round town and the garage on the way in )from ardara) does autogas.
mike

[sonic23]

We spend most of our holiday in Inishowen this year.....which to me is the cream of what Donegal has to offer.
I'll probably eat my words, but there may be a wee feature on it early next year in Camper and Commercial

[MacWilliam]

Well that is it over and done. Thanks for the tips. Donegal turned out to be wet (yes....) and Wicklow 18 degrees warmer than our neck of the woods. It was nice to escape the winter grip.

Wonderfull walks in the Wicklow hills, and on a farm in Kildare. Very much like home from home!



I'll recommend this campsite which is a secure cheap way to spend a first night for 18 quid when turning up at night. Jordanstown campsite in Newtownabbey, 15 odd miles south of Larne on the coast. Immaculate and secure.



Thanks Martin Hayes for top class music at the Frankie Kennedy music festival. Donegal is the place for me.




The Causeway was a wee bit clogged by tourists but well worth a visit.

[1664]

The Causeway was a wee bit clogged by tourists but well worth a visit.

Funnily enough I was just telling a mate of mine about that last night. Bet you didn't walk back up that hill either...

[MacWilliam]

lost your bet: We walked down and back up a good bit further past the stones to the "organs" pipes despite some warning about land slides and back to the car park.

The coastal walk is very similar to our neck of the woods (without the fancy stones and the tourists at this time of the year). Completely drenched when we reached the van and had to change clothes.

We left Bushmills at about 10:30, landed in Cairnryan at 18:30 and hit home near Elgin at 02:00 am.
The crossing was smooth despite witnessing some really rough waves at the Giant Causeway.

I'll most probably book the complete week at the Frankie Kennedy festival next year now that I have had a taste of it.



Now there's a story about the night we spend at the Ballyshannon campsite. Having crossed Kildare, Roscommon by way of Portlaoise, Tullamore, Athlone, Boyle and Sligo, the weather deteriorated quite drastically. Shaken like leaf by strong westerly winds, we decide to pull in at the Ballyshannon campsite to spend the night. The place is open with some team playing outdoor some form of captivating match of some kind under pissing rain.

Early night, slept like logs gently rocked by the wind. Up at 09:00, coffee and here we go............hmmmmmmm.....nooooops..The gate is locked with us inside the campsite!
The Garda responded and "Yous'll be fine!....dont move (dough!!) I'll go to the shop down the road and find out who has a key"
One hour later, the very nice Garda man returns to tell us that the owner is on site in a grey camper, but has a reputation of being a wee bit unpredictable. Would I knock on the door while the policeman stands well back from the vehicle!.....

No joy, no sign of life in that grey camper. The garda leaves us another hour and comes back delighted. He has found a key which is in the pocket of some sporty chap. The latter is at the dentist an hours drive away and will open the gate when he returns, and dont worry, "yous'll be just fine"

We got back our freedom just in time to drive to Crolly, have a huge fish supper at enya's pub before the concert.

[1664]

lost your bet: We walked down and back up a good bit further past the stones to the "organs" pipes despite some warning about land slides and back to the car park.

I didn't know there was an alternative way back up...


I hopped on the bus

[OXI]

Great story MacWilliam.

That site in Ballyshannon is excellent. That's the place to stay during the Ballyshannon Rory Gallagher festival.

Did you stay in the Sleepy Hollow site in Crolly? It's small but cosy and friendly.

I've camped all over Ireland and I love Donegal but I'd find it impossible to choose a favourite area. The Burren area in Co Clare is very interesting and captivationg.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Frank.