Room with a view: Why camping out is ‘in’ for the Irish

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

IN THE PAST few years, the Irish have taken to camping like never before.

And, as a result, our campsites are offering better facilities than ever. Figures published earlier this year show that just over 80% of those camping in Ireland were Irish themselves — this compares with 56% in 2010. The weather might not be the most reliable this summer, but who says camping can’t be fun? We sent 13 camping ‘newbies’ to a selection of sites recommended by the Irish Caravan and Camping Council, to test facilities, review the services on offer, and report back. The prevalence of on-site mobile homes meant that, for most, the weather wasn’t a huge drawback. Here’s how they got on.

* The Irish Caravan and Camping Council is a National Trade association, which comprises approximately 100 caravan and camping-park operators, whose sites are Failte Ireland-registered and are classified by the organisation.

For details on planning your caravan and camping holiday in Ireland, see the website, which has all of the information you will need to organise an Irish camping holiday, including the details of 100 ICC Failte Ireland-registered and classified campsites and caravan parks, special offers, and tips for first-timers, as well as information on the sale and hire of camping equipment.

* www.camping.ie

Beech Grove Caravan and Camping Park, Fossa, Killarney, Co Kerry

By Marc O’Sullivan

Say ‘Killarney’ and most people groan, citing its influx of summer tourists as reason to avoid it. Mention its hinterland and most people smile: Kerry will never be short of willing visitors.

Killarney is a useful centre of dining, shopping and nightlife. Beech Grove is just a mile outside the town, on the road to Killorglin. It is run by Joan and Tony Wharton, who also run the Doughlasha B&B, nearby. The campsite is new, but is proving hugely successful. It has spaces for camper vans, caravans and tents, and they also hire out a range of mobile homes.

Our mobile home was one of the largest, a three-bedroom home from home that easily accommodated four adults and would comfortably have fitted six had we used all four of the beds in its two small bedrooms, and had I not insisted on sleeping alone when I occupied the master bedroom.

There was also a bathroom — the word is entirely appropriate, as there was, indeed, a bath in it, as well as a shower — a kitchen, and a living-room area, with a gas fire and television.

The campsite also has a shower-room and toilets — both ladies’ and gents’ were spotlessly clean — as well as laundry facilities, a games room — with a TV and pool table — a small shop, barbeques and free wi-fi. Bicycle hire is also available, and cycling and fishing tours can be arranged.

The campsite’s proximity to Killarney, Aghadoe, the Gap of Dunloe, Killorglin and Milltown ensures one is spoilt for choice travelling to destinations by car or bicycle.

For those with a desire to be further elevated, Carrauntouhill — Ireland’s highest mountain — is mere miles away.

In the course of the weekend, we went on a guided tour of Muckross House, being reminded again of how even the formidable Queen Victoria was wowed by the natural beauty of the mountains and lakes of the Muckross Estate and its environs.

If the grandeur of Muckross House seemed a little offensive to the more egalitarian among us, the same could hardly be said of Torc waterfall, a sight that would surely soothe the most cynical and embittered of souls.

Afterwards, we dined happily in the Pay As You Please restaurant in Killarney, where one is invited to deposit in a jar exactly what one feels one’s meal is worth. For most, the experience is priceless.

The worst that could be said of Beech Grove is that it is beside the main Killarney/Killorglin road, and there is a great deal of traffic, even at night.

The riposte to that is: what do you expect? This is Kerry, after all, a place that is alive with visitors at any hour.

* www.beechgrovecaravanandcamping.com

Tel: 00 353 (0)64-6671848; mobile: 00 353 (0)87-9048123; info@killarneybedandbreakfast.com

Location: 9/10

Reception: 9/10

Services: 8/10

Facilities 8/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Entertainment: 8/10

Value for Money: 8/10

Overall Experience: 8/10

Prices: Six-berth mobile home: €400 — 450, Jul 2 — Aug 30; or €200 — 230, Mar 24 — Jul 1, and Aug 31 to Sep 30.

Eight-berth mobile home: €490, Jul/Aug; €300 March — June, Sept.

Camper van/caravan pitch per night: unit + two adults + two children, €24, July/Aug; €21 Mar — June, Sept.

Tent (per person): €8 Jul/Aug, €6 Mar — June, Sept.

Eagle Point Camping, Ballylickey, Bantry, West Cork

By Irene Feighan

With the reception situated at the entrance, we were warmly welcomed, shown a map of the site and offered three different camping locations. It was a no-brainer, we went for the one with the dramatic view nearest the sea. We turned down the option of an electric connection in favour of the stunning view. It made the camping experience all the more authentic. Once the batteries died down on the Nintendos, the children had no choice but to get stuck in — putting up the tent, pumping up the air beds, fetching water and helping to prepare the dinner. Life, blissfully, slowed to a happy heart beat.

Water was easily available throughout the site — it was a novelty to wash the dishes outdoors with nothing more than a tap hanging from a stick. For the heavy-duty washing, there was also the option of a pot-room/scullery. For those on longer stays, there were full laundry facilities available, right down to an ironing board.

Toilets and showers were spic and span — and would pass muster in any hospital setting. In our toilet block the men and women shared the same entrance which I found a tad disconcerting — perhaps not surprising given my single-sex education. An excellent well-stocked shop is to be found across the road, though watch the traffic if crossing with smallies.

Developed on an outcrop of rock along the coast line of West Cork, the 20-acre camp site is in a pitch-perfect setting. It’s ideal for water lovers — everywhere we looked there were small dingies scattered along the beaches with children jumping in and out of the water in wetsuits!. Otherwise, entertainment was limited for small children — we found a sandpit but little else. The TV room was not open on the evening we went looking. But the tennis courts proved a big hit, as did the breathtaking walks along the coastline.

* www.eaglepointcamping.ie or telephone 027 50630

Reception: 10/10

Location: 8/10

Services: 9/10

Facilities: 7/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

Entertainment: 8/10

Value for Money: 10/10

Overall experience: 9/10

Prices: At €35 a night for two adults and two children, it’s the cheapest holiday we’ve ever had, and we left it on a high.

Prices start at €12 per night.

St Margaret’s Beach Caravan & Camping Park Ladys Island, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford

By Lisa Jewell

My last memories of staying in a mobile home were from a family trip in the early 90s. I don’t remember much about the accommodation as we were too busy spending time on the beach and playing rounders in the caravan park grounds.

There were six of us on that holiday so it must have been a tight squeeze. This time around, there was just me and my friend Ann Marie, so the mobile home felt more spacious.

The p&ark is located about 20 minutes from Rosslare, Co Wexford.

The weather was typically nice in the sunny South East.

The nearby St Margaret’s Beach was an absolute gem and we also ventured down to Rosslare Strand for a stroll. We checked out Butler’s Bar for lunch but that was as far as the entertainment for the weekend went.

The caravan park itself was well kept and fairly quiet (though there was a barbecue being organised for the Ireland-Croatia Euro match the next night).

The décor inside the mobile home was what I remembered from my last stay — a little dated but perfectly clean and comfortable. There was a shed outside with a barbecue, table and chairs.

The double room was comfy enough and there were two other rooms with twin beds. Ann Marie shoved the two beds together because they were so narrow that they seemed to be designed solely for small children.!

There was free wi-fi, a small TV with free-to-air channels and a lot of seating space to curl up to watch a film. There was a separate shower and toilet (though we forgot that you have to turn on the gas to get hot water — amateurs!)

Staying in a mobile home is probably a better bet for a family break than a girls’ weekend, but all in all, it was a pleasant stay and a break from the norm of city life.

* www.campingstmargarets.ie

053 9131169 / 085 1574650

Location: 8/10

Reception: 7/10

Services: 8/10

Facilities: 7/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Entertainment: 6/10

Value for money: 8/10

Overall experience: 7/10

Prices for mobile home rental start from €275 per week (or €50 per night) low season and start from €400 per week high season (June 18 to end August).

Lakeside Holiday Park, Mountshannon, Co Clare

By Peter Walsh

Our family weekend away at the Lakeside Holiday Park, in Mountshannon, Co Clare, was a resounding success. We had the pleasure of staying in one of the five mobile homes, located right on the water’s edge, that the park rents to visitors.

The park is enchanting, surrounded by woodlands, with the backdrop of the truly spectacular Lough Derg, but yet within easy walking distance of the picturesque Mountshannon village.

Facilities on the site are both convenient and clean, and you will get a warm and friendly welcome from staff.

You can enjoy a variety of water sports, with canoes and boats available for rent if you fancy a paddle or a spot of fishing. For those who prefer camping or taking the campervan, you will find plenty of excellent lake-view pitches.

Of the many highlights of our weekend, we took the plunge and tested the waters out with a quick swim (with a wetsuit, it was May, after all).

Encouraged by the shouts from my eldest of ‘go on daddy’, I realised there was no turning back. So, off I went, for some strange reason followed by a swan. My wife explained that my daughter was asking her if the swan was going ‘to eat daddy’.

The nearby village of Mountshannon offers great entertainment for adults and children alike.

In the Aistear Park, there is a fabulous playground, alongside an elaborate maze aptly named ‘the maze’.

The pubs have some great beer gardens, thus granting this reviewer a welcome opportunity for a pint.

The family highlight of the trip was renting a boat and going out on the lake. With calm waters and the breathtaking scenery, it was a magical experience.

* www.lakesideireland.com or 061-927225

Location: 9/10

Reception: 9/10

Services: 9/10

Facilities: 9/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Entertainment: 8/10

Value for Money: 9/10

Overall Experience: 8/10

Prices: A four-berth mobile home hire for two nights, in peak season, will set you back €159, and a family tent is €24 (per night). A full price list is available on the website.

Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny

By Tommy Barker

Not every campsite has to be by the sea — but try telling children that when you go to book a spot to bed down for your holiday nights. Kilkenny’s Nore Valley Park has the next best thing — the River Nore.

It flows stoically two fields below the farm/site, with nature walks by the river, the chance to go fishing, cycling, kayaking (we did a downriver paddle, and a cycle back to base, see www.gowiththeflow.ie), or tap into the area’s rich history and archaeology. Kilkenny is just six miles away. Add in attractions like Jerpoint, Newgrange-like tombs at Windgap, art and craft at Thomastown and Bennettsbridge, the famous Mosse pottery and the days clock by fairly fast. International visitors like its easy reach from ferries at Rosslare.

Inland Nore Park has been a campsite for nearly 25 years, run by Samuel and Isobel Harper who live in the adjoining 300-year-old farmhouse, and they’ve added attractions down the years. They’ve won campsite awards for being environmentally sensitive. Carefully-run, smallies will still be agog at the pet farm.

There’s also a simply built maze and a pedal go-cart track plus crazy golf — there’s extra charges for these. ! Nore Valley’s got 60 to 70 pitches for tents, campers and caravans, plus a clutch of mobile homes. Ours was functional, clean, and slept eight.

* www.norevalleypark.com, www.trailkilkenny.ie,

056 7727229

Location: 9/10; Reception: 8/10; Services: 8/10; Facilities: 8/10; Atmosphere: 7/10; Entertainment: 7/10; Value for Money: 6/10; Overall Experience: 7/10

Prices: Camper €11, caravan €12, tent €10.50 per night, plus €4 per person. Mobile home €280-€400 per week, sleeps 6/8.

Fossa Caravan and Camping Park, Killarney, Co Kerry

By Noelle McCarthy

Fossa Camping Park itself is in a fairly unprepossessing location, it has to be said, beside the busy main road to and from Killarney.

You pull into a truck-stop basically, pretty much on the roadside, but having checked in to the park, you’re then free to make your way up behind the main reception to what turns out to be a leafy little oasis of green trees and bird-song.

The camp is well laid out, with excellent facilities. Its location means it works best as a tranquil little base from which to explore the landscape that surrounds it, or as a pitstop for weary travellers en route to Killarney from the Ring of Kerry. Killarney National Park is a 10 minutes car-ride away. Ross Castle was another National Park revelation, a hugely atmospheric 15th century ruin that was, apparently, the inspiration for Castle Dracula.

* www.fossacampingkillarney.com

064 6631497

Location: 5/10

Reception: 9/10

Services: 9/10

Facilities: 9/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Entertainment: 6/10

Value for Money: 9/10

Overall Experience: 8/10

Prices: Pitch rates July-August: Motorhome €11, caravan €11, tent €11 plus fees per person. Adult €6, child (under 16) €2.50 Showers €1 Mobile home Rates. July-August Per week.

6 Berth from €480-€360 (High Season) 4 Berth from €360-€340 (High Season).

River Valley Holiday Park, Redcross Village, Co Wicklow

By Deirdre Reynolds

Set just off the N11 from Dublin to Wexford, and with picturesque Brittas Bay, Glendalough and Powerscourt all just a short jaunt away, it’s the perfect spot for exploring the Garden of Ireland.

Once we’d settled into our spacious six-bed mobile home, we didn’t want to leave. With rain forecast, we feared spending the weekend watching the kettle boil like Ted and Dougal. Gathered around the gas fire with a few beers and a pack of cards, not even the dark clouds brewing over our site dampened our spirits. Equipped with electric hook-ups on each site (electricity €3 per night) right down to loo roll (just nip to the shop across the road), these days you can leave the kitchen sink at home. During the day there’s crazy golf, tennis courts, pool tables and a playground to keep the kids entertained. At night, Mickey Finn’s Pub & Restaurant on-site is where it’s all happening.

The small-but-friendly reception can get a little cramped and the pool hall could do with a lick of paint. When the sun came out and the ice-cream van jingled into the park, there were certainly no complaints from this group of happy campers. * www.rivervalleypark.ie

Tel: 0404 41647

Location: 9/10

Reception: 8/10

Services: 9/10

Facilities: 8/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

Entertainment: 9/10

Value for Money: 9/10

Overall Experience: 10/10

Prices: Caravanning, camping and motor homes: Site fee from €10 per night, adults €6, child €4

Ballinacourty House, Co Tipperary

By Vickie Maye

Ballinacourty is in a spectacular location, nestled in the Galtees in Tipperary, but as a result it’s very remote.

We had stayed in a Clare campsite two years earlier and it was bustling and full of kids. So the girls – aged 13 and six — had the same expectations this time around. Ballinacourty’s campsite was quiet, though, aside from a group of Brownies who never broke from their troop. So it was a little mellow for the kids.

There was a small games room and a fantastic little playground in Ballinacourty, but it was, unfortunately, a little too isolated for us to seek out other activities on our first evening.

We figured it might just have been a quiet weekend at the campsite – the rain showers and grey clouds surely turned people away — but we both agreed it was a stunning location for adults at any time of year, and especially for hillwalkers.

Ballinacourty doubles as a B&B and it looked absolutely magical. The restaurant, with its beautiful cobbled courtyard, must be something very special too — it was packed out the night we stayed and boasts top notch reviews on Trip Advisor.

It was very apparent this is a family business, with great attention to cleanliness and detail. The showers, in particular, were spotless, with piping hot water.

The next day we woke to the breathtaking, mountain views and ventured to the nearby Aherlow Nature Park. Later, after a picnic, we headed to Mitchelstown Caves in the afternoon. So there’s plenty to keep you occupied by day. All in all, then, a stunning, if somewhat quiet, camping destination.

* www.camping.ie

062 56559 / 087 3278573

Location: 10 for hill walkers, 5 for kids (very remote)

Reception: 5/10

Services: 10/10

Facilities: 8/10

Atmosphere: 5/10

Entertainment: 5/10

Value for money: 10/10

Overall experience: 7/10

Prices: €13 for a tent, + €5 per adult and €4 per child.

Hideaway Camping and Caravan Park, Skibbereen

By Louise Roseingrave

My camping experience was limited to festivals and no-one likes camping at festivals. Hence my doubts. The Hideaway camping and caravan park, on the outskirts of Skibbereen, is ideal for exploring the wilds of west Cork, but it still involved tents.

We arrived late, after cycling the wonderful boreens, which were resplendent in the first flowering of fuchsia. The camping park owner, Helen Keohane, greeted us. The four-acre park is laid out around a central block that houses reception, a games room, kitchen, dining, laundry, showers and toilets, so you’re close to the comforts of civilisation.

Happily, the camping area (as oppose to motorhomes) is the best part of the site, tucked away behind a thick hedge with views of rolling hills. We scooted off into Skibbereen, a ten-minute walk, where we sipped wine among actual grapevines at Baby Hannah’s pub.

There’s something exhilarating about sneaking past sleeping guests housed in tents and campers in the wee hours of the morning. Woken later by birdsong, I stuck my head out to see the moon still glowing as dawn broke.

Five-minute hot showers cost €1, a fair exchange for the immaculate facilities, which include an elaborate children’s playground.

I’m a camping convert.

* www.camping.ie 028-22254/028-33280

Location: 9/10

Reception: 7/10

Services: 8/10

Facilities: 8/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

Entertainment: 6/10

Value for Money: 7/10

Overall Experience: 9/10

Prices: Camping for two in one tent costs €20; the price for campervans is the same, with a €3 nightly fee for electricity, if required.

A night’s camping with two adults and two children in a tent costs €26; and €29 in a campervan.

Glenross Caravan and Camping Park, Glenbeigh, Co Kerry

By David Young

Glenbeigh, a plum spot on the Ring of Kerry, between Killorglin and Cahirciveen, is an immaculately tended village, tree-lined and trimmed by stone walls.

The place is nothing if not subtle in orienting you to the stunning views of the Dingle peninsula and mountains, and the bright sandy strip of Inch strand, across the bay. On its own side of the water, there’s a six mile stretch of blue flag beach in nearby Rossbeigh. Yet, I still expected camping there would demand being tucked away, out of sight, tightly coralled in the corner of a field with other hardy, outdoorsy holiday makers.

Anything but. The ‘Glenross’, where I was hosted by Kathy and Sean Fleming, was prairie-like, sitting on the edge of the village; this is an award-winning touring site. It was top of the range: kitted out with gas-fired cooking hob and oven, a full kitchen (and sink), gas-fired heating, and a pipingly-hot shower. The Glenbeigh hotel stands next door, where they serve the freshest fish, and the odd pint of plain.

* www.campingkerry.com 066 9768451 (May-Sept) / 087 1376865 / 064 6631590 (Oct-Apr)

Location: 9/10

Reception: 9/10

Services: 10/10

Facilities: 10/10

Atmosphere: 9/10

Entertainment: 9/10

Value for Money: 9/10

Overall Experience: 9/10

Prices: The max. tariff for a mobile home in the Glenross campsite is €650 (Jun 30th — Aug 17th).

In ‘low season’ (Apr 7th — Jun 15th and Sept 1st — Sept 28th) the tariffs drop to between €300 and €490. In ‘mid-season’ the tariffs range between €400 and €650. All sleep six happy campers.

Caravan and Car: €9

Tent and Car: €9

Motorhome: €9

Hiker/Cyclist and Tent: €9.50

Campail Teach an Aragail (Oratory House Camping), Dingle, Co Kerry

By Claire O’Sullivan

Some people like their camping fancy but I’m more than happy with the basics. Facilities-wise, Teach an Aragail is basic (there are clothes washing facilities, a fridge and microwave, but we couldn’t find an electric kettle), yet when it comes to location it’s hard to beat.

Added to that, the weekend that we spent at Teach an Aragail probably had the best weather of 2012 so my opinion is probably entirely coloured by the beauty of west Kerry beaches when the skies are blue and cloudless.

The Teach an Aragail site is 10-15 minutes outside Dingle and just three minutes from Mhuirioch and Baile na nGall beach. Breakfast was sausages from the takeaway barbecue followed by the day at the beach before coming home to more barbie steak. Happy as ... the proverbial.

There’s a good playground and sandpit at Teach an Aragail so the kids played happily as we prepared dinner.

There are also plenty of showers on site for post-beach scrubdowns. You have to pay a euro for the shower — something which didn’t bother me but could mightily irritate others.

We put up the tent on Friday night but unfortunately, a lot of the pitches aren’t hugely protected from the wind, meaning that we discovered a bit of tent-rip when we woke up Saturday morning.

However, the campsite owners were more than helpful with fix-up and even came around and steadied up our tent when we were at the beach later that day. They were also great sources of information on what to do in the area.

For instance, the site is just 10 minutes walk from one of Ireland’s earliest Christian churches, the Gallarus Oratory (above), which dates back to somewhere between the 6th and 12th century — depending on which local historian you talk to.

There’s also the Tigh TP bar and restaurant, renowned for its sessions and there’s also angling and horse riding available nearby.

To be honest, we didn’t even want to sample any of these as we’d fallen in love with the local beaches.

There are 42 pitches so there is plenty of room. The site, we noted, was very busy with campervans. Teach an Aragail markets itself as the most westerly campsite in Ireland. Oh, and if you’re using electricity, that costs an extra €4.

* Teach an Aragail, Gallarus, Dingle, Ballydavid, Co Kerry.

066-9155143; 086-8191942.

Location: 10/10 (on a summer’s day)

Reception: 8/10

Services: 8/10

Facilities: 6/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Entertainment: 6/10

Value for Money: 7/10

Overall Experience: 9/10

Prices: Tent pitch rates range from €9 to €26

€9: hiker/cyclist

€20: Unit + 2 adults

€26: Unit + 2 adults + 2 children

Fleming’s White Bridge Caravan & Camping Park, Killarney, Co Kerry

By Conor Power

Initial impressions are surprising. I had often seen signs for this site, but had never known where it was. It is on the outskirts of the town, but in a pleasant residential area. The entrance is sandwiched between a railway bridge and a river and it’s hard to believe how much space there is and how peaceful it is, given its close proximity to the busy tourist town.

Mobile homes are near the entrance and that’s where we stayed. Given that the weather was on the cool side, we had opted for leaving the tent at home and availing of a more warmer family living space.

The large site is separated into three sections. Each is nicely mature and has a different character and each one has a sanitary block with common room and clean, well-maintained facilities, with the sanitary block in the first section undergoing a complete pre-season overhaul.

There’s good thought given to making the experience of the camper as comfortable as possible. I liked the little side garden, slightly hidden from view, where picnic tables are laid out under an apple tree. Further into the site, there’s an old tree with a tyre swing. These touches remind you that you’re not in some characterless pack-‘em-in joint but a family-run establishment. The maintenance is immaculate throughout, with a variety of tall boundaries (varied hedging, fencing and stone wall).

Bike hire is available through the campsite. With the weather on the inclement side, we opted for a tour in the car instead. We went on a higgledy-piggledy route that was recommended by the camp site owners — thoroughly scenic and enjoyable. The drama of the constantly-changing views even kept our children amused — starting at Muckross House and finishing up (via the Connor Pass) with drinks and refreshments at Kate Kearney’s Cottage.

We also availed of the discount deal that campsite dwellers can get in the nearby leisure centre, which has an excellent and entertaining family-friendly swimming pool.

* www.killarneycamping.com 064 6631590 / 086 3630266

Location: 9/10

Reception: 10/10

Services: 9/10

Facilities: 10/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

Entertainment: 7/10

Value for Money: 8/10

Overall Experience: 9/10

Prices: Pitch rates range from €9.50 to €30 or €9.50 — hiker/cyclist

€29/30 — Unit + 2 adults + 2 kids.

Ocean Island Park, Fethard-On-Sea, New Ross, Co Wexford

By Claire Droney

Total seclusion and relaxation are the order of the day at Ocean Island Caravan Park. Located about one mile from the tiny village of Fethard-On-Sea, the two-acre park caters for tents, caravans and camper vans, as well as offering mobile homes for rent.

The park is basic and spotless, with a shower and laundry block in the centre, as well as a lovely children’s playground. The games room and shop will open in July.

* Tel: 051 397148 Mobile: 087 2415682 info@oceanislandmobilehomes.com

Location: 6/10

Reception: 6/10

Services: 6/10

Facilities: 7/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

Entertainment: 6/10

Value for Money: 6/10

Overall Experience: 7/10

Prices: Type A (Atlas) 3 Bedroom, 12’ wide

2nd June – 14th July : €300

14th July – 25th August: €350

25th August-30th September: €350

Type B (Wilerby) 2 Bedroom, 12’ wide

2nd June – 14th July : €300

14th July – 25th August: €500

25th August-30th September: €300

Weekend Rates

Bank Holiday: €300/ €250

Off Peak: €200/€150

Camping per night: €20 per unit

Extra charges include electricity and awning (€2 per person per night/€20 per unit) and €12 per person per week/€120 per unit)

Awning over night per unit €5, and €30 weekly.

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