We went to Wicklow a few years ago, and really hated it, couldnt wait for the week to end.
Had my daughter and her friend with us (about 17/18 at the time), and the locals of a similar age were really rude, unpleasant and threatening towards them. The Friday night of our stay was the beginning of a Bank Holiday and the site became packed with what we were told were `Dubliners`. TBH they would have been more at home on a landfill site. I have never, before or since, seen people unzip tents to throw their rubbish out - then zip them back up again! Incredible!
i just couldn`t see what the great attraction was, the scenery wasn`t a patch on areas such as Cumbria, Scottish Highlands, Northumberland, or even South Wales (without mentioning Devon, Cornwall, Dorset......).
Eating out was expensive for pretty poor quality food, and I even got my manufacturers plate ripped out of the side of the van on the crossing (popular scam - stick it on a stolen van - at least prior to window etching)
The ferry crossings are a rip-off, and I just found the place unfriendly and uncomfortable.
My brother, on the other hand, regularly goes fishing in the South West of the Republic and loves it, but even he admits is totally different.
I`m sure the OP will tell me my experience is not representative - he may well be correct - but whilst there are lots of other beautiful places to go where my spending in the local economy is not met with mutterings and scowls, I won`t be going anywhere near the place.
And there is more than enough other places to see out my lifetime.
As I am from Dublin, I myself have encountered a bad attitude in places too.
But I find most places very welcoming in general.
You may have had a bad trip due to some ignorant locals and in some case asshole Dubs that put us all to shame.
I have met many UK families in towns like Rathdrum, and they really enjoyed it.
When I camp, even I avoid young Dubliners, as they can often be very loud and threatening. Most campsites these days have 24 hr security and have no problem removing these anti social idiots from the pitch.
We have Camped In a village called Redcross In Wicklow In 2005. Unfortunatly . I did not like the Site . My OH thought it was ok. But I found It very commercial . And the pitchs very close together . We were given a very tight spot on the site hemmed in all around by other tents .
I refused to take it . Eventually we were given a pitch on the end of a row In a quiter area . It did not start the holiday well as we had travelled over on the ferry arriving late afternoon then drove about 50miles to Wicklow . Got lost a few times the found the Village of Redcross Which to our horror was very run down and delapidated . I had got very bad vibes about all of this .
But as the days went on . ( It was glorious June weather ) We got used to the site . Everybody was very friendly . Then we went out every day and The Scenery was stunning we visited all the beauty spots . The mountains lakes the statley homes and we loved Glendalough . Which has an Aura about it . We also visited the beachs . And went Into Dublin On day visits by train . All In all It turned out a nice holiday . And my own opinion Is Wicklow is lovely . And cant fault it .
It might have been better if I had have even picked a campsite nearer to Dublin . Or more Rural one .
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I dont know when we will be going back . As the last time me and the OH stayed at Glendalough In a Bungalow . In 2007. We got a package deal from Imagine .
It Included the ferry travel & accomadation . .
We had a great time touring Wicklow all the beautiful places . And visiting relatives In Dublin . And Kildare .
Dublin Jim......I have stayed at Clondalkin and Red Cross more than once and I love the place. Clondalkin is a train (tram) ride from the city if you have a car to get to the station, and what an experience. We both found the people are very friendly and helpfull in Dublin and couldnt fault it. And the site at Red Cross, well, I could stay there for ever. Thepart in the top corner where the kids dont go is lovely, and clean and tidy all the time, plus the entertainment in the pub is great. Try a train ride from Wicklow to Dunleoghre ( cant spell that) or into Dublin the scenery is great all along the coast. I cannot find fault with the country or the people, I love the place. Maybe its the attitude of the English tourists. We have been over for the past 4yrs and WILL come again.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Republic South Dublin
Hello Dublin Jim . 
