On 4 separate trips this year we managed to stay in all 4 Irish provinces, each trip getting progressively better.
We started off in April with 5 days in The Meadows CL, near the small village of Gortin, Co. Tyrone, Ulster. A pleasant enough place for a short break but we didn't travel very far, this was just a starter trip really.
Then in May we went to Belleek in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Connaught for 2 weeks. Nice site, town a bit ordinary and very busy but lots of good places to visit - Westport, Downpatrick Head, Ceide Fields and the Museum of Country Life being highlights. So much space in Mayo out in the countryside and coast. Nice short walking in small woods beside the site with a good castle / hotel restaurant. The weather varied from wet to windy to wet & windy. All in all though, very enjoyable.
Our main trip was the whole month of July to Co. Cork, Munster.
First week was at the very tidy Blarney park, lots of space, good facilities, although you had to drive to get anywhere, and the area was quite busy. Blarney castle gardens and Cobh were the main highlights.
The second week was supposed to be in Mountain Forge Escape near Clonality, but we only stayed 3 nights, our nerves were shattered by the near constant playing of football and hurling on the camping field around the caravans. A shame, a well placed site with promise but having to guard your caravan does not make for a relaxing break. Clonality town was nice, it was the only place we got to.
So that meant we now were going to spend 2.5 weeks in Eagle Point near Bantry. What a treat this place was, stunning setting, an adults only section, some wonderful inexpensive restaurants in the area too. Bantry and Glengarrif towns are nearby and a host of other attractions like Bantry house and gardens, Kenmare, Garnish island garden, and the various peninsulas to explore. I think the forest of Gougane Bara just might be my new favourite place on earth.
The final trip in September was for 2 weeks to River Valley in the village of Redcross, Co. Wicklow, Leinster. An all singing all dancing family site this, but again we were on the adults only section for some peace and quiet. This was a good finish to the year, watching red kites soaring over the site and visits to the wonderful Glendalough and the treetop walk in Avondale forest plus a massive number of Wicklow gardens. I wouldn't say River Valley was better than Eagle Point, but different and in its own way just as good.
Bantry and the adults only sections of both Eagle Point and River Valley make it onto our Top X sites in Ireland (X currently equals 8).
Thanks for that! We enjoy visiting gardens (professional interest, despite being retired now) so the Wicklow area sounds interesting for us. Just the ferry from Cairnryan & the onward journey to factor in…
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 28/12/2024
But you didn't get to Donegal! Missed one of the best bits, but the price of sites is astronomical.
We've been to South Donegal a few times, but only to a B&B. We're hoping to take the caravan next year somewhere near Glenveagh, likely either Dungloe or Sleepy Hollows.
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 28/12/2024
Thanks for that! We enjoy visiting gardens (professional interest, despite being retired now) so the Wicklow area sounds interesting for us. Just the ferry from Cairnryan & the onward journey to factor in
Powerscourt, Russborough House, Killruddery House, The National Garden Exhibition at Kilquade, Mount Usher, The National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh and although not gardens Glendalough and Avondale forest are all well worth a visit. As are the Japanese Gardens
In neighbouring Co. Kildare.
If you use a Scotland ferry, I would also recommend stopping off at the C&CC site at Delamont in Co. Down to visit the NT properties at Mount Stewart, Castle Ward and Rowallane.
Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 28/12/2024
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 28/12/2024
Thanks for that! We enjoy visiting gardens (professional interest, despite being retired now) so the Wicklow area sounds interesting for us. Just the ferry from Cairnryan & the onward journey to factor in
Powerscourt, Russborough House, Killruddery House, The National Garden Exhibition at Kilquade, Mount Usher, The National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh and although not gardens Glendalough and Avondale forest are all well worth a visit. As are the Japanese Gardens
In neighbouring Co. Kildare.
If you use a Scotland ferry, I would also recommend stopping off at the C&CC site at Delamont in Co. Down to visit the NT properties at Mount Stewart, Castle Ward and Rowallane.
Post last edited on 28/12/2024 20:58:56
Thanks for the reminder. Been to those and a number of other estates & gardens in the Belfast & Dublin areas, with several colleagues taking a college field trip. Driving the minibus through Dublin at rush hour was memorable.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 29/12/2024
We got lost in Dublin before sat nav days and the motorway. Off the ferry, t junction with no road signs.
The college minibus didn’t have satnav. We were working off a map & road signs. A toll booth was involved too; thankfully I’ve forgotten the details.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: All Four Provinces
via mobile 28/12/2024 at 2:51pm
