Haven't done much of it before, but thinking of heading down to Kerry over the summer. Not too sure what to expect though. Wondering if anyone has any tips on the following...
- how far ahead would you need to book your spot on the campsite?
- would your tent be safe if you went off travelling during the day?
- roughly how much would it cost per night, for two people?
Not an experienced camper, but any tips on type of tent, equipment needed, facilities usually available, do's and dont's etc, would be really helpful.
1. Depends which campsite you wish to go to
2. Yes
3. Again depends which campsite... I've paid anything from €15 to €30 per night. Generally it's a rate for the Tent and then each adult usually €7-10
Quote from: BennyCake on June 04, 2014, 03:28:13 PM
Haven't done much of it before, but thinking of heading down to Kerry over the summer. Not too sure what to expect though. Wondering if anyone has any tips on the following...
- how far ahead would you need to book your spot on the campsite?
- would your tent be safe if you went off travelling during the day?
- roughly how much would it cost per night, for two people?
Not an experienced camper, but any tips on type of tent, equipment needed, facilities usually available, do's and dont's etc, would be really helpful.
Blow up bed for starters, ensure you have the wee battery operated blower as you'll need it during the night to blow as the air normally filters out. You'll need a decent double sleeping bag hats and gloves as its Baltic over here. Park your tent near the toilet facilities or trees lol as women normally go at least 3/4 times cause it's cold, you can pick up wee lanterns as it's pitch black. couple bottles of wine is a must to get you asleep.
As for the safety of your tent these places are usually very safe, obviously take your wallet/purse with you car keys and other valuable things but as for anything else it should be grand. Should be plenty deals on tents, I bought a 4 man tent a few years ago and it had 2 compartments and a awning with a space between the two compartments. it was grand and easy to put up and take down. Put the tent up a few times before you go, can be very embarrassing when you put it up for the first time on site, usually a fight ensues!!
Depending on the site you'd have to book months in advance or weeks, most are usually full if you randomly phone on the day, so avoid disappointment, generally not that dear, its the price for the tent not for how many usually.
All in all its great craic and men tend to have a better experience than the women who are too used to their comforts. Bring the bikes and get round the ring of Kerry!!
That's great. Thanks.
Good tip parking near the toilets. Booking months in advance though? That's mad. I had hoped a couple of days would have been enough. I suppose sites in Kerry would be busy though, so that could a problem getting in anywhere at a couple days notice
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 04, 2014, 05:20:33 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 04, 2014, 03:28:13 PM
Haven't done much of it before, but thinking of heading down to Kerry over the summer. Not too sure what to expect though. Wondering if anyone has any tips on the following...
- how far ahead would you need to book your spot on the campsite?
- would your tent be safe if you went off travelling during the day?
- roughly how much would it cost per night, for two people?
Not an experienced camper, but any tips on type of tent, equipment needed, facilities usually available, do's and dont's etc, would be really helpful.
Blow up bed for starters, ensure you have the wee battery operated blower as you'll need it during the night to blow as the air normally filters out. You'll need a decent double sleeping bag hats and gloves as its Baltic over here. Park your tent near the toilet facilities or trees lol as women normally go at least 3/4 times cause it's cold, you can pick up wee lanterns as it's pitch black. couple bottles of wine is a must to get you asleep.
As for the safety of your tent these places are usually very safe, obviously take your wallet/purse with you car keys and other valuable things but as for anything else it should be grand. Should be plenty deals on tents, I bought a 4 man tent a few years ago and it had 2 compartments and a awning with a space between the two compartments. it was grand and easy to put up and take down. Put the tent up a few times before you go, can be very embarrassing when you put it up for the first time on site, usually a fight ensues!!
Depending on the site you'd have to book months in advance or weeks, most are usually full if you randomly phone on the day, so avoid disappointment, generally not that dear, its the price for the tent not for how many usually.
All in all its great craic and men tend to have a better experience than the women who are too used to their comforts. Bring the bikes and get round the ring of Kerry!!
Good advice that...I'd also throw in a few windbreakers if you have em to take the brunt of the wind of your tent. Also is a good way to give yourself a bit of privacy and a bit of personal space by creating a boundary. If you have some type of canopy as well. There's nothing worse than being stuck in your tent when the old reliable rain starts. Camping chairs and table also. Can't bate an oul game of cards in the outdoors. As for the vino, it's all about the box of wine for camping!
One last thing, it can obviously get chilly here. My mate made a outdoor burner out of the drum of a washing machine. Most campsites don't allow campfires so this is a way round it. Here's a pic of a similar one
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101854
What about here
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BUFL2eJCYAADv8r.jpg)
;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: gawa316 on June 05, 2014, 06:30:06 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 04, 2014, 05:20:33 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 04, 2014, 03:28:13 PM
Haven't done much of it before, but thinking of heading down to Kerry over the summer. Not too sure what to expect though. Wondering if anyone has any tips on the following...
- how far ahead would you need to book your spot on the campsite?
- would your tent be safe if you went off travelling during the day?
- roughly how much would it cost per night, for two people?
Not an experienced camper, but any tips on type of tent, equipment needed, facilities usually available, do's and dont's etc, would be really helpful.
Blow up bed for starters, ensure you have the wee battery operated blower as you'll need it during the night to blow as the air normally filters out. You'll need a decent double sleeping bag hats and gloves as its Baltic over here. Park your tent near the toilet facilities or trees lol as women normally go at least 3/4 times cause it's cold, you can pick up wee lanterns as it's pitch black. couple bottles of wine is a must to get you asleep.
As for the safety of your tent these places are usually very safe, obviously take your wallet/purse with you car keys and other valuable things but as for anything else it should be grand. Should be plenty deals on tents, I bought a 4 man tent a few years ago and it had 2 compartments and a awning with a space between the two compartments. it was grand and easy to put up and take down. Put the tent up a few times before you go, can be very embarrassing when you put it up for the first time on site, usually a fight ensues!!
Depending on the site you'd have to book months in advance or weeks, most are usually full if you randomly phone on the day, so avoid disappointment, generally not that dear, its the price for the tent not for how many usually.
All in all its great craic and men tend to have a better experience than the women who are too used to their comforts. Bring the bikes and get round the ring of Kerry!!
Good advice that...I'd also throw in a few windbreakers if you have em to take the brunt of the wind of your tent. Also is a good way to give yourself a bit of privacy and a bit of personal space by creating a boundary. If you have some type of canopy as well. There's nothing worse than being stuck in your tent when the old reliable rain starts. Camping chairs and table also. Can't bate an oul game of cards in the outdoors. As for the vino, it's all about the box of wine for camping!
One last thing, it can obviously get chilly here. My mate made a outdoor burner out of the drum of a washing machine. Most campsites don't allow campfires so this is a way round it. Here's a pic of a similar one
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101854
Aye strange some let you have the wee disposable Bq sets which is great cause after you've cooked you can sit round it keep yourself warm and as said playing cards are a must. Yes and will also back that up with the fold up chairs and table, cheap enough and of course bottle opener a must unless its the box of wine, white for her red for you!!!
Expect to be up brave and early also, the fecking birds do a great rendition of 'get da feck up' and the light can be strong, depending where you pitch. So ear plugs and Eye pads
In Ireland I've never had to book ahead but it's best to check it out.
Lots of plastic bags; handy for the rubbish and when kept sealed will deter the ants Also Handy for keeping food stuffs sealed.
A plastic basis; to story your cooking utensils and also be wash up after eating
Toilet rolls
Lots of fleeces or jumpers; Handy to give you a bit more comfort; as a pillow for example, and no matter how warm you think you are in your sleeping bag keep a t shirt and fleece on as it's gets cold in the wee early hours; no matter which country you're in.
Several torchs and tons of batteries.
Have never had anything stolen when camping; touch Wood
Have a nap after lunch
Food stuffs, pasta, tuna, mayo, corn. All in one pot, deadly handy
There is not one reply on this thread that even slightly encourages me to go camping.
It's an awful lot of effort for a shitty night's sleep .
Quote from: thewobbler on June 06, 2014, 10:20:40 AM
There is not one reply on this thread that even slightly encourages me to go camping.
It's an awful lot of effort for a shitty night's sleep .
It's not that bad but it's defo only for people who are into all that, I try and encourage the kids and her to go for the odd night just for the craic, it's a completely different experience on the continent though.
Just a thought...
What should you do if you're camping and there's thunder and lightning?
Cover yourself in tinfoil and stand outside holding a long metal rod.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 09, 2014, 11:52:12 AM
Just a thought...
What should you do if you're camping and there's thunder and lightning?
hope you've packed the box of wine :-)
Although I may have highlighted "posible downsides" when camping, it's an absolutely incredible experience.
I've been going on camping holidays with my wife and son since he was 18 months old. We go away for 2 weeks every August.
I was trying to make Benny and co. understand that's it's not like their normal holidays, but if you are willing to really give it a go, it's fantastic.
Regarding thunderstorms. Get the soap out. Nothing like showering in a storm and then hunting for your food.
Quote from: laoislad on June 09, 2014, 11:56:06 AM
Cover yourself in tinfoil and stand outside holding a long metal rod.
Hang on a minute... I remember what happened to Father Stone. That's not a good idea.
Do what golfers do in a thunderstorm - hold a one-iron up in the air.
(Even God can't hit a one-iron.)
Plan to go camping this weekend.
Thinking of a night in Strandhill or Enniscrone and then on to Westport for a night. Those general directions anyway.
Have just emailed the campsite to see if i need to prebook
Any recommendations of what to do/see down that direction? taking the surfboards with us so will be hoping to check out some of the beaches i've never surfed before
Quote from: WeeDonns on July 11, 2014, 09:54:42 AM
Plan to go camping this weekend.
Thinking of a night in Strandhill or Enniscrone and then on to Westport for a night. Those general directions anyway.
Have just emailed the campsite to see if i need to prebook
Any recommendations of what to do/see down that direction? taking the surfboards with us so will be hoping to check out some of the beaches i've never surfed before
Camped in Standhill before decent site not far from the beach. Plenty of surfers in that area. Hope its dry for ye
Strandhill is a great spot for the oul camping. Nice campsite, we usually camp over closer to the dunes to get a bit of protection from the wind. Surf is usually pretty good down there. Be careful though as it can be rocky, especially in front of the campsite. If you head over to the other end of the beach, there are less rocks. Nice couple of pubs there as well. There use to be a nice pizza please as well, not sure if that is still there though.
Just pulling this thread back up again. Kids had been on to me to try camping last year so borrowed stuff and took them away for couple of nights hoping that would scratch the itch. But they loved it and have to say I really enjoyed too. So bought some equipment and going to try and get a few wkend away with the kids this year.
Anyone like to recommend any good camp sites? Preferably within 2-3 hrs drive from Omagh.
Dont think I could do the whole week long camping but 1-2 nights is good craic.
Quote from: trueblue1234 on February 04, 2024, 10:49:47 PMJust pulling this thread back up again. Kids had been on to me to try camping last year so borrowed stuff and took them away for couple of nights hoping that would scratch the itch. But they loved it and have to say I really enjoyed too. So bought some equipment and going to try and get a few wkend away with the kids this year.
Anyone like to recommend any good camp sites? Preferably within 2-3 hrs drive from Omagh.
Dont think I could do the whole week long camping but 1-2 nights is good craic.
Kilbroney park, Rostrevor .. was great craic for the kids, but freezing lol!
Just bought an inflatable 5 berth awning to go on the side of my van last week (Customer return on the olpro ebay shop less than half price if you're looking)
We camped for a night last May in Slieve Croob in Co.Down - it was organised by a groupVW Transporters NI Group (https://m.facebook.com/groups/265447385804791/about/?locale=bn_IN) on facebook. It turned out to be great weekend with lots for the kids to do and a band set up for a few hours
Its on again this year on 17th & 18th May - they've cocktail bars, street food & kids entertainment laid on.
*You don't have to be in a van, you can come along with just a tent
looking at other options, Hidden Valley resort (https://www.hiddenvalley.ie/)t in Wicklow seems like a good spot with lots to do for kids
Can anyone recommend anything similar in Ireland? I think there's something similar in Galway with all the high ropes etc - no good for my kids yet
Some of the GAA clubs in Donegal have camping pitches now, e.g Downings, but you can't just decide to go on a Friday evening, you need to book ahead it seems