And what better place to camp out then in the Irish countryside. At its best, camping offers a holiday where you can do what you want, when you want, but at its worst, without proper preparation, it can be a nightmare. Here are our top tips for making sure it works out! We left prices in Euros since the conversion changes often.
If you are a first-time camper, you might wish to do a trial run in your yard. It's a tad less mortifying making mistakes in the safety of your yard, then in front of snickering strangers. And don't forget to pack the instructions (or tent pegs!) for when you arrive.
2. Make a Checklist
That differs depending on the type of camper you are, but camping beds, bedding, cooking equipment and lights are essential for everyone. Make sure to pack good rain gear, sunscreen and a warm fleece too.
Irish weather has been known to have a laugh, after all. Getting a kit list that works for you, and one that fits your car, is easier said than done. It pays to check forums, ask around, and practice before you hit the road.
3. Do Your Research!
What kind of camping experience are you looking for? It's worth having a chat about this before you go - one person's camping heaven can be another's holiday hell.
4. Get a Camping Key Europe Card
Camping arguably offers the best value of all holidays, with a pitch for two adults and two children starting from as little as €23 (provided you have your own tent, of course) in some Irish sites. If you're planning on a camping adventure, further savings can be gained by investing in a Camping Key Europe (€16), which entitles the bearer to discounts.
5. Go Glamping!
Camping doesn't have to involve sleeping bags and leaky tents.
Glamping - or glamorous camping - can take many forms, and in recent years, there's been a noticeable rise in its popularity. The number of bell tents, log cabins, micro-lodges, Romany-style caravans and more are cropping up in parks all throughout Ireland.
“We are regularly contacted by people who would love to camp, don’t have the equipment and would like to do a trial run before they invest in their own tent and other equipment,” says the Irish Caravan and Camping Council. “Glamping is the perfect solution.”
John Brennan has also pioneered ultra-luxury glamping in Ireland at Dromquinna Manor, where a dozen or so bespoke canvas tents from India overlook Kenmare Bay. Rates in the tents, which feature hand-crafted beds and private verandas, start from €150 based on two sharing.
All camp sites are not created equal. Don't feel obliged to take the first site you are shown in a camping park, especially if you plan on staying for several days. Do you need to pitch your tent close to the showers and kitchens? Or would you prefer a quieter spot away from fellow campers going back-and-forth to the facilities?
Beware of environmental factors as well. The shade of a tree can look appealing, but the grass is often poor because it’s protected from the rain, trees can drip sap and birds have a habit of roosting and leaving little presents you won't want to deal with later.
7. Consider The City
Not all camping takes place in the countryside. What about considering a campsite for an affordable city break in Dublin, for instance?
Camac Valley offers a host of pitches just off the M50, and facilities include a children's playground, putting green, free Wi-Fi and 24/7 security. The site opens year-round, with caravans, tents and motorhomes from €20 per night.
8. Leave the BBQ Outside!
It sounds ridiculous, but never cook or bring a portable barbecue into your tent. Apart from the obvious fire hazards, even a cooling barbecue gives off poisonous carbon monoxide (CO), which can kill. Better safe than sorry.
9. Think Carefully About Wild Camping
It's possible to pitch a tent anywhere, but officially you need the permission of the landowner - the local council, for instance, or a private owner such as a farmer. Some local authorities have bylaws preventing camping or overnight parking in certain areas, and of course, some landowners police 'trespassers' more than others. The Irish are friendly so don't be afraid to ask and always be courteous.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.
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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
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