Ireland visit - yay!
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trevskoda
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Yes many take pictures of daft eddys boat before heading up further to the waterfall walk, also the famine village is a must ,along with oakfeild park & cafe.
TeamRienza
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What time of the day does your ferry arrive into Larne, and are you happy to wild camp or do you prefer campsites. Based on your answer I can perhaps offer a couple of ideas. Have you a loose idea of how long you will be free from house sitting. Do you anticipate having a longer time to spend after your duty or before.?
Sorry for the inquisition. Answer as you feel happy to reveal information, or pm me.
Davy
Sorry for the inquisition. Answer as you feel happy to reveal information, or pm me.
Davy
mariesnowgoose
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Thanks Davy
The ferry arrives in Larne 2pm on a Tuesday.
I’m happy to do both Wildcamping and campsites.
After disembarking at Larne, I’ll have a couple of days to make my way across to Co. Mayo to start the house sit.
The house sitting is for 1 week only mid-April, with about 3 weeks or so free to wander after that.
Return trip from Larne is booked for mid-May, but I’ve opted for a flexible ticket so I can change the date if I fancy staying a bit longer. The real deadline is making it back home in time to get turned around for the trip up to Orkney mid-June, so potentially I don’t really have to get back home until early June.
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trevskoda
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Up the coast from larne is glenarm harbour where its free to stay, across the road is the castle with cafe pezza shop and other we shops within the grounds.Thanks Davy
The ferry arrives in Larne 2pm on a Tuesday.
I’m happy to do both Wildcamping and campsites.
After disembarking at Larne, I’ll have a couple of days to make my way across to Co. Mayo to start the house sit.
The house sitting is for 1 week only mid-April, with about 3 weeks or so free to wander after that.
Return trip from Larne is booked for mid-May, but I’ve opted for a flexible ticket so I can change the date if I fancy staying a bit longer. The real deadline is making it back home in time to get turned around for the trip up to Orkney mid-June, so potentially I don’t really have to get back home until early June.
mariesnowgoose
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I'm also hoping I can make it down as far as Killorglin, where my maternal grandfather came from... 
trevskoda
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I knew you had irish blood in you.I'm also hoping I can make it down as far as Killorglin, where my maternal grandfather came from...
mariesnowgoose
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Debroos
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Mayo to Killorglin and back to Larne!I'm also hoping I can make it down as far as Killorglin, where my maternal grandfather came from...
Years ago we took the ferry to Cork. Had 7 weeks so planned to go up west coast to Donegal and back. Five weeks later we'd only got as far as Clare so graciously sank back down south to Cork!
Things seem to take rather longer over there we find.......
trevskoda
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Many new big roads have been built since joining the EU, movement is faster now esp donegal west around the town.Mayo to Killorglin and back to Larne!
Years ago we took the ferry to Cork. Had 7 weeks so planned to go up west coast to Donegal and back. Five weeks later we'd only got as far as Clare so graciously sank back down south to Cork!
Things seem to take rather longer over there we find.......
mariesnowgoose
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True. In fact there were less potholes in Ireland than England last time we went! A real turnaround
I bet they haven't fixed that road we travelled back and forth on for a few days, from Lough Derg to Ennis!
Didn't need to bother with the "off road" experience, ploughed field didn't even come close!!!
The suspension on my bike had never had to work so hard in its life!
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TeamRienza
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Hi Marie,
sorry for the delay in getting back, but I wanted to think about your trip and my weekend got in the way of a prompt reply.
Given that you have a couple of days to get to Knock, I would suggest the following. All stopovers on S4S.
If you wanted to visit Belfast, then there is a small campsite at Loughshore, Jordanstown on the Larne side of the outskirts of Belfast. Good public transport at the door. Pleasant views of Belfast Lough. Also on the southeastern side a small campsite at Dundonald again with good transport links. Probably best to book either. You could visit Belfast at the end of your trip, or not at all.
My preference would be to drive to Enniskillen. A favourite little town with lots of history including museum. Park at the leisure centre beside the play park, pretty central. Can’t stay overnight. I would overnight at Ballenaleck Marina carpark at side of river Erne with toilets or Riverside farm nearer the town. Ring to book and get the gate opened.
The Shannon Erne waterway has many marinas where free overnighting is permitted, with toilets, water, rubbish disposal and black waste. Showers and laundry facilities are available with prepay swipe card sold in some shops etc. I would suggest Ballyconnell as the Aire is in the village, as is the one at Ballinamore. Two of our favourites are more rural and isolated but never been a problem. Depends as a solo traveler how you feel, but Haughtons shore (Lough Garadice) and Keshkerrigan are lovely locations. Conversely there is a well thought of site at Battlebridge. Carrick on Shannon is a pleasant wee town. On street parking, overnighting at private marina with costs. Not used it ourselves.
Sligo town is a decent town to visit, we park at the church of Ireland cathedral. There is a gorgeous free stopover at Glencar lake with mountain backdrop. Toilets and Cafe nearby. Knock town is like Lourdes. The Irish shrine with lots of tacky souvenir shops. Gortnor Abbey on Lough Conn near Crossmolina is a pleasant stopover with toilets (donation asked) Achill Island is a very popular visit and stop. I haven’t been for many years, but daughter loves visiting in her camper. They wild camp there.
When you have finished your duties, I would suggest driving south to Westport (Leisure centre for overnight.) pretty little town. Then a circular route via Leenaun, down to Clifden (Wright bros, landed here) and then east to Galway. If you like ‘the quiet man’ then Cong is where some of it was filmed.
This part of Ireland is very rural and scenic, Galway is a lovely city, but not at all Motorhome friendly, unless you stay at one of the overpriced and overrated campsites near salthill. We haven’t stayed there for a long long time. A bed and breakfast with parking might be an option.
Driving south, the main interest is the Burren, a limestone geography, with the Ailwee cave system an attraction. Otherwise, a longish drive to Tralee and Dingle which used to be famous for its semi tame Dolphin.
This places you near Kilorglin, though you may have to wing it for an overnight. There is a pub north of the town but no experience of it. Anyway, you are now on the ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s great tourist routes, so travel anti-clockwise via Cahirsiveen, Waterville, to Sneem where there is a pretty little Aire at Goosey island which is very popular. You could close the circle after Kenmare by visiting Killarney. A bit touristy especially for Americans. There are a couple of sites on the south side, but we have not been for maybe 25 years. They were fine then!
On south, Bantry is another quiet little port town with an Aire, although the last time we visited we stayed at the Aire at the west lodge hotel about 2.5km out of town. Moving on we stayed at Ballydehob a couple of times. Wildcamp, but toilets handy. A few nice spots along the coast as you head east, Baltimore, Union Hall, and Rosscarberry. I know people have stayed at the hotel, but we park down the warren road, just were it splits at Nagles slipway beside the lagoon.
Visit Clonakilty. Day park at the east end of the town, on the road opposite the SuperValu supermarket. (A favourite food shop for us) you could stop at the Desert house on the edge of town, but we always use Sextons on the road to Timoleague. Some fairly tight roads around these parts. Stop at Kinsale, supposed to be a foodie heaven, though we usually do the fish and chip restaurant on the way into town. Park at Lower road. Drive past the pay parking (nose or rear to kerb) and stop at the free section were you park parallel to road. We have overnighted here with no issues, although we normally drive up to Charlesfort above the town and stay there with a panoramic view of the estuary and town. The fort is worth a visit. BUT, under no circumstances should you try and drive from Lower road to the fort via High road and summercove. Too tight. Drive east on the R600 out of Kinsale and then via ardbrack past the Kinsale football club at Madden Park. Well worth it.
Cork city. You can park at Black ash park and ride. Drive up to bus entrance barrier and they will let you in. Chat to staff and pay, OR, use the camp site at Blarney, BUT our preference is to drive to Cobh and stay at the Aire at Five foot way. You may wake up to find a cruise ship berthed beside you! Train station next door with frequent service to Cork city. Cobh is a pleasant spot. If you are into cemeteries, then the one to the north of the town is a must. 40 minute walk up steep streets and roads with spectacular views to Tick nock beside the Lidl. Loads of historic fascinating graves and many British navy sailors from the wars and of course the Lusitania mass graves.
Nice Aire at Dungarvan, another pretty little town and the start of a greenway cycle route to Waterford. Millers Marsh for overnighting. Interesting Viking town and of course the Crystal factory.
You could continue coastwise towards Dublin, but my preference is up to Kilkenny. Pretty town with a decent campsite at tree grove on the edge of town or an Aire in the town centre, which we have not used yet.
On up towards Dublin although you could divert towards Glendalough and the Johnny fox pub. Not stayed in this area since we had caravans 15 to 20 years ago. We would have stayed at Rathdrum. Vehicle security needs to be considered in the Wicklow mountains, and indeed Dublin.
If considering Dublin, then use Camac valley campsite though expensive, with public transport nearby. There is a site at Rush, but not used it. My preference, although again I have yet to try it is the rugby club at Malahide with Dart frequent rail service into city.
Heading North then Newgrange is a must see. Booking is essential for the guided tour, although the visitor centre is free, good food the last time we were there. Nearest stopover is the Irish military museum near Collon. Then a slight detour to Carlingford, another Viking village. Overnight at the marina, with water, Black and grey, showers and rubbish. Short dander into the village. Great vintage shops, lots of food and drink establishments. Do visit the quirky folklore park if you can manage it.
That kind of brings you back up towards Belfast and Larne, unless you detour round the Mourne mountains into Newcastle before going north again.
Obviously Trev, bangs on about Donegal and the North coast, so I shall leave him to his haunts and simply add in mention of Slieve League, Glencolumcille, Magheraroarty (a favourite of ours) Falcarragh, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Malin head, and Londonderry. There are lots of other places like Portrush, giants Causeway etc, but you would probably need to add more weeks to the tour.
The places and route I have suggested are simply for guidance. I suspect like many, once you get on the road there will be many a lure to other locations as your fancy takes you, and of course on the west coast weather will influence your choices. As we say here, if you can see the mountain, it’s going to rain, and if you can’t see it, then it is raining!
Anyway, good luck with your trip. We shall be in sunny France and Spain, so won’t have the opportunity to meet, but if I can offer any more help I shall be pleased to do so.
Useful driving tip. It is very common for A roads to have a hard shoulder. As a courtesy, cars and vans will often move over onto the shoulder whilst still maintaining their speed, thus allowing faster traffic to pass. You will often get a flash of the hazard lights as a thank you. Do this manoeuvre only when you have good clear sight for some distance as trees, or junctions can impede, or the hard shoulder ends. Anyway, on rural roads I frequently pull into lay-by or similar, stopping if necessary to allow traffic past and have a more enjoyable drive my self.
Davy
sorry for the delay in getting back, but I wanted to think about your trip and my weekend got in the way of a prompt reply.
Given that you have a couple of days to get to Knock, I would suggest the following. All stopovers on S4S.
If you wanted to visit Belfast, then there is a small campsite at Loughshore, Jordanstown on the Larne side of the outskirts of Belfast. Good public transport at the door. Pleasant views of Belfast Lough. Also on the southeastern side a small campsite at Dundonald again with good transport links. Probably best to book either. You could visit Belfast at the end of your trip, or not at all.
My preference would be to drive to Enniskillen. A favourite little town with lots of history including museum. Park at the leisure centre beside the play park, pretty central. Can’t stay overnight. I would overnight at Ballenaleck Marina carpark at side of river Erne with toilets or Riverside farm nearer the town. Ring to book and get the gate opened.
The Shannon Erne waterway has many marinas where free overnighting is permitted, with toilets, water, rubbish disposal and black waste. Showers and laundry facilities are available with prepay swipe card sold in some shops etc. I would suggest Ballyconnell as the Aire is in the village, as is the one at Ballinamore. Two of our favourites are more rural and isolated but never been a problem. Depends as a solo traveler how you feel, but Haughtons shore (Lough Garadice) and Keshkerrigan are lovely locations. Conversely there is a well thought of site at Battlebridge. Carrick on Shannon is a pleasant wee town. On street parking, overnighting at private marina with costs. Not used it ourselves.
Sligo town is a decent town to visit, we park at the church of Ireland cathedral. There is a gorgeous free stopover at Glencar lake with mountain backdrop. Toilets and Cafe nearby. Knock town is like Lourdes. The Irish shrine with lots of tacky souvenir shops. Gortnor Abbey on Lough Conn near Crossmolina is a pleasant stopover with toilets (donation asked) Achill Island is a very popular visit and stop. I haven’t been for many years, but daughter loves visiting in her camper. They wild camp there.
When you have finished your duties, I would suggest driving south to Westport (Leisure centre for overnight.) pretty little town. Then a circular route via Leenaun, down to Clifden (Wright bros, landed here) and then east to Galway. If you like ‘the quiet man’ then Cong is where some of it was filmed.
This part of Ireland is very rural and scenic, Galway is a lovely city, but not at all Motorhome friendly, unless you stay at one of the overpriced and overrated campsites near salthill. We haven’t stayed there for a long long time. A bed and breakfast with parking might be an option.
Driving south, the main interest is the Burren, a limestone geography, with the Ailwee cave system an attraction. Otherwise, a longish drive to Tralee and Dingle which used to be famous for its semi tame Dolphin.
This places you near Kilorglin, though you may have to wing it for an overnight. There is a pub north of the town but no experience of it. Anyway, you are now on the ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s great tourist routes, so travel anti-clockwise via Cahirsiveen, Waterville, to Sneem where there is a pretty little Aire at Goosey island which is very popular. You could close the circle after Kenmare by visiting Killarney. A bit touristy especially for Americans. There are a couple of sites on the south side, but we have not been for maybe 25 years. They were fine then!
On south, Bantry is another quiet little port town with an Aire, although the last time we visited we stayed at the Aire at the west lodge hotel about 2.5km out of town. Moving on we stayed at Ballydehob a couple of times. Wildcamp, but toilets handy. A few nice spots along the coast as you head east, Baltimore, Union Hall, and Rosscarberry. I know people have stayed at the hotel, but we park down the warren road, just were it splits at Nagles slipway beside the lagoon.
Visit Clonakilty. Day park at the east end of the town, on the road opposite the SuperValu supermarket. (A favourite food shop for us) you could stop at the Desert house on the edge of town, but we always use Sextons on the road to Timoleague. Some fairly tight roads around these parts. Stop at Kinsale, supposed to be a foodie heaven, though we usually do the fish and chip restaurant on the way into town. Park at Lower road. Drive past the pay parking (nose or rear to kerb) and stop at the free section were you park parallel to road. We have overnighted here with no issues, although we normally drive up to Charlesfort above the town and stay there with a panoramic view of the estuary and town. The fort is worth a visit. BUT, under no circumstances should you try and drive from Lower road to the fort via High road and summercove. Too tight. Drive east on the R600 out of Kinsale and then via ardbrack past the Kinsale football club at Madden Park. Well worth it.
Cork city. You can park at Black ash park and ride. Drive up to bus entrance barrier and they will let you in. Chat to staff and pay, OR, use the camp site at Blarney, BUT our preference is to drive to Cobh and stay at the Aire at Five foot way. You may wake up to find a cruise ship berthed beside you! Train station next door with frequent service to Cork city. Cobh is a pleasant spot. If you are into cemeteries, then the one to the north of the town is a must. 40 minute walk up steep streets and roads with spectacular views to Tick nock beside the Lidl. Loads of historic fascinating graves and many British navy sailors from the wars and of course the Lusitania mass graves.
Nice Aire at Dungarvan, another pretty little town and the start of a greenway cycle route to Waterford. Millers Marsh for overnighting. Interesting Viking town and of course the Crystal factory.
You could continue coastwise towards Dublin, but my preference is up to Kilkenny. Pretty town with a decent campsite at tree grove on the edge of town or an Aire in the town centre, which we have not used yet.
On up towards Dublin although you could divert towards Glendalough and the Johnny fox pub. Not stayed in this area since we had caravans 15 to 20 years ago. We would have stayed at Rathdrum. Vehicle security needs to be considered in the Wicklow mountains, and indeed Dublin.
If considering Dublin, then use Camac valley campsite though expensive, with public transport nearby. There is a site at Rush, but not used it. My preference, although again I have yet to try it is the rugby club at Malahide with Dart frequent rail service into city.
Heading North then Newgrange is a must see. Booking is essential for the guided tour, although the visitor centre is free, good food the last time we were there. Nearest stopover is the Irish military museum near Collon. Then a slight detour to Carlingford, another Viking village. Overnight at the marina, with water, Black and grey, showers and rubbish. Short dander into the village. Great vintage shops, lots of food and drink establishments. Do visit the quirky folklore park if you can manage it.
That kind of brings you back up towards Belfast and Larne, unless you detour round the Mourne mountains into Newcastle before going north again.
Obviously Trev, bangs on about Donegal and the North coast, so I shall leave him to his haunts and simply add in mention of Slieve League, Glencolumcille, Magheraroarty (a favourite of ours) Falcarragh, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Malin head, and Londonderry. There are lots of other places like Portrush, giants Causeway etc, but you would probably need to add more weeks to the tour.
The places and route I have suggested are simply for guidance. I suspect like many, once you get on the road there will be many a lure to other locations as your fancy takes you, and of course on the west coast weather will influence your choices. As we say here, if you can see the mountain, it’s going to rain, and if you can’t see it, then it is raining!
Anyway, good luck with your trip. We shall be in sunny France and Spain, so won’t have the opportunity to meet, but if I can offer any more help I shall be pleased to do so.
Useful driving tip. It is very common for A roads to have a hard shoulder. As a courtesy, cars and vans will often move over onto the shoulder whilst still maintaining their speed, thus allowing faster traffic to pass. You will often get a flash of the hazard lights as a thank you. Do this manoeuvre only when you have good clear sight for some distance as trees, or junctions can impede, or the hard shoulder ends. Anyway, on rural roads I frequently pull into lay-by or similar, stopping if necessary to allow traffic past and have a more enjoyable drive my self.
Davy
mariesnowgoose
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Thanks very much for that, Davy, some great suggestions in there - I will study, digest and pick and mix the bits I fancy!
TBH I am not too bothered about the east side of Eire and Dublin - apart from maybe a great garden just west from Dublin, whose owner I met a couple years ago when he visited England and I wouldn't mind seeing - but I never know how far energy levels will take me on a daily basis...
Northern Ireland appeals because I have never been there before.Touring on the bikes back in the 80s, I remember (but not everything!) visiting Clonakilty, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Cork, Tipperary (it certainly was a long road there!
), Clonmel, Cashel, and some of the oldest oak forest in Ireland. Can't remember exactly where that forest was. It wasn't open to the public at the time, but one of our group was mad about trees and knew all about it. That was the only place (apart from our free accommodation at Lough Derg) that was planned into our trip beforehand - the rest was all pretty much "make it up as you go along" 
If I have enough energy to sustain me I might even make it as far as Tralee, with a bit of luck - one of my mother's cousins owned a pub near the harbour back in the 1940s, might be interesting to have a look-see.
Anyway that's enough useless waffle from me - I'm away to see if there's any good, modern printed maps I can acquire to do a bit of route plotting with...
TeamRienza
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The following links are probably the best option. Readily available in shops throughout the whole island, although I dare say you would prefer to have them now for planning and perusing.
The atlas is a spiral bound A4 handy for daily use. The paper sheet version (similar scale) comes in 4 parts. I have linked to the west map. Good for planning, but each map is about the size of an open broadsheet paper.
I use the app windy.com for weather forecasts. However if you open it and gradually zoom in on a chosen area, it will produce right down to about 1:25,000 which I find quite useful. Works all over the U.K. and Ireland.
store.osi.ie
store.osi.ie
Davy
The atlas is a spiral bound A4 handy for daily use. The paper sheet version (similar scale) comes in 4 parts. I have linked to the west map. Good for planning, but each map is about the size of an open broadsheet paper.
I use the app windy.com for weather forecasts. However if you open it and gradually zoom in on a chosen area, it will produce right down to about 1:25,000 which I find quite useful. Works all over the U.K. and Ireland.
Official Road Atlas Ireland
The new edition of our indispensable Official Road Atlas Ireland is now in stock. Our 8th edition is published jointly with Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland and the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Key features of our latest Road Atlas include Collision Zones, Speed Detection Zones and Tolled Roads.
store.osi.ie
Ireland West
Ireland West. This map covers the West of Ireland and contains detailed road information and tourist features, such as caravan parks, picnic areas and information offices. (This product is produced with the co-operation of Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland, OSNI).
store.osi.ie
Davy
TJBi
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If going to Cong, worth viewing Canalsman's video about the Cong Canal
Debroos
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The Ordnance Survey Official Road Atlas Ireland. Excellent. Also shows higher ground in brown which I find dead usefulThanks very much for that, Davy, some great suggestions in there - I will study, digest and pick and mix the bits I fancy!
TBH I am not too bothered about the east side of Eire and Dublin - apart from maybe a great garden just west from Dublin, whose owner I met a couple years ago when he visited England and I wouldn't mind seeing - but I never know how far energy levels will take me on a daily basis...
Touring on the bikes back in the 80s, I remember (but not everything!) visiting Clonakilty, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Cork, Tipperary (it
Thanks very much for that, Davy, some great suggestions in there - I will study, digest and pick and mix the bits I fancy!
TBH I am not too bothered about the east side of Eire and Dublin - apart from maybe a great garden just west from Dublin, whose owner I met a couple years ago when he visited England and I wouldn't mind seeing - but I never know how far energy levels will take me on a daily basis...
Touring on the bikes back in the 80s, I remember (but not everything!) visiting Clonakilty, the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Cork, Tipperary (it certainly was a long road there!
If I have enough energy to sustain me I might even make it as far as Tralee, with a bit of luck - one of my mother's cousins owned a pub near the harbour back in the 1940s, might be interesting to have a look-see.
Anyway that's enough useless waffle from me - I'm away to see if there's any good, modern printed maps I can acquire to do a bit of route plotting with...
certainly was a long road there!
If I have enough energy to sustain me I might even make it as far as Tralee, with a bit of luck - one of my mother's cousins owned a pub near the harbour back in the 1940s, might be interesting to have a look-see.
Anyway that's enough useless waffle from me - I'm away to see if there's any good, modern printed maps I can acquire to do a bit of route plotting with...
Boris7
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All the best people can trace thier roots back to KillorglinI'm also hoping I can make it down as far as Killorglin, where my maternal grandfather came from...
Don't forget to drop in on King Puck and then have a guinness in Larkins Milltown for me Ginge