Non-Official, Offline Motorway Services in Ireland

OldMrBrennan83 · 24-02-2015 9:44pm

This post has been deleted.

Chris_5339762 · 24-02-2015 9:55pm

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

Good news, even though I have my reservations about this being just another Cashel... ie: too small with nowhere near enough parking.

Update: Its ok, no-where near as good as the official ones on the M1 though.

Parking on a Sunday afternoon was about 2/3 full for cars, all the lorry spaces (of which there are loads I have to say) were empty. All of the petrol pumps were being used. Inside there is a shop and a Supermacs. There isn't enough seating. Its wasn't a particularly busy day yet there were only one or two spare tables, near the toilets.

It'll do me for when I need a wee on the way up to Dublin (Horse and Jockey on the way down is much nicer but too close to Cork). But its too small, has too little parking and will be over capacity very quickly. Its better than Cashel, but could be better.

Its called the Manor Stone Service Station, and has advertising for next doors Manor Stone Quarries everywhere. They may as well rename the junction "Manor Stone Quarry Interchange".

Geogregor · 25-02-2015 7:50am

Take some pictures when you pass next time.

munchkin_utd · 25-02-2015 10:32am

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

there's no lack of them and theres no more than 20min to half hour on the road between them.
Applegreen Birdhill J27 (40km-->) Obama plaza J23 (50km--->) Midway Portlaoise J17 (26km-->) Junction 14 Mayfield

but among all the random brown signs to highlight petrol pumps that villages a half hour from the motorway have (or had when the sign was put up), its hard to clearly tell the difference between unviable and viable stops.

niloc1951 · 25-02-2015 5:07pm

munchkin_utd wrote: »

there's no lack of them and theres no more than 20min to half hour on the road between them.
Applegreen Birdhill J27 (40km-->) Obama plaza J23 (50km--->) Midway Portlaoise J17 (26km-->) Junction 14 Mayfield

but among all the random brown signs to highlight petrol pumps that villages a half hour from the motorway have (or had when the sign was put up), its hard to clearly tell the difference between unviable and viable stops.

Something LIKE THIS is obviously not the The NRA's famous book of motorway signs :rolleyes:

Schadenfreudia · 26-02-2015 8:48pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

Something LIKE THIS is obviously not the The NRA's famous book of motorway signs :rolleyes:

Looks kinda like the NRA signs, maybe the wrong colour :cool:

L1011 · 26-02-2015 8:55pm

munchkin_utd wrote: »

there's no lack of them and theres no more than 20min to half hour on the road between them.
Applegreen Birdhill J27 (40km-->) Obama plaza J23 (50km--->) Midway Portlaoise J17 (26km-->) Junction 14 Mayfield

Has Midway got the long proposed service station yet?

Its a good setup but its less than ideal without fuel.

OldMrBrennan83 · 26-02-2015 9:12pm

This post has been deleted.

L1011 · 01-03-2015 2:31pm

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

In it now, I'd say it's marginally larger than the n11 site. Smaller than the onlines though

_Kaiser_ · 01-03-2015 3:41pm

Stopped in at the one on the M8 at junction 3 over the weekend.. pretty impressive setup and quicker to get in/out of than the one at exit 8.

OldMrBrennan83 · 02-03-2015 12:21pm

This post has been deleted.

munchkin_utd · 06-03-2015 6:43pm

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Stopped in at the one on the M8 at junction 3 over the weekend.. pretty impressive setup and quicker to get in/out of than the one at exit 8.

Stopped on way to and from cork yesterday and today.
It's a fine facility with a decent amount of truck and car parking(which I knew anyhow from the planning application)
The layout is as per the planning. Signage isn't great and cars looking for parking ended up going through hgv and pump area seemingly by accident. I ended up doing 2 laps of the roundabout as it wasn't clear where the car parking was. Unlike in cashel though, at least there's a roadway to the car parking.
The unit itself isn't massive and would probably be overwhelmed by a coach load landing during lunchtime. But for the 60 odd cars and few dozen trucks that there's parking for it's fine.
There's a hot counter with the all day breakfast type thing, a salad bar and a supermacs / pizza counter. Over the other side a typical petrol station mini market with cash machine.
All important for motorists making a pit stop, the topaz cappuccino is drinkable, supermacs barely so. The mrs had to break lent to add sugar to the supermacs coffee. I'll be sticking to the dearer topaz coffee the next time.
Missing from the whole thing compared to other areas is a kiddies corner, but for a pit stop with kids the toilets are spacious and clean so that at least is there.
Unfortunately there's next to no signage for it off the motorway, but it definitely deserves signage 1000 times more than the sham that is Cashel

jd · 17-03-2015 6:36pm

M18 offline service area turned down by Clare Co Co

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/hotel-forces-applegreen-motorway-plan-off-road-31071100.html

..The local authority refused planning permission to the development after a strident objection from Dromoland Castle Holdings against the plan.

The National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Ennis Chamber of Commece also raised concerns over the proposal.

..
In its objection, Dromoland stated that the proposed development would lead to the un-coordinated provision of such services on the M18 which would be contrary to the proper planning and development of the area.

..

The council ruled that the Applegreen plan would be contrary to the objectives of the development plan and to Ministerial guidelines.

It also stated that the proposal on unzoned land would endanger public safety due to it being a traffic hazard.

L1011 · 18-06-2015 7:15pm

Applegreen have applied to build a full-scale* MSA as well as a new distribution centre (replacing Celbridge I'd imagine - two that close would be odd) and training centre at the old Cemex factory in Naas - beside The Ball.

*actually, bigger than full scale NRA spec it seems - two stories with a roof terrace, quiet zone, truck drivers lounge and a seperate drivethrough

marno21 · 18-06-2015 7:19pm

L1011 wrote: »

Applegreen have applied to build a full-scale* MSA as well as a new distribution centre (replacing Celbridge I'd imagine - two that close would be odd) and training centre at the old Cemex factory in Naas - beside The Ball.

*actually, bigger than full scale NRA spec it seems - two stories with a roof terrace, quiet zone, truck drivers lounge and a seperate drivethrough

We're going from having no services to having services at every junction these days.

OldMrBrennan83 · 18-06-2015 7:32pm

This post has been deleted.

flazio · 19-06-2015 12:03am

Patww79 wrote: »

Lots of toilets on the road. Bring it on.

Maybe you should see your doctor if you have such a bad bladder.

Schadenfreudia · 19-06-2015 12:06am

flazio wrote: »

Maybe you should see your doctor if you have such a bad bladder.

It not us - it's our passengers have bladder issues

OldMrBrennan83 · 19-06-2015 6:47am

This post has been deleted.

nordydan · 22-06-2015 12:05pm

Stopped on the M8 N/B parking area briefly on the way back up from Tipperary yesterday (around J4 or J5 I think). The place smelled like a latrine

Schadenfreudia · 22-06-2015 9:29pm

Stopped at the Enfield Applegreen (eastbound) this evening; it looks great. Amazing how the trees have come on in just a few years.

I remember being there a week after it opened and it looked desolate.

Carawaystick · 23-06-2015 12:00am

nordydan wrote: »

Stopped on the M8 N/B parking area briefly on the way back up from Tipperary yesterday (around J4 or J5 I think). The place smelled like a latrine

That's the dry weather for ya. Next the farmers will be giving out about the drought...

marno21 · 10-07-2015 5:38pm

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/planning-given-for-motorway-station-in-cork-341701.html

Geogregor · 11-07-2015 9:51am

marno21 wrote: »

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/planning-given-for-motorway-station-in-cork-341701.html

Who are the JR Oronco Ltd?? Do they run any petrol stations themselves or are they going to be only developer and then lease the services to some proper operator?

What brand could we expect?

L1011 · 11-07-2015 11:03am

Directors of the firm seem to be involved in freight and transport industries, firm itself is founded in 2012 and its category is "development and selling of real estate".

Geogregor · 11-07-2015 12:51pm

L1011 wrote: »

Directors of the firm seem to be involved in freight and transport industries, firm itself is founded in 2012 and its category is "development and selling of real estate".

In other words total novices in service areas sector. I wonder how it will all pan out

munchkin_utd · 14-07-2015 4:38pm

Geogregor wrote: »

In other words total novices in service areas sector. I wonder how it will all pan out

not quite :

In terms of the submission in support of the proposed development, the
Board will note that it is submitted on behalf of Topaz, prospective
operator of the facility.

from inspectors report from 3 months ago :
http://www.pleanala.ie/documents/reports/244/R244411.pdf

munchkin_utd · 14-07-2015 5:11pm

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

looking very good now coming from the south west with options the whole way from Limerick/ Cork to Dublin 15-25minutes apart when everythings built.

Not an official site amongst them

M7
From M7/ M20/ N18 junction
21km--> J27 Applegreen Birdhill
40km--> J23 Obama plaza
50km--> J17 Midway Portlaoise
26km--> J14 Mayfield
31km--> J9 Naas (proposed Applegreen)
(M50 is 21km from J9 Naas)
(Lusk M1 Services 54km from J9 Naas)

M8 (updated with refusal of J11 permission)
From M8/ N25/ N40 Junction
32km--> J14 Fermoy North (planning granted)
33km--> J11 Cahir South (planning granted) UPDATE: CC permission overturned by Bord Pleanala
54km--> J8 Cashel
51km--> J3 Ballacolla
25km--> (M7) J17 Midway Portlaoise
26km--> (M7) J14 Mayfield
31km--> (M7) J9 Naas (proposed Applegreen)

Schadenfreudia · 14-07-2015 7:04pm

Was in the Applegreen at Coyne's Cross (non-official) on the M11 last night. Beautiful sheltered location, very well laid out.

Balmy night, lots of people eating outside.

Though I'd much prefer a SuperMac than the Burger King they have....

FURET · 14-07-2015 7:15pm

munchkin_utd wrote: »

looking very good now coming from the south west with options the whole way from Limerick/ Cork to Dublin 15-25minutes apart when everythings built.

M8
From M8/ N25/ N40 Junction
32km--> J14 Fermoy North (planning granted)
33km--> J11 Cahir South (planning granted)

What is planned for Cahir South and Fermoy North? And where exactly are they to be sited?

marno21 · 14-07-2015 8:21pm

FURET wrote: »

What is planned for Cahir South and Fermoy North? And where exactly are they to be sited?

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/planning-given-for-motorway-station-in-cork-341701.html

Fermoy North plan. Not sure the need as there's a decent 24 hour Amber service area about 1km from J14.

munchkin_utd · 15-07-2015 8:21am

marno21 wrote: »

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/planning-given-for-motorway-station-in-cork-341701.html

Fermoy North plan. Not sure the need as there's a decent 24 hour Amber service area about 1km from J14.

the Amber has not adequate parking, has no parking for trucks, and is indeed a fair bit off the Motorway, 1.6km according to Google maps
Thats a 3km diversion to a station that values Motorway traffic so much that they dont have the proper facilities to allow cars and trucks to park.

munchkin_utd · 15-07-2015 8:36am

FURET wrote: »

What is planned for Cahir South and Fermoy North? And where exactly are they to be sited?

ok, last december the J11 development was granted by Tipp CC.
http://tippfm.com/news/cahir_planning_approval_appealed

then Topaz (the geniuses who run that shambles that is Cashel "services" just down the motorway) appealed to an Bord Pleanala, who decided in May to refuse permission.
http://www.pleanala.ie/casenum/244135.htm

The reason I included J11 was because it was in the Bord Pleanala document for Fermoy as being granted.
Obviously the left hand doesnt know what the right is doing !

I've updated the list on the previous page. Now leaves 50km approx between Fermoy and Cashel and also Cashel and Ballycolla.

FURET · 15-07-2015 9:39am

munchkin_utd wrote: »

ok, last december the J11 development was granted by Tipp CC.
http://tippfm.com/news/cahir_planning_approval_appealed

Hmm...An unattributed use of one of my photos by Tipp FM.

L1011 · 15-07-2015 9:44am

FURET wrote: »

Hmm...An unattributed use of one of my photos by Tipp FM.

Take screenshots, phone in, ask for your standard fee of €250 for a photo use. Expect to be told something along the lines of "oh, Google said it was free..." - they can bill Google after they pay you.

They'll remove it immediately, hence the need for the screenshots.

marmurr1916 · 03-08-2015 8:58pm

An article from the Indo about the effect of the Obama Plaza (and modern life in general) on Moneygall:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/how-obama-plaza-the-best-rest-stop-ever-poses-conundrum-for-moneygall-31422611.html

OldMrBrennan83 · 03-08-2015 9:00pm

This post has been deleted.

Chris_5339762 · 03-08-2015 10:38pm

marmurr1916 wrote: »

An article from the Indo about the effect of the Obama Plaza (and modern life in general) on Moneygall:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/how-obama-plaza-the-best-rest-stop-ever-poses-conundrum-for-moneygall-31422611.html

I like the Obama Plaza. Its so over the top its ridiculous, but not tacky funny enough.

Schadenfreudia · 03-08-2015 10:46pm

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

I like the Obama Plaza. Its so over the top its ridiculous, but not tacky funny enough.

Me too. Always stop there on Limerick trips; never used to stop in Moneygall when it was on the N7.

Also prefer Supermacs to those chains who can't make proper chips.

marno21 · 03-08-2015 10:51pm

I agree, very good service area, only minus point is the M7 junction. I suppose if you're a L driver or riding on horseback that's not something you have to worry about. Mayfield Junction 14 is great for a coffee stop too.

Sure beats the hell out of the M1 online service areas. Food selection at those 2 (or 4 if you want) is very poor.

OldMrBrennan83 · 03-08-2015 10:54pm

This post has been deleted.

munchkin_utd · 04-08-2015 9:51am

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

when were you there ? Lunchtime I presume ?

OldMrBrennan83 · 04-08-2015 9:52am

This post has been deleted.

loyatemu · 04-08-2015 10:25am

Ross O'Carroll Kelly was visiting the Obama Plaza yesterday:

https://twitter.com/RossOCK/status/628297078230401026

cargo · 04-08-2015 11:27am

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Yeah I noticed a Noodle franchise in one of the M1 stations the other day (Lusk Northbound I think it was).

Is this gone into them all?

OldMrBrennan83 · 04-08-2015 5:51pm

This post has been deleted.

ongarboy · 14-08-2015 2:06pm

cargo wrote: »

Yeah I noticed a Noodle franchise in one of the M1 stations the other day (Lusk Northbound I think it was).

Is this gone into them all?

Chopstix - it's opening in a number of Applegreen stations - not just MSSs (similar partnership as they have with Subway).

I stopped at Birdhill MSS last week and have to say after only one visit, it's already my favourite MSS. Felt very spacious and more subtle lighting, wood effect and just a more relaxing experience overall. (it had a Costa, Subway and Burger King but I actually went for their own Applegreen sandwich bar.). Ample car and truck parking also.

I find Mayfield and Obama plaza just too crowded, noisy, plasticky and harsh lighting. I see Supermacs is also opening a new one near Loughrea and others in the future.

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/from-barack-obama-to-brian-boru-supermacs-plans-more-plazas-31450715.html

OldMrBrennan83 · 14-08-2015 2:10pm

This post has been deleted.

Geogregor · 15-08-2015 8:00am

ongarboy wrote: »

I see Supermacs is also opening a new one near Loughrea and others in the future.

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/from-barack-obama-to-brian-boru-supermacs-plans-more-plazas-31450715.html

Just off the junction 16 or somewhere further from the motorway? Is it already under construction

hi5 · 28-08-2015 9:41pm

Work is progressing along nicely at the M9 Paulstown junction 7, sign up says it will open in January.

service%20station%20Paulstown%20003_zpsrpfigib2.jpg

Non-Official, Offline Motorway Services in Ireland

Comments