First Visit it Ireland (and a first post)

swsm1th

Hello,
We are visiting Ireland in two week's time (7/13/2010). We have a "Wicked" caravan rented for three weeks and plan to live in it as we see the country and spend our children’s' inheritance. We’re generally campers; however, since we can’t carry our gear, we’ll be “camping” out of the back of the van.

We have never had the pleasure of visiting Ireland before. We’re starting at Carnlough, north of Belfast, and proceeding north from there. We’ll mostly camp in established campgrounds.

As I pack this weekend, what do we *really* need… besides the obvious stuff like a flashlight. Specifically, should we expect biting insects in the parks? We camp in Canada and have full “bug suits”; should I bring them? (They’re mesh suits that keep them off, not costumes.)

Smith

Cookie_Monster

there shouldn't be too much biting insects about, mainly midges. nets may be a bit over the top for most cases but it wouldn't hurt to have them in case a campsite is near water where insects are more likely.

Just remember Northern Ireland is Sterling, not Euro.
have change for any toll roads you take.

If you're going north from Belfast try and take in the coast raod from Belfast tot he Giant Causeway, its spectacular. Causeway is also a must if you are up in the region.

swsm1th

Thanks. I suppose we'll be hitting the usual tourist spots and the Causeway is probably our first destination.

Say, if you're familiar with that area, we're arriving a week from Wednesday in the AM; anyone ever camped at Glenariff Forest Park? I see no way to make a reservation... I'm wondering if it's even worth driving out there in the off hope of finding a pitch as we'll be suffering jet-lag. What do y'all think as it's about 20 klicks from where we're getting our caravan.

Smith

breadmonkey

I travelled around New Zealand in a van for about two months and was struck by how much there was in the way of public facilities like toilets, showers, picnic benches etc. You won't really find a whole lot of that in Ireland but I guess that won't be too much hassle if you plan on mostly staying in campsites.

One plus side here is that you won't find too many places here with "No Overnight Parking/Camping" signs so you should be able to find some really nice spots to stay overnight if you're that way inclined (or need to save some money!).

You won't need those "bug suits". A benefit of our climate is that there don't tend to be swarms of insects harassing you all the time. You can generally leave your lights on and your windows open without attracting all sorts of horrible things. A good insect repellant should do fine for the odd annoying evening.

P.S. I didn't realise that Wicked were doing vans over here. Haven't seen any myself.

swsm1th

Yeah, Wicked has a depot in Carnlough... they're a tad pricey but cheaper than a car *and* hotels. We don't mind roadside camping; however, IMO, a bathroom is well worth the price of a pitch (I'm getting soft in my dotage!) Besides, when ya gotta go... well... I dislike seeing someone else's mess and won't leave mine!

We have camped in Newfoundland where one finds a comparable climate and the blood-sucking insects of many forms will positively drain one's bodily fluids in a short time. I find that the northern mosquitoes are usually *much* more plentiful and aggressive than their southern cousins. I suppose this is due to the short reproductive season wherein they must eat and lay their eggs. I wonder why Ireland doesn't have them? I would think it roughly similar to Newfoundland; it has about the same latitude and ample water.

But, thanks for the tip... we don't need the bug suits.

Here's another question: as we're out and about in the small towns of Northern Ireland and the Republic, can we generally expect to find public Internet access for checking email? That may well fall under "stupid tourist questions" in the 21st century; however, I lack a clue. I'm guessing that we can.

Smith

sineadgalway

Most average size towns will have internet cafes but you might not get anything in small villages. All librarys should have free internet access...

The coastline around Strangford Lough is really nice too, you can get a ferry from strangford over to Portaferry and head on up to Belfast from there...

Other than that I'd recommend sticking to the coastline, Donegal has amazing beaches and the west coast into Connemara is lovely...

breadmonkey

swsm1th wrote: »

We have camped in Newfoundland where one finds a comparable climate and the blood-sucking insects of many forms will positively drain one's bodily fluids in a short time. I find that the northern mosquitoes are usually *much* more plentiful and aggressive than their southern cousins. I suppose this is due to the short reproductive season wherein they must eat and lay their eggs. I wonder why Ireland doesn't have them? I would think it roughly similar to Newfoundland; it has about the same latitude and ample water.

But, thanks for the tip... we don't need the bug suits.

Here's another question: as we're out and about in the small towns of Northern Ireland and the Republic, can we generally expect to find public Internet access for checking email? That may well fall under "stupid tourist questions" in the 21st century; however, I lack a clue. I'm guessing that we can.

Mozzies are becoming a little more prevalent here from what I can see but I can't remember the last time I was bitten.

I'd don't think that public internet access is very readily available in small towns here. Then again, I'm never looking for it so I could be wrong on that one.