Hi, I’m Mark, and along with my wife Burcu and our one-year-old son Aslan, we recently set off on a magical camping adventure through the wild beauty of Connemara. Travelling in a cozy campervan, we embraced the open road, breathtaking landscapes, and were rewarded with some great insight as to the joys of motor homing through the eyes of a curious toddler. Here's a glimpse into our unforgettable journey as a family in the heart of nature.
Ready for Road
First Stop - Lough Inagh
We set off at 11 a.m., cleverly timing our departure with Aslan’s nap to ensure a peaceful start. The skies were a brilliant blue, setting the tone for a spectacular trip. Our first stop, after a two-hour drive, was the Lough Inagh viewpoint, where we fed sheep and soaked in the serene beauty of the Connemara countryside. Aslan was fascinated by the fluffy animals, and we couldn’t resist snapping a few photos.
A Visit to Clifden
Next, we made a short trip to Clifden, Connemara’s coastal capital, to stock up on supplies. We treated ourselves to a fantastic lunch at “Off The Square restaurant”, indulging in fresh delicious lobster and oysters that were sourced locally, making it extra special. Afterward, we popped into Upstairs Downstairs café for a lovely coffee, savouring the relaxed vibe of the town.
Clifden Eco Beach Campsite
From Clifden, it was a quick 20-minute drive to our home for the next few days: Clifden Eco Beach Camping. We booked two nights for €37, including mains hook-up, and were blown away by the campsite’s stunning coastal surroundings. The location felt like a hidden gem, with its private beach just steps away. We couldn’t resist a quick dip in the sea—though it was freezing, we were in and out in record time! Aslan, however, was in his element, gleefully playing in the sand and exploring the shore.
Back at the campervan, we watched the sun set over the ocean, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. With Aslan tucked into bed, we fired up the BBQ and cooked juicy steaks, paired with a glass of wine. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
The next morning, Aslan and I ventured to the adjacent field to feed grass to a gorgeous, white, long-haired horse that was as friendly as it was majestic. Afterward, we headed to Dogs Bay Beach, a short drive away. Walking down to the beach, we were mesmerized by its beauty—the turquoise water and white sand looked like something straight out of the Maldives. Aslan loved toddling around and digging in the sand, and we couldn’t get enough of the views.
Dogs Bay Roundstone
For lunch, we stopped in Roundstone, a picturesque village, where we enjoyed a tasty meal and treated Aslan to an ice cream. On the way back to the campsite, we took the scenic Sky Road, marvelling at the breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline. That evening, we visited Sweeney’s bar, just 2.5km from the campsite, for a quick drink with views of Omey Island. Back at the van, we grilled burgers for dinner, with Aslan happily fed and ready for bed.
Kylemore Abbey
On our final full day, we visited the iconic Kylemore Abbey, where the stunning grounds left us in awe. Using the campsite’s 20% discount, entry cost us €28.80 in total. After exploring, we headed to Letterfrack for lunch at Veldon’s, where we savoured classic fish and chips. We had hoped to try fresh crab rolls from a food truck on the pier, but sadly, they were sold out by the time we arrived.
Extended Stay
Loving the campsite so much, we extended our stay for an extra night, this time without hook-up for €30. The views from the campervan’s pop-top roof were nothing short of majestic, especially at sunrise. Aslan was thrilled by the novelty of the camper, giggling as he played on the bed in the mornings and explored every nook of the van.
Homeward Bound
After a hearty breakfast on our final day, we packed up and headed home, hearts full from an incredible family adventure. Camping in Connemara with a one-year-old was a whirlwind of joy, from the turquoise waters of Dogs Bay to the cozy evenings in our campervan. Aslan’s excitement and the beauty of the landscape made this trip one we’ll cherish forever. If you’re considering a family camping trip, Connemara is the place to go—just don’t forget to pack for those chilly dips in the sea!
I hope you enjoyed this article, if you are interested in becoming a campervan owner or purchasing a motorhome, pop by and ask for Mark. Our showrooms are located in Shannonside Business Park, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary V94VY98. Anchor Point Motorhomes is your Burstner, Hymer, Carado, Weinsberg and Westfalia Motorhome Ireland dealer and we pride ourselves on delivering a 5 star service to all our customers.
Call us on 353 (0)61 379903 if you have any quesions. A warm welcome awaits!
