This is Richard, sometimes he sits and thinks. And sometimes he just sits. Welcome to Richard's World of Adventure where he shares his unique motorhome experiences with us, so that we can share with you. Enjoy the read from Richard in his own words.
"We like to get as much use out of our motorhome as is reasonably possible. That certainly means starting out earlier than the majority of owners, but this year we've noticed two sorts of campsites. There are those who have made a real effort to open their properly prepared campsites on time and with sensible charges and those who haven't. We've found a few of each!
Straight Talk
There are those who shall be nameless who have made very little effort, where it was obvious they were not ready to open at the time they advertised. After staying at this site, we discovered an obstruction in the bathrooms on top of the fact that a tap was broken and there was no hot water. It was cheapest at €25 but.... on another campsite, the owners thought that €46 per night for 2 people with an electric connection was a reasonable low season charge. Now we all know that during Covid prices went mad, and the ESB may need to take some responsibility for this, but there is no longer any justification for these sorts of charges which in terms of percentage increase to pre Covid prices are out of line with Continental increases over the same period.
By contrast we have twice visited Doolin in Co. Clare in the past 3 weeks. We stayed at both O'Connors and in a second visit, at Nagle's. What a contrast. Both these campsites had put their best foot forwards and were more than ready to welcome visitors, and at €28 and €33 per night both deserved congratulations for keeping their prices at acceptable levels. We must also add that Nagles is continuing major site works. Their lower field which was an all grass area for many years, is now a properly developed motorhome site with new concrete hard standings and tarmac driveways. Also, each space has its own electric connection point, and its own water supply and drainage. If there was one suggestion I'd like to make to Nagles, it would be to add plenty of hangers for clothes and towels etc., in both the toilets and the wash areas. The showers are excellent but would be even better with some water heat control and a flexible hose fitting making it easier to reach some body areas better than the very good, but standard overhead jets.
Your gateway to Moher and the Arans
Of course, both these sites benefit from the traffic created by the Arran Ferries, and even in early April these appeared to be working at fairly full capacity and if you fancy a Cliffs of Moher visit this is the way to do it. The view from the sea is so much better than from on top, and if you're lucky the waterborne bird life is a extra special treat.
Our Experience
Nagles site does have a location advantage in terms of being close to the Doolin Ferries base where there's nearly always something to watch and there's a rather nice little coffee kiosk at the dock, but O'Connors has both its own snack kiosk and a very handy pub just a few metres across the road from the site entrance.
Dockside Detox: Try the New Seaweed Bath Experience
As an added bonus, one last mention for anyone using either site, is the availability of a new seaweed bath service across from the docks. We understand that this uses heated sea water and is reported to be doing very well. It's certainly a unique use of old spirit barrels and we were told that prices started at about €60.00 per person!
For the lovers of mountain scenery I must include one last tip. If you haven't done it before try the drive from Westport to Louisburgh and then down through the mountains to Leenane. Possibly one of the best scenic drives in Ireland."
Anchor Point Motorhomes are here to help
We hope you enjoyed Richard's blog and advice, if you are interested in becoming a campervan owner or purchasing a motorhome, come and visit us to see the range at our showrooms in Shannonside Business Park, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary V94VY98. Anchor Point Motorhomes is your Burstner, Carado, Weinsberg and Westfalia Motorhome Ireland dealer and we pride ourselves on delivering a 5 star service to all our customers.
Feel free to call us on 353 (0)61 379903 or pop in to see us. A warm welcome awaits!
