Camping in Ireland: A Unique Experience

Have you ever thought about going camping in Ireland? Well, let me tell you, it’s a whole new adventure altogether! Unlike the typical camping trips you might be accustomed to, camping in Ireland provides a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in awe.

When you think about camping, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the idea of pitching a tent in a remote woodland area, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, and sleeping under the stars. While all of these elements exist in an Irish camping experience, there is an extra dash of magic that sets it apart.

In Ireland, you’ll find something extraordinary around every corner. From the rugged coastline to the tranquil lakes and towering mountains, the magnificent landscapes will leave you captivated. Picture waking up to the sound of crashing waves, surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and untouched beauty. It’s a sight that will forever be etched in your memory.

What truly makes camping in Ireland stand out is the warmth of the Irish people. Known for their friendliness and hospitality, the locals will make you feel right at home. Whether you need directions, recommendations, or simply want a chat about their charming culture, they will gladly oblige. It’s like having a personal guide to the hidden gems of the country.

When it comes to activities, Ireland offers an abundance of choices. You can embark on breathtaking hikes, go fishing in crystal-clear lakes, or explore ancient ruins that whisper tales of the past. And let’s not forget about the traditional Irish music sessions that will have you tapping your feet and singing along.

Another wonderful aspect of camping in Ireland is the chance to immerse yourself in the rich folklore and legends that have been passed down through generations. You can visit ancient sites believed to be home to fairies, explore mythical stone circles, and listen to captivating stories from local storytellers. It’s like stepping into a magical realm.

Now, I must warn you, camping in Ireland can be quite unpredictable when it comes to weather. Rain is no stranger to these lands, so it’s always a good idea to pack your raincoat and waterproof gear. But don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits. The ever-changing weather adds to the charm and creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a truly unique camping experience, Ireland is the place for you. With its breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, rich culture, and mystical allure, it will surpass all your expectations. So, pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in the land of magic.

Right after my wife, Catherine, finished her accounting degree, we packed our bags and headed to Ireland to start our married life. She needed to complete her articles, which would take about three years. During this time, aspiring accountants don’t earn much money, so we thought it would be better for her to earn that little money in euros instead of rand. That way, she could pay off her student debt a bit faster.

Everyone knows that the Irish are friendly and welcoming – “céad míle fáilte” – the land of a hundred thousand welcomes, as they say. So, we thought it would be the perfect place to build our fortune and make lifelong friends. However, it turns out that making friends can be a challenge if you’re not a big fan of pubs, and it can be just as challenging to fit in if you love spending time at the pub.

Hey, listen up! I gotta be honest with you, I used to enjoy having a drink or two, but going to the pub all the time wasn’t really my thing. It felt like that was the only way to socialize, you know? Birthdays, farewells, sports matches, even funerals – it was always the pub.

But I realized that constantly going to the pub was not only hurting my wallet but also my waistline. It just wasn’t me. I didn’t want to become one of those people who spend their weekends sitting in front of the TV, ordering takeout. So, my partner and I made a decision. We wanted a change, a breath of fresh air. We decided to embrace the outdoorsy life. We wanted to go hiking, camping, and have a good old braai! And what better place to meet like-minded people than a camping spot?

When I set out to explore the island, I wanted to take it all in. Each month, we picked a new county, hopped in the car, and hit the road. Little by little, we checked off places on our list. But when summer came, we decided to do something different. We wanted to experience the beauty of Wicklow firsthand, so we packed up our camping gear and headed out.

After finding a campsite online and making a reservation, we arrived on a Friday evening. The long summer days meant we still had plenty of daylight left. We quickly set up our tent and settled in for the night. Dinner was a simple meal of pasta and tuna that we had prepared beforehand.

As we got ready for bed, we noticed some flickering lights coming from the tent next to ours. To our surprise, the family inside had set up a TV and the kids were busy playing PlayStation games. They had even brought an extension cord to plug into the electrical outlet. We couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of it all. Here we were, trying to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and yet our neighbors had managed to bring it all with them.

Wow, take a look at this awesome illustration by Jess Nicholson!

I wanted to share my thoughts with you about the role of technology in our lives. You see, technology is a bit of a puzzling thing. On one hand, it can make life easier and more connected. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming and even addictive.

When I think about it, I realize that technology has become an essential part of our everyday lives. It’s amazing how we can connect with people from all around the world with just a few taps on a screen. We can access vast amounts of information in an instant and even learn new skills on our own. It’s like having a whole world of possibilities right at our fingertips.

But let’s not forget the downsides. Sometimes I find myself scrolling mindlessly through social media, losing track of time. I get caught up in comparing myself to the highlight reels of others, and it can leave me feeling inadequate. And don’t even get me started on the ads! They seem to follow me everywhere, always tempting me with the next new thing I just have to buy.

It’s important to find a balance, don’t you think? We need to be mindful of how much time we spend with our devices and make sure we’re using technology in a way that serves us, rather than the other way around. We should strive to use it as a tool for connection, learning, and creativity.

So, next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to pause and reflect. Remember that technology is a tool, and it’s up to us to use it wisely. And hey, if you like this illustration by Jess Nicholson, I bet you’ll love exploring more of their work!

So, I woke up early in the morning, all set and excited to explore the beautiful countryside. We had a packed itinerary for the day, including a visit to a tranquil lough and a charming monk’s chapel. And of course, we couldn’t resist the temptation of indulging in some delicious tea and scones at a cozy country tea shop. In Ireland, it’s always wise to carry your trusty umbrella because the weather can be quite unpredictable. Even though it was sunny at the moment, we knew that rain could pour down at any moment.

But luck was on our side that day – the rain decided to stay away, blessing us with a pleasant stroll through the mesmerizing mountains. The view was truly awe-inspiring, and we couldn’t help but take in the beauty of the surroundings. As the day came to an end, we made our way back to the campsite, eagerly anticipating our supper. And boy, were we in for a treat! We had planned a braai, and earlier in the day, we had spotted some authentic boerewors sausage in a butcher’s window.

It was a stroke of luck that I had come across a compact, reusable metal braai at a charity shop a few months ago. It may not have been perfect, with its A4-sized grid, but in times like these, you make do with what you have. After all, it’s the experience that matters, right?

As we returned to the campsite around 6pm, it struck me how quiet it was. The first thing I did was set up the fire spot, arranging rocks around our metal braai to achieve the right atmosphere. Once the fire was lit, I decided to crack open a beer – my first one of the week. I stepped back to appreciate my handiwork. Drip. I noticed that the clouds had been getting closer. Drip, drip. The sky suddenly seemed a lot darker. Drip. Drip. Oh no, this wasn’t good. Drip-drip-drip-drip-drip, it started raining.

The fire was still in its early stages and it wouldn’t survive the downpour. There was only one option. Catherine put on her rain jacket and grabbed the umbrella, using it to shield herself and the fire. But it didn’t take long to realize that the umbrella couldn’t cover both of them. It was in that moment that I knew she was truly special. She embraced the rain and held the umbrella high above the fire. Naturally, I did what any person would do and took a photo.

It was thirty minutes later, and the rain was starting to ease off. That’s when we saw several cars pull into the campsite, carrying pizza boxes and McDonald’s bags. Can you believe it? They all went out for fast food! They took a brief look our way, and then headed into their tents, ready to enjoy a takeout meal and watch TV.

I bet those people are sitting around their TVs right now, or maybe they’re at the pub, telling the story of the time they went camping and saw this crazy couple – us! We were completely soaked, but we refused to let the rain ruin our barbecue experience.

You know, this little adventure of ours was featured in the March 2022 issue of Getaway magazine. It’s kind of hilarious to think that people all over are reading about our rain-soaked camping trip!

This story was originally written by Alan Valkenburg for Getaway magazine.

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