Ireland
Lough Derg, ( CC listed AA graded )
Holiday Park,
Killaloe,
Co, Clare.
Tel: 061 376329.
Past experience, has taught us to avoid sites with statics. Lough
Derg is an exception. 35 touring, hardstands, 24 tents and 6 statics.(
rented I think )
Pleasingly organised in landscaped grounds.
Shower block.
Ok to good, clean, hot showers.
Shop
take-away, restaurant, wine licence only.
Laundry and games room. Electric hook-ups 5amp.
Nearest pub
off the beaten track, one mile away. Racking my brains to recall its
name. Anyway turn left out of the campsite, first right up a country
lane, twenty minutes stroll. A locals meeting place, with a warm welcome
for visitors. Good food, fine ale, prefer the Beamish to the other.
Belly`s full, thirst quenched, thinking about toddling back. When a
graceful vocalist`s ballad drifted from an alcove. Soon to be accompanied
by others.
How can you walk out on that?
We didn`t, stayed for some time and then staggered back.
Local attractions.
Killaloe 4 miles.
13 arch bridge over the Shannon.
13th Century Cathedral.
13 Ale Houses ( according to a local ).
Boat trips.
Appealing rolling countryside, quiet roads, ideal for cycling.
Dogs.
The site rule is no dogs, our " Tess" loved the place. After all it
is Ireland and the month was September. Any site with a pooch ban, is
worth a a phone call, outside school holidays.
Fishing.
Step outside, walk no more than a 100yards " bingo " 75 yards of shoreline,
two piers, deep water. If there`s too much activity, then wander off
to the left or right, nobody seems to object.
Big Bream patrol 15 yards out. Pike, Perch, Brown Trout, Roach and Rudd.
Float, spin, plug, deadbait, the fishing's good. Ledger with a swimfeeder
for those large Bream. Lough Derg is renowned for Pike fishing. Hire
a boat, explore the Lough, find a remote bay, it`s possible you could
be the first to fish there for many a year. Bait and tackle at Ballina
( 4 miles ) just across the bridge from Killaloe.
Irish Tourist Board publish comprehensive guides and maps ( free ) for
the visiting angler. Phone them on 0035316024000, use the office phone
if possible ( international ).
Location.
4 miles north of Killaloe on the R463.
Sent in by keith brown
Wave Crest,
Caherdaniel,
Ring of Kerry,
Co, Kerry.
Tel: 066 75188
Before Caherdaniel we stopped of at Killarney, attractive busy town.
Unfortunately, as far as tourists are concerned, it's the " Yankee Dollar
" that rules. So off we motored for the Ring of Kerry, word of advice,
if you plan to travel the Ring with an outfit, then go clockwise.
Dial wise we went just like the coaches and lorries. Pulled in at Wave
Crest, called at reception and chose our own spot. ( low season ) Thirty
three thoughtfully landscaped pitches, nestling in a hill, overlooking
Kenmare Bay, the sea lapping at your feet and panoramic views of the
Slieve Miskish Mountains.
We planned to stay two nights, flopped out and stayed four. Even our
"Tess" adopted a lazy disposition, planted herself on a hill, chewed
a stick, kept an eye on us and admired the scenery. Toilet block and
showers are ample, clean and modern. Electric hook ups, 220 volts, so
expect your kettle to take a little longer to boil. Shop on site. On
the West Coast, sites tend to be basic, with this in mind. Wave Crest
receives a personal four out of five. Village ten minutes walk.
Pubs as usual, plenty of them, singing, folk, traditional and rebel
if your lucky.
Interested in history, then pay a visit to Derrynane House, the former
home of Daniel O`Connell (1775-1847 ) video show, cafe, grounds and
a roam around his old digs.
Walking.
Local public footpaths in Southern Ireland, West Coast in particular,
seem to be non existent. The reason being ( so we have been told ) for
every nook and cranny a road will wind its way their. Quiet as these
lanes are, the high hedgerows limit any view. Access to the Kerry Way
long distance path is just over a mile away, good ramble, very scenic.
Boots recommended. Remember to double back at some point.
Fishing.
The area caters for the fly fisherman/woman. Must admit as a course
angler I find it frustrating. Great expanses of fresh water and I can't
have a dabble. Yes I know the answer, take up fly fishing. ( one day
) Plenty of opportunities for the sea angler, on site and near by.
Content with our surroundings, we reluctantly left Caherdaniel and carried
on with our revised tour of West Eire.
Directions.
From the North or South, make your way to Kenmare village. on the N71.
At the junction with the N70, stop and take a look at the "Finger post
". Twenty plus fingers pointing in all directions. Marvel at it, then
ignore. Join the N70 ( Ring of Kerry ) and head West. In approximately
27 miles, site on the left.
Tip.
Stick to the N roads when towing, reason`s will come later in another
report.
For more information on Wave Crest and other sites try
Camping Europe
Local tourist office.
Killarney,
Town Hall.
Tel: 064 31633
Fax: 064 34506
Sent in by keith brown