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Hi Sharon, we've never stayed at Ballymacrea, always thought it a bit close to the road and small, but I have heard it is very friendly.  We do stay a lot at Ballyness, find the owners nice, David would have a bit more chat about him, always been friendly. Great facilities as you know, but our kids are outgrowing it, but close enough to Portrush for surfing for our eldest. 

If you live in Larne I dare say you give Carnfunnock a miss then? Our kids are a bit too old for it now too but wanted to go to the Halloween night again, it's usually very good. As I get older I get less tolerant of those kiddies bikes with big plastic wheels (awful I know, as we've been there and done that) and Carnfunnock is usually full of them!  The noise is horrendous all day long, least they go to bed early..But we know that and still go LOL..

Enjoy Alton Towers, plenty to keep the kids amused..

Wendy

Hi there

We love Kellys.  They use the vacant brand new static sites for tourers and that is why they built the new toilet block.  There is still about 12 or 15 empty pitches left.  I know you can't put up an awning as it is all hard stand.  Saves any arguements as to put it up or not!  lol 

There are also a few empty pitches around the site but we have never stayed on them.   You never hear any noise from the hotel, but is handy should you wish to go for a drink or meal in the restaurant.  

Has anyone stayed at The Skerries recently ? Last time I was there they were steadily pushing the tourers farther and farther towards the sea, I thought by now they might be on the beach .

I agree there are too few sites over here with a decent basic standard - clean, fairly modern (i.e. not a freezing breeze block structure) showers and toilet block, sizeable pitches, and quiet after 11pm. Carfunnock (though it has it's moments late at night with locals too), Kilbroney (ditto), Rushin House, Ballyness (though it doesn't take tents now ), Drumaheglis, Delamont, Clogher Valley are all I can think of. The North Coast in particular has a lot of poor sites. Can it be that hard to have facilities as good as Delamont and enforce a quiet rule ? The C&CC club should have more sites over here too - 1 site doesn't do us justice taking into account population.

Anyone any more recommendations of similar sites ?

Arthur,

Just to add to your list, Six Mile Water in Antrim is not a bad little site.

We would try to get a few weekends there during the year.

Heading there this weekend.

Everyones keeping very quiet!! Maybe they are all lucky enough to be away in their vans.

Paul

Hi guys!  Was just wondering if anyone had been to Castle Archdale Caravan and Camping site in Co. Fermanagh.  We have booked a tent pitch with ehu for beginning of August and just wondered if anyone had been recently and knew what it was like.  Any info on what to do or see would be greatly appreciated.  Just purchased a new Hi Gear (Gelert) Sahara (Zenith) 6.  Looking forward to trying it out.

Thanks in advance for any replys.

Lynn x

Hi Lynn, haven't been to Castle Archdale for a few years now. It can be a busy site especially around Bank holidays. Its a mix of statics, tourers and tents set in a large site. The pitches aren't marked as such. You pick you're own spot near to the ehu. There is a bar, cafe and shop on site and there is a newish toilet block since I was last there. There is a public slipway onto the lough where you can go on boat trips to a little island or simply watch people launching their boats.

As far as I can remember you can hire bikes on site. There are plenty of walks to go on in the immediate area too. A truely lovely scenic area. The site is situated about 10miles from Enniskillen the main county town of Fermanagh. Plenty of shops, pubs restaurants etc. You can take a cruise on Lough Erne from here.

The Marble Arch caves, a little further beyond Enniskillen, is a good day out weather permitting. If there has been heavy rain they may be closed. Check before travelling.

If you like National Trust property visit Florencecourt house and gardens.

Belleek Pottery , situated on the border of Donegal, to the west of Lough Erne, is another popular tourist spot. Tours of the factory are conducted daily.

Fishing and watersports are very popular in the area as is golf!  Not sure if this is any help to you but its a start. You'll find plenty of tourist information in Enniskillen and I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Paul

Thanks Cathyni,

Can you tell me what made it a bad experience for you and when you went there?

Thanks

Lynn

Hi Lynn

We have stayed at Castle Archdale a few times,  It's quite a distance away for us. We have always enjoyed it, although it has rained everytime we go.   There is plenty to see and do. The coffee shop was lovely. My husband really enjoyed the war museum. Kids went pony-trekking and hired bikes. I enjoyed the walks and gardens

From what I can hear they have finished the up-grading of the hard stand pitches .

Toilets, laundry and wash-up areas all good.  I enjoyed the bar and restaurant, although the play area beside them could do with upgrading. Perhaps that is done too. I don't know.

Don't worry. I'm sure you will have a good time

Thanks oakydoaky, we are only going for 3 nights, but is a bit of a hike for us so we just wanted to make sure it was worth it. :).  You've put my mind at rest and we have tried out our new tent in the back garden, so its all good.  We're just back from 3 nights in London, went to see Take That at Wembley, so 3 quiet nights in N. Ireland is just what the doctor ordered.

Many thanks for your reply.

Lynn

Not so sure about quiet nights!    August is middle of the high season!!    

My cousin is just back from London too,  She was at a Take That concert too!!