Message Forums

Hi

Having developed a taste for remote places to camp, I'm thinking of going over to Achill, Co Mayo in July. I've chosen a site that would be pretty ideal for us (Keel Sandybanks) but.... when I emailed them to reserve, they replied that 'no reservations are needed'- frankly this scares the pants off me. There are only 3 sites I know of on Achill island and not very many in the surrounding 30 miles. Am I just being paranoid/soft or is going across to the Emerald Isle without a firm booking a foolish venture (OH needs some convincing). Looking at it (and ignoring Louisburg and Westport which really aren't remote/pleasant), there are only a total 160 pitches in the area.

Also, anyone been to Keel Sandybanks, Lavelle's Golden Strand or Seals Cave (does this one still exist??)

Long winded way of saying- would you go with no booking? Any thoughts appreciated

Cheers!

I had a nasty moment earlier when I 'permanently' deleted their email in Outlook, but managed to find a nifty way of getting it back again.

Good job I hadn't plumped for the other ones as first choice- neither have email/websites and only a funny old fashioned phone number- very strange!!

Things are a bit more laid back over here. I have been told many times by campsites in the Rep ireland that it's OK, we'll find you room. Sites in the North would need to be booked more. If they say you don't need to book, then you don't need to book.

No, you won't need to book unless you are going to the more popular places during school holiday times. You are right not to go to Westport, the site there, which is very hard to find, charges extortionate prices as we found. We drove down the road and came across Croagh Patrick caravan site, fairly basic, but has all facilities, and was cheap and pleasant enough. Not (yet) been to Achill but it's on my list.

Donegal is lovely and plenty of remote places, but like the rest of ROI, not many sites. There is a new site, Elaghvale which is just outside Derry/Londonderry (in Northern Ireland) near the Donegal border, which we intend to try sometime.

Anne