Just curious

Liam · 24-08-2009, 20:31

Ok,during the last few weeks I've seen a few UK reg Caravans on the road and was curious as to whether anyone here takes their caravan to Ireland (North or South) and what they generally feel about the country,welcome,facilities etc. If you haven't been here,what reasons prevent you coming over? Is it cost,facilities (or lack of) or other reasons? I know there are a lot of dog lovers among you but did you know that you can bring dogs to Ireland without much hassle and a lot of sites also welcome dogs. Not being too nosey,I hope, as in the title ,just curious about reasons people do come and reasons they choose not to. I promise , I won't sell the info to the Tourist Board,honest. Feel free to be brutally honest, I've just started camping again and would welcome info on good/bad sites,too. Thanks in advance.

jims-terrano · 24-08-2009, 21:05

Hi Liam, if I had the money I'd love to come over to Ireland. Both North and the Republic have lots to offer. Perhaps one day when the mortgage is finished with, just hope I'm not to old to enjoy it by then.

Jim T

Paul · 24-08-2009, 21:07

Going to watch this with interest, it's on our list to take the van next year.

tezzer · 24-08-2009, 21:11

me and a mate keep saying we are going over for a weeks fishing, maybe one day, what i do need to know is do you need a passport? i believe northen ireland you dont, but it needed for southern ireland, anyone know for sure?.

zippy · 24-08-2009, 21:28

You dont need a parrport for either country at the moment.

Regards
Lee

Liam · 24-08-2009, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by tezzer

me and a mate keep saying we are going over for a weeks fishing, maybe one day, what i do need to know is do you need a passport? i believe northen ireland you dont, but it needed for southern ireland, anyone know for sure?.

Definitely no passport required but if you think you are coming for just a weeks fishing ,forget it. A week will only be a taster,best to tell the other half you'll be back when it stops raining, should be good for a couple of years,at least.

zippy · 24-08-2009, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liam

Ok,during the last few weeks I've seen a few UK reg Caravans on the road and was curious as to whether anyone here takes their caravan to Ireland (North or South) and what they generally feel about the country,welcome,facilities etc. If you haven't been here,what reasons prevent you coming over? Is it cost,facilities (or lack of) or other reasons? I know there are a lot of dog lovers among you but did you know that you can bring dogs to Ireland without much hassle and a lot of sites also welcome dogs. Not being too nosey,I hope, as in the title ,just curious about reasons people do come and reasons they choose not to. I promise , I won't sell the info to the Tourist Board,honest. Feel free to be brutally honest, I've just started camping again and would welcome info on good/bad sites,too. Thanks in advance.

I have caravanned both sides of the border. Friends say that the ferries are far too expensive to come over to Ireland from the mainland - much cheaper to go to France from England.

I must admit though that I am reticent when touring the south because of my Northern accent - troubles an ol that. The last time I toured Donegal there was several areas with sectarian graffitti on the walls - not good for tourism. Saying that, we stayed near Westport at Easter and the scenery made me sorely tempted to tour the west coast next year. I was also pleasantly surprised by the general prices when we were in Roscommon - only slightly more expensive than the north. However the price of booze

- bring your own

.

Regards
Lee

makeitfit · 24-08-2009, 21:54

A few years back we went to Ballyhome for our Europeans cat sailing

What a top time we had

Bloody ace fantastic mucho big grin

Wonderful people and ultra friendly

Ace massage by some Irish bird I couldn't understand a word she said until I got the bill,I understood that

Bloody ferry was a rip off though cause we were towing a 20 ft cat and 8ft wide caused a bit of fun in de little people villages

3rd

Went to Dublin on a pollution seminar and once again awesome,but ruddy expensive.
Dont do the tin tent thing but did camp on a little golf course one night

We were asked if we were feeling alright by the green bloke

When we said we were fine he told us to bugger off then

So we paid for a round of golf and hired some bats and he was cool then

extreme-4x4 · 24-08-2009, 22:36

the only thing that worries me is having an english accent .... or id go
also had some mates who were posted there. they had little nice to say about thair visit

i guess its the skoda /or lada syndrome

hope this dont offend

Liam · 25-08-2009, 00:47

Ok,great info so far,thanks lads

Seems we all have the same worries,accent mainly. Same for me when I go to the UK, no bother during daylight but a little apprehensive at night. It seems to me that if we do take a chance,it does work out very well and a great time can be had. Regarding graffitti in Donegal,Lee, I can see where you are coming from, I used to be a bit concerned when delivering up North and had to go into areas where there were a lot of Union Jacks flying, never had a problem but was never really relaxed until a couple of years ago. From speaking to English,Northern Ireland,Welsh and Scots who do come over,most were wary at first but are regular visitors now and say they love coming over. I can understand the cost thing also, we are definitely not cheap,particularly now with Sterling being a bit weak. No doubt that will change and hopefully we will see more of you coming over, sadly we don't have pigs in the kitchen anymore but we do have so many UK High Street stores that it will be like home from home. I'm sure if you do come across,the welcome might surprise you and hopefully if you get a bit of good natured slagging you won't take offence. So,what are you all waiting for,come on over asap.

lacroupade · 25-08-2009, 08:49

I would just say to anyone worried about accents or anything else, forget it.

I haven't been over for quite a few years but was a very regular visitor to the south and south west some 25 years ago at the height of 'the troubles' and yes, in the south west (Kerry etc.) you'd often see graffiti or posters supporting the IRA and so on.....but despite travelling extensively during many visits, not to mention a (ahem) significant number of visits to bars, pubs etc, not once did I EVER experience even the slightest negativity.....the people there are the friendliest you will ever meet, and its like anywhere else, you get out what you put in, so making the effort to talk to people is always repaid in spades.

And the scenery/Guinness is amazing, so if you've ever fancied it, just go - I promise you won't regret it for a minute!

paulp · 25-08-2009, 16:12

I fully agree with lacroupade.

Top place to visit very friendly, again went in the eighties to the Dublin millineum. Went to Kerry, Cork and Wicklow mountains

Was suggested as a possible destination for our next motorbike trip

paulp

jims-terrano · 25-08-2009, 17:21

Liam, I've met plenty Irish people from the North and South. The one thing that struck me is how friendly they are. To be honest with you I never even thought my Yorkshire Acsent would worry people especially in the tourist type areas. I'm sure there are dodgy areas but the same can be said for any where. At the moment I don't see me having much in the way of spare cash for many years to come so holidays are a luxury we don't do. If and when ever we are lucky enough to start thinking of hols then I'd be over there like a shot.

Jim T

Paul · 25-08-2009, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by jims-terrano

Liam, I've met plenty Irish people from the North and South. The one thing that struck me is how friendly they are. To be honest with you I never even thought my Yorkshire Acsent would worry people especially in the tourist type areas. I'm sure there are dodgy areas but the same can be said for any where. At the moment I don't see me having much in the way of spare cash for many years to come so holidays are a luxury we don't do. If and when ever we are lucky enough to start thinking of hols then I'd be over there like a shot.

Jim T

That would make a good meet..

BigBlack · 25-08-2009, 19:09

I travel alot to Northern Ireland with work, and have been to Dublin and the south for fun (mainly Dublin... drinking!!)

I would love to take my caravan to South Ireland, but as Zippy said - its the cost of the ferry. Think the last time I costed it up was gonna be about £400plus return... cost more then the actual site for a fortnight!!!

In regards to accents etc I have a good thick Yorkshire accent, shaved head and am reliably informed that I look like a squady. Had plenty of trips to Belfast and never had anything bad happen yet - sure, your told to be carefull when your out having a beer in some pubs, or not to stop and ask for directions in certian areas.... but aint that the same everywhere?????

As for the murials on houses in Belfast there more tourist attractions now then anythin....

24-08-2009, 20:31	#1
Liam Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Laois,Ireland Posts: 923	Just curious Ok,during the last few weeks I've seen a few UK reg Caravans on the road and was curious as to whether anyone here takes their caravan to Ireland (North or South) and what they generally feel about the country,welcome,facilities etc. If you haven't been here,what reasons prevent you coming over? Is it cost,facilities (or lack of) or other reasons? I know there are a lot of dog lovers among you but did you know that you can bring dogs to Ireland without much hassle and a lot of sites also welcome dogs. Not being too nosey,I hope, as in the title ,just curious about reasons people do come and reasons they choose not to. I promise , I won't sell the info to the Tourist Board,honest. Feel free to be brutally honest, I've just started camping again and would welcome info on good/bad sites,too. Thanks in advance.

24-08-2009, 21:07	#3
Paul Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North West Vehicle: 2002 Terrano 3.0 Di LWB Posts: 1,961	Going to watch this with interest, it's on our list to take the van next year. __________________ 2002 Terrano 3.0 Di LWB..

25-08-2009, 16:12	#12
paulp Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: essex Vehicle: nissan mistral 27td Posts: 1,043	curious I fully agree with lacroupade. Top place to visit very friendly, again went in the eighties to the Dublin millineum. Went to Kerry, Cork and Wicklow mountains Was suggested as a possible destination for our next motorbike trip paulp

24-08-2009, 21:05	#2
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Hi Liam, if I had the money I'd love to come over to Ireland. Both North and the Republic have lots to offer. Perhaps one day when the mortgage is finished with, just hope I'm not to old to enjoy it by then. Jim T

24-08-2009, 21:11	#4
tezzer Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: basildon essex Vehicle: transit camper van 1987 Posts: 2,829	me and a mate keep saying we are going over for a weeks fishing, maybe one day, what i do need to know is do you need a passport? i believe northen ireland you dont, but it needed for southern ireland, anyone know for sure?.

24-08-2009, 21:28	#5
zippy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NI Vehicle: 01 terrano 2.7 lwb Posts: 210	You dont need a parrport for either country at the moment. Regards Lee

24-08-2009, 21:54	#8
makeitfit Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on the beach WEST WALES Vehicle: Maverick TDi BLACK mmm Posts: 15,136	A few years back we went to Ballyhome for our Europeans cat sailing What a top time we had Bloody ace fantastic mucho big grin Wonderful people and ultra friendly Ace massage by some Irish bird I couldn't understand a word she said until I got the bill,I understood that Bloody ferry was a rip off though cause we were towing a 20 ft cat and 8ft wide caused a bit of fun in de little people villages 3rd Went to Dublin on a pollution seminar and once again awesome,but ruddy expensive. Dont do the tin tent thing but did camp on a little golf course one night We were asked if we were feeling alright by the green bloke When we said we were fine he told us to bugger off then So we paid for a round of golf and hired some bats and he was cool then

24-08-2009, 22:36	#9
extreme-4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: WALES Posts: 6,295	the only thing that worries me is having an english accent .... or id go also had some mates who were posted there. they had little nice to say about thair visit i guess its the skoda /or lada syndrome hope this dont offend

25-08-2009, 00:47	#10
Liam Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Laois,Ireland Posts: 923	Ok,great info so far,thanks lads Seems we all have the same worries,accent mainly. Same for me when I go to the UK, no bother during daylight but a little apprehensive at night. It seems to me that if we do take a chance,it does work out very well and a great time can be had. Regarding graffitti in Donegal,Lee, I can see where you are coming from, I used to be a bit concerned when delivering up North and had to go into areas where there were a lot of Union Jacks flying, never had a problem but was never really relaxed until a couple of years ago. From speaking to English,Northern Ireland,Welsh and Scots who do come over,most were wary at first but are regular visitors now and say they love coming over. I can understand the cost thing also, we are definitely not cheap,particularly now with Sterling being a bit weak. No doubt that will change and hopefully we will see more of you coming over, sadly we don't have pigs in the kitchen anymore but we do have so many UK High Street stores that it will be like home from home. I'm sure if you do come across,the welcome might surprise you and hopefully if you get a bit of good natured slagging you won't take offence. So,what are you all waiting for,come on over asap.

25-08-2009, 08:49	#11
lacroupade Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: All hail to the Glove of Love... Posts: 9,212	I would just say to anyone worried about accents or anything else, forget it. I haven't been over for quite a few years but was a very regular visitor to the south and south west some 25 years ago at the height of 'the troubles' and yes, in the south west (Kerry etc.) you'd often see graffiti or posters supporting the IRA and so on.....but despite travelling extensively during many visits, not to mention a (ahem) significant number of visits to bars, pubs etc, not once did I EVER experience even the slightest negativity.....the people there are the friendliest you will ever meet, and its like anywhere else, you get out what you put in, so making the effort to talk to people is always repaid in spades. And the scenery/Guinness is amazing, so if you've ever fancied it, just go - I promise you won't regret it for a minute!

25-08-2009, 17:21	#13
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Liam, I've met plenty Irish people from the North and South. The one thing that struck me is how friendly they are. To be honest with you I never even thought my Yorkshire Acsent would worry people especially in the tourist type areas. I'm sure there are dodgy areas but the same can be said for any where. At the moment I don't see me having much in the way of spare cash for many years to come so holidays are a luxury we don't do. If and when ever we are lucky enough to start thinking of hols then I'd be over there like a shot. Jim T

25-08-2009, 19:09	#15
BigBlack Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: West Yorkshire Vehicle: 2005 Terrano II 2.7tdi SE Posts: 568	I travel alot to Northern Ireland with work, and have been to Dublin and the south for fun (mainly Dublin... drinking!!) I would love to take my caravan to South Ireland, but as Zippy said - its the cost of the ferry. Think the last time I costed it up was gonna be about £400plus return... cost more then the actual site for a fortnight!!! In regards to accents etc I have a good thick Yorkshire accent, shaved head and am reliably informed that I look like a squady. Had plenty of trips to Belfast and never had anything bad happen yet - sure, your told to be carefull when your out having a beer in some pubs, or not to stop and ask for directions in certian areas.... but aint that the same everywhere????? As for the murials on houses in Belfast there more tourist attractions now then anythin....