Camping: The Ultimate Budget Holiday
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There seems to be a perception in today’s Ireland that holidays are more of a necessity than a luxury. Personally I completely disagree and cannot comprehend the idea of people borrowing money for a holiday. As much as I would love to pack up for a week or two on the continent, it’s just not an option at this point in time.
When I lived in America, my future husband was an avid camper. I thought this all a bit bizzarre at first. Why would anyone want to live in a stinky tent for a week in the middle of nowhere? I suppose my perception of camping had been tainted by the muddy booze-fuelles festival experiences of my youth. However I aquiesced and became hooked! We used to go camping any chance we could. It was so much fun. Sitting around a fire each night with the woods all around. We had a canoe at the time to and would go canoeing during the day. It was so much fun and I became hooked.
Since moving back to Ireland almost four years ago we haven’t been, until the other night. We had never taken the kids camping before and wanted to test the concept with them before committing to a longer period of time. We brought them to a local campsite and forked out all of €12 for the night and had an absolute blast. The kids just loved it and we hadn’t had such a relaxing evening in a long time. Best twelve euro we ever spent.
We are planning a longer trip later in the summer. Most campsites these days have great amentities including showers and toilets, so you’re never far from the luxuries of home. Many are situated on lakes or farms which can add to the experience. Ranging between €12-20 a night for a tent, you really can’t beat the price. Many campsites have mobile homes to rent, if you prefer something a little more luxurious, or indeed you could bring a caravan.
To find campsites around Ireland visit the Camping Ireland website, but if you are looking for a specific area, I’ve found it better to google that area with the word camping. You will find sites that aren’t listed.
As far as expenses, you will need a tent and sleeping bags. To add a bit more comfort you might want an airbed or sleeping mat, but I don’t think that’s necessary. If you plan on cooking you will need some utensils and pots that will be ok in a fire or a camping stove. Argos sells most of these items at a reasonable price. Lidl currently has some camping accessories and Aldi has tents, sleeping bags and more acccessories.
Altogether it is great craic. Kids love being outdoors and for the adults it’s quite relaxing too.
Great post – definitely this borrowing for holidays is a
dangerous suggestion – propagated by recent posts in the Irish Independent, as mentioned here.
Though, another Indo journalist seems to have a bit more cop
on in todays Personal Finance section where they
refer to cheap or free things to do in Ireland.
Jun 14th, 2008 at 7:15 am
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