The top 5 places in Ireland to visit with your motorhome: The National Parks
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We've explored the top 5 places to visit in Ireland with your motorhome. Here we conclude with number 5 ...
5) The National Parks
There are few places that can offer the outdoor enthusiast such freedom and vast expanses of landscape to explore as a National Park. Ireland’s National Parks vary dramatically, from shattered limestone rock, to shimmering lakes and natural woodland.It is said that in Killarney National Park, County Kerry, you will find a different walking route for every day in the year. Walkers can choose from low-level parkland, lakeside and woodland walks, to higher level hill walks on old bridle paths. For the more adventurous, take on the 1,000 metre summits of the MacGillicuddy Reeks. Killarney has a plethora of loop walks – some can be completed in 30 minutes while others can take four-plus hours. The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls gives the area a jaw-dropping beauty, and a variety of wildlife calls the park home.
The word ‘Burren’ comes from the Irish word Boíreann meaning a rocky place, so when you visit the Burren National Park in County Clare, it should come as no surprise that there’s a lack of soil cover and huge areas of exposed limestone pavement. The rock is fertile though and the National Park contains examples of major habitats. The bare stone hills are dotted with alpine flowers and Neolithic monuments too. There are seven trails through the park, which vary from a short 40-minute loop to a three-hour walk over limestone mountains.
Wicklow Mountains National Park covers part of a mountain range that extends over most of County Wicklow on the east coast. The upper slopes and peaks are covered with heath and bog, along with woodland in the river valleys. The most visited area is the scenic Glendalough Valley where the ancient monastic settlement of St. Kevin is located. With an open access policy to the national park, escape from the summer crowds is possible and a sense of wilderness and isolation can readily be found.
All images copyright Tourism Ireland
Campsites nearby:
Killarney Flesk Caravan & CampingFlesk, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co Kerry
Tel: 0035-36-431704 Web: www.killarneyfleskcamping.com
Open: 6 May - 30 September
Price: From €30/£25.47 (2 adults, pitch, electric)
Walking and cycling path directly from site into Killarney National Park. Close to town centre. Restaurant, bar and shop on site.
River Valley Holiday Park
Redcross Village, County Wicklow
Tel: 0035-340-441647 Web: www.rivervalley.ie
Open: 15 March - 4 November Price: €27/£22.93 (2 adults, pitch, electric)
Separate families and couples pitching areas. Bar/restaurant, crazy golf, petting zoo and many other activities. 19 miles from Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Salthill, Galway
Tel: 0035-391-523972 Web: www.salthillcaravanpark.com
Open: 22 March - 28 September Price: From €29/£24.70 (2 adults, pitch, electric)
Campsite offers views over Galway Bay. Short walk to Galway City, bus stop at entrance. 36 miles from The Burren National Park.
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