Caravanning in Northern Ireland

relievedmum

BOBS wrote: »

Bernieflint - would the Armagh one be Gosford ??? - have been there but heard tell of it. And the leaving bikes at their a*** bit sounds very very familiar!!!!
Relievedmum - We would pop into Drumaheglis just to use park and it is lovely though the fact it is beside river Bann puts me off as kids still quite young.
When you stay at Delamont do you not end up spending loads on all the extras ??

Thanks for all the posts so far - could be a good thread :-) :-)

Do you mean in Delamont Park - eg train etc - if so no not really but then we only have one son who is now 11 so a bit "too cool" for Thomas the tank engine lol! The actual caravan park is far enough away from the main play park, train, ice cream etc - young kids would need an adult with them so no running up and down to it themselves. Its about a 5 min walk and they would have to cross the main "avenue" into the park which can be quite busy at peak times. The actual caravan park is the most expensive in NI (I think) especially in high season when they add on child prices, awning etc etc etc! Having said that it is a brilliant place for walks - loads of different routes which can take you alongside Strangford Lough and you are close enough to the Mournes and Newcastle for days out.

Totally agree with you re Drumaheglis and the river. When our son was smaller we always asked for a pitch at the back and again because we only had one and he wasn't a "wanderer" we were happy enough. Generally speaking he always put a life - jacket on as part of his daily routine - no exception to watching him but it was part of the rules of being allowed out to play!

Just remembered another popular one (although we have never managed to get yet) is Carnfunnock near Larne. Again loads of activities in the Country Park- have only ever been once a couple of years ago.

There just aren't enough weekends in the year lol!!!!!

Saucepanhead

Murlock cottages is a brill wee site but as you said you do have to book well in advance like most sites now adays. Carnfunnock in Larne is another fab site with walks & loads to do for kids-only thing is most of them cost extra! Juniper Hill & Carrick Dhu in Portstewart are Coleraine council run sites & this year have put their fees away up which has annoyed alot of people especially as Juniper Hills showers etc arent great & need sum work doing & there is no direct water/waste! If you are thinking of travelling over the water with your caravan I would highly recommend joining the caravan club which costs around £35 per year. For this you get the clubs mag. every month & you can book their sites which are usually 5star and a very very high standard!

Loka_loka

Our favourites are Ballyness, Rushin House and Delamont. All are top class, pristine sites and very safe for kids.

Cushendun is another favourite due to its location and the fact that it is so small. While the facilities are only 3 star, the friendliness of the warden makes up for it.

We also like Drumaheglis, Antrim Loughshore Park - our kids are 4 & 6 and this is the first year we have gone near water on site, but it hasn't been an issue at all. These two sites have excellent wardens.

Visiting Carnfunnock in July for first time and hope to get to Castle Ward for a weekend later in the year., both of which have excellent reviews.

As for places to avoid, Castle Archdale is probably high up the list, particularly during bank holiday weekends and wet weather....as well as Silvercliffs in Ballycastle...less said the better

BOBS

Relieved Mum - we have been to Carnfunnock for days out and it is a lovely place - my only worry is the kids couldnt do park etc on their own and would be restricted as to what they could do with us on their tails - my 3 are 5, 8, 10. But agree there is loads for them to do.
Lisa - have paid deposit for Castlearchdale in August - is it really that bad ?? - should I loose out and try Rushin House ?? - want to go to that general area to do Marble arch caves etc.
Castleward sounds like a nice idea too - does it have electric hook up - know some of National trust sites dont!!

Loka_loka

BOBS,

You could be lucky and get in a quiet area, but generally the noise from the bar at Castle Archdale, as well as the crowds of young people can be pretty bad at night. As this is MSE, I wouldn't cancel to lose money, but see if you can get your money back as you're giving plenty notice. However Rushin House is usually booked up early in the season, but give them a call and they might fit you in.

Admittedly I didn't check the electric hook-up in Castleward - just assumed it would have it....hope I'm right....

dmxdave

lisaokane wrote: »

BOBS,
Admittedly I didn't check the electric hook-up in Castleward - just assumed it would have it....hope I'm right....

Strangford
Castleward Caravan Park (U)
Castle Ward Estate
Strangford
T: 0 28 4488 1204 or 0 28 4488 1680

8 miles from Downpatrick, 1/4 mile from Strangford on A25.
In grounds of Castleward National Trust Property. Dogs admitted on leads. Facilities include: Showers (Free), Electric Point for shavers, Electricity supply to pitches (5 amps), Cafe/Restaurant, Food/Mobile Shop, Credit cards accepted. Nearby facilities: Tennis Courts, Golf, Riding/Pony trekking, Boating and convenient to Ulster Way.

Opening Times: 17 March - 30 September.
Pitches: 28 Caravan spaces at £11 per night,
20 Tent Spaces at £6. per night (No charge for hook-up or awning)

.

From Down District Council Website
HTH

BOBS

Lisa - rang castlearchdale and no chance of a refund ......:(
BUT rang Ruskin house and they can fit us in
as it is our summer holiday would rather enjoy than have the stresses that castlearchdale may bring. I am so glad to get the input on here and really appreciate it!!
Dmxdave- thank you for Castleward - didnt get that info whereever i was looking. Castleward wont be this year but definitely top of the list for next. Plus that is a great price/night..

Rach39

Thinkin of buyin a motorhome - would it be the general rule that if a site takes touring caravans they will take motorhomes and are they normally around the same price? Thanks in advance!

BOBS

Rach39 wrote: »

Thinkin of buyin a motorhome - would it be the general rule that if a site takes touring caravans they will take motorhomes and are they normally around the same price? Thanks in advance!

As far as I know it is the same price as pricelists usually quote for caravan/motorhome.

Loka_loka

BOBS wrote: »

Lisa - rang castlearchdale and no chance of a refund ......:(
BUT rang Ruskin house and they can fit us in
as it is our summer holiday would rather enjoy than have the stresses that castlearchdale may bring. I am so glad to get the input on here and really appreciate it!!

When will you be in Rushin House - we're booked from 18-22 August!