Mountshannon Hotels

Lakeside Holiday Park, Mountshannon, Co. Clare, Ir: Camping in Clare

Our June Bank Holiday stay in Lakeside started out wet, wet wet. Pure misery, 24 hours of torrential rain. What to do camping in Ireland in the rain? Reading & wine summed it up. But...how it all changed as soon as the rain eased. It was noticeable how the noise level rose as soon as the rain stopped. Really, most people who camp in Ireland are not looking for constant blue skies & sun splitting the stones. No, as soon as it started to dry out, the kayaks, bicycles, tennis rackets & scooters were everywhere. Down at the dock the brave souls were jumping in to Lough Derg and screaming when that first blast of cold water trickled in through the wetsuits. Lakeside is a great spot for the kids to run, race & play ball in the grassy areas & jump in & swim in the lake. Early the next morning there were several parents & kids out looking for the elusive Red Squirrels, though there are many within the grounds of the park they are notoriously shy but it's well worth rising in the early morning to try get a glimpse of one. Dawns down beside the lake are equally amazing. There are swans, cormorants, grebes, herons, terns & more types of ducks than I know, and of course the White Tailed Sea Eagles who are nesting on one of the nearby islands, easily visible from the shore of the park. Some basics: the facilities are second to none, the grounds are very well kept, the toilets and showers are cleaned regularly. There is a very well kept campers kitchen for anyone cooking out of a tent when it's raining. Staff are extremely friendly & accommodating for any of your needs. So whether you decide to camp down near the lake or up in the more open areas they both have their attractions. Make a point of hiring out a boat and visiting one of the many islands in Lough Derg, we made a trip to Holy Island, a lovely few hours. Overall Lakeside should be on your list if you are planning to either camp or caravan in Clare.

Unique Quality: A Tip: Lake side pitches & caravans have uninterrupted views of Lough Derg while the pitches back through the park can be more sheltered, so take your pick.

• Opinion of Price: N/A
• Address: Lakeside Holiday Park, Mountshannon, Co. Clare, Ireland
• Phone: 00 353 61 927225
• Website: http://www.lakesideireland.com/links.htm
• Related to: Fishing, Camping, Birdwatching
• Written June 21, 2012

Spot the Red Squirrels

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