Desert House Caravan and Camping Park
Coast Road
Clonakilty
County Cork
Ireland

Tel: +353 023 33331
Fax: +353 023 33048

E-mail: deserthouse@eircom.net
Web site: www.camping-ireland

Contact: Mr & Mrs J. Jennings

Site visited March 2002

Cost (2000): about £8 for 2 adults - hot showers extra

All types of unit accepted. Open April to September.

Directions: 1 mile south of Clonakilty off the main Cork/Bandon/Clonakilty road - take the Ring turning at the roundabout opposite the Supervalue store, the entrance is about 300 yards on the left.

This site is on a working dairy farm, and has a definite ’country’ aroma at times. There are two fields, one with hard standings and electric hook-ups for caravans and motorvans - this is pretty flat and there are plenty of water taps - the other is a sloping field at the front of the farm, which is solely for tenters. We have only ever stayed here in our old VW camper, so I’m not sure whether there are water taps in the field.

All pitches are reasonably close to the toilet block, which backs on to the farm outbuildings. There are hot showers at an extra cost but hot water is free in the hand basins. These facilities are pretty good, although they were looking a bit worn around the edges when we were last there in 2001. There is a small TV room, and also a kitchen/pot washing area. One thing we’ve noticed about Irish sites is the fact that they usually have a kitchen area for campers - sensible bearing in mind the rainfall figures!

The site is well within walking distance of Clonakilty, which is a bustling town with everything you could need. There’s a wide variety of shops and there are plenty of eating places and bars. Try the local specialities, black & white puddings, which are excellent.

Clonakilty is well provided with live music. One place to visit is De Barras bar. This is an amazing building - make sure to venture into the rooms to the back even if no live music is on, its well worth it. Many famous people have played here but you’re just as likely to stumble on an impromptu session. The town is now home to Noel Redding, who was Jimi Hendrix’ bass player, and who puts in the occasional appearance. De Barras is the sort of place where you will probably end up talking all night to complete strangers then get invited back for a coffee! Have a look at the website: www.clon.ie/debarras.html, although I’m not sure how often it’s updated!

The town also has a thriving GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) club, where Gaelic Football and Hurling are played. It’s usually free to get in and the spectators are more than happy to explain what is going on to the uninitiated. We’ve never managed to see a Hurling match, but Gaelic Football is an exciting sport to watch - kind of a cross between rugby, soccer and Aussie rules football, if you can imagine that! Supporters are very partisan but always seem very good-humoured about it.

There is some beautiful countryside within easy reach of Clonakilty, not to mention some fabulous windswept beaches - these are just about within walking/cycling distance but most people would probably prefer to drive. You quite often see people exercising horses on the beaches (which always looked so much fun until I tried it in Cornwall after a gap of 15 years - ouch!).

Janette Lee. CLIC. March 2002

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