Latest news with #DeirdreMullins
RTÉ News
12-07-2025
- RTÉ News
Top 10 campervan sites to visit in Ireland
From wild coastlines to cosy campgrounds, travel journalist Deirdre Mullins picks her favourite campervan sites in Ireland. When Covid hit, and it became clear that my favourite pastime, international travel, was off the cards indefinitely, I finally did something I'd been putting on the long finger for years: I bought a campervan. I was lucky enough to get in early, before the mad rush on campervans, and scored a 2003 Fiat Ducato motorhome. It had everything I needed: a bed, a cooker, a fridge and even a toilet and shower. At a time when passports were useless, this tiny home on wheels became my passport to freedom. What started as a pandemic compromise turned into a way of life. For the past five years, I've spent my summers trundling along coastal roads, up winding boreens, and through lashing rain in search of the perfect campsite or at least somewhere to boil the kettle without being moved on. Music festivals have never been more comfortable with a dry bed to return to at the end of a long day in a muddy field. Ireland is not as well-equipped as our European neighbours when it comes to facilities; we still have a way to go. However, what we do have are some cracking campsites tucked into the wild and beautiful corners of the country. Here are my top 10 campervan sites in Ireland, tried and tested over countless cups of tea and late-night stargazing. Goleen Harbour, West Cork Goleen Harbour feels more like a sanctuary than a campsite. Pitches come with sweeping Atlantic views out to Cape Clear and the Fastnet Lighthouse. The site has been lovingly built by its friendly owners, Melanie and Matt, and utilises solar energy and composting toilets, promoting a minimal footprint and connection to the wild landscape. Wandering around the campsite, you'll come across horses, beehives, and find crystal clear waters in rocky pools to swim in. Goleen Harbour also hosts lively music events, from cosy trad sessions to DJ nights under the stars. Otherwise, evenings are best spent soaking in the wood-fired hot tub, toasting marshmallows at the fire pit, or strolling into Goleen village for a quiet pint. Within a 10-minute drive are some of West Cork's most beautiful beaches: Barleycove, Ballyrisode, and Galley Cove. And just up the road, Schull and Skibbereen offer a dose of small-town charm, with cafés, craft shops, and a brilliant weekly market. Fanore Caravan Park, Co. Clare Wedged between the wild Atlantic and the limestone folds of the Burren, Fanore Caravan Park is a windswept beauty in West Clare. The site is simple but perfectly placed, right on a golden beach that draws surfers, swimmers, and sunset chasers. One evening, from high up on the sand dunes, my friends and I had the joy of watching the sun set behind the Aran Islands just as the moon rose over the Burren hills, one of those rare, pinch-me moments. Fanore is an excellent base for exploring the Burren's strange, lunar landscape, hiking Black Head, or strolling to the local pub, O'Donoghue's, for a plate of fish and chips and a pint of plain. The campsite facilities are basic but clean, and the setting more than makes up for the lack of frills. There is no website, so if you want to book, phone: 087 750 0307. Tucked away on a private stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, just 10 km from Clifden, this beauty is run by eco-conscious owners who have created Ireland's first climate-neutral campsite. It feels more like a retreat than a traditional holiday park. Pitches are spaced out across a grassy headland with panoramic views of the Atlantic and have access to a private beach. It's a peaceful escape where less is more. Days here are for morning sea swims, barefoot strolls to nearby Omey Island at low tide, and starlit evenings with a flask of tea in hand. This family-friendly campsite is tucked into a secluded corner of Lough Key Forest Park. The facilities are excellent, and the 45 landscaped campervan pitches offer ample privacy, complete with electricity and water points throughout. When I visited, it was quiet, and I had my pick of spots to choose from. Pitch 38 is perfect if you're seeking seclusion and a genuine sense of being immersed in nature. I parked my van beneath a massive old redwood, and it was blissful sitting there, listening to the birdsong. The campsite is a five-minute stroll from the Lough Key Visitor Centre and Lakeside Café, where you can grab a coffee, explore the treetop walk, or head out onto the water. There's free WiFi in the main building if you really must check in with the outside world, but I'd recommend you don't. It's the perfect spot for a digital detox. Set on the shores of Lough Erne in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Castle Archdale Caravan Park is a large, well-kept site ideal for anyone who enjoys a mix of outdoor activity and lakeside calm. There are hardstanding and grass pitches with electric hook-ups, solid facilities, and plenty of space to spread out. It's popular with families, but the site is big enough that it rarely feels crowded. The real joy here is the setting: you're right inside Castle Archdale Country Park, with forest trails, bike hire, boat rentals, and even a small but fascinating WWII museum, which tells the story of the estate's time as an RAF base during the war. The lough is perfect for paddling, swimming, or just sitting back and watching the light shift across the water. Tucked beneath the Galtee Mountains, this peaceful, family-run campsite is one of Ireland's best inland spots. It's a proper nature escape with sweeping views, fresh air, and walking trails on your doorstep. The facilities are spotless, the pitches are well-spaced, and they are a mix of hardstanding and grass. Forest trails are accessible from the park, and longer hikes can be done in the Galtees. Tucked along the banks of the River Barrow in the quiet village of Graiguenamanagh, this small but well-equipped campervan site is a brilliant base for exploring one of Ireland's most scenic waterways. There are electric hook-ups, water, and waste disposal, plus picnic tables and direct access to the Barrow towpath. You can walk or cycle the flat, leafy trail for miles in either direction, paddleboard from the slipway, or sit with a coffee and watch herons glide across the water. Ireland's much-welcomed sauna craze has reached here, too, and you can book a session at Hot Box Sauna and then cool off with a plunge into the river. The village itself has a great mix of pubs, cafés, and shops, all just a short stroll away. It's a peaceful, low-key stop and perfect if you're after somewhere that feels local, unhurried, and close to nature. Dickie's Campsite, Ardmore, Co. Waterford A gently sloping field overlooking the beach in the picturesque village of Ardmore, Dickie's is the definition of laid-back camping. Pitches are unmarked, the vibe is relaxed, and while the facilities are minimal, they're clean and all you need. The draw here is the setting; wake to the sound of waves, wander down to the beach for a morning swim, then stroll into the village to check out their craft shops, or maybe a drink on the terrace at The Cliffhouse Hotel. When the sun's shining, there's nowhere better to park up and slow down. No reservations here; it's first come, first served, so arrive early if you're travelling in peak season. Set on a clifftop just south of Wicklow Town, Wolohan's is a long-standing family-run site with one serious selling point: direct access to Silver Strand, a sheltered, sandy beach that feels like a secret. The site itself is simple but spacious, with grassy pitches overlooking the sea and the sound of waves as your nightly soundtrack. Facilities are solid, with clean toilets, hot showers, and a small shop available during peak season. From sunrise swims to evening strolls along the cliff path, it's a perfect summer stop. Last but definitely not least, this family-run park has the sea right at its doorstep. As a Skerries native, I've a grá for the underrated North County Dublin coast. Rush is just a short hop from the capital, but it still manages to feel like a proper seaside escape. The well-equipped campsite is perched on Rush's long, sandy North Beach, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the sea air. Seal sightings are common, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two. Rush itself has a relaxed, lived-in village vibe, with shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants just a stroll away.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Help feed the nation with Soup for South Africa initiative
The Feed the Nation Foundation partnered with Pick n Pay to introduce its Soup for SA initiative, where customers can purchase a packet of Pick n Pay soup for R5 and help feed vulnerable communities this season. Also read: Schools' choir competition held in Amanzimtoti Feed the Nation has thus far distributed over 45 million meals to the needy, and now its lofty goal of 60 million is ever closer thanks to its latest partnership. The initiative has been launched across all Pick n Pay Hypermarket stores nationwide and will run until June 29. Seventy-five percent of the donated soup will be distributed to 2,675 primary schools through the Pick n Pay School Club, while the remaining 25% will be allocated to local civil society organisations selected by each hypermarket. Customers can purchase any quantity of soup packets, swipe their Smart Shopper card, and donate the packets at the designated vehicle trailer near the store entrance. Each soup packet donated equals one entry into a draw where one lucky Smart Shopper will win the trailer. 'As winter sets in, the need for food support grows significantly, especially in vulnerable communities. At Feed the Nation Foundation, we're proud to stand alongside our customers and partners to help meet this increased demand. Together, we're not only providing nourishment but also hope and dignity to those who need it most,' said Deirdre Mullins, national corporate social investment manager at Pick n Pay. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
R5 soup campaign aims to feed thousands this winter
FEED the Nation, in partnership with Pick n Pay, has launched its Soup for SA initiative where customers can purchase a packet of Pick n Pay soup for just R5 and help feed vulnerable communities this winter. The initiative has been launched across all Pick n Pay Hypermarket stores nationwide and will run from May 19 to June 29. Also read: Durban's oldest museum showcases City's heritage Seventy-five percent of the donated soup will be distributed through 2675 Pick n Pay School Club-registered primary schools nationally, while the remaining 25% will be allocated to local civil society organisations selected by each hypermarket. Customers can purchase any quantity of soup packets, swipe their Smart Shopper card, and donate the packets at the designated vehicle trailer near the store entrance. Each soup packet donated equals one entry into a draw where one lucky Smart Shopper will win the trailer. 'As winter sets in, the need for food support grows significantly, especially in vulnerable communities. At Feed the Nation Foundation, we're proud to stand alongside our customers and partners to help meet this increased demand. Together, we're not only providing nourishment but also hope and dignity to those who need it most,' said Deirdre Mullins, national CSI manager at Pick n Pay, supporting Feed the Nation Foundation. The Soup for SA initiative is in partnership with Feed the Nation which celebrated its five-year milestone in April. To date over 45 million food parcels have been distributed to help tackle food insecurity and hunger amongst South Africa's most vulnerable communities. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Pick n Pay and Feed the Nation collaborate to make a difference
As South Africa braces for a chilly winter, Pick n Pay is encouraging its customers to lend a helping hand to vulnerable communities through its Soup for South Africa initiative. The initiative, which has been rolled out across all Pick n Pay Hypermarket stores nationwide, launched five years ago in partnership with Feed the Nation Foundation and will run from May 19 to June 29. The initiative is a lifeline for South Africans battling with food insecurity during the cold winter season. Read more: Pick n Pay launches 100% reusable bag 'As winter sets in, the need for food support grows significantly, especially in vulnerable communities,' said Deirdre Mullins, national CSI manager at Pick n Pay. How it works: Purchase any quantity of Pick n Pay soup at a cost of R5 per packet, Swipe your Smart Shopper card, and Donate the soup at a designated trailer at the store's entrance. According to Mullins, the initiative is a crucial step in restoring the dignity of food-insecure individuals. Also read: Pick n Pay Northgate closed temporarily due to Covid-19 fears 'At Feed the Nation Foundation, we're proud to stand alongside our customers and partners to help meet this increased demand. Together, we're not only providing nourishment but also hope and dignity to those who need it most.' Once the donations have been received, they will be distributed to schools. '75% of the donated soup will be distributed to 2 675 primary schools through the Pick n Pay School Club, while the remaining 25% will be allocated to local civil society organisations selected by each hypermarket,' said the retailer in a statement. The initiative is the foundation's latest effort to combat hunger since its inception in 2020. What started out as an emergency response to food insecurity brought on by Covid-19 has grown into a powerful movement, with the foundation having provided over 45 million food parcels to vulnerable communities. To make the process even more rewarding, every donation will be entered into a draw where one person will walk away with the trailer. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: A grand opening for Pick n Pay At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
