Episode 201 - That was 2025, here’s 2026

Episode 201 

Presenters: Aaron Burchael & Chris Byrne  

Record Date:   11/02/2023 

 Welcome back to The Camping Crew podcast with Aaron Burchael & Chris Byrne 

 This is meant to be a fun podcast, we are just enthusiasts and what we discuss on the podcast are just our own personal views. 

 2025 News Review: 

 Newstalk: "The Great Facilities Debate" (Radio/National Media) 

In May 2025, the national conversation about the lack of infrastructure reached a boiling point on Lunchtime Live. 

Newstalk’s Lunchtime Live 

 The 2025 Registration "Explosion" (CSO & Business News) 

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) data released throughout 2025 provided the "hard numbers" that made business headlines. 

 Planning Row: The Tramore Refusal (Tourism & Infrastructure) 

The Story: A major planning application for a motorhome, surf, and glamping development in Tramore, Co. Waterford was officially refused in mid-2025. 

Article: Tramore motor park refusal appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála 

 Infrastructure: The "Park-Up" Seesaw 

A massive trend in 2025 saw Irish pubs officially adding motorhome parking to their offerings as a way to bolster rural tourism. 

Article: https://extra.ie/2025/05/04/news/irish-news/campervans-rural-pubs  
 

Top 10 Campervan Sites in Ireland 

Deirdre Mullins and RTE published a curated list of the top 10 must-visit campervan sites in Ireland, showcasing the best scenic and well-equipped spots for travellers.  

Article: https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/travel/2025/0712/1523078-review-i-put-10-campervan-sites-in-ireland-to-the-test/ 

 
New Campervan Park Planned for Narin, Donegal 

Source: https://www.donegallive.ie/news/home/1970652/planning-sought-for-new-naran-campervan-park-aimed-at-high-profile-users.html 

Useful free Guide to Buying a Campervan in Ireland.  

 https://www.trekvanacampers.ie/post/buying-a-used-campervan-in-ireland 

 Auto-Sleepers Expands into Northern Ireland 

Source: https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/news/auto-sleepers-adds-camper-ni-network  

New Dunfanaghy Caravan Park Granted Permission 

Source: https://www.donegallive.ie/news/home/1942388/granted-permission-for-new-dunfanaghy-caravan-park-upheld-by-an-coimisiun-pleanala.html 

 Motorhome Park Proposal delayed for New Ross 

A new 23-bay motorhome park in New Ross has been delayed for “a year or longer” due to concerns regarding its potential impact on the River Barrow.  

A Journey into Ireland’s Mystical Heart 

Source: https://www.irishpost.com/travel/a-journey-into-irelands-mystical-heart-by-campervan-286098 

 Vantastival 2025 Return, The popular Vantastival festival returned to Co. Louth for the last time. 

Source: https://www.vantastival.com/  

 2026: 

 The Getaway outside of Dungarvan Waterford is going Adult Only  

Donegal Tourism Prioritizes Camping and Campervans for 2026 

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/donegal-county-council-outlines-2026-tourism-priorities-with-focusing-on-the-tbex-conference-success-digital-marketing-and-infrastructure-investments-growth-in-ireland/  

 Campsites or stop overs: 

2025 saw season 8 of Charlie & Me  we reviewed 36 campsites including our Isle Of Mann tour taking  in 6 sites 

What's on Charlie and Me this week?   

Season 9 we are taking on Pub Stops as well as campsites this season AND we are off to Wales in July for 7 campsite reviews. 

 We want your input for 2026  

We welcome your suggestion regarding interesting topics, interviews, tips and hacks, camping products, gadgets, sites, etc. 

 We love getting your messages, ideas, campsite suggestions/reviews, products, news items to discuss on the podcast. 

To get in touch with us:  

Web:   thecampingcrew.ie 

Email:   CampingCrewPodcast@gmail.com 

Instagram:   @TheCampingCrewPodcast 

http://www.charlieandme.ie

http://www.campsitereview.com  

 We hope that you like our podcast. If you did please subscribe and tell your camping friends about us.