Episode 201 – That was 2025, here’s 2026

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.

If you would like to support the podcast and you can afford it you can buy us a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/thecampingcrew

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.

Buying a Used Campervan in Ireland: What to Know Before You Hand Over the Cash

Blog: 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

The article features Pat Noone, a Celtic healer on his “fairy farm” in Galway, who shares his wisdom on natural energy and the resurgence of ancient Irish traditions. It also delves into how Irish literature and culture have long embraced the supernatural, citing authors like Yeats and historian Professor Roy Foster.

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.

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

If you would like a sticker for your Motorhome, Campervan, Caravan or Car just send us your address and we will pop it in the post to you.

To get in touch with us:

Web:   thecampingcrew.ie

Email:   CampingCrewPodcast@gmail.com

Instagram:   @TheCampingCrewPodcast

We wrap up this podcast with a quick shout out for Aaron’s Vlog on YouTube called:  Charlie  and me our Camping Vlog and his website http://www.campsitereview.com

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