Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Information => Introductions => Topic started by: imglaur on January 04, 2017

Title: Hello from County Down...
Post by: imglaur on January 04, 2017

Hi all,

I've read this forum on and off for a couple of years with every intention of joining - so I've finally took the plunge.

I've enjoyed wild camping in Donegal over the years - a gas stove, bbq and a fishing rod was all i needed for a great time outdoors.  I even roped my wife into it (b4 she was my wife - mustn't have messed it up too much).

Tried the mournes with my brother - hiking and camping.  Really messed that one up!  Took too much gear - including 3 books (?!?!?) for 2 overnight stays.  Got ate alive by a killer swarm of midges when we camped near a boggy part.  Hilarious when we called in to a petrol station in Annalong as the locals gave us a wide berth.  We looked like red-welted plague sufferers in the full-blown infection stage.  Brother absolutely hated it (he prefers hotels to this "larking about") so ruined any chances of wildcamping in the future.

So hoping to meet others who are interested in it, and to learn from those who have expertise and experience. 

Also want to go motorcycle camping.  Taking the bike and wildcamping Donegal, Connemara etc.  That would be an experience!  Dream would be Norway...but looking forward to exploring what I have on my doorstep first.

Thanks for reading my intro....

Title: Re: Hello from County Down...
Post by: RedLeader on January 04, 2017

Welcome imglaur. The midges can be wild in the Mournes. Need a big fire or to get nice and high up when the weather is nice and there's no wind.

Dowser did a summit camp on Errigle on the bike. It's a great read, you can see it here:
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5000.0

Title: Re: Hello from County Down...
Post by: specimanYak on January 04, 2017

Welcome to the forum imglaur.

Title: Re: Hello from County Down...
Post by: torp on January 04, 2017

 Hi imglaur and welcome which part of Down are you from mate as I am in the Ards area?

Title: Re: Hello from County Down...
Post by: imglaur on January 04, 2017

Thanks folks.  From ballynahinch for anyone wondering.  Should probably update my profile.

Title: Re: Hello from County Down...
Post by: boron on January 04, 2017

Hi, and welcome, I've done Donegal,Mayo and part of Connemara, fly fishing with camper and tent. The worst midges I've ever seen was Donegal, sets of teeth with wings lol.

Title: Re: Hello from County Down...
Post by: whoRya on January 04, 2017

Welcome to NI Wild, feel like there should be a party smilie to welcome the first new intro of 2017.