Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => General Chat => Topic started by: Moonpie on March 24, 2016

Title: Meelmore car park
Post by: Moonpie on March 24, 2016

I was up last weekend (18-19 March) and was pleasantly surprised to find that parking is free.  I did feel obliged to buy brunch on my return.

Title: Re: Meelmore car park
Post by: RedLeader on March 30, 2016

Any information on how long it would be free for?

Title: Re: Meelmore car park
Post by: whoRya on March 30, 2016

If it was extended as I think was the intention, then it may stay free since receipts at the cafe may exceed car parking revenue.  They may want to move some of the traffic up the road from the Cecil Newman car park.   

Title: Re: Meelmore car park
Post by: RedLeader on March 30, 2016

That would be great if it was the case.

Quote from: whoRya on March 30, 2016

If it was extended as I think was the intention, then it may stay free since receipts at the cafe may exceed car parking revenue.  They may want to move some of the traffic up the road from the Cecil Newman car park.

Title: Re: Meelmore car park
Post by: andymcinroy on March 31, 2016

I camped there on Easter Monday and can confirm that there is currently no charge for parking. The cafe is nice and bright with a good selection of food.

The new washing/toilet block is also a big impovement. We had the campsite to ourselves but I expect the carpark/cafe is going to get very busy in the summer. I didn't see any obvious signs of the main carpark being extended in any way.

From my perspective, I didn't mind paying he carparking because it meant I could always get a space and also leave the car for 2-3 days in relative safety if I was off wild camping. I'd say it's going to be a bit busier now and I'm not sure how they are going to feel about people leaving their cars there for multiple nights for free. I'll just have to treat myself to their biggest breakfast on my return !   

Title: Re: Meelmore car park
Post by: Moonpie on April 04, 2016

I was back up on Friday and it's still free, there was only one other car but given the weather I think that's understandable.  It's going to be a busy place once the weather improves as the cafe is nice and bright and has made the most of the views.  They will have to learn how to make tea though, a 5 second dip of a teabag in a mug of hot water just doesn't work  :'(

Title: Re: Meelmore car park
Post by: Rugged Track on April 04, 2016

Parked there on Thursday too and free.  The coffee shop said they had more customers coming through as car park is free!