It's that time of year again!! Where did 2023 go?
It's amazing how quickly time flies! Another year has almost come and gone, and we'll soon be entering 2024. Here at Cara, we're looking forward to another busy and exciting year ahead. As you can see the staff are excited to get into the holiday spirit by putting up decorations and getting into the festive mood.
We even had an early visit from the big man in red himself!! He stopped by to sample one of Megi's famous coffee's to keep him fouled during his busy season!
We would like to introduce you all to Cushla who is our friendly face at Reception & our motorhome rental coordinator.
So where do we begin with 2023?
The big news this year was that we are now the only Irish agent for Carthago, we are absolutely thrilled to stock these beautiful, luxurious high end motorhomes. if you would like to find out more on Carthago please follow the attached link.https://www.carthago.com/en/about-carthago/history/
We got our first peek of these vehicles at the NEC show in Birmingham in October.
I think you will all agree they are beautiful machines!!
Speaking of the NEC, it was brilliant to make our return the NEC this year, overall a very busy and successful week. It was great to see all the new vehicles that we will have due in to us here at Cara in the Flesh. We met plenty of familiar faces at the show and plenty of new faces that we look forward to welcoming at Cara very soon. Aoife, Evan & Eoin made the short trip to Birmingham for the show. A huge thank you to everyone who decided to purchase their new vehicles at the the show with Cara.
Our sales team had a great season handing over vehicles to customers who chose to deal and trust Cara to provide them with the motorhome to suit their every need! From New Rapido's to Dethleffs to Sunlight's our team worked tirelessly to have the motorhomes ready for the trips on the road! We have included a couple of happy customers collecting their new vehicles!
Here we have Mark & Helena collecting their beautiful new Rapido 866F!
Say hello to Trevor & Sandra picking up their new Sunlight Cliff Van!
We also specialize in used motorhomes also. throughout the year we had various brands traded into us from Burstner to Laika to Adria to Carado we seen many brands enter the gates of Cara! In 2023 We had plenty of new customers take their first steps into the motorhome lifestyle! We welcomed many new faces to Cara this year!
Here we have Chris & his girls collecting their stunning Dethleffs A-class ready for a season of adventures!
Niamh, Eddie & Pete collecting their Burstner ready for road!
What to keep in mind when purchasing a motorhome:
Here at Cara Motorhomes, we are passionate about helping families and individuals find the perfect motorhome for their needs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our team of experts understand the process of purchasing a motorhome can be overwhelming and sometimes stressful. We would like to ease this process and help make it a fun and exciting experience. There are so many different shapes, sizes, lengths and layouts to choose from so make sure to shop around and find the best fit for you and/or your family.
To help make the decision-making process easier, we have put together what we think are the 3 main tips to keep in mind when purchasing your first motorhome:
Layout - Your motorhome is going to be your home away from home for multiple weeks each year, so it's crucial that the layout meets your needs. Consider whether you prefer fixed or make-up beds and think about the other living areas such as the sitting area, kitchen, dining area and bathroom.
Cost - Have a rough idea of your budget before you start your search for the perfect motorhome. Whether you're buying new or used, the cost can vary depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Our finance options are available for up to 10 years, subject to terms and conditions.
Size - Decide on your preferred layout first, as this will often determine the size of the motorhome you need. Most motorhomes in the UK are between 6m - 8m long and 2.05m - 2.35m wide. Remember, you'll need a C1 category license to drive a motorhome weighing between 3,500kg - 7,500kg, so check the back of your driving license for the categories you have. Make sure you're comfortable driving the motorhome and have a suitable storage space for when it's not in use.
The Cara Workshop
We had another busy year in our workshop in 2023 we undertook a large amount of projects from fitting awnings to bike racks to graphic replacements. We undertook one major job this year when we replaced the side wall and the roof of a Sunlight A72 that was damaged in an accident. Please see below for the befor, during & after photos of the work we carried out.
No job too big or too small for the workshop at Cara!
We were happy to help when disaster struck for 2 holiday makers recently as the cabinets in their A-class gave away while on their tour of Ireland! Thankfully no one was hurt!
The couple called into us here at Cara and after a couple of days, the guys were back on the road to continue their trip!
Cara Store
Thinking of stocking up on parts? Why not come on down to our shop and see our wide selection of motorhome parts! Whether you're looking to upgrade your motorhome with new appliances or need to replace a broken component, we've got you covered.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right parts for your motorhome and answer any questions you might have. If there is a part in particular that you require and we do not have it in stock, please let us know and we can order it for you or, at the very least, point you in the right direction to acquire it.
So make sure to stop by and let us help you keep your motorhome running smoothly!
Plenty of stocking filler ideas for Christmas here at Cara Motorhomes!
Speaking of stocking fillers, why not treat someone this year to a voucher from Cara. Our vouchers can be used for purchases in our online or onsite shop and towards a service for your motorhome.
Our shop is fully stocked for the busy season ahead, we have everything from TV's, cleaning supplies, chemicals for your toilet facilities and kitchen equipment.
We have updated our website so you can now shop from the comfort of your own home and we will post your order out to you as soon as possible!!
Please click on the following link to get started and have a quick peak on what we have in store: https://www.caramotorhomes.ie/accessories-parts
McRent
Embracing Freedom, another busy year!
As the year comes to a close, we here at McRent find ourselves reflecting on another exciting year. We have had the pleasure of hosting amazing people on their adventures from all over Ireland and the rest of the world. Traveling around in one of our beautiful, modern motorhomes gives them the freedom to see Ireland on their own terms.
McRent has become a hub for wanders and explorers, and this year was no exception! We had solo travelers, friends and families creating wonderful memories and their own unique stories. Our motorhomes become temporary homes for a diverse group of travelers who share travel tips, photos and stories. Here's just a taste of some of the McRent adventures, that we had the privilege of sharing with our customers.
November in Ireland.
Meet Lindsey and Klayton :)
A lovely couple from Canada recently embarked on a holiday adventure in Ireland with one of our McRent campervans. They chose to explore the stunning Irish countryside at their own pace with one of our stunning Sunlight Cliff 600 campervans, which allowed them to experience the unique beauty of the area in a truly personal way.
They had such a great time on their trip they logged and blogged their way through Ireland!! We were fortunate to share the experience with them!!
Here's how they got on...
Their trip took them to some of the most scenic areas of southern Ireland, including south Cork and Kerry, which are popular destinations for tourists due to their breathtaking landscapes and stunning views. The convenience of having their campervan allowed them to visit quaint villages, stunning beaches, and beautiful national parks without the hassle of having to book accommodations and arrange transportation to and from various locations.
A highlight of their trip was their visit to Kinsale in County Cork. The town is known for its colorful buildings and picturesque harbor, making it a perfect place for Lindsey and Klayton to spend a relaxing few days exploring. They wandered through the narrow streets and alleyways, admiring the unique architecture and stopping in at local shops and cafes.
We were fortunate enough to receive a few snaps of their trip along the way, which truly captured the beauty of their experience. Almost felt like we were travelling along with them!!
Another must-see destination on their trip was the Ring of Kerry. As you all know its popular for its very scenic drive that takes visitors through some of the most stunning landscapes in Ireland. With their Sunlight Cliff campervan, Lindsey and Klayton were able to take their time on the route, stopping where ever and whenever they wanted to take in the stunning views and snap a few photos. They were also able to stay overnight at one of the many well-facilitated campsites available along the way, which can all be found on the campingireland.ie website. Waking up to the sound of birds and the smell of the fresh Irish air in the morning is a great way to start any day!! The favorable weather conditions allowed them to explore the landscape on foot as well which really added to their experience.
Apart from the natural beauty of the land, in general, Lindsey and Klayton were very impressed by the warmth and friendliness of the Irish people they met on their journey. We, as a motorhome rental company, take pride in the hospitality that our country has to offer. The locals in the small towns and fellow travelers they met at the campsites were welcoming and eager to share their love for Ireland. We are delighted to hear that everyone was so accommodating towards our guests on their voyage across Ireland. Lindsey and Klayton even stopped off at one of the local gift shops and picked up a few souvenirs, including a paddy cap that looked great on Klayton, who fit right in!
Overall, Lindsey and Klayton's trip to Ireland in the Sunlight Cliff campervan was an unforgettable experience and a great success. They were able to immerse themselves into the local culture and explore the countryside in a unique way. As they continue their trip we are sure they will always cherish the memories of their Irish adventure and the freedom and flexibility that their campervan allowed them along the way. In our opinion, there is no better way to travel and explore our beautiful country.
"We can’t say enough good things about our experience in Ireland and also we can’t get over how much we enjoyed the van itself. So well designed and comfortable to ride, relax, sleep and Klayton would say drive!
The assistance and warmth from Cara Motorhomes was fantastic and helped us feel secure with the choice to book through you as well.
All we can say is that we hope to be back on another adventure and had such a positive experience we are looking at another European destination to explore via van!
Cheers🍻"
Safe travels on your journey home guys! It was fantastic to meet you, and thank you so much for sharing this unforgettable experience with all of us here in McRent Ireland. We hope to see you again soon for the next big adventure!! :)
A Heart felt Thank You!
To our incredible customers and friends who have made this year unforgettable, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your trust in McRent is much appreciated and we are honored to be a part of your travel stories, may 2024 bring even more adventures, connections, and the freedom to explore on your own terms. Happy travels The McRent Team.
If you are thinking of embarking on your own McRent adventure in 2024 and looking for additional information, please view www.mcrent.ie.
Or you can contact the office on 069-66480.
Places we think you might like to visit in Ireland for your winter adventures.
No better time to travel around Ireland in your motorhome, on your own, or in one of our luxury McRent vehicles. They are available for hire, containing all the home comforts, like gas heating and water on board, making them suitable for wild camping, even in the winter months. If wild camping isn’t for you and you’d rather stay somewhere with extra facilities during your winter trip, we’ve put together a list of some Irish campsites open all year round and some recommendations of things to do while you’re there.
WEST CORK
Top of the Rock Pod Páirc and Walking Centre in West Cork offers unique motorhome pitches on a working farm where the animals will often wander right up to the campsite fence. You’ll have access to 6amp Electric Hook Up, and a lovely view over the surrounding hills. Guests also have use of laundry facilities, a reception area with free WiFi, a shower and toilet block, and a games room, all only a short 70m away. Top of the Rock is a popular choice for people looking for campsites open all year round in Ireland. They have hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google.
What’s it about West Cork? It’s walker’s paradise with around 300km of designated walking trails, including the Sheep’s Head Way and the Seven Heads Walks.
If you’re a foodie you’ll have to fit in a visit to the quaint town of Kinsale. With over 50 restaurants dotted throughout the town’s quirky, colorful streets, it’s arguably the gourmet capital of Ireland. Fishy Fishy Restaurant and Man Friday are two of my personal favorites!
Children (and children at heart) will enjoy a visit to charming Clonakilty. The town’s famous Model Railway Village transforms for the festive period into the Polar Express, and the GLOW Cork Christmas Festival is back running from December 1st 2023 to January 7th 2024. GLOW is an annual festive celebration in Cork City that attracts thousands of visitors each winter.
LEITRIM
Lough Rinn Caravan & Camping Park, a state-of-the-art campsite that is open all year round. Even during the winter months, you can enjoy modern camping facilities including kitchen, washing and ironing facilities, showers and electricity points. All of this while parked on the shores of picturesque Lough Rinn, adjacent to Lough Rynn castle and Gardens.
If it’s good enough for Irish rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll and author Amy Huberman to choose for their wedding venue, it’s surely worth checking out!
Located on the new Shannon Blueway and open from February to December, Battlebridge caravan Park in Carrick-On-Shannon is a firm favorite as a base for exploring the beauty of the north-west and the Wild Atlantic Way. It offers all the facilities you would expect, plus a lively vibe.
Lough Rinn and Battlebridge the both perfect base options to hike the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk, known as “the stairway to heaven”, which is less than an hour away.
For all year round family fun, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park is a short drive away.
The lovely riverside town of Carrick-On-Shannon is known for its lively nightlife and well worth a visit, day or night.
KERRY
There’s something even more magical about the Wild Atlantic Waves in Winter. You can’t get closer to them than Inch Beach Campsite with its panoramic views of the Ring of Kerry and MacGillycuddy Reeks. As well as the stunning location, campers have access to facilities including a shower and toilet block, washing machine, tumble dryer and a dining area. It’s also worth mentioning that Inch Beach Campsite is one of the few pet friendly campsites open all year round in Ireland.
Apart from the stunning scenery that you’re promised all year round in Kerry, the town of Dingle is particularly popular as a place to ring in the New Year because of their annual street celebrations and spectacular fireworks display at the pier.
DUBLIN
If you’re looking for a well equipped campsite in Dublin that’s open all year, Camac Valley Camping Park in Clondalkin is the place. There you’ll find over 100 fully serviced hardstands, miles of walkways, fishing lakes, a children’s playground and much more on site, as well as a bus route outside to bring you directly to the City Centre.
Why include Dublin on your winter campervan itinerary?
When you stay at Camac Valley Camping Park in Clondalkin, everything the Capital has to offer is on your doorstep. The Award Winning, Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is a festive favorite, especially for families. Lovin Dublin is a great guide to see what’s going on during your stay.
WATERFORD
The Getaway, as it’s called, is exactly that. A gem of a campsite located in Dungarvan, that is open all year round. They provide all the essential services and some surprising extras like “The Nook” – a converted stone barn equipped with, wood stove, seating areas, books, games and free WIFI!
The Getaway in Dungarvan is the perfect base to discover the wonders of Ireland’s Ancient East during winter. From this cosy base on the edge of the Comeragh Mountains you can explore the local trails and coastline, cycle the Waterford Greenway, enjoy the hospitality in the surrounding historic towns, or all of the above.
Happy Holidays!
And now for the New Year……..
Whatever you are doing this New Years Eve we at Cara thought you might be interested in the following traditions.
☘️OLD IRISH NEW YEAR TRADITIONS.........☘️.
In Ireland of long ago, there were many traditions associated with the 31st of December. Will you be taking part in any of these tonight?
1. 👩🦰If a red-haired girl is the first person to walk into your home after the clock has struck twelve, an old superstition says she will bring hardship for the New year. However, if it’s a dark-haired man, you’re in luck.🍀 A happy and prosperous year ahead is guaranteed. Better grab a dark-haired man to be ready to walk through that door as soon as the clock strikes!
2.🧹 Cleaning the house from top to bottom at the start of the New year was said to brush away old luck and bring in a fresh start. A new broom sweeps clean, as they say. How do you fancy doing that after several cocktails?🍸
3.🕯️ Like Samhain on October 31st, departed members of the family would also be remembered on New Year’s Eve with a place set at the table for the supper. Taking it one step further, doors were often left on the latch to make it easy for the ghosts of family members to enter. 👻
4.🍞 Banging the walls with bread was meant to get rid of any bad luck held in the house and encourage a plentiful supply of food for the coming year. One way to use up the stale bread!
5.❤️ If you are looking for your lifelong partner in the New Year, forget the dating sites. Resort to a bit of good old-fashioned magic and pop some mistletoe under your pillow on New Year’s Eve. The person you will marry will come to you in your dreams.
6.🕕 If that dark-haired man enters your front door at the stroke of twelve, he must leave by the back door immediately, to ensure the luck he brings stays in the house.🏡
🎉Now there's some food for thought! It’s up to you if you choose to perform any of these old rituals this year or not, but all that remains for us to do, here at Cara Motorhomes, is to wish all our customers, friends and family a healthy and prosperous New Year!! 🥳🥳
And Last but by no means least.....
A big CONGRATULATIONS and WELL DONE to our very own Managing Director, Aoife Lenihan!
We were thrilled when she was selected as a panelist for the National Women’s Enterprise Day last October. Aoife’s expertise and leadership in our organisation has been instrumental in our growth here at Cara, and we couldn't be prouder to see her recognised on a national stage! Thankyou Aoife for your insights, inspiration and for empowering women in business.
As the year draws to a close, today is the day we close our doors until the new year. Its been a wonderful year, thank you so much to everyone that's been in and out to us in 2023. We will be back open on the 8th of January for business as usual 🥰Wishing you all joy, peace, and prosperity this Christmas 🎄Thank you for being part of our journey. Heres to a fantastic 2024 !🌟
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