Four Acorns go camping / Quatre graines de chêne sous la toile
The bliss of going on a new family adventure with our four acorns.
The joy of getting away, after a particularly tiresome week.
The delight of sleeping outdoors, with the not-so-muffled surrounding hubbub, the unmistakable sound of a tent zip, the unique coziness of a warm sleeping bag.
Meath in 2014. Down in 2015. Wexford in 2016. Tipperary in 2017.
This was our fourth successive year camping on the June bank holiday weekend. And for the first time, it felt like we have finally got the knack of it. It has taken that long to finally gather all the camping essentials. We have a list, and we’re not winging it anymore!
Le bonheur de partir pour une nouvelle aventure avec nos quatre graines de chêne.
La joie de s’échapper, après une semaine particulièrement éprouvante.
Le plaisir de dormir dehors, avec le brouhaha environnant à peine assourdi, le son inimitable d’une fermeture de tente, la chaleur unique d’un sac de couchage douillet.
Meath en 2014. Down en 2015. Wexford en 2016. Tipperary en 2017.
Ce fut notre quatrième weekend de Pentecôte en camping. Et pour la première fois, l’impression de savoir ce que nous faisions. Il nous a fallu tout ce temps pour rassembler le matériel nécessaire. Nous avons désormais une liste, alors plus besoin d’improviser !
I first scribbled this list three years ago, and I write it afresh before each camping trip. (It was only slightly amended before our camper van weekend at Easter.) All we have to do is take each item out of storage, and into the car. There is a separate list for the food.
Packing still takes an inordinate amount of time, and the car still feels like it’s bursting at the seams. But the list works.
On arriving at the Glen of Aherlow Caravan & Camping Park, Co Tipperary, a brief rain shower kept us waiting in the car for a few minutes. As soon as the sun started shining again, we got on with setting up our base camp for the weekend.
For the first time, all four acorns helped erect our tent. And we did it better than ever before. Bought new at an eBay online auction two years ago, this large family tent by Skandika Outdoors is quick and easy to pitch, spacious, and perfectly waterproof – ideal for our short camping trips in Ireland.
J’ai écrit cette liste pour la première fois il y a trois ans, et je la recopie au propre avant chaque départ en camping. (Je l’ai simplement modifiée avant notre weekend de Pâques en camping car.) Ainsi il ne nous reste qu’à sortir tout le matériel et à le charger dans la voiture. Il y a une autre liste pour la nourriture.
Les préparatifs prennent encore un temps interminable, et la voiture est encore pleine à craquer. Mais la liste marche.
A notre arrivée au camping Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, une courte averse de pluie nous a forcés à attendre dans la voiture pendant quelques minutes. Comme le soleil ressortait, nous avons installé notre campement.
Pour la première fois, les quatre graines de chêne nous ont aidés à planter la tente. Au final, elle était mieux montée que jamais. Cette grande tente familiale Skandika Outdoors, achetée à une enchère sur eBay il y a deux ans, est facile et rapide à monter, spacieuse et parfaitement imperméable. Bref, idéale pour nos escapades sous la toile en Irlande.
Once the sleeping arrangements were sorted, the acorns went on to do what they do best when they are unplugged – making their own fun. Playing ball in the warm sunshine, wrestling on the soft grass, flying a kite, blowing and bursting bubbles, sometimes even relaxing in the tent with a book… Their energy truly is boundless, as is their imagination.
Une fois les couchages arrangés, les graines de chêne sont allées faire ce qu’ils font le mieux quand il n’y a aucun écran à la ronde : jouer. A taper dans un ballon sous le soleil, à se rouler dans l’herbe moelleuse, à faire voler un cerf-volant, à faire et éclater des bulles de savon, parfois même à se reposer dans la tente avec un livre… Leur énergie ne connaît aucune limite, et leur imagination non plus.
Meanwhile Brian and I were chilling in the sun with a (plastic) glass of rosé, and cooking dinner on the Campingaz stove. Every time we go away, I pack two courgettes, cherry tomatoes, black olives, a clove of garlic, and 500g of pasta for our evening meal. This time was no different, even though there were no olives!
Pendant ce temps, Brian et moi nous détendions au soleil avec à la main un verre (en plastique) de rosé, tout en préparant le dîner sur le réchaud Campingaz. A chaque départ, j’emporte deux courgettes, des tomates cerises, des olives noires, une gousse d’ail, et 500 grammes de pâtes pour notre repas du soir. Ce weekend n’a pas dérogé à la tradition, même si les olives manquaient à l’appel !
As the sun dipped behind the Galtee Mountains, the acorns snuggled down for the night in their sleeping bags.
Comme le soleil descendait derrière les monts Galtee, les graines de chêne se sont pelotonnées pour la nuit dans leurs sacs de couchage.
There is something about waking up with the dawn chorus, and going back to sleep until the sun warms up the tent.
There is something about seeing the acorns slowly emerge from their sleeping pods, and come in with us for a cuddle.
There is something about watching them joyfully play outside in their pyjamas, and hungrily prepare for an al fresco breakfast.
Camping bliss.
Se réveiller à l’aube avec le chant des oiseaux, puis se rendormir jusqu’à ce que le soleil réchauffe la tente.
Voir les graines de chêne émerger lentement de leurs sacs de couchage, et nous rejoindre pour un câlin.
Les regarder jouer en pyjama sous le soleil matinal, et préparer avidement le petit-déjeuner en plein air.
Le bonheur sous la toile.
After a beautiful hike to Lough Curra in the Galtee Mountains, the evening turned decidedly wet, with heavy rain and blustery winds. We comfortably managed to cook dinner in the tent, before eating outside between showers. We went to sleep to the sound of raindrops drumming relentlessly on the flysheet.
The next morning was calm again. No rain or wind, but millions of midges. Following a tasty breakfast of fried eggs and bacon, we packed up the tent and loaded the car. It started raining again as we drove out of the campsite.
The tent will need drying out, but we dodged the worst of the weather, and came home feeling both tired and deeply refreshed.
Camping magic.
Après une superbe randonnée à Lough Curra, dans les monts Galtee, la soirée a tourné à la pluie, avec de fortes averses et du vent en rafales. Malgré tout, nous avons aisément préparé le repas dans la tente, avant de manger dehors pendant une accalmie. Nous nous sommes endormis au son des gouttes de pluie martelant le double toit.
Le lendemain matin, le calme était revenu. Plus de pluie, ni vent, mais des millions de moucherons voraces. Après un petit déjeuner savoureux de bacon et œufs au plat, nous avons démonté la tente et chargé la voiture. La pluie recommença à tomber comme nous partions du camping.
Certes, la tente a besoin de sécher, mais nous avons échappé au pire, rentrant chez nous à la fois fatigués et revigorés.
La magie du camping.
Visitor information
Glen of Aherlow Fáilte
Tel. +353 062 56331
Email info@aherlow.com
The Glen of Aherlow, Tipperary’s most attractive and scenic holiday destination, is a lush valley where the River Aherlow runs between the Galtee Mountains and the wooded ridge of Slievenamuck. Bounded by the rural villages of Bansha and Galbally, the Glen was historically an important pass between Limerick and Tipperary.
The Glen hosts two annual Walking Festivals, and offers many opportunities for walking, rambling, horseriding, cycling and fishing. With a variety of prehistoric and early Christian sites, the Glen of Aherlow is also part of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Glen of Aherlow Caravan & Camping Park
Newtown
Glen of Aherlow
Co Tipperary
E34 NH58
Tel. +353 062 56555 /+353 087 9881955 /+353 087 2533869
Email rdrew@tipperarycamping.com
Facebook @tippcamping
This campsite is situated right in the heart of one of the most picturesque valleys in Ireland. Surrounded by woodland and farmland it offers a quiet and relaxing holiday in a country environment. The campsite is located within 300 metres of the tourist information point and the Coach Road Inn. It is also within easy walking distance of the Nature Park and Aherlow House Hotel & Lodges.
En savoir plus
Glen of Aherlow Fáilte
Tel. +353 062 56331
Email info@aherlow.com
Le splendide Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, est une vallée verdoyante qui s’étire entre les monts Galtee et le versant boisé de Slievenamuck. Délimité par les villages de Bansha et Galbally à chacune de ses extrémités, le Glen était jadis un important passage entre les comtés de Tipperary et Limerick.
Le Glen of Aherlow accueille deux festivals annuels de randonnée et offre une variété d’activités : marche, équitation, cyclisme et pêche. Avec ses nombreux sites préhistoriques et médiévaux, le Glen fait également partie des Terres ancestrales d’Irlande.
Glen of Aherlow Caravan & Camping Park
Newtown
Glen of Aherlow
Co Tipperary
E34 NH58
Tel. +353 062 56555 /+353 087 9881955 /+353 087 2533869
Email rdrew@tipperarycamping.com
Facebook @tippcamping
Le camping se trouve au cœur d’une des vallées les plus pittoresques d’Irlande. Entouré de bois et de champs, il offre un cadre de vacances calme et reposant. Le camping est situé à 300 mètres d’un point info tourisme et du pub Coach Road Inn. Le Nature Park et l’hôtel Aherlow House Hotel & Lodges sont aisément accessibles à pied.
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I loved when you said “there is something about… coming in for a cuddle…” you make it sound magical. And gorgeous shots as always. It was lovely to see you too! Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime
Aw thank you for the lovely comment – there is indeed something magical about mornings in a tent… I am trying to get into the shots more often, but it’s hard when I’m always holding the camera 😉
Thank you for hosting #ablogginggoodtime
What a fun tradition! We just went camping as a family for the first time. I will definitely be keeping and adding on to our list each time too!
It has become a tradition, and one we all look forward to! How did you like your first family camping trip? Don’t hesitate to ask if you need any help re gear, etc. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Lovely photos and wow for writing in 2 languages! Camping is not something I am ready yet with our 2 adopted boys, maybe in a few years time… #aBlogginggoodtime
Thank you for the lovely comment! I hope you do give camping a try when you feel ready. It’s quite a special experience to share with our children. x
hmmm, I still like the idea of camping… 🙂 #FabFridayPost
It sounds like you just got away with it with the rain falling overnight. I love how the children all helped set up the tent, it is becoming a great family activity by the look of things. Best of all must being watching the children unplugged and playing traditional games in the field. I hope you managed some dry weather to dry the tent out at home and that you are all set to go again for a summer adventure.
Thank you for sharing some wonderful photos of your camping on #CountryKids
The tent is now dry and ready to go again. Not sure we’ll get another chance before our summer in France, but we’ll try.
Thank you for your comment, and for hosting #CountryKids
Awww. This looks absolutely perfect! We love camping too and can’t wait to do more of it once the summer holidays commence 🙂 #countrykids
Camping is great, isn’t it? Hope you get to do lots of it this summer!
your photos are wonderful. you captured some lovely family moments. we have yet to go camping, hopefully for the first time this year. our son is one and a half, so we want to start early!
#countrykids
Thank you Naomi! You’re so right in wanting to get started when your son is still young – the younger two acorns were 15 months and 12 months respectively the first time they slept under canvas 😉
I love camping (i only went for the first time about 5-6 years ago! I really want ny girls to grow up loving camping. Our youngest is just 12 months and a terrible sleeper so I’m not sure we can face it this year but then i see post like yours that make me want to go now! Beautiful photos. #countrykids
Our youngest was 12 months the first time we went camping as a family of six. He was beside me, just like at home, but he slept through the night, unlike at home, instead of waking up 2-3 times for a dream feed. To make it easier you might want to try it for one night only, in a campsite near your house, and see what happens… I hope you get to go camping very soon! x
Looks like a really picturesque spot. I have fond memories of camping in Ireland! #adventurecalling
It is beautiful indeed. Wait until I finish the post on our hike to Lough Curra 😉
My kids think they are very hard done by as we haven’t been camping yet this year – thanks or the beautiful reminder that we really should go soon 🙂 #countrykids
Fantastic photos, gorgeous text – I really feel the spirit of family camping whilst reading this. We have a checklist for camping too, but I couldn’t find it before our recent camping trip, so it looks like I’ll have to write out a new one. Might use yours as inspiration! And, by the way, we also had a Skandika tent and we were also very pleased with it – good value, and it never let us down, not even in torrential rain. Greetings from (the relatively midge-free) Luxembourg! #CountryKids
And yet another thing our families have in common! The first time we pitched our Skandika tent was in Co Down 3 years ago. It started raining as soon as the tent was up, and it didn’t let up until the next morning – relentless, torrential rain for 10 hours on the trot. The tent remained dry, and we can now say that it is Irish weatherproof!
Thank you for the lovely comment! 🙂
Lovely photos! It looks like the perfect camping trip!
#CountryKids
This looks like a great place to go camping. I so need your itinerary list as we will be going camping first time as a family end of July. So excited. I hope the weather will be as good as your camping trip thought. lol!
Thank you so much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost
You’re gonna love it! Pack lots of warm clothes and rain gear for all, and you’ll be fine!
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Nothing beats camping. We’re going this weekend and we can’t wait. Great photos! Sarah #FabFridayPost
Thanks Sarah! Enjoy your weekend!
Annette it looks like a truly amazing camping trip! The amount we go camping we totally need to have a list!! We wing it most the time! It’s amazing how much stuff you need with just 3 of us I can’t imagine packing for 6! Must go camping soon! #countrykids
Haha so far we managed to not take the roof box, as yes, it is amazing the amount of stuff needed to go camping, even for a couple of nights. Buying the right gear for us has taken a long time, and lots of trial & error, but we’re more or less sorted now. With the kids that little bit older now, there are many baby things we don’t need to take anymore, which is great.
I need to do some camping! I always forget what a great time we have camping and how many fun little family moments you get. Thanks for sharing all of yours! #countrykids
Looks like you had a great time. You have made me want to go camping again! #CountryKids
It’s lovely to read that you had a great time camping and I adore the photo of your little one trying to fit the bed into the tent. #CountryKids
It’s been years since I last went camping, I imagine it’s a wonderful family experience.
Family camping trips are so much fun! We recently went camping with our 3 children for the first time and can’t wait to go again. Love all your photos. Looks like you had a great time. #CountryKids
We haven’t camped for a couple of months and this post has given me withdrawal symptons. I love a family camping trip and you’ve summed it up perfectly. It looks like a lovely site, at least you stayed mainly dry. I always sleep really well when camping, it’s a great way to reset and relax. Thank you for sharing with us at #AdventureCalling
Oh we have a camping list too. When so many things are reliant on other things I don’t like taking a chance – well after many years of forgetting things anyway haha. I love seeing your kids helping to set thing ups – I can’t wait until ours are a little older and help me out. Great photos as always. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling I hope you can again tomorrow.
You’ve written this so beautifully, Annette. You’ve succeeded in making a camping trip with the kids sound like the perfect family holiday. Love your photos as always. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Annette, I grew up camping but somehow (to my parents’ absolute horror) neither me nor my brothers have since shown any interest in resuming those adventures. It really was basics camping (no toilet) so that may have something to do with it. Anyway, you’ve painted such an idyllic scene (minus the rain) that I might need to rediscover camping Katy! Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Our family’s ‘go-to’ meal after a long day’s driving is pesto (in a jar) and pasta. One pot and quickly ready. The photos and commentary make a lovely family memory. #farawayfiles