The Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare is the very picture of Ireland. If you were to list the essential Irish elements – rivers, rocks, cliffs, beaches, sea, sky and open landscapes of green, thorny-flowered scenery – it has them all. In some cases they even merge into one. From your perch at Purecamping, in the tiny village of Querrin, it’s difficult to distinguish sea from river, as the two converge in the raggedly outlined Shannon Estuary. And, in turn, it’s difficult to determine where land meets water, as the Querrin Shore melts in soft marshy fingers into the sea. It’s only natural that such an essentially Irish landscape should sit directly at the halfway point along the Wild Atlantic Way and equally fitting too, that some of the coolest accommodation can be found here.
An eco-conscious campsite with grassy tent pitches, woodland camping and a healthy spread of glamping options, Purecamping is the perfect way-marker as you explore the west coast. Owners Trea and Kevin offer a welcome equal in warmth to their hand built eco-sauna and introduce you to the campsite with all the passion of a couple who have crafted the entire place themselves. And, of course, they have. Passionate about providing a truly natural experience, the couple have transformed an open meadow and four-hectares of native woodland into a real escape for campers who want to hide away from it all. And the result of their handiwork is a pleasure to explore.
Glamping options onsite include fully-furnished bell tents and a timber-clad eco-hut, while the eco-friendly facilities block includes outdoor, recycled rainwater showers and naturally composting toilets. Purecamping still has a family-friendly mix of offerings though, and if you’re looking for modern facilities and immaculate indoor showers then a main sanitary block has all the usual wares you’d expect.
It’s thoughtful touches that show the genuine interest of Trea and Kevin. The ginormous geodesic dome surrounded by tall, wild looking bushes houses a space for kids to play, while the wood-fired pizza oven in the outdoor kitchen, well… what’s not to love about that?! When time allows they even gather anyone interested beneath the morning sun and practice some soothing campsite yoga – Trea is a fully trained Satyananda teacher and will have you flexed out on the yoga mat in no time.
It’s no surprise Purecamping boasts a bounty of awards, including Best Accommodation provider 2014 and a Gold Standard Award from Ecotourism Ireland, but in reality the winning feature here is the location itself (the Loop Head Peninsula won the Irish Times' Best Place to Holiday In Ireland 2013). The long, craggy slice of land that is the Loop Head Peninsula appears remote and somewhat desolate at times, especially when gloomy weather hits, yet scratch the surface and you realise the spectacular scenery is matched by a microcosm bursting with activities. Walking, cycling, sailing, kayaking and coasteering are all interspersed with hours lolling in the Carrigaholt village pub or perched out on cliff top cafés enjoying a morning cuppa. Be sure to make it back by bedtime, though, the star gazing here is not to be missed!