What is the Krafted Connex? Think of it as a Swiss army knife, only without the pointy bits. This clever little gadget allows you to connect your precious devices with ease and eliminates the need to pack multiple different charging cables when you travel. Read on to find out more.What is it?Krafted Connex Multi Cable Adaptor Hub 29.99Overall Rating (4 / 5)StockistsKraftedAmazonYoull likely know the frustration of rummaging through a bag full of charging cables, only to discover youve packed the wrong one. Whether youre camping, travelling or simply working on the go, keeping multiple devices charged can quickly become a tangled mess.The Krafted Connex is one of those products that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. Combining multiple charging connections into a single compact device, it replaces the need to carry a collection of different cables while still supporting charging and data transfer for a wide range of devices. With USB-C, USB-A, Lightning and Micro USB connections folded neatly into one pocket-sized hub, its designed to be the only connector most people need for everyday use.What immediately stands out is the design. The Connex feels well-engineered, with a reassuringly solid construction and a clever folding mechanism that keeps all of the connectors protected when not in use. Its small enough to slip into a pocket, backpack, glovebox or camping organiser without taking up much space.For campers, its particularly useful. Rather than carrying a bundle of different charging leads for phones, power banks, cameras, head torches, speakers and other gadgets, the Connex provides a simple all-in-one solution that helps keep your kit organised. Its exactly the sort of item that can happily live in your camping essentials box, giving you one less thing to think about when you go away.I also really liked the presentation. The eco-friendly cardboard packaging feels premium while avoiding unnecessary plastic, giving a great first impression upon opening the box.Overall, the Krafted Connex is an innovative little gadget that tackles a genuine everyday annoyance with a thoughtful, space-saving, aesthetic design. Its compact, practical and ideal for anyone who spends time travelling, camping and it also makes a great gift! Sometimes the best products arent the most complicated, theyre the ones that solve a common problem brilliantly, and the Connex certainly feels like one of those.Currently available in two different colours, the Krafted Connex retails for 29.99 and is available direct from Krafted and on Amazon.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was gifted to us. We were not required, or paid to write this review.The post krafted Connex Multi Cable Adaptor Hub Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

There is a reasonable argument that dogs have the best campervan holidays. They wake you up at 6am to go outside, which means you catch the light on whatever coastal road or forest track you are parked on. They have a reason to stop in every place that smells interesting, which turns out to be everywhere in Ireland. And they make you choose camping spots that most people with hotel bookings never find.A significant number of our customers hire specifically because they want to bring their dog, and cannot find a hire company that welcomes them without a significant surcharge or a complicated insurance clause. Our fleet is pet-friendly, the process is straightforward, and dogs are genuinely welcome.Here is what you need to know to plan the trip.Pet-Friendly Campervan HireWhich campervans are best for dogsThe honest answer is that almost any van in our fleet works well, depending on the size of your dog and how many people are travelling view our full fleet to find the right fit.For couples with one or two dogs, the V66 and V69 are compact enough to handle easily on Irish roads but have proper sleeping areas, good storage, and enough floor space for a medium dog to stretch out. Both are popular with couples who travel with a dog as a regular third passenger.For families or larger dogs, the 4-berth Dethleffs or Sunlight A68 gives more room: under-seat storage for a dog bed, easier movement around the van when parked, and more space in the cab area. The 6-berth A72 and A70 are genuinely spacious and suit larger dogs or multiple dogs without any real restriction.All vans are cleaned to a thorough standard between hires. If your dog sleeps on the seat or on the bed, bring a cover. If there is any dog hair or dirt beyond normal wear, there may be an additional cleaning charge. This is listed clearly in the rental agreement.Where to go in Ireland with a dogMost of Irelands best campervan routes are naturally dog-friendly. The beaches, mountains, forests and coastal paths that make this country worth exploring are almost entirely accessible with a dog on a lead.Wild Atlantic Way: The west coast is ideal. Dogs are welcome on virtually every beach along the WAW outside of specific restricted areas in peak summer. Achill Island, Connemaras dog beach at Dogs Bay, the beaches around Clifden, Sligos north coast at Rosses Point, and the Donegal beaches around Bundoran and Dunfanaghy are all genuinely excellent. One couple who bring their dog on every trip called the WAW with a dog the best holiday they had ever had.Wicklow and the South East: The Wicklow Mountains National Park allows dogs on leads on all trails. Glendalough is accessible. Brittas Bay has beach access for dogs outside peak season restrictions. The Wexford coast, particularly Curracloe, is dog-friendly year-round.Kerry and Clare: The beaches at Inch Strand, Maharees and around Dingle are generally dog-friendly. The Burren in Clare is walk-on-lead country and extraordinary terrain for a dog who wants interesting ground.Forests and mountain tracks: Coillte forests across Ireland allow dogs on leads. Killarney National Park has specific dog trails. The Glenveagh National Park in Donegal has walk-in access for dogs in parts of the estate.Dog-friendly campsitesMost campsites in Ireland open all year accept dogs with advance notice, and many are enthusiastic about it. A few things worth knowing before you book:Most sites ask that dogs are kept on leads within the campsite at all times. Some sites have a limit on the number of dogs per pitch. A small number of sites do not accept dogs in peak summer, so always call ahead.Campsites that have come up consistently in customer feedback as good for dogs include Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon (convenient for customers collecting from our Roscommon depot), Connemara Caravan and Camping Park at Letterfrack, Bayview Caravan Park at Achill Sound, and Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny.For wild or free camping, where you pull off the road and stay somewhere quiet, dogs are an advantage. They give you a reason to walk whatever ground you are parked on, and the spots that suit this kind of camping are generally remote enough that nobody minds.What to pack for your dogThe van has everything you need. What to bring for your dog:Lead and collar with up-to-date ID tagFood and water bowls (or collapsible versions)Enough food for the trip with a small surplusDog bed or blanket. Something familiar helps dogs settle in a new space.Poo bags (Irish countryside, please)Any medication or regular treatmentsCover for the van seating if your dog tends to climb on furnitureThe fridge keeps wet food fresh. There is storage under the seats and in the overhead lockers. Most customers find the van has more than enough space for dog gear even on a longer trip.Booking a dog-friendly hireJust let us know you are bringing a dog when you book, by phone or in the booking notes online. There is no additional hire charge for bringing a well-behaved dog. Our pet-friendly campervan hire page has the full details of what is covered, what is expected, and how we handle the deposit for pet hires.Our pet-friendly fleet is available from both our Roscommon and Greystones depots. If you collect from our Greystones depot, the Wicklow coast and mountains are on your doorstep from the first evening. If you are collecting from our campervan hire in Roscommon depot, you are 45 minutes from the start of some of the best dog walking in the country at Lough Key Forest Park, and less than two hours from the west coast beaches.Campervan holiday offersThe post Dog-Friendly Campervan Holidays in Ireland appeared first on Craic N Campers.

There is a particular kind of weekend that starts on Friday evening, involves a short drive out of the city, waking up somewhere completely different on Saturday morning, and arriving home relaxed on Sunday. A campervan makes that possible in a way that hotels and Airbnbs do not. You decide when to stop. You stay somewhere you could not book.Our Greystones depot is 45 minutes from Dublin City on the M11, which means you can collect a van on a Friday afternoon and be genuinely away before the evening is over. These five routes are all under three hours from Greystones, and all are done regularly by customers who pick up from us and come back with stories.Campervan hire near Dublin AirportRoute 1: The Wicklow Mountains and Valley (45 minutes)This is the route for anyone who wants to be somewhere beautiful with almost no driving. Head inland from Greystones on the R755 through Newtownmountkennedy and into the Vale of Avoca. The Military Road over the mountains from Kilmacanogue is one of the most dramatic short drives in the country. You pass Powerscourt Waterfall, cross open bog at Glencree, and drop down into the Wicklow Gap.Camping options: Glendalough Valley is the natural anchor. The campsite at Glendalough is well-suited to campervans and the monastic site at dawn, before the tour groups arrive, is one of those sights that stays with you. Alternatively, park up in the Vale of Avoca and walk the Meetings of the Waters.Journey time from Greystones: 45 minutes to Glendalough.Route 2: The Wexford Coast (1 hour 45 minutes)Take the N11 south, past Gorey and Enniscorthy, and follow the signs for Courtown or Rosslare. The south Wexford coast is underrated: sandy beaches, quiet roads, and campsites that work well for a two-night stop. Curracloe Beach, which stretches for 15 kilometres of unbroken sand, comes up in customer reviews from people who made the trip.Camping options: Curracloe Beach area has good campsite options for campervans. Rosslare has facilities and is a natural base for exploring the Hook Peninsula.Journey time from Greystones: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.For a full guide to the southeast Ireland campervan routes in this region, see our southeast Ireland by campervan guide.Route 3: Kilkenny and the River Barrow (2 hours)Drive south-west via the M9 and you reach Kilkenny in under two hours. This is a different kind of break: medieval city, real pubs, a castle worth walking around. The River Barrow south of Kilkenny has quiet camping spots and the towpath is a good walk or cycle.Camping options: Nore Valley Park near Bennettsbridge is a popular base for a Kilkenny visit and has good motorhome facilities. The area around Graiguenamanagh along the Barrow is quieter and beautiful.Journey time from Greystones: just under 2 hours.Route 4: Waterford and the Copper Coast (2 hours 30 minutes)Continue south past Kilkenny on the M9 and you reach Waterford in two and a half hours. The Copper Coast, the stretch of coastline between Tramore and Dungarvan, is a UNESCO Geopark and one of the genuinely undervisited stretches of Irish coastline. The cliffs, coves and copper-era mining landscape are unlike anywhere else in the country.Camping options: Dunmore East has a campsite with views over the harbour. Tramore is a larger base with good facilities. For smaller, wilder spots, the Copper Coast road itself has several layby areas where you can stop overnight.Journey time from Greystones: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.Route 5: The Wicklow Way South to Arklow (1 hour 30 minutes)Hug the coast from Greystones south through Brittas Bay, one of the finest beaches in Leinster, and continue to Arklow and beyond. Brittas Bay is popular in summer but the campsite there is well-managed and works well for campervans. From Arklow you can continue south or double back through the inland Wicklow landscape.Camping options: Brittas Bay area has the main Leinster coastal campsite. Arklow itself has additional options.Journey time from Greystones: 1 hour 30 minutes to Brittas Bay.A note on what to bring for a 48-hour breakYou do not need to pack much differently from a longer trip. The van has everything you need for cooking and sleeping: hob, oven, fridge, crockery, bedding if you add it as an extra. For a weekend break, most customers bring a bag of fresh food for Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast, and eat out one meal. Dogs are welcome on our pet-friendly hire. See our pet-friendly campervan hire page for details.The online check-in arrives two days before your pickup, so by the time you collect on Friday, most of the admin is already done. You can be on the road within 30 minutes of arriving at the depot.Booking a weekend breakWeekend hire is available throughout the year. Shoulder season (April, May, September and October) gives you quieter roads, better prices, and the best of Irish weather without the August crowds. Among campervan regulars, September in Connemara or Kerry is consistently rated better than August in almost every way.Check our current offers and available dates on the booking page, or view our full fleet to choose the right van for your trip.Campervan holiday offersThe post Weekend Campervan Breaks from Dublin: 5 Routes Under 3 Hours appeared first on Craic N Campers.

The post New Mossley Woodland Walk appeared first on WalkNI.

Guided walking holidays in the UK have changed in recent years. The routes are better documented, the kit is lighter, and walkers' expectations are higher than ever

Technically its called the Zempire Z Leg Single Camp Cot Stretcher, but Im British and a cot is something a baby sleeps in, so throughout Ill be referring to it as a camp bed. Semantics aside, this is a high quality camp bed thats super quick to set up and keeps your mattress firmly in place. Read on for my full review.What is it?Zempire Speedy Z Leg Single Camp Bed RRP: 75Overall Rating (5 / 5)StockistsGo OutdoorsBlacksMilletsOutdoor World DirectZempireFeaturesPowder coated 22mm steel tube600D poly oxfordCorner mattress strapsSupplied with carry bagLoading capacity: 200kgSize: 190 x 64 cm / 74.8 x 25.2 inWeight: 8kg What I thoughtHaving happily owned and used a similar XL camp bed for several years from a different brand, I didnt strictly need to buy the Zempire Z Leg, but Im a sucker for a) all things Zempire, b) lime green and c) anything that saves a bit of weight/space without compromising on comfort, all of which meant when I saw a price drop at Outdoor World Direct, I couldnt stop myself from placing an order.Many years ago, I used a more basic folding army bed with poles that you had to slide into the fabric at either end of the bed and then slot onto the frame. Invariably, there would be one that was a struggle to click into place, and whilst mine did the job very well for several years, the all-in-one construction of updated beds of this style makes setup even quicker and provides better height Ive never looked back.I like to be comfortable when I sleep and I also prefer to be raised off the ground. Air beds are fine and do the job, but often they deflate overnight and need to be replaced frequently, so I made the switch to folding camp beds many years ago and have since stuck to using a double camp bed with our double Outwell SIM on top.ProsHigh quality bedFast and easy to set up and take down againSturdy bed that doesnt move around or feel unstableHigh-quality carry bagGood value for moneyNice design Additional elasticated mattress strapsConsI wouldnt change a thing!The verdictI slept incredibly well on the bed, it felt strong and highly stable and I also felt like I could sit anywhere on the bed without worrying about it tipping over. The quick folding design makes set-up speedier than budget camp beds that require fiddly end poles to be slotted in to place.The extra height makes it really easy to get in and out of the bed so it would be great for folks with reduced mobility, and with the addition of a SIM on top, I think it makes a brilliant and incredibly comfortable camp bed choice, though of course for some, the camp bed alone will be sufficient.I paid just 40 for mine, including free delivery from Outdoor World Direct.DISCLOSURE | The featured product was privately purchased and is not supported by any brand(s).Where to next?Kampa Dometic Dream XL Camp Bed ReviewExpert Guide To Camping SIMs Self Inflating MattressesThe Ultimate List Of Camping Tips 66 Camping Tips & HacksThe post Zempire Z Leg Single Camp Camp Bed Stretcher Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.

The Complete Camping Checklist for Beginners

Overview: Distance: approx. 12km round tripElevation gain: 746mFormat: Out and backTime: 4+ hoursStart / End / Parking:I parked on the Lettershanbally Trail Head (google maps link) on the R344 outside of the Glencorbet valley. Theres space for up to 10 cars, if some strategic planning is done. If youre looking to approach from the Glencorbet valley, this is the recommended parking spot as of June 2026. The locals of Kylemore ask hikers not to park further into the valley due to congestion and blocked access occurring. Trail difficulty: Moderate - DifficultThe first half of this route follows a dirt track up the valley, and the second half is wild, open mountainside. This becomes a difficult rating for me because of the prolonged rocky, steep sections, and mountain terrain without clear paths. An ability to deal with mountain hazards, steep ground and scree is essential.Read about trail grading in Ireland here.Trail quality: 5/5I dont know if having a trail quality section for this mountain is appropriate, as while the lower half of the route uses a wide track in through the valley (there is a river to ford), the upper half of this route is not a trail and contains open mountainside and loose rock. This requires experience on moving on loose rock, as well as confident navigation skills for if there is cloud cover or bad weather blows in. Views: 5/5I love Galway and all the mountains you find here. I love the rugged nature of the Bens, and the wild, windy landscape is inspiring. You wont always have views in these mountains (the weather changes too fast for it ever to remain one way for long), but the moments you have are breathtaking. Buggy/Wheelchair friendly: NoDogs allowed: No - this route features farmland and possible livestock. When did I walk this route: June 2026External resources: Learn more about this summit on MountainViewsMountainViews is always my first stop when it comes to info on summits around Ireland.EastWest Maps: the most detailed maps youll find of Ireland, heres a link to the Connemara Mountains Sheet.Find all the County High Points of Ireland listed here Its a beautifully sunny Friday afternoon as I drive across Mayo and down through Killary Fjord to the start of my hike. This is truly one of the best parts of the Irish summer - if you finish work early enough, you can escape and fit a whole day of hiking into the long evenings. I pull into the small car park at the entrance to Lettershanbally Forest and quickly pack my bag. Its 4pm as I set off up the road. The first 10 minutes or so is along the R344, which is quite a busy road. Keeping eyes and ears open, I only have to step in a handful of times before I turn off onto the small boreen that leads you into the Glencorbet valley. Another 500m down the boreen, and as the lane turns right, I turn left onto the wide rocky track. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize For the next approx. 2km I follow this fairly straight track along the valley floor. I settle into an easy pace as I meander along the riverside. However, as I round a slight bend, Im pulled up short. Its time to cross the river, but there is no bridge. I look at the EastWest map of the area, and sure enough, a ford is marked here (but not marked on the OSI). I could walk back along the river and see if theres a section with suitable-looking stepping stones, but I hadnt really noticed any on the way in, so I peel off my socks and wade in. The cold water is almost pleasant in the warm sun. The water goes as high as my upper calf (although its worth remembering that I am quite short). Drying my legs and feet with the ends of my trousers, I continue on along the old road. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize At the end of this lane, I found myself in a small yard. The way that felt like the way the farmer intended walkers to take, was to actually head downhill, and use the gate towards the river. This is the only gate that wasnt locked or similar. Taking this gate means you can loop down towards the river and then around the fenced sheep pens. Always leave gates as you find them and/or follow the signs on them. Ill always be very grateful to the landowners who give access to the hills. From here, it is open mountainside to the summit. The first half is still grassy, and very steep. Looking at the maps, I chose the streams I wanted to stay between as I climbed up to the col between Benbaun and the 457m spot height to the NE. There are plenty of sheep trails and soil creep to give the illusion of a true trail. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize The second half of this climb is made up of the loose rock that the bens are famous for. Its about 1km and 280m of climbing left to the summit, but I try and forget about either as I slowly zig-zagged my way through the steep scree. Just as I reach the broken trig point, clouds start to stream in from the sea. The speed that they pour over the shoulder is breath-taking, and I watch them fly past as I eat my snacks. My brother rings me, and I shelter in the piled up rocks and enjoy the novelty of both feeling completely disconnected from the rest of the world, while talking to someone many hours and hundreds of kilometres away. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize As I descend, a heavier bank of clouds settle in above me. I quickly pick my way back down, revelling in having the mountain completely to myself. As I begin to reach the col once more, a stunning rainbow lights up the Gleninagh River in the valley south of mine. I take more photos than makes any sense, in love with the colours and evening light. The re-tracing of my steps is as exact as it can be without a trail underfoot, and soon enough the ground is levelling out once more. I meet a frog or two in the wet grass. I take off my wet shoes and socks for one more river crossing - at this point there was plenty of bog in the shoes that taking them off probably wasnt making much of a difference. In the summer months Im happy enough to accept the wet feet if it means I can wear the trail shoes that Ive come to love (as always, assess your own feet and footwear for what you need yourself). View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Its as Im almost back to the boreen, the main road in sight up ahead, that the heavens open and decide to lash on me for the remainder of my walk back to the van. It almost felt like a karmic re-balancing, taking payment for the beautiful weather Id enjoyed all evening on the mountain itself. Its approaching 10pm as I slide open the door and climb in out of the wet - hanging layers haphazardly to hopefully dry out before my weekend of shadowing mountain skills courses. Im content as I eat my lunchbox dinner and plan my nights sleep. Its hopefully obvious from the text above, but this mountain is not an easy stroll. Its one of the wilder places you can visit in Ireland, and deserves respect. If youre someone completing the County High Points List, this mountain is firmly in the hard end of the list, along with the likes of Carrauntoohil and Mweelrea. If youre new to the hills, Id strongly recommend finding a local mountain leader to take you (send me an email if you need a recommendation). Further exploringOther trails in the area: Diamond Hill - Galway Day HikeThe Western Way Galway - Long Distance TrailThe Hymany Way - Long Distance TrailMm an - Galway Day Hike (google maps)I dont have a specific write up for this walk, but its a lovely short hike that takes in a section of the Western Way as you climb up to a pass in the Maumturks (one of Galways mountain ranges). Its approx. 4km total out and back. Viewpoints and beaches to visit: Dogs Bay is one of my favourite Irish beaches (google maps)Pine Island Viewpoint (google maps)This isnt a trail, but a very popular viewpoint from the general area The Connemara National Park Visitor Centre (same location as the start of the Diamond Hill hike above)Coffee/food options: I nearly always stop into Roundstone for a coffee when Im in this areaHostelsBenlettery HostelOtter Hostel at Killary Adventure