LOUGH DERRAVARAGH CAMPING AND HOLIDAY CENTRE , Multyfarnham, County Westmeath N91 E17T

"Cannot understand why this place is rated so highly.. We booked 5 months before our stay. When we arrived, we were told there was no record of a booking for us despite evidence of our emails back and forth. They told us that they would “squeeze us in”. As it turned out there was plenty of space. On our second day, we arrived back to our tent to find our furniture moved and a caravan parked about four feet from our front door, with waste water leaking right at our door. Not ideal with three small children including a baby. When one of the staff came down that evening looking for our payment, we asked why the caravan was literally on top of us with lots of other space in the green area. She said to let her know the next day if we wanted to stay or not… not requesting that the caravan moved a few feet. (We couldn’t move back any further from where we were). As we were meeting people and it was the bank holiday weekend, we had no options to move elsewhere. The family in the caravan were so friendly and apologised saying that they were specifically asked to park exactly where they did. The playground is run down. The kids play area is dirty and filled with broken toys. Showers are €1 for 3 minutes. When we were using them one was warm and another was cold. There is *no drinking water* on site. We were told we could buy it at the site shop. The nearest shop otherwise is a petrol station about 15 minutes drive away. The water to wash dishes is from a well and not recommended for drinking apparently. We found this out after we’d all drank it. No fridge/freezer to utilise. No cooking facilities. There is a small laundry. There are a lot of residents that appear to be at the park long term in mobiles. There was noise until 02.30 two of the nights which didn’t bother us hugely but other campers were annoyed. Not a quiet spot if that’s what you’re looking for. Definitely not recommended and would never return. The owners reluctantly charged us for four nights instead of five after we complained, despite the caravan on top of us for three nights of our stay. We have camped many places and have never stayed in a site as bad. There is a sense of the staff looking after the residents they know, with little regard for new visitors to the park. Glad to be leaving today and moving to another campsite that we know is decent!!"

"I love the ambience and setting of this place, however always room for improvement. I was charged 75 euros for 2 nights camping for (three man tent, 1 child/ 1 adult) asked if I wanted electricity, which I declined . I had also booked in advance. Later found out from a caravan neighbour had been charged the same as him, which irked me a little. However aware may have been charged as spaces limited, it was a bank holiday weekend. I know the place has been renovated but the toilets could still do with improving, no offence but the interior looks like it’s been done by a bad handyman , looks a bit shabby, no matter how much you clean it still looks a bit grim.The key idea although good in theory is flawed, it’s small and once it goes into your pocket is a nightmare to retrieve, also if it gets lost at an inconvenient hour, middle of the night , what then..? No one manning the desk in the morning, I was unable to get change or token for the showers as there was no one up.I also checked out at 10.30 and had to hunt down a member of cleaning staff to check out , raise barrier and give back toilet key. It’s prime holiday season and someone should be there early. Please do something about the pizza, it’s not edible. We weren’t expecting authentic Italian and knew it would be frozen ex but the thing that was served up to us wasn’t edible. Thin rolled out raw dough overloaded with gungy cheese and pepperoni which looked like cat meat. We took one bite and left it , just disgusting. All the above are however minor gripes , I still think this campsite is lovely with a wonderful setting, great bar with overall very friendly, helpful staff. I would definitely comeback."

"One big happy family down here, so friendly and clean, great atmosphere, 4 more sleeps and I'm here and cannot wait, love the place, ran so well"

"Wed the 4th generation of the family here this wkend after not having been for 7years... Amazing, affordable prices, lots to see &' do, friendly obliging staff &' am amazing time for kids! Highly recommend, facilities are clean couldnt fault it :)"