1. Outdoors Vacation Weekend 2012 2012
Outdoors Vacation Weekend
Hi folks,
Hope you are keeping well. I thought it was important to pull a few bits together in a
newsletter for the weekend ahead to make things a little easier. I’ve broken everything
down into what I think you need to know and some of the questions you've fed back to
me. If I missed anything than please post it on the Facebook page or give me a call.
Transportation
After looking into the Bus and Rail options it
looks like Rail is definitely the most regular and
convenient for folks traveling from Dublin. You
will need to get a train from Connolly Stn.
Dublin to Rathdrum Stn. Expect a walk of 13
minutes to the Cabins (link to map below). If your
traveling in a small group getting a taxi might be
an affordable option if you split the fare. Here are
some numbers you can use:
N11 Cabs 0404 29000 / Rathdrum Cabs 087
9561111 / Glendalough Cabs – 087 9729452 / Church
St Cab – 0404 69500
Arriving/Departing
On arrival please check in at the reception of the
Holiday Park. Mention my name (Brian
Fitzsimons) and the park attendant will show you
to your cabin. I’ve pulled a list together of who’s
in what cabin below and I’ve tried to keep us in
groups of people who we know. Apologies Dan
and Manuella we don't have a double bed for you unfortunately.
Map from Rathdrum Train Station to Cabins/Holiday Park http://goo.gl/Hk0SX
Driving directions from Dublin
Follow the N11 South to the R772 for Rathnew and
Wicklow. At the roundabout in Rathnew, follow signs
towards R752 for Rathdrum (approx 12 minutes
from Rathnew). You will come around a bad bend
into Rathdrum. The park is on your right, and is
across the road from Glanbia. Turn right at the Ivy
Leaf Apartments (before the road splits). This is the
laneway alongside the river. This road will lead you
into the park. Drive time 1h.

2. Outdoors Vacation Weekend
Outdoors Vacation Weekend 2012
Cabin allocations
Cabin 1. Brian, Majella & Vesper (Double), Helen, John (Bunk)
Cabin 2. June & Vinny (Double), Dave and Guest TBC (Bunk)
Cabin 3. Gareth & Anja (Double), Dan and Manuella (Bunk)
What to wear
We all know the Irish climate is unpredictable so be prepared! Its advisable to take a
rain mac, comfortable boots that are preferably waterproof and a change of clothes.
After looking at the weather trends over the past few years its usually blustery which is a
pain but Saturday doesn't look to bad in Rathdrum/Glendalough so we'll definitely get
out and about.
Food & Drink
Each of the cabins is equipped with a kettle, toaster, cooker,
oven, fridge/freezer and all dishes, cutlery and utensils. We'll
also be bringing a Weber Q100 Gas BBQ so we can cook up
some juicy steaks (unless your vegetarian) on the deck.
Take along any food you might like to have. Some suggestions
that work well on the grill would be Steak, Chicken, Fish,
Asparagus, Peppers, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Courgette. Make
sure to have enough for yourself to cover breakfast, Lunch etc. If
you run out theres always the option of taking a spin into town
to pick up supplies (Rashers, Sausages, Eggs etc)
If your bringing beers or white/rose wine it might be good idea to put them in the
fridge in your cabin when you arrive.
Sleep
Pillows and duvets are provided, however you will need to supply your own duvet
covers, sheets and towels. You could bring your own linen and make the bed yourself or
alternatively you could just bring a sleeping bag which might be more convenient to
carry and warmer too.
Weekend guide - Outdoors Vacation Weekend 2012

3. Outdoors Vacation Weekend
Outdoors Vacation Weekend 2012
Activities
Unfortunately we had a low response for the activities on offer so we didn't book the
kayaking or cycling However were still planning a hike on Saturday morning at
10/11am. The plan is to visit the Avondale forest where we can walk the pine tree trail
(1.5h) and the Avondale river walk (2.5h) which are both maintained by Coillte. The
trails are located 30 minutes on foot through town away from the holiday park and is
the most scenic area we can hike that offers us forest protection and is not as exposed to
the elements as much of Glendalough and the Wicklow way. The trails are also marked
so theres no getting lost.
Housekeeping
Its very important that we leave things as we found them so make sure beds are made,
pans are washed and toilets are flushed. Unfortunately there was a sizable deposit
required to secure the cabins and anything that requires cleaning or breakages will
come from it when we leave.
Payment
As promised for the two nights its still €45PPS. You can give this to me in cash when
were there as bank transfers, PayPal etc are always messy.
Useful bits and bobs
Here are some useful bits that might come in handy.
✓A small torch like a Maglite just incase you have to pop to the car, or something falls
behind a couch and you need to find it.
✓Shorts or convertible pants because were going to be located beside a freshwater river
and who knows if the weather is good it might be fun to wade out.
✓A small backpack and water bottle would be useful for when we get out and about. It
might also be useful to take a camera too as is a beautiful spot.
✓An instrument, sure why not!
✓Snacks or fruit for late at night if you get the nibbles.
Looking forward to seeing you all Friday evening
Brian (086-8143755)
Weekend guide - Outdoors Vacation Weekend 2012