Wild camping on Lough Cullin

We looked for a free place for one night in County Mayo on the idyllic but sheep-populated Achill Island.

Christian was a little cautious at first, I just think to myself that if someone sends the Gardai (police) over to me, then I either deserve a break or have drunk too much, because there is an alcohol limit here too. I suspect that we simply don't dare to do something when others have no scruples.

We don't leave any rubbish behind, we don't even have a fire pit, where I have seen and experienced surfers in the dunes on Achill Island, who let their dogs run free, who simply light a fire or simply stand where they say "no overnight camping". Sometimes we are just a little too German in our approach, I think!

This time we found a place that was only really free of disturbances after a certain time, but we were early enough that we were assured of the most beautiful place for the night. Standing free means that we only have electricity from the solar system and run the refrigerator and cool box, if the latter is in use, with gas. This was implemented straight away here, we had a wonderful lunch of simple food and then a walk in nearby Coillte Park. We hiked up Drumin Hill and to our delight found other paths so that it wasn't just back and forth, other dog owners marked other paths with construction site tape.

The route we chose first turned Loki into a Chocolate Labbi with a fango pack, but we weren't at Lough Cullin for nothing! I encouraged him to take a bath in the hole, after which the dirt was gone.

The bathers were gone after 5 p.m., only one other camper spent the night near us and even lit a fire. It was very quiet after 8 p.m., the night was magical and I was happy that I finally managed to stand free without any ulterior motives.

The special thing for me was the bath in the morning, because I've never been in a hole to wash, only the swans were staring, but with me you can only look away! It wasn't too cold, but not too warm either, I basically took a bath, whereas Christian preferred to do his laundry in the caravan.

It's now clear to me that we just have to have more confidence in ourselves, because then standing freely won't be a problem!