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08 Dec 2025
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08 Dec 2025
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Pictured: Laois locals and Fianna Fáíl Deputy Sean Fleming gather for the grand opening
A Laois village have officially opened a new campsite.
A large crowd gathered for the official opening of a new tent campsite near Ballacolla, the first of its kind in Laois.
Neighbours and friends gather on Wednesday July 30 to open the gate of the recently developed Ruth's Garden Tent Campsite, 600 metres from the river Erkina.
Photos from Jeff Harvey
Organised and funded by Michael G Phelan, with help from the Woodenbridge Paddlers, the official opening was also attended by Fianna Fáíl Deputy Sean Fleming and Laois Tourism officer Jo Anne Nolan.
"The idea came about in January when we were running the river festival," Mr Phelan told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"People pitched their tents and parked their campervans around the river. When Covid came, a lot of people used to come and camp in a nearby field," he explained.
"We were discussing where an ideal spot to develop a campsite would be. There's a garden about 600 metres up from the river Erkina, it's the nearest high field that isn't at risk of any flooding. It used to be owned by the Ruths, so he have decided to call it Ruth's Garden Tent Campsite," Mr Phelan shared.
"We have installed a toilet and a seating area, Bobby Campion brought out a bell top caravan and we have a gorgeous old fashioned gate on the site. We planted new grass and have mowed it donw, it's a lovely little area. It's a nice add-on to the blueway development, we think it will prove very popular," he finished.
The campsite is situated 600 metres from the iconic Woodenbridge and the Erkina Blueway Canoe Trail, and is adjacent to several popular walking and cycling trails.
Ruth's Garden is a 10 minute walk from the Manor Stone service station on the M8 Motorway, and a five minute drive from the heritage town of Durrow.
Plans are also afoot to extend camping facilities to include a Park Up Campervan site off the adjacent Killarney's Lane for the 2026 season, according to organisers.
Ruth's Garden Tent Campsite can be found at R32Y6A2.
The Woodenbridge Paddlers will run a Canoe to Durrow fundraiser in aid of Durrow goes to Hollywood, running from Friday August 15 to Thursday August 21.
For more information, see here.
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