Woodlands Caravan and Camping Park on the Dingle Road in Tralee has been awarded the Bord Failte prize for the best 4-star caravan and camping park in Ireland. Proprietors Mike and Martina McDonnell were rewarded for their efforts in only their first full year in business, having opened to the public in May l999. The award was presented to the McDonnells arising out of a customer survey which was conducted by the Irish Caravan and Camping Council. Mike McDonnell said that they were very happy to receive the award especially as it was only their first year in business.

“It was a great surprise to us as had not been told beforehand. The award is highly coveted within the industry and it is the first time ever that a park in its first year has captured the award.” But he added that they will not stop at this as they are now aiming to improve facititles even further. “We intend to get even better, and with the Fels Point and Aqua Dome develop ments coming on stream this can only improve our location. The 1andscaping of the park will improve with maturity and we will be expanding our park for next years season.” he said.

Issues like hygiene, facilities, parking and enviromental factors were taken into account in the judging of the parks. The Woodlands park includes a total of 100 hook ups and substantial space for tents in its 16 acre site. Facilities includes a shower block, kitchen, laundry, games room, chemical disposal unit and tv room. This award completes a remarkable year for Woodlands. In August it was awarded the 4 penant deluxe award from the AA and was listed by Practical Caravan magazine as being the best park in south west Ireland. Holiday Tralee made a formal presentation of the award to Mike and Martina McDonnell at the Tourism Forum public meeting in the Brandon Hotel on Tuesday evening.

In 2000 Woodlands again won the Best 4 star park, the second in a row and they only in operation for 2 years. This year (2001) Woodlands will be trying for the hat trick, and again prove that they are the best park in Ireland and an instopable force in the Irish Tourism industry.