Motorhome Facilities in Derry: A Rant from the Car Park

You’d think Northern Ireland’s second city would have a few basic motorhome facilities, right? Somewhere to dump waste, grab some water, and avoid parking at an angle sharp enough to give you vertigo. But here I am, once again, at St. Columb’s Park, wondering if I need to send Mark Durkan another politely irritated email.

The Email That Went Nowhere

Last year, I reached out to Mark Durkan MLA (SDLP). Can’t even vote for him from my ward, but he seemed like a decent bloke, even turned up at my father-in-law’s funeral, so, you know, approachable human vibes. My email? A few friendly suggestions to make Derry a bit more welcoming to those of us travelling in our four-wheeled homes.

Did anything come of it?

Of course not. Not a sausage.

Back at St. Columb’s Park (Because I Never Learn)

So here we are again. Same car park, same problems, slightly better tarmac. I’d hoped last year’s closure meant some magical upgrade, waste points, power, maybe even a level parking space? Nope. Just a resurfacing job and a few trees sacrificed to the gods of “urban improvement.”

And don’t get me started on the bin situation. You’d think the circular hole design was invented by someone whose life’s goal was to make me touch bin juice. Spoiler: mission accomplished.

Useless Water Tap (No thread)

Another circular bin to the front of the locked motorhome service point.

Cheap sticker, with worthless instructions

Dr. Who would be ashamed of such a venture.

Key location, nobody is ever about though.

One Dump Point to Rule Them All (And It’s Closed on Weekends)

There’s one facility in all of Derry for motorhome waste disposal. One. And it’s closed on weekends. Apparently, you can borrow the key from a nearby restaurant, except, no, you can’t. The only place that actually has it is the disability centre, which shuts its doors Friday evening. Brilliant.

Your nearest alternatives?

• Buncrana, which is technically another country.

• Portrush, which is another county.

Otherwise, you’re left to your own… creative problem-solving. Environmentally and morally questionable at best.

The Bakery, where my money goes to die

Lovely spot, check out their hot wings!

Avoid Avoid Avoid

Supporting Local Businesses (Because We Actually Do Spend Money)

Despite the council’s apparent disinterest in welcoming motorhomes, we do spend money here. We had dinner at The Embankment, coffee (and cake, obviously) at The Bakery in Ebrington, and I even cycled to the dentist — which should earn me some sort of eco badge.

The Ebrington Hotel was a bust for working remotely though, we can’t use public WiFi, and the signal inside is about as strong as a wet noodle, thanks to all that steel. Also, the food? Let’s just say it’s no match for the hype (link to my Google Review).

The Great Derry Disconnect

I chatted with Charlie McGuiness, owner of the Spar on Northland Road, the cheapest place in town for FloGas, by the way, and even he agrees:

• The city’s changing, but not for the better.
• Tourism? A missed opportunity.
• Locals? Frustrated.

Halloween Festival? Looks amazing on TikTok but feels like a logistical nightmare in real life.

You can’t invite thousands of visitors, then forget about where they’re meant to park, eat, or pee.

A Few Simple Fixes (That No One Will Implement)

We don’t need fancy new infrastructure. Just… common sense:

• Unlock the motorhome service point on Foyle Road.

• Add a threaded tap that actually fits a hose.

• Keep the place open on weekends.

• Maybe even slap up a sign saying, “Hey motorhomers, we actually want you here.”

Until then, I’ll be here, parked on a slope, bin juice on my hands, silently judging the council’s priorities while my solar panels try to cling to life in the Derry drizzle.

External Link (for Google’s sake):

Check out NI Direct’s official advice on camping and caravanning in Northern Ireland — though I wouldn’t hold my breath for Derry to make the list anytime soon.

Your Nearest Waste/Water Point – Buncrana, Ireland