Ireland holds so much awe in artificial attractions and natural wonders for outdoor explorers and campers. With so much to take in, from stunning green fields, and historic castles to unforgettable hospitality, the island promises endless adventure for camping enthusiasts. However, the thrills of the isle do not end with the visual. One needs not be a foodie to get incredible tongue sensations from renowned delicacies served on the dreamy coastline of the Emerald Isle.
Considering all these and more, exploring by Campervan is your best bet for taking in Ireland’s natural and artificial beauties. Touring across the Emerald Isle on the wheel makes for an unforgettable camping adventure for lovers and family. The cost of parking your campervan depends on the campsite, on-site amenities, the season, and distance from urban areas. An overnight parking cost ranges from free to €20. We rounded the top 10 campsites you don’t want to be told about whether you are a visitor or resident of Ireland.
Kilbroney Caravan Park
A location that combines Mourne Mountain scenic with sea and valley is bound to create a stunning wonderland. The Kilbroney Caravan Park is a 97-acre of beautiful parkland that provides campers with lots to do in terms of outdoor adventures, including hiking, mountain biking, and forest walking. Walking through trails into the Mournes is your best bet for interacting with different wildlife species, including foxes, wood pigeons, sparrow hawks, jays, squirrels, and badgers. Species of trees also add a unique touch to the already stunning magnificent views.
Woodlands Caravan and Camping Park
Woodlands Caravan and Camping Park is a few minutes from the buzzing Tralee town center in the serene countryside. The location gives visitors easy access to other important areas around Kerry. With a touring caravan provided by the park, you can easily explore the Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Dingle, and the Wild Atlantic way. In addition to sightseeing, you can get loads of entertainment with trips to the Cinema, Museum, Aqua dome, Siamsa tire theater, and Greyhound stadium.
Strandhill Caravan and Camping
Whether you prefer water adventure or exploring extensive sandy beaches and dunes, Strandhill Caravan and Camping has it all. Located at the famous beach in County Sligo, Strandhill is a mecca for surfers. The 8-hectare of grass-covered land, a beauty to behold, makes it a perfect spot for campervans. The park has 78 standing caravans with top-class amenities, including electricity, TV, internet kiosks, laundry room, and others. 2km away is the flat sands of Culleenamore, with more than enough space for family fun.
Knockalla Caravan and Camping park
With over four decades of providing exceptional family vacations, Knockalla Caravan and Camping park offers campers the best of the North West Coast. Beautiful beaches surround the park. One of those is Ballymastocker beach, which is only a 10-minute walk away. The Observer Magazine voted it the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world. In addition to spectacular panoramic views, there are loads of fun activities to make your trip memorable. There is plenty to keep you and your loved ones engaged, from water sports and beautiful golf spots to scenic walks.
BallinaCourty House Caravan Park
Enjoy the fantastic Galtee mountain view as you explore the Ballinacourty house caravan in the beautiful Glen of Aherlow. The family-run park is an 18-century walled estate with a rich collection of on-site facilities, including restaurants, WiFi, indoor showers, wastewater disposal, and electric hook-up. Overall, there are 50 open pitches for tourists to set up camps. Engaging in activities includes trekking, cycling, horse riding, forest walking, swimming, and fishing. Rather not sweat or get wet? Try out leisure activities like cinema and theater.
Wave Crest Caravan and Camping Park County Kerry
Located outside Caherdaniel in County Kerry, West Crest Caravan gives a glorious view of the beaches and the waterfront. The surrounding statuesque mountains of the Beara Peninsula play their part in adding to the breathtaking scenery. Sitting still with a glass of wine in hand or munching delicious bakery to enjoy the glorious sight all day would be understandable. But the park is best enjoyed with some activities. Like a perfect family vacation should, there are options of activities to keep the adrenaline pumping. Children are provided with a fully equipped play area while adults have options of swimming, fishing, scuba diving, surfing, canoeing, diving, and horse riding.
Glen of Aherlow Caravan and Camping Park
A relaxing, peaceful, and serene atmosphere with a blend of sports tourism sounds like your ideal vacation? In that case, you should consider visiting Glen of Aherlow Caravan and Camping Park. The 5-acre club site is a beauty to behold with the fantastic surrounding landscape. In the middle of the Galtee Mountains and slopes of Slievenamuck lies one of the most stunning valleys in Ireland, surrounded by woodland and farmland. Visitors that only want to sit and relax to enjoy the picturesque view of Galtee Mountain and the surrounding can do that from the comfort of Aherlow housing hotel, Coach Road Inn, Nature Park, and Tourist Office. The park is accessible via the National Loop walk via trekking, bicycle, or E-bike.
Corcreggan Mill
Varieties of adventure await campers in Corcreggan Mill. The park site delights campers with fantastic scenery, beautiful beaches, great food, and music while you listen to local music. Corcreggan, 3 kilometers from Dunfanaghy, has camping sites with Tory Island and Muckish Mountain as a beautiful background view. Along with furnished millhouse accommodation for families and groups, Glampers can accommodate up to 4 people. Corcreggan Mill offers a once-in-a-lifetime camping vacation with electricity, beds or mats, communal fireplaces, and several other facilities.
Cong Camping Caravan and Glamping
Cong Camping Caravan and Glamping sits on a 4-acre site, a mile from the village of Cong. The island village is an ancient site between Mayo and Galway and has existed since the 7th century. While the serenity of the fascinating tourist village provides over a week worth of adventure and sightseeing, there are opportunities to get more out of your camping. Catch the best of the West of Ireland to the Achill Island, Aran Islands, and the Marian Shrine when you extend your vacation 26 miles to Galway city and Westport. Also, Wild Atlantic Way is only twenty miles away.
Goosey Island Motorhome Park
Goosey Island sits magnificently near the banks of the Sneem river and is only a few minutes walk from the quirky village of Sneem. The village is where you experience the best Irish hospitality. Whether you enter Sneem via Killarney or Kenmare, you can miss out on the famous ring of Kerry. There is no shortage of spaces and facilities for motorhomes and campervans, especially in the winter. It is recommended to explore and soak in as much of the Irish culture and atmosphere when you camped at Goosey Island Motorhome Park.
Conclusion
Exploring Ireland by Campervan offers tourists the unique opportunity of absorbing the beauty of different parts of Ireland. However, the cost of purchasing or hiring may be beyond the means of many campers. Roof top tents are a significantly more economical yet convenient option. Instead of a campervan, you can buy a roof top tent for a fraction of the price with the ease of maintenance into the bargain. Going with this option, you can park your car, SUV, or truck at legal public places and mount the tent.
Why spend so much on Campervans when you can spend little and gaze at the night sky? You must, however, pay attention to the stopover rule on the island of Ireland. Local authorities run legal stopovers. When permitted, observe the no trace policy.