Your complete guide to campervanning in Ireland

Ireland is one of the best campervanning destinations in Europe. From exploring dramatic coastlines and visiting charming villages to discovering scenic mountain passes, it offers an unforgettable way to see the country's beautiful range of landscapes.

Whether you're planning a week-long escape or an epic Ireland road trip, we share all you need to know in our complete guide to campervanning in the Emerald Isle.

Why go campervanning in Ireland?

People love to go campervanning in this part of the world for its incredible scenery, welcoming communities, unique culture, and world-famous landmarks.

Head out in the campervan and explore the Wild Atlantic coast. You’ll travel through stunning green countryside, along striking cliffs, past beautiful beaches, and around picturesque lakes. Ireland’s incredible landscapes will reveal themselves as you clock up the miles in your campervan.

Ireland is perfect for a campervan adventure as its relatively small size makes travelling easy, and there are plenty of scenic driving routes to choose from. Many of Ireland’s hidden gems can’t be reached via public transport, so you’ll be able to access places that other tourists can’t.

Ireland is also famous for its friendly communities and local culture. Step into a country pub and enjoy local music, taste a pint of Guinness or tuck into some classic Irish food – we guarantee you’ll fall in love with a classic Irish stew and some colcannon.

There are so many historic cities and towns to explore, including Dublin, Galway, Cork, Dingle, Kinsale and Killarney. And incredible sites and landmarks to discover, including the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Giant's Causeway, Connemara National Park, and the Wild Atlantic Way.

The hardest thing is planning your route.

How to get to Ireland in a campervan

You can get to Ireland in a campervan by taking the ferry. There are many routes to choose from, including:

• Holyhead to Dublin

• Fishguard to Rosslare

• Pembroke to Rosslare

• Cairnryan to Belfast

• Liverpool to Dublin

The main ferry companies to look out for are Irish Ferries, Stena Line, and P&O Ferries.

When taking your campervan on the ferry, you should book early and consider taking an overnight sail where available to get the best deals. You’ll be asked for your campervan dimensions when booking, so ensure you measure these carefully to avoid issues when boarding.

You’ll also need some important documents for your trip, including your driving licence, insurance, breakdown cover, and vehicle registration documents. Your campervan must also have a valid MOT.

The best time depends on the kind of trip you’d like to have.

Travelling in spring means fewer crowds, lower campsite costs, and landscapes full of wildflowers and lush greenery. However, the weather is changeable, so you’ll need to be prepared for rain and shine.

Summer is a popular time to hit the open road in Ireland thanks to its long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and a great programme of festivals and events across the country. As with most summer trips, you’ll find that prices are higher and the roads and campsites are busier.

Autumn is a great time to visit Ireland as the country boasts beautiful colours, quieter tourist spots, and mild weather, while winter brings peaceful roads and lower costs but cold temperatures.

May, June, and September are considered the best months for a campervan trip in Ireland as they offer pleasant weather, lower prices, and quieter roads than peak times.

The best Ireland road trip itineraries for campervans

Start planning your trip with one of these itineraries:

1. The Wild Atlantic Way – 7 to 14 days

Dublin - Galway - Connemara - Mayo - Sligo - Donegal

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most popular campervanning routes in Ireland. See the Connemara National Park, Achill Island, and Slieve League Cliffs as you take in the stunning coastal views and dramatic scenery. There are also surf beaches along this route if you’re after a little fun in the water.

This is a popular route for first-time visitors. It’s also ideal if you consider yourself a wildlife lover and are looking to wake up in nature each day and immerse yourself in Ireland’s natural beauty.

2. South-West Ireland – 5 to 7 days

Cork - Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Dingle Peninsula

Take in the highlights of South-West Ireland and discover Killarney National Park, Slea Head Drive, Muckross House, and Ross Castle. This route is ideal for a shorter holiday that’s packed with scenic coastal drives.

3. Complete Ireland road trip – 14 to 21 days

Dublin - Wicklow - Cork - Kerry - Clare - Galway - Mayo - Donegal - Belfast - Dublin

This campervanning itinerary covers both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, offering a beautiful mix of coast, mountains, and cities.

This complete Ireland road trip takes up to three weeks and is perfect to really get a feel for Irish culture and history. Top sites include the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar in Dublin, kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, and the Titanic Belfast visitor centre and the historic Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, amongst other delights.

4. Northern Ireland coastal route – 3 to 5 days

Belfast - Ballycastle - Giant’s Causeway - Portrush - Derry - Belfast

Ideal for a long weekend trip in Northern Ireland, a coastal route in your campervan provides the opportunity to see the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Belfast.

Top tips for campervanning in Ireland

When travelling through Ireland in your campervan, it’s helpful to:

• Be prepared to drive on narrow rural roads

• Always stick to the speed limits

• Plan your fuel stops

• Pack waterproofs, layers, and practical outdoor gear, regardless of which season you’re travelling

• Respect local communities

• Leave no trace

• Follow campsite rules

Campervanning in Ireland FAQs

Can you wild camp in a campervan in Ireland?

Wild camping in a campervan isn’t permitted in many parts of Ireland, particularly on private land, in national parks, and at popular tourist spots. However, some landowners may allow overnight stays if you ask permission first.

For a hassle-free Ireland campervanning trip, it's best to stay on official campsites, campervan parks, or authorised overnight parking areas. This will mean you have access to facilities while protecting the landscape and following the country’s rules.

Is Ireland suitable for large campervans?

Ireland is a great destination for campervans, but some places may be inaccessible when travelling in a large vehicle. While major routes like the Wild Atlantic Way are usually accessible, many of Ireland's most scenic roads are narrow, winding, and bordered by stone walls or hedges. If you have a large campervan, you’ll need to take extra care when navigating the roads in Ireland. If you're new to campervanning, you may be more comfortable in a compact campervan which offers comfort and flexibility.

Learn more about the best campervans for your trip.

How many days do you need for an Ireland road trip?

The number of days you need for an Ireland road trip depends on how much of the country you'd like to see. A long weekend is enough to explore one region, such as County Kerry or Northern Ireland, while seven to 10 days allows you to experience highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way.

If you want to visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland without feeling rushed, aim for at least two weeks.

Is campervanning in Ireland expensive?

Campervanning can be one of the most cost-effective ways to travel around Ireland, especially when compared to booking hotels during peak season. Your main expenses will typically include ferry crossings, fuel, campsite fees, food, and attractions.

Travelling in spring or autumn can help to bring costs down, while cooking meals in your campervan rather than eating out can also help with budgeting.

Do you need to book campsites in Ireland in advance?

It’s highly recommended to book Irish campsites in advance during the summer, particularly in popular destinations like the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Galway, and Donegal. Many sites book up quickly during school holidays and across bank holiday weekends. You'll often have more flexibility outside of the peak summer season and may be able to book at short notice.

Specialist campervan insurance through Ripe

If you’re thinking about campervanning in Ireland, you might want to think about purchasing specialist campervan insurance.

Specialist campervan insurance through Ripe can cover your campervan for theft, accidental damage, fire, and flood damage, as well as public liability insurance, equipment cover, and more.

Get an instant online quote today.