Camping and caravanning

Camping, glamping or caravanning?

Serviced camper van and caravan sites are widespread across Ireland, so make sure to park up in a designated camping spot—not on farmland, a beach or at a roadside. Ballyness Caravan Park in County Antrim is the ideal spot to set up camp for a family friendly trip along the Causeway Coast, while The Hideaway in Cork and Clifden Eco Beach Camping and Caravanning Park offer excellent facilities in beautiful locations. Best of all, most sites have bathing facilities, so you don’t have to sacrifice your hot shower in the morning!

Top tip: The Irish Caravan and Camping Council is a great port of call if you have any specific queries on serviced camper van and caravan sites on the island.

If you want to take your Ireland adventure on the road, why not hire a campervan? Rental companies offer everything from budget campers to large motorhomes and you can get behind the wheel with your standard car driving licence. Try Bunk Campers, Craic 'n' Campers or West Coast Campervans to get you started.

In recent years, glamping has soared in popularity, too. It ticks all the boxes, appealing both to those who are used to roughing it and want to try a bit of luxury camping for a change, as well as those who have never before seen the inside of a tent. The location of the Aran Islands glamping grounds is unbeatable; Rossharbour’s lakeside cabins are a dream; while the incredible Luxury Glamping Truck at Larchfield Estate is serenity and swank all in one.

What to do in the great outdoors

It might sound obvious, but picnicking can be one of the greatest joys of any camping trip. There’s nothing like waking up on a dew-strewn morning, firing up the stove and frying some sausages, rashers and black pudding! Ireland’s fries are famous, so make sure to shop local at one of our markets, such as Cork City's English Market, for the authentic taste – and, as always, remember to quench any fires and take all your rubbish away with you.

Another huge plus of this style of travel is that you can literally do whatever you want. Explore the Ring of Kerry. Check. Swim in a secluded freshwater pool? Easy, try Pooleen in County Cork. Find a walking trail or birdwatch on a quiet nature reserve or national park? Done. Cycle along a lush greenway? Take your pick! And best of all, there’s no long commute home: just pitch your tent or park your caravan and doze off in your dream location…