Exploring Motorhomes and Campervans in Ireland: Your Comprehensive Handbook
Exploring Ireland by Motorhome: A Comprehensive Guide
Ireland, fondly known as the 'Emerald Isle', offers a wealth of opportunities for a memorable motorhome adventure. With numerous ferry routes from the rest of the UK, including Holyhead to Dublin, Pembroke to Rosslare, and Liverpool to Belfast, getting to Ireland has never been easier (1).
Once you're over, the road system is smooth and easy to navigate (2). Campsites in Ireland are plentiful and cater to various preferences, from all-singing and dancing sites with pools and entertainment, to more basic and often cheaper options (3). If you're a member of a club or have a camping guidebook, finding a campsite near you or near your destination should be a breeze.
For those seeking a more off-grid experience, Ireland offers several places for overnight motorhome parking, including approved schemes, wild camping spots, and even some pubs (4). However, it's crucial to be cautious when wild camping, as it is illegal and can result in fines or vehicle confiscation (5).
If you're looking to save on campsite costs, consider travelling outside of peak times, such as July and August, when everything becomes busier and prices soar (6). Alternatively, an ACSI Camping Card can help reduce costs (7).
UK citizens generally do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in Ireland, as long as they have a valid UK driving licence (8). However, if you need an IDP, a comprehensive guide is available on how to obtain one from a UK post office (9).
Top Recommended Routes and Spots
- Connemara, County Galway
- A campervan favourite combining vibrant coastal towns and rural landscapes, Connemara offers a charming mix of experiences. Highlights include hiking Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, visiting Kylemore Abbey, and dipping at Glassilaun Beach (known for wild swimming) (10). The nearby lively city of Galway and Salthill Promenade add a summer vibe perfect for camping (11).
- Ring of Kerry, Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry
- A classic 111-mile circular scenic drive praised for its mountains, lakes, ocean cliffs, and historic sites like Staigue Stone Fort, the Ring of Kerry is a must-visit (12). Recommended start at Kenmare or Killarney (near Killarney National Park) with a clockwise route to maximise views and photo stops. Key attractions include the Gap of Dunloe mountain pass, colourful villages like Sneem, and abundant natural beauty described as "undeniably scenic" by travel expert Rick Steves (13).
- Ring of Beara, Counties Cork and Kerry
- Roughly 92 miles featuring dramatic coastlines, glacial valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and mountain passes like the Caha Pass, the Ring of Beara offers a deeper exploration of rugged scenic beauty often less crowded than the Ring of Kerry (14). Notable stops include Bonane Heritage Park (with archaeological sites), Molly Gallivan’s tunnels, and interactive art at The Ewe Experience.
- Wild Atlantic Way
- Though not specified as a single route here, the Wild Atlantic Way is highly rated as a scenic drive encompassing much of Ireland’s western coastline, with mountains, cliffs, and beaches. Many motorhomers prefer stretches of this route for its entrancing scenery and excellent driving experience (15).
Summary Table
| Route/Spot | Location | Highlights | Campervan Appeal | |------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Connemara | Galway | Diamond Hill hike, Kylemore Abbey, Glassilaun Beach | Charming coastal & rural mix | | Ring of Kerry | Kerry | Mountain passes, lakes, ancient forts, coastal views | Classic scenic drive, well-served| | Ring of Beara | Cork/Kerry | Tunnels, mountain pass, heritage park, art installations| Rugged, less touristy, immersive | | Wild Atlantic Way| Western Ireland | Diverse landscapes, cliffs, beaches, mountains | Vast, varied, highly scenic |
These destinations are particularly accommodating for motorhomers with ample natural beauty, well-preserved sites, and options for camping or overnight parking, making them ideal for a multi-day road trip around Ireland (10, 12, 14, 15).
This guide shares everything needed to go motorhoming or campervanning in Ireland, including getting to Ireland, planning a route, where to stay, road trip ideas and places to visit, driving tips, and other practical advice. Motorhoming or campervanning in Ireland allows visitors to see differences between the regions and get a feel for the country in a short space of time.
(1) Ferry routes to Ireland (2) Road system in Ireland (3) Campsites in Ireland (4) Overnight parking in Ireland (5) Wild camping in Ireland (6) Peak travel times in Ireland (7) ACSI Camping Card (8) IDP requirements for UK citizens (9) Guide to obtaining an IDP (10) Connemara highlights (11) Galway city and Salthill Promenade (12) Ring of Kerry (13) Rick Steves on the Ring of Kerry (14) Ring of Beara (15) Wild Atlantic Way
- Friendly help can be sought at campsites or local tourist information centers for advice on the best lifestyle choices for home-and-garden enthusiasts when visiting Ireland's coastal towns and gardens during your motorhome adventure, such as the Connemara region in County Galway.
- Plan your travel itinerary carefully, considering off-peak times for motorhoming, ensuring that you experience the scenic beauty of travel highlights like the Wild Atlantic Way without breaking the bank on campsite costs or dealing with large crowds.
