Exploring Motorhomes and Campervans in Ireland: A Comprehensive Handbook
Ireland, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and captivating culture, is an ideal destination for a motorhome or campervan adventure. This beautiful island nation offers a variety of places to stay overnight, from campsites to approved motorhome parking schemes, and even wild camping (though with some legal restrictions).
Timing Your Trip
The best time for a road trip in Ireland is generally between April and October. However, remember that Ireland's weather can be unpredictable, and rain can fall at any time of the year.
Overnight Stays in Ireland
Campsites
Campsites in Ireland are similar to those in the UK and Europe, with some offering all the amenities you'd expect, while others are more basic. Some campsites allow you to pay a small fee and use their services without paying for an overnight stay.
Approved Motorhome Parking Schemes
Joining the Safe Nights Ireland scheme grants you access to over 350 locations for overnight parking in Ireland for a yearly fee of 15€.
Wild Camping
While wild camping in Ireland is not always legal, it is a common practice. It's essential to check local regulations before setting up camp to avoid fines or other penalties.
Road Trips in Ireland
Ireland offers a plethora of scenic drives and cultural experiences. Here are some of the best road trip ideas:
The Wild Atlantic Way
This epic journey covers much of Ireland's west coast and offers spectacular scenic drives, beaches, ancient ruins, and charming towns. Stops like Inch Beach, Minard Castle, Dingle, and various campsites along the route make it perfect for a campervan trip.
The Ring of Kerry
This classic 3-day self-drive itinerary includes highlights like Kenmare town, Molls Gap, the Gap of Dunloe, and stunning views over Kenmare Bay. This route combines rugged coastlines with historical and cultural stops.
Gap of Dunloe
A must-see scenic area in Kerry known for its narrow mountain pass and breathtaking views. It’s highly recommended for a road trip stop or hike near Killarney.
West Cork
West Cork offers beautiful campervan sites such as Goleen Harbour with Atlantic views, traditional music nights, access to beaches like Barleycove and local towns Schull and Skibbereen. Fanore Caravan Park in Clare is another excellent spot by the Burren and wild Atlantic coast ideal for surfers and nature lovers.
Other scenic drives include the Yeats County Loop in Sligo, the Ring of Beara in Cork, the Boyne Valley Scenic Drive, and Priest’s Leap Road in Cork and Kerry.
Driving in Ireland
Driving in Ireland requires staying to the left on roads with more than one lane and overtaking on the right. At roundabouts and junctions, traffic already on the road and coming from the right has priority. Motorways are marked with an 'M'. Seatbelts are compulsory for front and rear passengers. All children up to 135 cms in height or up to 12 years of age, must use a suitable child seat. Handsfree kits are required if using a mobile phone. Devices warning of speed cameras are forbidden. Dipped headlights are to be used during poor visibility. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Practical Advice
When motorhoming in Ireland, it is recommended to have motorhome WiFi, a toll pass, TV, motorhome sat-nav, motorhome security camera, solar panel, inverter, a motorhoming logbook, and other useful items.
It is also crucial to ask the right questions when renting a motorhome or campervan to make sure you know what to expect. Remember, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driver, not the company. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring.
To get to the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland, you drive across the border. To get to Ireland from the rest of the UK, you'll need to get on a ferry. There are several ferry routes to choose from.
Ireland does not have 'aires' like other European countries, but there are many places where motorhomes and campervans can stay overnight with permission.
Conclusion
Motorhoming in Ireland allows you to see the differences between the regions and get a feel for the country in a short space of time. Ireland is a beautiful country for a road trip with plenty of history, beautiful roads, and places to explore. So pack your bags, grab your keys, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Emerald Isle!
- For help navigating the approved motorhome parking schemes across Ireland, consider joining the Safe Nights Ireland scheme for just €15 per year.
- To complement your exploration of Ireland's home-and-garden and lifestyle by RV, consider bringing essential equipment such as motorhome WiFi, a toll pass, TV, motorhome sat-nav, motorhome security camera, solar panel, inverter, a motorhoming logbook, and other useful items.
