Ireland Camping and RV Adventure: Comprehensive Handbook
Ireland, the Emerald Isle, is a captivating destination for motorhome and campervan travelers. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and charming villages, Ireland offers an unforgettable road trip experience.
Exploring Ireland's Highlights
From the dramatic Cliffs of Moher to the mystical Giants Causeway, Ireland is home to numerous iconic sites. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s longest coastal touring route, stretches along the west coast from Donegal to Cork, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, charming villages, beaches, and iconic sites.
Other must-visit locations include The Ring of Kerry, The Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, Dunmore Head, Torc waterfall, and the Dark Hedges. For those seeking adventure, the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland, with its dramatic cliffs, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, is a must-visit.
Planning Your Route
To make the most of your motorhoming holiday in Ireland, it's recommended to book into a campsite every few days to use its services. Some of the best road trip routes for motorhoming or campervanning include The Wild Atlantic Way, the Causeway Coastal Route, the Ring of Kerry, and numerous other routes that encompass medieval towns, castle visits, and quiet countryside.
Where to Stay
Overnight parking in Ireland is defined as parking for one night and then moving on in the morning. No awnings, outdoor furniture, BBQs, motorhome generators, washing lines, or anything OUTSIDE the vehicle is allowed. Many pubs in Ireland allow motorhomes and campervans to stay overnight in their car parks, but this may require an additional fee.
There are also campsites, free/approved motorhome parking schemes, and wild camping options available. However, wild camping with a motorhome or campervan is forbidden in Ireland.
Practical Advice
- To rent a vehicle in Ireland, you must be at least 21 years old, have had a driving licence for more than one year, show identification, and meet other requirements.
- Bearing in mind that you might need to pay an additional fee to drive from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland (or vice versa), so check with your hire company before you book.
- Breaking the speed limit in either Northern or Southern Ireland will result in a fixed penalty and/or penalty points on your driving licence.
- In Ireland, you should drive on the left, stay to the left on roads with more than one lane, and overtake on the right.
- Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are in km/h, while in Northern Ireland they are in mph.
Getting to Ireland
To get to Ireland from the rest of the UK, you need to take a ferry. There are several ferry routes to choose from, including Holyhead to Dublin, Pembroke to Rosslare, Liverpool to Dublin, Cairnryan to Larne, Cairnryan to Belfast, Liverpool to Belfast, Holyhead to Dublin, and Fishguard to Rosslare.
Essential Tips for Motorhoming in Ireland
While not essential, some travelers find the following items useful: motorhome WiFi, toll pass, TV, motorhome sat-nav, motorhome security camera, solar panel, inverter, motorhoming logbook, and more.
Remember, Ireland has a fairly good road network, but some of the smaller rural roads can be very narrow and marked as unsuitable for larger vehicles. The best time for a road trip in Ireland is between April and October, but it can rain at any time of the year.
For a more immersive experience, consider reading books like "Take the Slow Road: Ireland," "DK Eyewitness Back Roads Ireland," "Lonely Planet Ireland's Best Trips," "Lonely Planet Ireland," "Ireland The Best 100 Places," and "Lonely Planet Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland Road Guide."
Ireland is also easily accessible from France, with ferries that go directly from France to Ireland. It's even possible to ask for permission to stay overnight on private land in Ireland.
Embracing the Irish Experience
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. Major events in Ireland include the Rugby Six Nations, The Gathering, St Patrick's Day, Galway Food Festival, Taste of Dublin, and National Heritage Week.
Ireland is a beautiful place for a road trip, with history, beautiful roads, and places to explore. So, pack your bags, grab your keys, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the Emerald Isle.
- For assistance in planning your home-and-garden lifestyle while exploring Ireland's travel destinations, consider reading books like "Take the Slow Road: Ireland," "DK Eyewitness Back Roads Ireland," or "Lonely Planet Ireland's Best Trips."
- To enhance your motorhoming lifestyle in Ireland, some travelers find essential items such as a motorhome WiFi, toll pass, or a motorhoming logbook helpful.
