Anywhere Campers
Black Sheep Campers
Bunk Campers
Just Go
McRent NZ
Compare Major Brands

Compare multiple campervan rental brands in one place.

Find Lower Prices

Find lower prices and you could save $100s.

24/7 Support

Our multilingual support team is ready to assist.

No Booking Fees

Easy to use and no booking fees.

Compare Campervan Rentals in Ireland

Explore the Emerald Isle with our easy booking process. Search for your perfect camper from trusted suppliers, compare features and save with fee-free reservations.

Camper Champ compares multiple campervan hire companies in Ireland with Dublin being the key entry point for most travellers.

Rental rates for campervans in Ireland start at about €80/day for small campers and can go up to €170/day or more for larger motorhomes. Popular brands include Causeway Campers, Bunk Campers, Anywhere Campers, McRent and Black Sheep.

Whether you're exploring the breathtaking landscapes, delving into its historical past, or merely enjoying the hospitality of its people, Ireland offers a campervan travel experience that's as rich and varied as the land itself.

The Self-drive Holiday in Ireland

Bounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean, Ireland's coastline is a geographical masterpiece, featuring rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and picturesque harbours. Standing imposingly on the western coast, the Cliffs of Moher are among the most awe-inspiring natural attractions, their precipitous edges offering dramatic vistas across the churning Atlantic. Further north, Giant's Causeway's unique, interlocking basalt columns inspire tales of ancient giants and provide another must-see spectacle.

Ireland's landscape is a verdant patchwork of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and ancient woodland. The countryside, with its unique limestone pavements and endemic flora and fauna in areas like The Burren, paints a fascinating portrait of the country's geology. The many lakes and rivers, including the expansive Lough Neagh and the mighty River Shannon, add another dimension to the country's natural allure.

Ireland's cities are full of character—Dublin, the capital, combines cosmopolitan charm with historic elegance. Visitors can explore its literary heritage by following the footsteps of famous writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde or simply enjoy a pint of Guinness in one of the city's many pubs. Cities like Galway, Limerick, and Cork each offer unique charms, from bustling arts scenes to historic landmarks.

Historically, Ireland is a treasure trove. The ancient passage tomb at Newgrange, older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, is a testament to it's prehistoric past. Castles and monastic ruins are sprinkled throughout the country, telling tales of ancient kings and saints.

Unlike the UK, the currency in the Republic of Ireland is Euros, so don’t get caught out! Exploring in a motorhome is the best way to capture the true essence.

With scenic driving routes and so much to do, a campervan trip will be full of exciting adventure and fun and here’s how to do it:

Visit Castles: It is thought that Ireland is home to over 30,000 castles and ruins. Although it’s impossible to see them all on your trip, it’s well worth visiting a few and delving deep into history. Places like Nenagh Castle, Fore Abbey, and Kells Priory are all free to visit and give an insight into what Ireland was like in times gone by.

Get a True Taste: Many say Ireland is home to some of the best whiskey, and there’s no better way to get an authentic taste of Ireland than to head to a distillery and taste the liquor for yourself! Most distilleries offer tours, tastings, and experiences for the ultimate complete day out on your campervan trip.

The Wild Atlantic Way: The Republic of Ireland is popular with tourists wanting to drive one of the world's longest coastal routes: the Wild Atlantic Way. The route travels along the west coast of Ireland, through quaint towns and villages to County Cork in the south of the country. The Wild Atlantic Way is the ideal driving route to explore and meet locals in the villages as you travel through.

Adventure to the Coast: It’s no secret that Ireland has an impressive coastline, and staying on a coastal campsite is a great way to admire the waves crashing against the jagged cliffs. The 3,000km coastline is a place to find hidden beaches with white sand and crystal waters.

Climb Mountains: For keen hikers, mountain ranges such as MacGillycuddy’s Reeks are a dream, with peaks such as Carrauntoohil standing proud at over 1,000m tall. There are hikes for all abilities, and if mountains aren’t your favourite, a visit to some of Ireland’s National Parks might tick the box.

Travel Tips for Ireland

How can you save money on a campervan holiday in Ireland?

When you’re away on holiday, sticking to a budget and having enough funds for every day on your trip can be tricky. There are a few different ways to save money on your campervan trip to Ireland, and we’ve compiled a list of these below.

  1. Rent a Camper With a Kitchen: Eating out regularly on your campervan trip can quickly eat into your budget, so renting a campervan with kitchen facilities is a surefire way to save money. Visiting markets and cooking up a feast will save money and allow your culinary creativity to flow.

  2. Travel During Off-Season: Summer is a busy time, with events such as the Kaleidoscope Festival and Electric Picnic bringing crowds of locals and tourists together. This is also a more expensive time to adventure as campsite prices increase during peak season. Therefore, travelling during the off-season can make for a far cheaper campervan trip and means you’ll have more of Ireland’s beauty to yourself!

  3. Explore Free Attractions: Hiking and exploring in nature won’t cost a cent, and there are plenty of free sites and attractions in the country. Visiting free galleries and museums will provide a great cultural experience and is an easy way lower spending.

  4. Safe Nights Ireland: Using Safe Nights Ireland for in-between campsite stays may be useful. Safe Nights Ireland offers a yearly membership for €15 and has hundreds of safe overnight parking spots across Ireland for just €10 per night.

  5. Compare Campervan Rental Prices: Campervan hire prices can vary a lot depending on the size and type of vehicle, along with the rental company. Camper Champ’s search tool is helpful for comparing different motorhome rental prices to find the best deals.

When is the best time to go campervanning in Ireland?

The weather in Ireland is similar in unpredictability to the rest of the UK, so expect sunshine, wind, and rainy showers on your campervan trip!

  • Spring (March to May)

Spring is a beautiful time to visit as flowers begin to blossom and temperatures increase to around 12 ℃ (53℉) from May. This is also a quiet time to visit the country, with most tourists travelling in the summer instead.

  • Summer (June to August)

The average summer temperature is a pleasant 20℃ (68℉), and although there tend to be some days of sunshine, the turbulent weather can also bring plenty of rainy days. On rare occasions, temperatures have reached over 30℃ (86℉) in the Republic of Ireland, so be prepared for unpredictable weather if you visit during the summer months.

  • Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is a rainy and cloudy time to visit Ireland, with temperatures hovering around 10℃ (50℉). Putting up with the rain in Autumn can be rewarded with impressive sunsets when the clouds clear. Autumn is a quiet time to visit, so if you’re looking for a peaceful campervan trip, this could be the ideal time of year for you.

  • Winter (December to February)

Although winter temperatures are low and stay around 7℃ (44℉), they rarely go below zero and cause freezing. Winter is more of a rainy time for the Republic of Ireland, and low pressure can create storms, so it’s best to be braced with wellies, waterproofs and an umbrella.

How long do you need in Ireland for a campervan holiday?

Ireland is a country bursting with things to do, food to taste, and incredible places to visit, but fitting it all in isn’t easy! A week is enough time to see some of the popular attractions and take some walks through ancient forests, but it’s not long enough to complete the Wild Atlantic Way or travel both coastal and inland areas.

A 14-day trip is an ideal amount of time to spend in the Republic of Ireland, as it's long enough to complete the epic coastal route whilst being able to stop at quaint towns and villages along the way. Once you’ve completed the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll have a few days left over for mountain climbing, whiskey tasting, and making memories to last a lifetime.

Where can you find free water for campervans in Ireland?

Many fuel stations have outdoor taps to hook up your campervan with a hose and fill your water tank. If you’re struggling to find a station with a tap you can use, campsites are a great fallback option. Often, campsites will allow you to fill up with water and dump any grey and black waste for a small fee.

Top 10 Attractions around Ireland

With such a unique landscape and history, it’s no surprise Ireland had nearly 11 million tourists visit in 2019. From natural wonders to museums, there’s an attraction to suit everyone. Many of the museums and galleries have free admission, so they are a great pocket-friendly addition to any itinerary. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 attractions Ireland during your campervan trip. Some are paid entry attractions, and others have free admission, so you can stick to your budget without missing out on any fun.

Blarney Castle

The medieval Blarney Castle in County Cork is a paid entry site famous for being the home of the Blarney Stone. According to legend, the stone brings eloquence to anyone who kisses it, so it’s worth a go on your visit!

The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland

Located less than 5km from the heart of Dublin, with a vast array of plants from all over the world. Entry is free to the gardens, and the magnificent plant displays are breathtaking. There’s even a cafe where you can have Irish lunch and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

One of Ireland’s paid attractions, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, takes visitors on a journey back in time and tells the story of Irish culture and the impact such a small island made on the rest of the world. With an array of galleries and exhibitions, the museum is a must for learning about Ireland’s history and how it became the country it is today.

Guinness Storehouse

The story of the infamous stout Guinness began over 250 years ago, and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is the place to learn all about it. The centre is a former fermentation plant in St James’ Gate Brewery and has seven floors of interactive experiences, unveiling how Guinness began. Different experiences are available at the storehouse, and tickets can be purchased in advance.

Limerick Milk Market

Regardless of the weather, the energetic market is packed with local produce stalls and shops to explore. It’s also the ideal place to buy organic vegetables and cook up a lovely Irish-inspired dinner in your motorhome.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

A free attraction perfect for a budget-friendly campervan trip, you can expect to see different works of art, from modern pieces to realist paintings. Specific exhibitions may have a small admission fee.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are spread across 700 feet on the Atlantic coast and are part of a UNESCO Geopark and protected bird and wildlife area. You'll need to book online to take a tour and have a Cliffs of Moher Experience. However, the cliffs can be visited for free by parking in the car park and exploring on foot.

Ross Castle

Dating back to the 15th century, the walls of Ross Castle tell of a turbulent history. There is a small admission fee, and as the castle is a popular site, it’s worth getting there early during the peak season to avoid long waiting times. There’s parking next to the castle, so you can wander around and return to the comforts of your campervan whenever you please.

Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall seems as though it is located in the middle of the rainforest; however, the waterfall is just a short hike from the parking area. Trekking to the waterfall after a heavy spell of rain will reward you with views of the stunning 20-metre-tall piece of natural magic. It’s impossible not to visit Torc Waterfall when exploring the Killarney National Park.

Irish Whiskey Museum

Irish whiskey is renowned worldwide, and there’s no better way to explore the history and craftsmanship of the liquor than heading to the Irish Whiskey Museum in the centre of Dublin. As the Irish Whiskey Museum is independent of all whiskey distilleries, it offers a vast selection to tickle the taste buds of anyone who walks through the door.

Parking a Campervan in Ireland

Where are some of the best places to park a campervan in Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland is full of wondrous places to park your campervan overnight; however, it’s important to know the rules for the area you’re travelling in. Wild camping isn’t legal, but parking in nature is tolerated in certain areas, providing campers leave no trace and don’t disrupt wildlife.

  • Dunmoran Strand, Sligo
  • Lough Bunny, Kilkeedy
  • Minard Castle Ruin, Kilmurry
  • Glengarra Wood, Cahir
  • Powerscourt Mountain, Old Military Road, Leinster

These parking areas are all free and have no signs saying overnight parking isn’t permitted. If you come across a car park with these signs, it’s best not to risk it and move on to another spot instead.

Where can you park a campervan overnight in Ireland?

Even though wild camping isn’t legal in Ireland, finding places to park safely and stay for the night isn't too tricky. In busy areas and near towns and villages, it’s worth booking a campsite or staying at a designated parking area to avoid upsetting locals.

Car Parks

There are many car parks scattered across the country where you may be able to park your motorhome; however, it’s essential to adhere to any restrictions in the area. Sometimes car parks may have no overnight signs, and if this is the case, it’s best to move on and try somewhere else and save yourself a potential fine.

Street Parking

Parking on the street is possible. Still, it isn’t the wisest option as it can upset locals and cause disruption, especially if your motorhome is on the bigger side. If you have an emergency and need to stop overnight on a residential street, avoid obstructing any driveways and keep your awning retracted.

Safe Nights Ireland

Using Safe Nights Ireland for in-between campsite stays may be helpful. Safe Nights Ireland offers a yearly membership for €15 and has hundreds of safe overnight parking spots across Ireland for €10 per night.

National Parks in Ireland

Which are the best national parks to visit in Ireland?

Ireland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, and its national parks are truly spectacular. There are six national parks, all of which are worth visiting:

Killarney National Park, County Kerry: This is the oldest national park in Ireland. Its diverse ecosystem, picturesque mountains, lakes, and woodlands provide a unique experience. The park is home to the iconic Ross Castle and Muckross House and Gardens.

Burren National Park, County Clare: The Burren is renowned for its unique karst landscape, rich history, and high biodiversity. In spring, its limestone pavement becomes a carpet of blooming wildflowers. The park is also close to the Cliffs of Moher, a must-visit natural attraction.

Connemara National Park, County Galway: This park features stunning landscapes, including mountains, woodlands, and lakes. Its visitor centre is housed in the former Letterfrack Industrial School. Diamond Hill, located within the park, provides stunning panoramic views of the region. Certain attractions, such as the Aillwee Caves, have an admission fee.

Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal: Ireland's second-largest national park. The park features the beautiful Glenveagh Castle, the Derryveagh Mountains, and a variety of wildlife, such as red deer.

Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow: This park is the largest and is located just south of Dublin, making it a popular getaway. The park features beautiful landscapes of mountains, upland lakes, steep-sided valleys, and the famous Glendalough monastic site.

Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo: This park provides stunning views of the Nephin mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is also home to the Owenduff Bog, one of Ireland and Western Europe's last intact active blanket bog systems.

How much is campervan entry to a national park in Ireland? Are any permits required?

Ireland’s six impressive National Parks are the perfect locations to adventure around in a campervan. All parks have free admission; however, overnight parking isn’t allowed at any parks, so it’s best to explore on day trips and park elsewhere overnight.

Wild camping in the central Glenveagh Vallery is not allowed, and overnight parking is prohibited too. However, there is a car park where you can stop for the day to enjoy the incredible sites before heading out of the park to stop for the night.

Camping in the Wild Nephin National Park is allowed, provided campers register online beforehand. There are no campervan facilities in the park, so you’ll have to swap your comfortable campervan rental for a tent under the stars. If tent camping isn’t your thing, staying on a campsite near the park is a good option and means you’ll still have the comforts of a bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom space to enjoy.

The camping regulations for Connemara National Park are similar to the Wild Nephin National Park, as there are no motorhome services in the park, and only tent camping is allowed. For your visit, it’s worth arriving early and parking in the main car park to enjoy a full day of hiking on one of the four walking trails.

There are two car parking areas for Burren National Park, but they both only allow daytime parking. It’s best to stay at a campsite in the area overnight and enjoy a guided tour around the park during the day.

Overnight parking isn’t permitted in the Wicklow Mountains National Park; however, it is possible to wild camp in a tent, which could be the perfect place for a true camping adventure. Along with the other National Parks in Ireland that allow wild tent camping, there is a strict Camping Code to make as little impact on the environment as possible and ensure campers stay safe.

Overnight parking isn’t allowed at Killarney National Park, so it’s best to grab some boots and explore on foot, and enjoy outdoor activities.

Top 10 Campervan-friendly Campsites in Ireland

Average campsite prices in the Republic of Ireland are around €25, but this varies depending on the time of year and the facilities available. During peak season, booking ahead is essential to guarantee your campsite spots, as they can fill up quickly!

We’ve compiled a list of 10 privately owned campervan-friendly sites in Ireland that are the perfect places to stop on your campervan trip. Staying on campsites is a great way to rest, refresh and get ready to hit the open road again.

Cong Camping, Glamping and Caravan Park

Price: From €25/night

Website: https://www.congcamping.com/

The family-run Cong Camping, Glamping and Caravan Park is a gem of a campsite, located perfectly for outdoor activities and refreshing views of stunning Irish scenery. With free WI-FI and on-site facilities such as showers, toilets, laundry, waste water dump, toilet dump, and even a mini cinema for a unique experience.

Curraghchase Caravan and Camping Park

Price: From €12/night

Website: https://www.curraghchasecaravanpark.com/

Tucked away in the forest is Curraghchase Caravan and Camping Park, a site where nature is unspoiled and can be enjoyed to the fullest. It’s catered for little ones with two playgrounds and various trails. The site allows pets, and with a kitchen and laundry facilities, you can stay in the depths of nature and even clean your clothes!

Fossa Caravan and Camping Park

Price: From €21/night

Website: https://www.fossacampingkillarney.com/

Surrounded by trees, flowers, and wildlife, Fossa Caravan and Camping Park has everything you could need from toilets, showers, and laundry, to a drying room, TV room, and picnic area. There's a bus top at the park entrance for easy access to the local area for visitors.

Hidden Valley Resort

Price: From €29/night

Website: https://www.hiddenvalley.ie/

Hidden Valley Resort is a family-run campsite with a variety of accommodations available, including an area to park your motorhome and enjoy all the facilities and activities available. With a heated toilet and shower block, laundry room, camper’s kitchen, and BBQs available, everything you need for an enjoyable stay can be found within walking distance of your motorhome.

Killybegs Holiday Park

Price: From €30/night

Website: https://killybegsholidaypark.ie/

The coastal location of Killybegs Holiday Park offers widespread sea views and a private beach. The campsite offers essential amenities such as W-FI, hot water, fresh water and electricity, and the small town of Killybegs is a short walk away.

Lough Ree East Caravan and Camping

Price: From €31/night

Website: https://loughreeeastcamping.wixsite.com/loughreeeast

With a beautiful, scenic location, a stay at Lough Ree East Caravan and Camping is a place to relax and slow down the pace of life for a while. On-site, there are toilets and showers, disabled access, electric hook-up, WI-FI and an impressive campers room with a kitchen, pool table, and darts board.

Lough Swilly Caravan Park

Price: From €25/night

Website: http://www.loughswillycaravanpark.com/

The rugged northwest coast of Ireland is home to Lough Swilly Caravan Park, a small site just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Buncrana. In the town, you can find various activities such as surfing, angling, and horse riding, whilst on-site, you’ll find serviced hard-standing pitches to park your campervan with electricity and water available.

Moat Farm Caravan and Camping Park

Price: From €30/night

Website: https://www.campingireland.ie/categories-search/moat-farm-caravan-camping-park/

At the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, Moat Farm Caravan and Camping Park has a sensational location with abundant facilities for everything you need to accompany your stay. Along with standard facilities such as showers, electric hook-ups, and laundry, the site also has a camper’s kitchen, so you can give your motorhome kitchen a break and enjoy a bit more space to cook dinner.

O’Connor’s Riverside Camping and Caravan Park

Price: From €23/night

Website: https://www.campingdoolin.com/

With views over the Allie River, the small O’Connor’s Riverside Camping and Caravan Park is an ideal quiet site to park your motorhome, and as shops and pubs are just a short stroll away, you can treat yourself to some quintessential Irish food! There’s a small charge to use the hot showers and electric hook-up, and campers also have access to a games room, toilets and a campers kitchen.

Willowbrook Glamping and Hideaways

Price: From €10/night

Website: https://www.willowbrookglamping.ie/

For a serene night under the stars in a beautiful location, look no further than Willowbrook Glamping and Hideaways in Ballaghaderreen. Along with providing an authentic stay for those opting to rent one of the yurts onsite, for campers, there is a generous campers kitchen, fishing, wood-fired pizza, toilet and shower block, and even a gallery space featuring incredible work by local artists.

Ireland Road-trip Itineraries

From the vibrant city life to the serene countryside, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to rustic trails lesser-known, every destination in Ireland tells a story. Along the journey, savour the chance to taste Ireland's gastronomic delights, famous whiskeys and stouts, and meet the people whose hospitality and charm are as captivating as the country itself.

The Complete Irish Experience: 14-Days Touring Northern Ireland & The Republic of Ireland

The Complete Irish Experience: 14-Days Touring Northern Ireland & The Republic of Ireland

This itinerary takes you from the top tip of Northern Ireland, into the Republic of Ireland, down the robust coastline and circling back up the east side of the country. On your campervan tour, you can expect to see mountain peaks, turquoise beaches, and thriving wildlife.

MORE: 14-Day Ireland Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is wild camping in a motorhome allowed in Ireland?

Much of the land in Ireland is private property, and wild/free camping is illegal without prior approval from the landowner. Some national parks make provisions for free camping; however, always follow leave-no-trace practices. Check at an information centre or online to find out the regulations of a specific area you would like to visit.

There are over 100 campsites in Ireland. They are relatively cheap, starting at around €15 per night.

How much does it cost to stay at a campsite in Ireland?

There are over 100 campsites in Ireland, and most are relatively cheap. Staying at a campsite or caravan park starts at around €15 per night.

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in Ireland?

To hire a campervan in the Republic of Ireland, you need to hold a valid manual driving licence that you’ve had for a minimum of 2 years. This will allow you to drive a European category B vehicle up to a maximum weight of 3,500kg. If your licence was issued outside of the UK, EEA, or Switzerland, you must obtain an international driving licence.

Can I travel to Northern Ireland or drop off my motorhome in Belfast?

Yes, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, many campervan hire companies have depots in both the UK and Ireland.

One-way trips are a popular way to travel and a great way to see more on your motorhome getaway.

Note that additional one-way fees may apply. The comparison tool will automatically factor this into your total price.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.