Campervan Hire in Ireland

EU citizens, including Germans, can enter the Republic of Ireland for tourism purposes with a valid ID card or passport. The document must remain valid throughout your stay.

Important distinction: Anyone entering Northern Ireland directly or crossing via the so-called land bridge through England, Scotland, or Wales must have a passport, as ID cards are no longer accepted for border crossings into the United Kingdom since Brexit. Additionally, since April 2025, a paid electronic travel authorization (ETA) from the UK is required. It costs £20 (as of May 2026), is valid for two years, and must be applied for online at least 72 hours before arrival for every traveler, including children.

Vehicle Documents at a Glance:

• Original vehicle registration certificate
• Proof of insurance, ideally the Green Card
• EU driver’s license class B for vehicles up to 3.5 t; above that, class C1 is required
• Written permission from the vehicle owner if you are not listed on the registration certificate

Liability insurance must cover Ireland as a destination country. For vehicles registered in Germany, this is usually included automatically, but the Green Card (international proof of insurance) should always be carried, as Irish police and ferry operators routinely request it. If renting a vehicle, confirm before signing the contract that the insurance also covers Northern Ireland, as the UK is a separate insurance territory.

Ireland drives on the left, and distances and speeds are measured in kilometers. Following reforms under the Road Traffic Act 2024, new limits for rural local roads came into effect on February 7, 2025.

Radar detectors are prohibited in Ireland. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰ for most drivers; for novice drivers (with less than two years of driving experience) and professional drivers, it is 0.2‰. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants, and using a mobile phone without a hands-free device is forbidden.

Ireland’s motorways and national roads are well-developed and easy to navigate for motorhomes. The real challenge lies on regional and local roads, especially in Connemara, on the Dingle Peninsula, or along the Wild Atlantic Way. There, road widths of less than 3 meters are common.

Practical Rules for Narrow Roads:

• Vehicles over 7.5 m in length or 2.3 m in width should only use L-class roads for specific destinations, not as shortcuts
• Passing places are actively used; whoever sees one first should stop
• Rear-view cameras and wide-angle exterior mirror attachments are not luxuries—they’re practical necessities
• Vehicles over 12 m in length or 2.55 m in width require an exemption permit from the Irish Department of Transport

If you’re driving a vehicle over 6 m long, plan shorter daily stages than usual—around 150 to 200 km—because average speeds on rural routes often fall below 60 km/h.

Late spring (late May to mid-June) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of weather, availability, and travel comfort. Peak season from July to August is much busier, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way.

• May/June: Long evenings, green landscapes, fewer campsite reservations needed
• July/August: Warmest weather, but campsites often fully booked; advance booking strongly recommended
• September: Quieter, pleasant temperatures, many sites still open
• October to April: Many sites closed; suitable only for experienced winter travelers with heated vehicles and secure accommodation

Rental prices vary widely depending on vehicle size, season, and provider. As a rough guideline: during peak season (July/August), daily rates for a fully equipped campervan for two people typically range from €120 to €200, with larger motorhomes costing more. Outside the high season, prices start around €70 to €100 per day. Always check before booking whether insurance, mileage allowances, and coverage for Northern Ireland are included.

If you’re traveling with your own vehicle, factor in ferry costs: on the direct route from Cherbourg or Roscoff to Dublin, Rosslare, or Cork (journey time about 18–19 hours), starting prices for two people with a motorhome are approximately €236 to €251, plus cabin surcharges starting around €79, depending on the season and vehicle length.

Ireland has some of the highest fuel prices in Europe. Diesel and gasoline prices were regularly above the German average in 2025/2026. For a round trip of about 1,500 km (a typical Ireland loop), a motorhome consuming 12 to 15 liters per 100 km will use between 180 and 225 liters. At an estimated diesel price of €1.75 to €1.90 per liter (check before departure), that translates to roughly €315 to €430 just for fuel. Gas stations are plentiful along main routes but rare in remote areas, so always head into rural regions with at least half a tank.

Camping Ireland (campingireland.ie) is the official directory of quality-approved camping and caravan sites in the Republic of Ireland, listing over 100 sites, many with designated motorhome pitches. Along the Wild Atlantic Way and in Ireland’s Ancient East, numerous sites offer electricity, waste disposal facilities, and sanitary amenities.

Typical opening hours: March/Easter to late September or October; some sites are open year-round or by prior arrangement.

For specialized motorhome stopovers (designated short-term parking spots without full camping infrastructure), platforms like Campercontact or Park4Night are useful, as they are updated by travelers themselves.

There is no general right to wild camping in the Republic of Ireland. Almost all land is privately owned, and spending the night in a motorhome or campervan on private property without explicit permission is considered trespassing.

Officially, overnight stays in motorized vehicles are permitted only at approved campsites, designated parking areas, or with clear consent from the landowner. If you choose to park freely, expect inspections by the Gardaí (Irish police), rangers, or landowners, who may ask you to move on or impose fines.

Some travel reports mention that free parking at remote coastal stretches is sometimes tolerated, but this is not a legal basis and can change at short notice, especially in heavily visited coastal areas. The safest approach: book official parking spots and only wild camp with the landowner’s express permission.

The most famous route is the Wild Atlantic Way, a signposted coastal road stretching over 2,500 km from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. For motorhomes, it’s best not to drive the entire stretch but to focus on selected sections:

• Donegal and Sligo: Dramatic cliffs, less crowded with tourists
• Connemara and Clare: Classic Irish scenery, good camping infrastructure
• Dingle Peninsula: Very narrow roads; recommended only for compact vehicles under 6 m
• Ireland’s Ancient East: Flatter terrain, wider roads, ideal for larger vehicles

If you have less than two weeks, it’s better to explore one region thoroughly rather than skim the whole island.

Ireland is very family-friendly for motorhome travelers. Campsites often have play areas and family-friendly restrooms, locals are welcoming to families, and short driving distances make it easy to accommodate children’s needs. Important: seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and child seats must meet Irish standards (ECE norms). A certified child seat is required for children under 3 years old.

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Choosing a vehicle that’s too large: A motorhome over 7 m long significantly limits your route options. Smaller vehicles (under 6 m) can reach more destinations.
• Counting on wild camping as a backup: Legally risky and practically unsafe. Always book campsites in advance, especially during peak season.
• Forgetting the ETA: If you’re traveling via the UK or visiting Northern Ireland, you need a UK ETA for each person. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
• Planning overly long daily stages: 300 km on Irish country roads is not the same as 300 km on German highways.
• Not filling up with fuel: In remote areas, gas stations can be 50 km or more apart.
• Failing to verify Northern Ireland coverage: The UK is a separate insurance territory; many rental agreements exclude Northern Ireland.

A successful motorhome holiday in Ireland depends on thorough preparation. Here’s a checklist of key points:

• Check travel documents: Passport for all travelers; apply for a UK ETA if your trip involves the UK or Northern Ireland
• Gather vehicle documents: Registration certificate, Green Card, written permission if needed, driver’s license (check category)
• Confirm insurance: Does your policy cover the Republic of Ireland and, if planned, Northern Ireland?
• Book campsites in advance: Especially for July and August, via campingireland.ie or directly with the operator
• Adjust your route to your vehicle size: Avoid narrow peninsulas and L-class roads for vehicles over 6 m
• Check current speed limits and traffic rules: The national road authority (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) publishes up-to-date guidance
• Plan your fuel strategy: Always enter remote areas with at least half a tank
• Book your ferry early: Direct routes from Cherbourg/Roscoff to Dublin/Rosslare/Cork sell out fast during peak season