Why you should book your campervan for Ireland online

Ireland is a dream destination for a campervan journey, and booking online through a platform like Campcruisers gives you the ultimate advantage. You can easily compare prices, layouts, and features from a wide range of rental companies across Ireland. This ensures you find the ideal vehicle that fits your budget and travel style, whether you need a compact camper for navigating narrow country lanes or a spacious motorhome for a family trip along the coast.

This flexibility is essential for truly experiencing the Emerald Isle. One day you could be driving the stunning coastal roads of the Wild Atlantic Way, the next you could be exploring the historic streets of Galway or hiking in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. With your booked campervan, you're not tied down. You can follow your curiosity, chase the best weather, and discover the hidden gems that make Ireland so magical—from ancient passage tombs older than the pyramids to the friendliest local pubs.

The Best Campervan Tours in Ireland: Our Route Ideas

Your campervan is ready to take you on a journey through Ireland's epic landscapes and rich history. Here are three unforgettable routes to show you the different faces of this enchanting island.

🚐 Tour 1: The Wild Atlantic Way – A Coastal Spectacle

This legendary route is one of the world's most scenic coastal drives, covering the entire west coast of Ireland. This is a shorter, highlight-focused version.

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Distance: approx. 800 km (for this section)
• Ideal for: Adventure seekers, photographers, coastal scenery lovers
• Day 1-2: The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren (approx. 70 km from Galway)
• Start your journey south from Galway. Your first major stop is the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, rising dramatically from the Atlantic. Afterwards, explore the unique limestone landscape of The Burren, a place of rare flora and ancient dolmens.
• Day 3-4: Dingle Peninsula (approx. 200 km)
• Drive the Slea Head Drive loop around the Dingle Peninsula. This narrow, winding road offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in Ireland, with ancient beehive huts, rugged cliffs, and beautiful sandy beaches like Inch Beach.
• Day 5-7: The Ring of Kerry (approx. 180 km loop)
• Base yourself near Killarney and tackle the famous Ring of Kerry. This route takes you through mountains, past pristine lakes, and along a stunning coastline. Don't miss the views from Ladies View and the charming towns of Kenmare and Sneem.

🏰 Tour 2: Ireland's Ancient East – A Journey Through History

Explore 5,000 years of history in this region of ancient ruins, majestic castles, and fascinating stories.

• Duration: 5-6 days
• Distance: approx. 450 km
• Ideal for: History buffs, culture vultures, families
• Day 1: Brú na Bóinne & Hill of Tara (approx. 50 km from Dublin)
• Head north from Dublin into the Boyne Valley. Visit Brú na Bóinne (a UNESCO World Heritage site), home to the incredible passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, which are older than Stonehenge. Then, feel the ancient power at the Hill of Tara, the seat of the High Kings of Ireland.
• Day 2-3: Kilkenny & The Rock of Cashel (approx. 170 km)
• Drive south to the medieval city of Kilkenny. Explore its magnificent castle, the "Medieval Mile," and its lively pubs. The next day, visit the iconic Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on a limestone outcrop.
• Day 4-5: The Copper Coast & Hook Head Lighthouse (approx. 230 km)
• Discover the Copper Coast Geopark in County Waterford, a beautiful stretch of coastline with hidden coves and old mining history. Continue to the Hook Peninsula to visit the Hook Head Lighthouse, one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.

🌊 Tour 3: The Causeway Coastal Route – Giants and Thrones

This route in Northern Ireland (UK) is famous for its dramatic scenery, connecting Belfast with the legendary Giant's Causeway.

• Duration: 3-4 days
• Distance: approx. 200 km
• Ideal for: Scenery lovers, hikers, Game of Thrones fans
• Day 1: Belfast to the Glens of Antrim (approx. 60 km)
• Start in Belfast and drive north along the coast. The road winds into the nine Glens of Antrim, a region of stunning green valleys and waterfalls. Stop for a hike in Glenariff Forest Park.
• Day 2: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge & Giant's Causeway (approx. 50 km)
• Test your nerve on the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, swaying 30 metres above the sea. Then, head to the main event: the Giant's Causeway. This UNESCO site of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns is a true natural wonder.
• Day 3: Dunluce Castle & Derry (approx. 90 km)
• Visit the romantic, clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle, which inspired many artists and writers. End your journey in the historic walled city of Derry, where you can walk the 17th-century city walls.

A Taste of Ireland: What to Eat on Your Campervan Trip

Irish cuisine is all about hearty, comforting food made with high-quality local ingredients. Your campervan kitchen is perfect for cooking up a storm with fresh produce from local markets.

What you must try:

• 🥣 Irish Stew: The quintessential Irish dish, a rich stew traditionally made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
• 🍞 Soda Bread: A dense, traditional bread made with buttermilk. Delicious with a slather of real Irish butter.
• 🐟 Fish and Chips: A classic you'll find everywhere, especially delicious in coastal towns with fresh-caught fish.
• 🍳 Full Irish Breakfast: The ultimate start to a day of exploring, featuring bacon, sausages, eggs, black and white pudding, and fried tomatoes.
• 🍺 A Pint of Guinness: No trip to Ireland is complete without enjoying a pint of "the black stuff" in a traditional pub, often accompanied by live music.

Getting to Ireland to Start Your Adventure

Getting to Ireland is straightforward, with excellent links from the UK, Europe, and beyond.

• ⛴️ By Ferry (A Great Option from the UK & Europe):

• Taking the ferry is a very popular and practical choice, especially for those travelling from Great Britain, as it allows you to bring more luggage and enjoy a relaxed start to your holiday.

• From Great Britain: There are numerous daily ferry routes connecting Great Britain with Ireland. Major routes include:
• Holyhead to Dublin: Operated by Irish Ferries and Stena Line. This is one of the fastest and most popular routes.
• Pembroke to Rosslare: Operated by Irish Ferries.
• Fishguard to Rosslare: Operated by Stena Line.
• Liverpool to Dublin: A direct route offered by P&O Ferries.

• Cairnryan (Scotland) to Belfast/Larne: For easy access to Northern Ireland, operated by Stena Line and P&O Ferries.

• From Mainland Europe: You can also travel directly by ferry from France. Routes like Cherbourg to Dublin (Irish Ferries) or Roscoff to Cork (Brittany Ferries) are perfect for starting your Irish adventure without flying.

• ✈️ By Plane (The Fastest Option):

• If you're short on time or travelling from further afield, flying is the quickest way.

• From the UK: There are countless daily flights from all major UK airports to Dublin (DUB), Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN), and Belfast (BFS, BHD), operated by airlines like Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and British Airways.
• From North America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand: Direct flights to Dublin and Shannon are available from major hubs. For travellers from Australia & New Zealand, the journey will involve a stopover.

After arriving, you can easily reach your campervan's pickup location. The exact address of our partner's rental station will be provided in your booking documents. Depending on the location, pickup may be at the airport/ferry port or in the nearby area.

• 🚆 By Train (Combined with Ferry):

• You can purchase a "SailRail" ticket, which combines a train journey from any station in Great Britain with the ferry crossing to Dublin or Rosslare. It's often a cost-effective and scenic way to travel to the ferry port and onto Ireland.

Camping in Ireland: Campsites, Wild Camping, and Tips

Ireland's camping infrastructure is well-suited for a campervan holiday, offering a mix of organised sites and the potential for adventure.

• 🏕️ Wild Camping:

• Wild camping in Ireland exists in a legal grey area. It is not officially permitted, but it is often tolerated in remote, rural areas, provided you are discreet, leave no trace, and have the landowner's permission if on private land. Avoid wild camping in popular tourist spots, national parks (where it's usually forbidden), and near towns. Always respect "No Overnight Parking" signs.

• 🚐 Campsites and Holiday Parks:

• The best and safest way to camp is by using the extensive network of official campsites and holiday parks. These range from basic, family-run sites to larger parks with full facilities (showers, electricity, laundry). They are especially common in popular tourist areas.

On Campcruisers, you will find a selection of bookable campsites and private motorhome pitches. Take a look, perhaps the perfect spot for your Ireland tour is already there!