Traveling around Ireland in a campervan will be a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and wonderful culture of this amazing country. Here are some tips to make your campervan adventure in Ireland truly memorable.
Planning Your Route: Your holiday time is valuable and certainly not to be squandered, so be sure to plan your route in advance and select the places you will visit, so that you don’t miss a site or a place that you really want to see or experience. Irish drivers drive on the left side of the road, just as with the UK. If you’re not familiar with this, take your time to adjust on arrival.
Using a navigation app will help you immeasurably in Ireland as, even though most larger towns have a bypass, there are a great many small, winding country lanes and you don’t want to lose time trying to find your way somewhere and becoming hopelessly lost, which is easily done in the more rural parts of Ireland!
Campervan Regulations: Be sure to research the regulations and parking rules for campervans in particular areas of Ireland. Only park up or camp in designated areas.
Immerse Yourself In The Beauty and Culture Of Ireland: Ireland is well known all over the world for its stunning landscapes, rich and ancient history and its interesting, vibrant culture. As you travel around the country in your campervan, there are a great many sites and attractions for you to explore. Here are some must-see sites in various regions of Ireland:
Dublin:
● Trinity College and the Book of Kells ● Dublin Castle ● Guinness Storehouse ● St. Patrick’s Cathedral
● Temple Bar district for the nightlife, cultural events and traditional music
Ring of Kerry:
● Killarney National Park ● Muckross House and Gardens ● Gap of Dunloe ● Skellig Ring ● Valentia Island
Cliffs of Moher and the Burren:
● Cliffs of Moher ● The Burren landscape ● Aillwee Cave ● Doolin for traditional Irish music
Galway and the Connemara Region:
● Galway City and Eyre Square ● Kylemore Abbey ● Connemara National Park ● Sky Road scenic drive
Northern Ireland:
● Giant’s Causeway ● Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge ● Dark Hedges ● Belfast City and the Titanic Museum
Dingle Peninsula:
● Dingle Town ● Slea Head Drive ● Gallarus Oratory
Campsites and Wild Camping: Take time to research and plan your overnight stops. Ireland has many extremely pleasant campsites with all the usual facilities such as showers and electricity hook ups. Wild camping, though, is generally not allowed, so stick to designated campsites to avoid potentially getting into trouble with landowners.
Weather and Clothing: Ireland’s weather can be very unpredictable, whatever the season. Pack wisely so that you can layer your clothing, don’t forget the all-important good quality waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots. Be prepared for rain, even on the best of summer days! A light waterproof jacket that you can tie round your waist would be very useful, and good footwear for regular and hiking use is essential.
Fuel and Supplies: Be sure to fill up your camper van fuel tank when you have the chance, especially in the more rural areas of Ireland where fuel stations may be a little more scarce. Also, stock up on essentials such as food and water before heading to more remote locations.
Internet, Connectivity and Emergencies: Consider getting yourself an Irish SIM card for your phone for more reliable navigation around the many winding country lanes of Ireland, and better communication in case of emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the availability of local emergency services and their contact numbers. Make sure you carry a complete first aid kit and know the location of the nearest medical facilities, just in case.
Remember that Ireland’s appeal lies in its breathtaking landscapes, wonderfully friendly people and rich history. Take your time whilst exploring, enjoy the journey and embrace the spontaneity of campervan travel.