Camping Facts: Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Camping in Ireland (and Beyond!)

Ready to take your camping knowledge to the next level? Whether you’re wild camping in the Irish countryside or glamping by the sea, these interesting camping facts reveal how much more there is to this beloved pastime. 

From ancient military camps to modern campervan kitchens, we’ll explore what makes camping a tradition — and an adventure — like no other. 

1. Camping Then and Now: A Story of Two Very Different Worlds 

Not All Camping Is the Same

First, let’s set one thing straight: there’s a huge difference between camping for fun and camping for survival or war.

• Military encampments, Viking raids, and medieval war camps were about survival, strategy, and hardship.
• Recreational camping — what most of us enjoy today — is about voluntarily reconnecting with nature, finding peace, and slowing down.

From Ancient Tents to Victorian Leisure

While soldiers, nomads, and explorers have been camping for millennia, modern camping as a leisure activity began in Victorian England.

• In 1901, Thomas Hiram Holding founded the world’s first camping club, the Association of Cycle Campers, and his Camper’s Handbook (1908) helped turn camping into something ordinary people could enjoy.
• Victorians, longing for nature amidst rising industrialisation, started camping as a way to escape modern life — the same spirit that fuels cottagecore today.

Cottagecore and Camping: A Shared Dream of Simplicity

• Both cottagecore and camping romanticise nature and a simpler way of living.
• Tents, like cottages, became tiny, portable homes where people could reconnect with nature — but by choice, not necessity.

In many ways, modern camping merges the aesthetic appeal of cottagecore — with its focus on simplicity and nature — and the social capital of documenting beautiful outdoor experiences on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, proving that comfort and style can thrive even in the wild.

Important: Unlike military or survival camping, recreational camping is about choosing to create a cosy home in the wild — not being forced to live outdoors.

2. Interesting Camping Facts from Around the World (Including Ireland!)

The First Camping Club Was Made for Cyclists!

Founded in 1901 by Thomas Hiram Holding, the Association of Cycle Campers brought together adventurers who strapped tents to their bikes for epic outdoor trips.

Camping Goes Global

• By the early 1900s, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides made camping part of growing up for millions.
• After WWII, motorhomes and campervans made camping easier — and much more comfortable — leading to today’s thriving campervan culture.

Ireland’s Camping Heritage: From Military Camps to Modern Getaways

• Ireland’s long tradition of camping goes back to Viking encampments and medieval armies, but today, you’re more likely to see campervans by the coast or tents in national parks.

Whether hiking Kerry’s wild trails or hiring a campervan for a road trip, you’re joining a tradition that’s evolved from necessity to joy.

3. Why Camping in Ireland is Unique

Ireland is built for campers. Here’s why:

• The Weather is Milder Than You Think: Thanks to the North Atlantic Drift, winters are warmer and summers cooler than mainland Europe. So while you will want rain gear (this is Ireland!), extreme temperatures are rare. Coastal areas, where many campsites are located, also avoid heavy frost.
• Long Summer Days: In July, you can enjoy up to 19 hours of daylight — perfect for long hikes and late dinners by the campfire.
• Rain is a Given: Yes, April is the cruelest (and dryest) month, but rain can happen anytime — so pack those waterproofs and a sense of humour!
• The Emerald Isle: All that rain means lush, green landscapes everywhere. You’ll camp among rolling hills, misty lakes, wind-swept beaches, and forests. The weather in Ireland truly is like nowhere else.

4. Ireland is a Camping Nation (Even if They Don’t Say It Aloud)

• Tourism makes up 20.4% of Ireland’s GDP— that’s huge!
• Over 6.3 million visitors in 2023, and a good chunk of them are nature lovers who camp, hike, and explore.
• Campervans are one of the best ways to see Ireland, since many top spots (like the Ring of Kerry or Connemara) are far from city hotels.
• With hundreds of campsites — from coastal havens to woodland retreats — Ireland has a camping culture all its own.

Bonus fact: Even if you’ve never camped before, Ireland is one of the easiest places to try it — with fully equipped campsites, friendly locals, and pubs within reach (yes, you can hike all day and still enjoy a pint at night).

5. Budget-Friendly and Eco-Friendly

• Average visitor spending in Ireland is €1,171 for an 8-day trip — but if you’re camping, you can cut accommodation costs massively.
• Coffee averages €2.80, so you’ll want that campervan kettle for morning brews!
• Camping is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel — less energy use, smaller footprint, and a closer connection to nature.

6. Top Festivals & Food: Plan Your Camping Trip Around These

Ireland isn’t just about the views — it’s also about culture, music, and food. Imagine camping near a festival site — rolling into a music event or food fair and sleeping under the stars.

Here are some top events worth timing your trip for:

• Cork Jazz Festival – jazz in the streets and pubs, paired with camper-friendly sites nearby.
• Puck Fair (Kerry) – one of Ireland’s oldest festivals (and yes, they crown a goat).
• Galway Oyster Festival – for the seafood lovers.
• Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival (Clare) – yes, that famous one for finding love (or just good craic).

Food campers will love: Irish stew, boxty, soda bread, and if you’re brave — black pudding! For more information about festivals in Ireland, check out our article.