Packing for a camping trip in Ireland? Let’s skip the 200-item checklists and focus on what you actually need. Whether you’re heading to a festival, hiking in the west, or picking up a campervan from Dublin Airport, this post covers your camping essentials—the core gear that keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable. Craic N Campers vans already come fully equipped with kitchen gear, beds, and storage, so this isn’t about survival or bells and whistles.
And if you’re looking to hit the road in comfort, check out pristine campervan hire options near Dublin Airport.
This guide is about the must-haves: no fluff, no nonsense, just gear that earns its space.
Want to zhuzh things up with fairy lights and telescopes? Check out this campervan accessories guide.
Camping Essentials for Beginners
Why it matters:
If you’re new to camping—or campervanning in particular—it’s tempting to overpack. But having a tight, tidy kit of essentials makes the whole trip smoother. This list covers the basics you need to be warm, clean, and reasonably well-rested in the Irish outdoors.
Essentials checklist:
- 3–4 season sleeping bag (insulated for cooler nights)
- Sleeping mat or van mattress
- Compact pillow or pillowcase + stuffing
- Lightweight towel + microfibre face cloth
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, travel soap/shampoo
- Toilet paper + hand sanitiser
- Head torch or LED lantern
- Reusable water bottle
- Layers: T-shirt, warm jumper, waterproof jacket
- Good shoes (trainers or boots)
- First aid kit: plasters, pain relief, antihistamines
Practical tip:
Overnight condensation is a thing—even inside a van. Keep a clean, dry towel or microfibre cloth near the windows, and ventilate when cooking or drying clothes to avoid a mini rainstorm on your bedding.
Weather-Proofing Your Trip
Why it matters:
Ireland may look green and lovely, but that’s because it rains. A lot. And even in summer, the temperature can dip fast. Staying dry and warm is more than just a comfort—it keeps your gear usable and your trip enjoyable.
Essentials checklist:
- Waterproof jacket with a hood
- Waterproof trousers or over-trousers
- Insulated layer (fleece, wool, or light down jacket)
- Quick-drying base layers
- Spare dry socks (always pack extra)
- Beanie or warm hat
- Dry bags or large zip-seal bags (for clothes, devices, food)
- Bin bags (multi-use: wet gear, rubbish, emergency poncho)
Practical tip:
Irish rainfall averages over 1200mm a year, with the west getting the worst of it. Even in summer, be prepared for mud. Pack a doormat or towel near the campervan door to reduce the daily mopping.
But don’t let the discourage you!
That rain is exactly what makes Ireland so green, so magical, and so unforgettable. With the right gear, even winter camping becomes a thrilling, invigorating experience.
Read more about winter camping in Ireland and why it might just be your new favourite season.
Festival-Ready Camping Necessities
Why it matters:
Camping at Irish festivals means being prepared for noise, mud, queues, and the occasional existential dread at 4 am in a portaloo. These are your festival-proof essentials—focused on sleep, hydration, and mobile phone survival.
Essentials checklist:
- Tent + practice run at pitching
- Earplugs (non-negotiable)
- 3-season sleeping bag (water-repellent if possible)
- Sleeping mat or airbed
- LED head torch or clip-on light
- Portable power bank (10,000 mAh or more)
- Reusable water bottle
- Bum bag for tickets, ID, sunscreen
- Bin bags (rubbish, wet clothes, make-do rain covers)
- Toilet paper
- Basic snacks (fruit, bars, trail mix)
Practical tip:
Even major Irish festivals often lack lighting between tents and toilets. Mark your tent with something visible—like a glow stick, bright ribbon, or a tall flagpole—so you can find it without an existential crisis.
Looking for inspiration?
Check out some of the incredible events happening in Ireland this year, from spooky autumn parades to music and arts festivals: Craic N Campers’ guide to Autumn Festivals & Events in Ireland. Or, you could browse our Electric Picnic Campervan Guide!
Campervan Essentials for Comfort
Why it matters:
Craic N Campers vehicles are stocked with the basics: beds, cooking gear, power, and toilets. But there are still a few small items that make a big difference in comfort, especially on long road trips.
Essentials checklist:
- Personal toiletries + micro towel
- Flip-flops or slides for campsite showers
- Reusable shopping bags
- Small bin bags
- Compact drying rack or clothesline
- Favourite mug or water bottle
- Sleeping mask (light lingers late in Irish summers)
- Earplugs (again—campsites can be noisy)
- First aid kit with motion sickness tablets (twisty roads ahead)
Practical tip:
Even though campervans have good insulation, bring your own bedding that suits your temperature needs. If you sleep cold, don’t rely on the van’s duvet alone—bring a thermal blanket or your go-to sleeping bag for backup.
Packing Tips and Simple Systems
Why it matters:
Packing isn’t just about what you bring—it’s about how you find it. A few simple systems can make your campervan feel less like a rummage sale and more like a mobile basecamp.
Essentials checklist:
- Packing cubes or IKEA zip pouches (for grouping items)
- Dry bags for clothes, towels, and electronics
- Mesh laundry bag
- Food box or crate (for pantry-style dry goods)
- Daypack or tote for short walks
- Pen + notebook (for checklists or leaving notes at campsites)
Practical tip:
Separate one small bag as your “campsite bag”—stocked with your toothbrush, towel, torch, and flip-flops. That way, when you arrive late or need to dash to a shower, you’re not rooting through your suitcase like a gremlin at midnight.
Bonus Comfort: What’s Already Included with Craic N Campers’ Campervans
Why it matters:
You’ve just packed like a pro, but here’s the good news: Craic N Campers vehicles already cover a lot of your essentials. That means less to bring—and more room for snacks, books, or just breathing space.
What you don’t need to bring if you’re hiring a Craic N Campers van like the Sunlight V69:
- Beds, mattresses, and seating – comfy and convertible, with space for 2–3 people
- Kitchen kit – fridge-freezer, 3-ring gas hob, and plenty of storage
- Bathroom facilities – cassette toilet, hot shower, and Truma water heater system
- Heating – full Truma heating system for year-round comfort
- Power systems – 12V leisure battery, 220V mains hookup, and USB charging points
- Storage – both massive internal cabinets and a huge rear garage for bikes, bags, and gear
- Driving ease – automatic transmission, power steering, and reversing camera
Practical tip:
Want to know exactly what’s inside the camper you’re hiring? Check the vehicle page or ask before packing. For example, the Sunlight V69 includes heating and hot showers—so skip packing the solar shower bag and just bring a good towel. Less guesswork = more room for the important things (like biscuits and backup socks).
Final Words
Packing for a road trip or festival doesn’t need to be complicated. Focus on camping essentials—the items that keep you warm, dry, rested, and well-fed. Everything else is a bonus. Whether you’re renting a Craic N Campers van or tenting it under the stars, a little planning makes a big difference.
With fully-equipped vehicles like the Sunlight V69, you’ll have the freedom to explore Ireland with just the right gear—and none of the fluff.
Bring multiple layers, leave the blender, and always pack more socks than you think you’ll need. Happy camping!
