Ireland is a country that has it all – beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and plenty of activities to enjoy. Many Irish families have yet to experience the joys of the great landscape and activities on offer. The country is also home to some of the best camping sites in Europe. Great facilities for campervans and a great trip for families.
Experience unforgettable Autumn Mid-term stays, along the Wild Atlantic Way’s campsites. Choose weekend or week-long rentals for cherished memories.
In this article we have shortlisted some of our favourite activities and some of the best places to camp along the way. Travelling in a luxury campervan will ensure that the whole family is comfortable and that the journey becomes a part of the great experience.
Why not consider an adventure on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way route stretches the entire west coast and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It also features coastal paths that are perfect for biking or walking along with plenty of scenic spots for taking pictures. There are also many sites to stop and discover along the way such as: Dingle Harbour, a natural harbour that was originally used for trade with France and Spain before being developed into the present day harbour and Bunratty Castle, an Anglo-Norman castle located in a woodland setting outside of Carrick on
Camping in The West Coast of Ireland – Campervan Edition
Head West and the journey of a lifetime awaits you along 2,500kms of the world’s most diverse and spectacular coastline on the famous Wild Atlantic Way driving route which follows Ireland’s West coast. Experience the thrill of wild, rugged landscapes and invigorating sea air. This route is perfectly located next to our Roscommon campervan depot and definitely worth the drive.
Pack your bags and leave the hustle and bustle behind. Get ready to revel in the best experience of what Ireland has to offer.
Incredible places to see on the Wild Atlantic Way
The Burren
The Burren, one of Ireland’s most unique landscapes, consists of limestone pavements and rock formations. You’ll also find a range of native flowers and plants scattered across the area.
Spend a day hiking the Burren Way and enjoy the beautiful view. Have some lunch at the crystal-clear Lough Bunny before heading off to Mullaghmore Mountain, concluding your day with a picturesque sunset
Explore the picturesque villages in The Burren. Visit quaint Kilfenora with its historic high crosses and visit the colourful harbour in Ballyvaughan.
The Burren is a tourist hot-spot for food lovers! There are many cafes and restaurants on offer as well as endless heritage sites.
Connemara
Connemara is a wonderful place to make lasting memories. Whether you are wandering aimlessly through the Connemara National Park or taking on one of the challenging mountain hikes, you will have unforgettable experiences here.
Connemara is one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland, and it’s known for its breathtaking historical sites such as the castled Renvyle Peninsula. O’Flaherty Castle was once the home of Grace O’Malley, a Pirate Queen who did some pretty incredible things.
Connemara is full of wonderful restaurants, so there should be no difficulty finding a new favourite dish. Perhaps you’re in the mood for tasty tapas or want to treat yourself to a fine dining experience. Regardless of your preference, you should be able to find it here and make sure not to be in Connemara without trying the appropriate cocktail or a sip of Guinness.
Great Western Greenway
From the rugged Nephin Beg Mountains to majestic Clew Bay, soak in the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way along the Great Western Greenway. . The views are truly mesmerising!
Visit Mulranny Beach with its glorious, golden sand dunes, watch out for the striking cliffs of Clare Island and stop off at the village of Achill Sound, a sanctuary of serenity..
Along the way, soak up some of Mayo’s breathtaking landscapes and stop into some of the pretty little villages & towns. You can enjoy scenic Westport with its colourful shops, pubs and restaurants.
Experience the Great Western Greenway for the beautiful views and the experience of outdoor living. Stops along the way provide a chance to enjoy a coffee and a homemade treat while taking in the scenery around you.
Aran Islands
There are many places to visit on the Aran Islands including lighthouses, holy wells and historic monuments. Come see the magnificent Dún Aonghasa on the rocky edge of Inishmore (Inis Mór) and swim in the clear blue waters of Kilmurvey Beach.
Visit Dun Aengus, an amazing cliffside fort with incredible views. On Inishmore, you can see a colony of seals and visit swans and rare birds in the area too.
The ingredients that are used are sourced on the islands, try the premium crab & lobster caught fresh that morning. And a cold pint by the fire in one of the pubs on Inishmore for a great night’s craic!
The Ring of Kerry
Navigate the beautiful coastal roads with excellent views around every turn. Your journey begins in the jovial town of Killarney and ends in Killorglin – a charming little village. These are just a few of the great highlights from your excursion!
With their intertwining golden strands, Derrynane Beach is a natural wonder. You’ll feel the ocean breeze as you listen to the crashing waves. Take a break and visit Sneem with its breathtaking views of the ocean and its historic stone fort.
Moll’s Gap is for a scenic walk that also has breathtaking views of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and an amazing stay in Kenmare. It’s a once in a lifetime experience for dramatic scenery and cycling through Ring of Kerry.
Go with friends to an Irish pub and have dinner there. Famous for traditional music, these places give you the rare chance to hear talented musicians and fascinating storytellers. It can be daunting trying to find one on your own but once you do it will be hard to leave!
The scenic route is where you’ll find different types of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Come on by and experience the charm for yourself.
Galway City
Uncover centuries of colourful mediaeval history as you meander the Latin Quarter, with its beautifully-cobbled streets. Have a chat and a pint by one of the city’s many turf fires, or go for a walk on Salthill promenade. Walk, take a bus or even rent a boat to explore the beautiful city of Galway and its bay. With its rich food scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Go for a walk over the Salmon Weir Bridge and take in the breathtaking views of Galway. Keep an eye out for Galway Cathedral which has beautiful stained-glass windows. Built on the site of the old city prison, this cathedral gives off a wonderfully spiritual aura with its stunning architecture.
The Galway City Museum is a must visit to get a sense of the city’s rich past, experience beautiful views of the Claddagh, and cross off one of your tourist bucket list items.
Every visit to Galway City should include a visit to Salthill, the promenade is great for a walk and be sure to ‘kick the wall’ at the end. It’s a local tradition.
Music is a huge part of Galway City, it runs through all corners of the city. Whether you’re stepping into a lively trad session or catching a concert in one of the pubs, there are always plenty of opportunities to get involved. The pulsating beat guarantees you’ll have an amazing time and will never forget it!
When visiting Galway, there are a range of cuisines to choose from with Italian and Thai food available for hungry visitors. If you’re after a drink check out the Stomping Ground Pub on the city’s Fairgreen Hill.
When you’re in the City of Tribes, make sure to spend some time at the food markets. One place you can find is a spot filled with handmade chocolates, sushi rolls and delicious cheeses.
Where to stay on a campervan trip in Ireland
Finding the right place to stay can be difficult for people who are unfamiliar with the campervan experience. With a family, it is good to plan out the main places that you will spend the night during your stay. It helps to have some facilities that will keep children entertained when you need to unwind. Four Campsites that we can recommend from our client feedback are summarised below.
Eagle Point Camping Bantry (Cork)
First in our list of campsites and located close to Bantry is Eagle Point. This campsite boasts stunning cliff-side views, pebble beaches, rock pools and an onsite slipway for boats right on its doorstep. It is the ideal spot for water-based activities like boating, windsurfing, swimming and fishing(choose wisely for an autumn break). There is a supermarket and petrol station at the entrance to the park, great for picking up some travel essentials
For fun, apart from the water-based activities, you can find a tennis court, football pitch, basketball court, small playground and a TV room for entertainment. Within the surrounding 10km are golf courses, National walkways, forests, shops, restaurants, craft shops and so much more. Not to mention all that can be discovered in South Kerry and West Cork from this relaxing base in Ballickey, Bantry.
Woodlands Park Tralee (Kerry)
Based only ten minutes from Tralee on the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, Woodlands Park is family friendly and a great base to explore the Ring of Kerry, Lakes of Killarney or any of the many golden beaches nearby.
The Aqua Dome, Ireland’s largest indoor water park, Kerry County Museum, Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre, cinema and golf are also nearby. The award-winning campsite has plenty for you to do with a playground, indoor playroom, football pitch and all-weather BBQ onsite.
Curraghchase Camping Kilcornan (Limerick)
This beautiful campsite surrounded by a forest is a little piece of paradise situated near the village of Adare. With a café onsite and ample walking/cycling routes you could happily spend your family trip exploring the campsite and its surrounding areas, the playgrounds or the ruins of the De Vere Family Mansion. Pitches are spacious and well placed making this the perfect stop when exploring the Mid-West of Ireland.
Knockalla Campsite Port Magherawarden Portsalon (Donegal)
Another great campsite in Co. Donegal. With Knockalla mountains on one side and Ballymastocker Bay on the other, the surrounding scenery is beautiful. There is an outdoor play area, tennis court, football pitch and a shop which sells tea/coffee, homemade baked goods and ice cream. Only a ten-minute walk from the beach and with plenty of hiking and walking in the vicinity it is a great place to unwind and relax.
What does a Family camper look like?
We have a wide range of campers that are perfect for families.
The Bela Easy 6/7 Berth’s open plan, double dinette is excellent for seating larger parties at once and is without doubt one of the most popular layouts available. With a separate toilet shower area and a huge exterior garage, the Bela Easy 6/7 Berth is the go-to vehicle for maximum storage and living space. Come night-fall the large over cab double bed and convertible double dinettes coupled with the ever-popular full-size single bunks ensure comfortable sleeping arrangements for everyone. The Bela Easy 6/7 Berth offers modern styling, excellent facilities and all the comfort you would expect from a class leader.
Let Craic n Campers get you on the road
Craic n Campers offers you the best selection of Irish Campervan rental vehicles. We have some of the latest, most modern campers available and can be rented out quickly. Our home page has a campervan booking tab which shows our availability and best rates. Our fleet is well-maintained and always in a state-of-the-art condition. The vehicles are refurbished and maintained by our SIMI approved workshop, ensuring that you have safe transportation for your travels.
For more offers and services on all things campervans and travelling Ireland, give our team a call or visit our Contact Us page.
