Best Camping Destinations in Ireland

Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Adventures!

If you're dreaming of pitching a tent under the Irish sky, you're in for an absolute treat. Ireland's camping scene is nothing short of spectacular, offering everything from rugged coastal cliffs to peaceful lakeside retreats.

Whether you're a seasoned camper or planning your first family adventure, finding the best camping destinations in Ireland doesn't have to be overwhelming. I'm here to walk you through some of the most incredible spots where you can wake up to breathtaking views, explore ancient landscapes, and create memories that'll last a lifetime.

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Best Camping Destinations in Ireland

Let's dive into what makes Irish camping so special and where you should be heading.

County Kerry

First up, let's talk about County Kerry, home to some of the most popular camping destinations in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry isn't just a scenic drive - it's a camper's paradise. Imagine setting up camp with views of mountains tumbling into the sea, where you can spend your days hiking, cycling, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

The area offers numerous campsites that cater to all levels of comfort, from basic pitches where you're truly one with nature to sites with modern facilities that make life a bit easier after a long day of exploring.

Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park in Cahersiveen

One standout location in Kerry is the Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park in Cahersiveen. This coastal gem sits right on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning views across to Valentia Island. You'll wake up to the sound of waves and have direct access to some of Ireland's most dramatic coastline.

The site is well-maintained, family-friendly, and provides an excellent base for exploring the Skellig Ring and the famous Skellig Michael, where Star Wars fans might recognize some filming locations. Reviewers comment on its outstanding cleanliness. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with what matters.

This camping site has won sixteen national and international awards including The Award of Excellence - The Best Park in Ireland and The Best Welcome in Europe.

County Clare

Moving north along the coast, County Clare delivers some seriously impressive camping options. The Burren, with its unique limestone landscape, creates an otherworldly backdrop that you won't find anywhere else. Camping here means you're surrounded by ancient history, rare wildflowers, and geological wonders that have been forming for millions of years.

The area is perfect for families who want to combine camping with educational experiences, as there are plenty of interpretive centers and guided walks that bring the landscape's story to life.

Beautiful Lahinch Beach, County Clare

Ocean View Park, Lahinch

Lahinch Ocean View Park in County Clare is particularly worth your attention. This family owned site sits just a stone's throw from one of Ireland's best surfing beaches, making it ideal if you've got water sports enthusiasts in your group. The on site bar and restaurant gets particularly good reviews with good food and live bands playing.

The town of Lahinch itself is vibrant and welcoming, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore. The facilities at this site are top-notch, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly - you'll likely find yourself chatting with fellow campers from all over the world around the communal areas.

County Galway

If you're searching for top camping destinations in Ireland that offer a true wilderness experience, look no further than Connemara in County Galway. This region is all about wild beauty—think rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and vast stretches of bogland that seem to go on forever.

Connemara National Park provides several camping options, and the area is a haven for hikers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates unspoiled natural landscapes. The light here is something special too, constantly changing and creating dramatic scenes that'll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes.

Renvyle Beach Caravan and Camping Park in Connemara

Stunning beach by Renvyle Beach Caravan and Camping Park

Renvyle Beach Caravan and Camping Park in Connemara deserves a special mention. Located on a stunning beach with views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains, this site offers the perfect blend of coastal and mountain camping.

It's family-friendly with excellent facilities, including a playground for the kids and clean, modern amenities. The nearby village has a few pubs where you can enjoy traditional Irish music sessions in the evenings - there's nothing quite like returning from a day of adventure to the sound of fiddles and bodhráns filling the air.

County Cork

Let's head south to County Cork, where you'll find an incredible variety of camping experiences. West Cork, in particular, is dotted with charming campsites that range from basic to boutique.

The region's mild climate, thanks to the Gulf Stream, makes it one of the more comfortable places to camp, even if the Irish weather decides to be typically unpredictable. The coastline here is deeply indented with harbors, bays, and peninsulas, each offering its own unique character and charm.

Mizen Head coastline

Barleycove Beach Holiday Park near Mizen Head

Barleycove Beach Holiday Park near Mizen Head is an absolute winner for families. This site sits behind one of Ireland's most beautiful beaches, where golden sands and turquoise waters create a scene that could easily be mistaken for somewhere much more exotic.

The beach is safe for swimming, and there are rock pools to explore at low tide - perfect for keeping younger children entertained for hours. The campsite itself has excellent facilities, including a shop, laundry, and games room, so you've got everything you need without having to venture far from your tent.

Best Camping Destinations in Ireland

County Wicklow

The spectacular Wicklow Way

For those who prefer inland camping, County Wicklow - often called the "Garden of Ireland" - offers some truly spectacular options. The Wicklow Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, and the area is crisscrossed with hiking trails, including parts of the famous Wicklow Way.

Camping here puts you within easy reach of historic sites like Glendalough, an ancient monastic settlement nestled in a glacial valley that's absolutely breathtaking. The combination of mountains, forests, and lakes makes this one of the best camping destinations in Ireland for nature lovers.

Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park

Roundwood Caravan and Camping Park sits in the heart of County Wicklow and offers a peaceful retreat with mountain views all around. It's a great base for exploring the region's many attractions, from the Powerscourt Estate to the Sally Gap mountain pass. It is also a great area for touring, cycling, hill walking, fishing and horse riding.

This award winning site is well-organized and clean, with friendly staff who can point you toward the best local walks and hidden gems. Being inland, you're also less exposed to coastal winds, which can make for more comfortable camping conditions, especially if you're new to the whole tent-pitching experience.

County Donegal

County Donegal in the northwest is often overlooked by tourists, but that's exactly what makes it so special for camping. The crowds are thinner, the landscapes are raw and beautiful, and you'll find some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the entire country.

The beaches here are stunning - think wide expanses of golden sand backed by towering cliffs and rolling dunes. It's the kind of place where you can have an entire beach to yourself, even in the middle of summer.

Sliabh Liag Camping

Sliabh Liag Camping, Donegal

Sliabh Liag Camping in Donegal offers a unique camping experience with beautiful views of the surrounding hills & mountains. The campsite sits on one of the most breath-taking locations in all of Ireland, providing the ultimate sea cliff experience.

It is a small family and pet friendly site with excellent facilities. Toilets, showers, kitchen and full services. It is beside the visitors centre and has shuttle buses to take you to Sliabh Liag cliffs, the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe. Reviewers comment that the receptionist is the most friendly, approachable and helpful person. There is a pub and restaurant next to the site.

County Antrim (Northern Ireland)

The Causeway Coast in County Antrim (Northern Ireland) is another must-visit for campers. While technically not in the Republic of Ireland, it's part of the island and absolutely worth including in your camping plans.

The Giant's Causeway, with its unique hexagonal basalt columns, is the main draw, but the entire coastline is spectacular. Camping here means you're perfectly positioned to explore one of the world's most famous natural wonders without the daytime crowds.

The Giant's Causeway

Ballyness Caravan Park near Bushmills

Ballyness Caravan Park is a multi-award-winning, five-star caravan park located near Bushmills, Northern Ireland, offering well spaced, fully serviced pitches and excellent access to North Coast attractions.

The Park is within walking distance of the Giant's Causeway and close to several excellent whiskey distilleries if that's your thing. The site is well-equipped and family-friendly, with clean facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.

The coastal path that runs along this stretch of shoreline is absolutely stunning, taking you past rope bridges, castle ruins, and countless photo opportunities. It's one of those locations where every turn reveals something new and exciting.

County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland

If you're looking for lakeside camping, County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland is where you want to be. The Lough Erne region is a water sports paradise, with endless opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating.

The landscape here is gentler than the dramatic coastal regions, with rolling hills, peaceful waterways, and a slower pace of life that's perfect for truly unwinding. It's an excellent choice for families who want a more relaxed camping experience with plenty of activities that don't require strenuous hiking.

Blaney Caravan and Camping Park

Blaney Caravan and Camping Park

Blaney Caravan and Camping Park in Enniskillen, on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, offers direct water access and beautiful views across the lake. This is a family run caravan and camping site and the facilities are modern and well-maintained. It is very well maintained . The Park itself has manicured trees and hedges. There's a real sense of community among campers here.

You can rent boats and equipment on-site, making it easy to get out on the water even if you haven't brought your own gear. The area is also rich in history, with ancient monastic sites and castle ruins scattered throughout the region, adding an educational element to your camping adventure.

Overall, ideal for that quiet relaxing getaway, unwind and enjoy the atmosphere of the area.

County Mayo

Beautiful County Mayo

County Mayo on the west coast is home to some truly wild and wonderful camping spots. The landscape here is diverse, ranging from the flat boglands to the dramatic peaks of Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain.

Camping in Mayo means you're never far from either mountains or sea, and the region has a strong cultural identity with traditional music and Irish language still very much alive. It's a place where you can experience authentic Irish culture alongside stunning natural beauty.

The Old Head Forest and Caravan Park near Louisburgh

The Old Head Forest and Caravan Park near Louisburgh in Mayo offers woodland camping with easy access to some of the region's best beaches. The site is nestled among trees, providing shelter from the wind while still being close enough to the coast for beach days.

Nearby Clew Bay, with its 365 islands (one for every day of the year, according to local legend), is absolutely stunning and perfect for kayaking or simply admiring from the shore. The town of Westport is also within easy reach, offering excellent restaurants, pubs, and shops when you want a taste of civilization.

County Sligo

For something a bit different, consider camping in County Sligo, where mountains meet the sea in spectacular fashion. This is Yeats country, named after the famous poet who drew endless inspiration from these landscapes, and you'll quickly understand why.

The distinctive flat-topped mountain of Benbulben dominates the skyline, and the coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and surf spots. It's one of those places that gets under your skin and calls you back year after year.

Strandhill Caravan and Camping Park

Strandhill Caravan and Camping Park sits right beside one of Ireland's premier surf beaches. Even if you're not into surfing, watching the waves roll in is mesmerizing, and the beach walks here are fantastic.

The village of Strandhill has a thriving food scene with excellent cafes and restaurants, and there's a seaweed bathhouse where you can treat yourself to a relaxing soak after days of camping adventures. The site itself has good facilities and a friendly vibe, making it easy to settle in and feel at home.

Conclusion

As you plan your Irish camping adventure, remember that the best camping destinations in Ireland offer something for everyone - whether you're after dramatic coastal views, peaceful lakeside retreats, or mountain wilderness. The key is choosing a location that matches your interests and comfort level. Don't be afraid to try different regions and types of camping to discover what works best for you and your family.

Irish campsites generally offer excellent facilities, friendly atmospheres, and access to some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever encounter. Pack your tent, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover why camping in Ireland creates memories that last a lifetime.

The Emerald Isle is waiting for you, and trust me, it won't disappoint!