Ireland is a place we’ve wanted to travel for many years, and finally everything just fell into place for us to visit. And not just visit, but do it in style…as digital nomads living van life in Ireland!

Ireland lived up to its reputation of having dramatic coastlines, stunning rolling green hills, tiny villages, and plenty of places to stop and take in the views.

But the van really brought an extra element to the country. We could somewhat chase the weather, be spontaneous, work from the comfortable table, and stay connected by tethering our phones for wifi.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how to pick a van, the company we went with, the exact van we ended up with, and some tips we learned along the way so you can plan a better digital nomad trip around Ireland. See also: Best Jobs for Van Life

Renting a Campervan in Ireland with Indie Campers

Full disclosure, we rented with Indie Campers on this trip because they reached out to us and asked us if we’d like to have a campervan trip in Ireland and share our experience with our audience. I mean… who’s going to say no to that?

But, we’ve actually rented with them before in Portugal and we know they’re a great company, so we were excited to go with them anyway.

Even though this was a sponsored trip, we did the booking process the same as you would if you rented – so we got the whole experience. It was super simple to book the van right on their website and there are lots of add-ons as well.

The vans are all modern and well-maintained and the pickup and drop-off went really smoothly. It only took about 30 minutes from the time we arrived to drive away and the guy who checked us in gave us a really thorough walkthrough of the van and its features.

We went with the Active Long model. It was spacious, super comfortable, and it had really nice finishes. We loved that it had a proper bed that was pretty comfy (don’t expect a king size pillow top though) and a great kitchen area, plenty of storage and central heat for the cool Irish nights.

There was also a surprisingly comfortable workspace thanks to the seats that swivel around to a pullout table.

Also, if you’re worried about a campervan like this being too big for roads in Ireland… it really wasn’t. If you’ve driven on narrow roads before, you’ll be fine. And if you haven’t, it’ll just take a few hours to get used to it.

If I were to give a critique of the campervan experience, it would be that the pots and pans and utensils were pretty minimal and it was a bit annoying having them in a big tupperware bin in the back. It would be better if they were put in drawers with some kind of mobile home shelving to keep them from bouncing around.

Where to Go: Our 10-Day Digital Nomad Route Through Ireland

For this trip, we didn’t really have a strict itinerary, which is really the beauty of van life if you ask me. We actually booked this trip pretty last minute, so while we had a rough idea of where we were going, we still decided day by day where we’d go and sleep for the night.

We started in Dublin for a night (we had a couple days in Dublin at the end of the trip), before picking up the van the next day. When we got the van, we headed south to Kilkenny, then worked our way through Nenagh, Lorrha, and along the coast to Galway.

From Galway, we drove up to Connemara National Park and that was one of the major highlights of the trip.

There were lots of spots that we could’ve parked the van for the night and wild camped without anyone really noticing, but we decided on a beautiful campsite called Clifden Eco Beach Camping because it was too nice to pass up.

After Connemara in the North, we headed south down to Doolin where we checked out the famous Cliffs of Moher, and then southwest to Dingle, then spent a few days visiting Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.

We finished the trip by checking out Cobh and Blarney Castle before heading back to Dublin. This was a pretty extensive trip of the country, although we didn’t see Northern Ireland or the east coast, but it was easily done in 10 days.

10 Essential Tips for Digital Nomads Doing Van Life in Ireland

Before we did this trip, we weren’t sure how well van life and remote work would pair together in Ireland… especially in October.

But it turned out that it worked beautifully, but there were a few things we learned along the way. If you’ve ever wanted to travel around Ireland while working from a campervan, hopefully these will help you out.

1. Sort your phone plan out before you leave Dublin.
Ireland’s coverage is fine in cities, but once you head toward Connemara or the Wild Atlantic Way it can flip from full bars to zero. Get a local SIM or eSIM right at the start so you’re not hunting for a signal when you actually need it.

We used our eSIM from our Revolut Account, and it was decent, but we probably would’ve had better coverage with a local SIM. If you’re traveling as a couple, both of you could get an eSIM from a different company.

We didn’t think of it until near the end of the trip, but once we varied our eSIMs it usually meant that at least one of us always had coverage.

2. Use rainy days as your workdays.
Irish weather changes constantly. We eventually learned to live with the rain… work when it pours, explore when it isn’t. It keeps the whole trip relaxed instead of trying to force a plan.

3. Expect to work from the van more than you think.
We assumed we’d be in cafés all the time, but most days we worked right from the van because the views were better and we actually got more done. The swivel seats helped, and the quiet mornings were great to get some work done.

We also had to shoot some reels on this trip, which would’ve been OK but the wind made it hard, even with the good mics we have! If you’re shooting videos, the inside of the van on a sunny day is actually quite good acoustically and the lighting was great too.

4. Charge the van battery anytime you pay for a campsite.
If you’re at a campsite with electricity, take advantage of it. Charge everything. The van batteries, laptops, cameras, power banks… all of it. You never know when the next few nights might be wild camping or when a campsite won’t have hookups.

5. Empty greywater and blackwater whenever you have the chance.
Seriously. Do it even if you’re only half full. There were a few times when we said we’d just wait til the next site and then the next couple of sites didn’t have the facilities so we were worried we’d fill up or run out. Not a great feeling.

6. Bring your own pillows and bedding.
The Indie Campers bedding works, but it’s not exactly luxury. I never travel without my pillow and a bedsheet and on this trip I was especially glad to have it. The blankets Indie gives you are warm and that makes a big difference on cold nights, but those pillows weren’t great.

7. Bring a powerbank that actually has power.
Between charging laptops, cameras, phones, and hotspots, having an extra battery took all the pressure off the van’s system. If you have a powerbank, bring it.

8. Download everything before leaving bigger towns.
Maps, Netflix, playlists, work files… all of it. Once you get into the countryside, the signal can vanish without warning. To download Google Maps, just hover over all of Ireland and type “OK Maps” into the search and it will download it to your phone so you can use it offline.

9. Mix campsites with some wild camping
This is something we didn’t do, but we kind of wished we did. We spent quite a bit of time in towns and villages enjoying the pubs and music, so we just stayed at nearby campsites.

But next time I’d love to go back and do a fishing trip around Ireland where I would wild camp about 50% of the time.

If you read up on it, it says that it’s not allowed in Ireland, but if you’re respectful and you clean up after yourself and leave early in the morning, nobody would bother you. At least that’s what the Irish people kept telling us.

10. Keep the van tidy from day one.
A tiny space gets messy fast. Once everything had a home, life got easier. Before that… we were constantly looking for keys, chargers, socks, everything.

11. Definitely book the outdoor setup add-on.
This comes with just two camp chairs and a lightweight table but it makes a big difference on the sunny days when you don’t wanna be in the van all the time. Every time it was sunny (and not too windy) we’d eat on our outdoor table set. Indie has them as add-ons and they’re definitely worth it.

12. Keep a few “don’t move the van today” meals in the cupboard.
There were days when we found the perfect parking spot and didn’t want to move the van at all… not for groceries, not for anything. Having a couple of easy meals you can cook without running around hunting for shops makes those quiet workdays possible.

13. Build your work hours around your driving hours.
Some driving days take more energy than you expect, especially on Ireland’s narrow country roads. On those days, we’d keep laptop time light and save the deeper work for days when we weren’t covering many kilometres.

It’s a lot for the brain to handle if you’re staring at a road and dodging other cars for 5 hours, and then you try to work for 5 hours!

Costs of Van Life in Ireland

Ireland isn’t cheap, and that was one of the reasons the campervan made sense. Hotels in the popular spots can get pricey fast, so having our bed and kitchen with us took a lot of the sting out of the trip.

We looked up some little B&Bs and stuff on the way and they were around $250 per night for a basic small room, even though we were there in the shoulder season.

The van rental is the big expense, obviously, but it saves you on the accommodation and some meals in. Mind you, we ate out pretty much every meal still because we just love the pubs and restaurants in Ireland and we got to meet people.

Fuel costs were OK. We filled up the van twice for around €140 each time in 10 days. Ireland looks small until you start following every scenic road and taking detours locals suggest. We drove way more than expected, but it was worth it for the price of diesel for sure.

Campsites were usually between 35 and 46 euros for a spot with electricity, showers, and somewhere to dump the tanks.

There were a few small extras…tolls, a top-up of AddBlue, a parking fee here and there. Nothing major. Overall, the van made Ireland a lot more affordable than it would’ve been hopping between hotels and restaurants every day.

Where to Sleep With a Campervan in Ireland

One thing we learned pretty quickly is that Ireland doesn’t have the same wild camping culture as places like the US or Canada.

You can find the odd quiet pull-off with a great view, but they’re not everywhere, and a lot of coastal spots have signs asking campervans not to stay overnight. Because of that, we ended up mixing proper campsites with a few “found it at the last minute” places.

Campsites were easy enough to find and most had everything we needed… electricity, hot showers, a spot to dump grey and black water, and usually a little kitchen sink area.

Overall the quality was good at all of them and the owners were always super friendly (is there a grumpy Irish person anywhere?).

We used Park4Night a lot. It isn’t perfect, but it saved us more than once when we were arriving somewhere late and just needed a place to park without driving around in circles.

The only place we really considered wild camping was around Connemara, but we decided against it just because there were such beautiful campsites up there.

Still, the best campsites in Ireland are a grass field with a stunning view, and the worst are just cement parking lots crammed with campers. It’s more about using the campsite as a place to sleep and to explore from there.

Digital Nomad Essentials to Pack for Van Life in Ireland

Before this trip, we thought the van would have pretty much everything we needed. It has quite a bit when you book the add-ons, but of course it doesn’t have everything a digital nomad would need.

There are a few things we were really glad we brought, and a few we wish we’d thought of earlier. If you’re planning to work from the road, these are the items that actually made a difference for us and kept the trip running smoothly.

1. A real power bank (not a tiny one)

If you’re staying in paid parking and charging the van every 2-3 nights, this wouldn’t matter, but if you’re wild camping, you’ll definitely want a large power bank. You’ll end up using more power than you think. A proper power bank that can charge a laptop is worth bringing from home.

2. Your own pillows and bedding

Like I said earlier, the rental stuff works, but it’s not great. At the very least, bring your own pillow if you can, or pick one up in Ireland for the trip.

3. An extra long charging cable

Outlets in vans are never where you want them to be. The van we got was pretty well set up, but I know they’re not all like that. A long cable saves you from working in awkward positions.

4. A small extension cord or power strip

If you’re plugged into campsite electricity, this lets you charge everything at once instead of messing around with different outlets.

5. Phone holder for the dashboard

You’ll rely on Google Maps constantly, and holding your phone or propping it somewhere gets annoying fast. Surprisingly, the Active Long in Ireland didn’t have any screen in the dash so… no Apple CarPlay. Luckily we still travel with phone holders.

6. A waterproof bag for your electronics

Ireland’s weather turns quickly. If you’re walking to a pub in the rain or hopping out for a hike, this keeps your gear safe. I love YETI for waterproof bags. I didn’t bring mine on this trip, but it would’ve been good if I had to take my gear out.

7. Travel-sized kettle or an easy coffee setup

The van has a stove, and it comes with a Moka Pot, but if you’re not used to making coffee in one of those, then having your own quick coffee setup makes mornings inside the van a lot smoother.

8. Travel Power Adaptor

Not all vans will have multi-plugs. If you’re coming from a country that doesn’t use EU style plugins, then bring your own.

9. A second SIM or eSIM

Coverage can jump around outside towns. Having a backup network saved us more than once.

10. A small, lightweight laptop stand

This is something we forgot but would’ve been great, especially for a more extended campervan trip in Ireland. If you’re going to be working a lot, then it’s always nice to look up rather than down at your screen. The table is comfortable, but it’s lower than most kitchen tables, so a stand would definitely be a bonus.

FAQs About Van Life in Ireland

Is it hard to drive a big campervan in Ireland?
People always say the roads in Ireland are super narrow, but even on The Ring of Kerry, we passed big buses in our campervan and had no issue. Not once did I even have to back up to give space.

Can you just pull over and sleep anywhere?
Sometimes. We found a few quiet spots that felt totally fine, but it’s not a country where you can count on wild camping every night. Campsites ended up being our base most of the time.

Do you need to book campsites?
We didn’t book ahead at all in September/October. In summer, we’d probably plan a bit more, but shoulder season was wide open. Sometimes it was just us and one other camper in the entire site.

Is the WiFi good enough to work?
In towns, yes. Out in the countryside, it comes and goes. Between our own data, having 2 eSims, and the campsites wifi, we always managed.

Does it get cold at night?
It can. Our van had heating, which made a huge difference. And it wasn’t just a fan heater, it was central heat! If you come in October, you could live with lots of bedding (we saw some campers doing it), but it’s way more comfortable to get a van with heat.

Any special license needed?
Our regular licenses were enough.

Is it safe?
We never felt unsafe. Campsites were quiet, and the few rural spots we stayed in felt relaxed. There’s always security at the campsites as far as we could tell and Ireland is pretty safe in general I think, especially outside of Dublin.

Final Thoughts on Campervan Life in Ireland as Digital Nomads

This was a trip we had wanted to do forever, and we would definitely recommend doing a campervan trip in Ireland, whether you’re a digital nomad or not.

For us remote workers, obviously there’s a bit more to think about logistically, but it was all doable. We pretty much always had signal and the van was super comfortable to live and work in.

IndieCampers was great to work with. The checkout and checkin was super quick and easy and honestly, this van was a lot newer than the van we had in Portugal, so we were really happy with it.

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Ireland, or you’ve been before but you did it the traditional way in hotels and B&Bs, I highly recommend trying it with a campervan. It was a blast and I don’t think it’ll be our last time doing Ireland this way.

Essential Gear for Van Life as a Digital Nomad

Gear makes or breaks the experience. Focus on portable, multi-use items that support sustainability and productivity. From powering your laptop to keeping meals fresh, here’s my curated Amazon essentials list for van life as a digital nomad in Ireland—handpicked for eco-friendliness and reliability.

• Portable Solar Charger: Keep devices juiced off-grid with this efficient charger, perfect for rainy Irish days when you need backup power for work calls. Grab one like this https://amzn.to/4pMTqwD—the exact one I’d pack for my next adventure.
• Reusable Silicone Bags: Ditch single-use plastics with these versatile bags for snacks or toiletries. They’re a staple in my zero-waste routine, sealing in freshness during long drives. Check out https://amzn.to/4rRqjJM.
• Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: Vans get messy fast—sand from beaches, mud from hikes. This lightweight vac makes quick clean-ups a breeze, keeping your mobile office tidy. Love this model https://amzn.to/44Qm33q.
• Insulated Bottle: Stay hydrated sustainably with hot coffee or cold water all day. Essential for those scenic pit stops. This one’s my go-to https://amzn.to/3Mp9NAK.
• Smoothie Blender: Portable and powerful for quick nutrient boosts—blend greens from farmers’ markets. Ties into my glow-up rituals perfectly https://amzn.to/4aGMBI3.
• Ergonomic Laptop Stand: Prevent neck strain during work sessions in the van. Foldable and space-saving https://amzn.to/4rXl6jB.

These picks, inspired by nomad gear lists, emphasize durability and minimalism—aim for under 100kg load to save fuel.

Caption: Essential van life gear including portable solar chargers. Alt text: Best gear for van life as digital nomad in Ireland portable solar charger.

Staying Sustainable on the Road: Eco-Tips for Irish Van Life

Sustainability is key—Ireland’s pristine nature deserves protection. Use biodegradable products, like my fave reusable essentials https://amzn.to/3Y4QGhQ. Compost with a countertop bin https://amzn.to/44SSgHm, and filter water with a shower head swap https://amzn.to/3XQsmAb for cleaner van showers.

Link to high-DA sites like Environmental Working Group for more on eco-travel. My tip: Shop local markets for zero-waste hauls, tying into embracing a zero-waste lifestyle.

Remote Work Setup: Staying Connected in Ireland

Ireland boasts solid 4G/5G coverage, even rural—use eSIMs from providers like Three. Co-working hubs in cities offer desks; vans with inverters power setups. Tools like Starlink boost remote spots.

Personal anecdote: During my farmers’ market hauls, I brainstorm content—imagine doing that from a van overlooking Irish seas!

Caption: Digital nomad working remotely from a van in Ireland. Alt text: Van life as digital nomad in Ireland remote work setup.

Health and Wellness on the Go: Glow-Up Hacks

Maintain that inner glow with portable wellness gear. Pack a meditation cushion https://amzn.to/48wpY7N for mindfulness breaks, or a red light therapy lamp https://amzn.to/48M9FTd for skin recovery after windy days. Supplements like collagen https://amzn.to/3MuJU2w keep you energized.

Tie in biotech innovations in skincare for post-adventure routines.

Budgeting for Van Life in Ireland 2025

Expect €50-100 daily, covering fuel (€1.80/liter), sites (€20/night), and food. Rent vans from €80/day; buy used for long-term. Save with free park-ups and cooking in-van.

Outbound to Nomad List for cost breakdowns.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Weather can be unpredictable—pack rain gear. Isolation? Join communities via Reddit threads. Fuel up often in rural areas.

Community and Safety: Connecting with Fellow Nomads

Link up via Facebook groups for tips. Safety first: Lock up, park wisely.

Caption: Reusable silicone bags for sustainable van travel. Alt text: Reusable silicone bags zero-waste travel van life as digital nomad in Ireland.

Packing for Seasons: What to Bring Year-Round

Layer for rain; summer essentials include sun protection like SPF mist https://amzn.to/48Efu6s. Winter: Insulated items.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Van life as a digital nomad in Ireland 2025 offers freedom, beauty, and growth. From emerald landscapes to productive flows, it’s a glow-up for the soul.

P.S. Ready to glow green on your adventures? Sign up for my free sustainable beauty checklist—eco-hacks for travel and beyond!

Related Posts

• Biotech Innovations in Skincare – Science-backed beauty for on-the-go glows.
• Embracing a Zero-Waste Lifestyle – Tips for sustainable swaps in travel.
• Benefits of Red Light Therapy – Wellness tools for road recovery.
• Exploring Functional Foods Benefits – Nourish during nomad life.
• Nurturing Your Mental Fitness – Mindfulness for van adventures.
• How to Build Muscle After 60 Without Hormones – Fitness on the move.

Happy travels!

 

 

Campervan life in Ireland may just be the best way to see this country!

When you think of going on holiday in the small European country of Ireland, what comes to mind? Most people picture the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the lively pubs of Dublin, or the rolling green hills dotted with sheep and stone walls.

We experienced all of that, and more, during our 10 day road trip around Ireland.

Our 10 Day Ireland Campervan Trip

While we were in Canada visiting family, I saw a van that looked like the perfect size for a trip somewhere in Europe. It was from Indie Campers – the company we used back in 2020 during our campervan trip around Portugal.

I said to Nick: “This campervan would be the perfect size for us in Europe! We haven’t done a campervan trip in a while, it would be awesome to work with Indie Campers again.”

The next day that company reached out to us to share our experience with the van in a country of our choosing.

That was the sign we needed! It was time to plan a digital nomad campervan trip around Ireland – somewhere we’d wanted to visit since 2020.

In this post, I’m going to break down our 10 day Ireland campervan itinerary, as well as some things you’ll want to know before renting your own van.

Here’s our trip report from 10 days travelling from Dublin to Connemara, the Wild Atlantic Way and more…all in our campervan.

Why Ireland in a Campervan?

Since living in Bulgaria, we’ve been travelling around Europe a lot. So, when it came to picking the country to visit with Indie Campers, we decided on Ireland – somewhere we’d never been! It turned out to be a great decision.

Ireland is an excellent choice for a campervan for 2 main reasons.

1. The cost of accommodation in the country is quite high (sleeping in your campervan saves that cost).
2. You’re able to get offtrack and see areas of the country that you probably wouldn’t otherwise.

The Campervan (Model, Specs & Cost)

Picking up the van was a simple process. We took a taxi from the center of Dublin to the rental area (north of the city) and from there, we were given the full rundown by the team.

They answered any questions we had, gave us a full explanation, and we checked all the “extras” we had requested were there.

There’s also a box of items that previous people have left behind at the end of their trips. This is great if you don’t want to buy a big thing of salt and pepper, hand soap, paper towel, etc. Then at the end of your roadtrip, leave behind the items you’re finished with.

The Model

We went with the Active Long model with Indie Campers and it was a great fit for our 10-day trip.

We really liked how everything was “fixed”, rather than portable – which we experienced with our previous campervan rental in Portugal. With the Active Long, it had a fixed bed, gas stove, fridge, and a toilet as well.

There was a great seating area with a table, and the two front seats swiveled around to give us more space inside. There was also a ton of cupboard space too which was really nice to have.

But, my favourite aspect had to be the heating! We rented at the end of September and into October, so we had some cool nights. Turning on the built-in gas heating made the van warm up in no time.

The compact kitchen had everything we needed to cook on the go, including a gas stove, sink, and fridge. We enjoyed waking up and making coffee and matcha! We did cook a couple of meals, but found ourselves enjoying the pubs in the evenings.

There’s also a retractable awning, so you can enjoy the van comfortably whether it’s raining or sunny outside.

Every rental comes with roadside assistance, 24/7 support, and starter kits for cooking and cleaning – so you can pick up the keys and hit the road right away.

The Specs

Initially, we were a little bit hesitant driving a campervan in Ireland. Everyone warned us that “the roads are SO narrow, having a van is hard”. And, they drive on the lefthand side of the road (we lived in Grenada, so that was easy for Nick).

But, in reality, the driving was easy! The roads were definitely wide enough, we had no issues at all.

The dimensions of the van were great:
Length 6.2m (20′4″)
Width 2m (6′7″)
Height 2.7m (8′10″)

We were also hoping for a newer van and ended up with an automatic, 2025 Pilote diesel, which ran really well.

The campervan had a 120L (32gal) tank for fresh water, and a 90L (24gal) tank for grey water, which was sufficient for us. A 220V cable for plugging in and charging the backup battery was also included.

Add-Ons

Indie Campers has some items that you can add on to your rental, such as gas cylinders, bicycles, bedding kit, and more. We opted for a small coal BBQ, an outdoor table and chairs, the bedding kit, chemical tabs (for the toilet), and gas cylinders.

We forgot to ask for the towel kit, but luckily we had our own bath towels with us.

We went through just one gas cylinder during our 10 day trip. That was with heating the van each night (all through the night), making coffee each day on the stove, frying up 2 meals, and having just 2 showers.

Since we were in Ireland in cooler weather, we only really used the outside table and chairs a couple of times. But, I highly recommend adding that on, as it gives you more outdoor living space.

The Cost

The cost of the rental varies depending on which time of year you rent (high season vs. low season), how long you rent for, and what campervan model you rent.

The Active Long model that we rented with Indie Campers costs around $180 per day in September (if you rent for 10 days). The add-ons (like the table and chairs) are charged on top of that.

For the campsites, if you wild camp then it is free. We didn’t find there were as many options for wild camping in Ireland as other destinations. The cost of a campsite with electricity, showers, toilets, and dumping of grey water and chemical toilets was between €35 – €46 per night.

Our 10-Day Ireland Campervan Itinerary

We came up with the road trip route as we went. This was literally one of the only trips where we just rented the campervan, had a few places in mind, but decided where to go each day!

We wanted to avoid cities with the campervan and spend the night in places that were close to the towns – so we could just take a taxi in during the evenings for dinner and craic.

If you don’t mind not being close to the cities and towns, then there are lots of places you can stay. For us, we were into the music and nightlife, so we wanted to be close enough that we could just taxi in.

Here’s our full 10 day itinerary around Ireland with a campervan.

1. Dublin to Kilkenny (1 night)

It only took about an hour to feel comfortable with the length and width of the van (and driving on the lefthand side of the road!). From Dublin we headed south to Kilkenny, which is a city I highly recommend you add to your Ireland itinerary.

With a gorgeous castle, beautiful canal walk, excellent pubs and restaurants, this was an excellent first stop from Dublin.

• Distance: Indie Campers Pickup Point (Dublin) to Kilkenny = 2.5 hours
• Where to Stay: Tree Grove campsite. It’s a nice, 30 minute walk to the Kilkenny Castle from here along the canal. Facilities: Showers, toilets, basic kitchen, electricity hook up
• Where to Eat: If you want to eat in the city rather than cooking for yourself in the campervan, I recommend Butcher Restaurant for amazing steak, The Pumphouse for Guinness and music, and Matt The Millers Bar (unfortunately it was closed when we were there)
• Things to Do: Visit Kilkenny Castle, Smithwick’s Experience, walk around the Castle Park, join a walking tour

During our stay, there were only a handful of RVs and campervans at Tree Grove. It was quiet and comfortable.

2. Kilkenny to Lorrha via Nenagh (1 Night)

You may not want to come to North Tipperary during your campervan trip around Ireland, but we had friends to visit in Nenagh, so we spent the day there with them, before finding a place to stay afterwards…in Lorrha.

Nenagh turned out to be a quaint town, with a castle, cute shopping streets, and it has hills nearby for hiking and Lough Derg is close as well.

I also ended up having the best fish n’ chips of the entire trip here! If you find yourself in Nenagh, stop at Hibernian Inn for the fish n’ chips, and the full Irish breakfast.

This was one of those days where we literally found the campsite a couple of hours before. After spending some time with our friend in Nenagh, we headed north to Lorrha. This campsite was super interesting – it was just a field behind a pub!

The field had lovely views of farmland and the sunset, and there was a firepit as well. We parked the van, made ourselves a meal and enjoyed some wine by the fire…before heading into the pub.

The owner behind the bar was super friendly (as are all Irish people), and one by one, the locals would come round and pop in for a pint of Guinness (or 2, or 3).

There were around 10 of us all sitting at the bar chatting about all things Ireland, Canada, politics, archeology, Europe, travel, beer…you name it. This ended up being one of our favourite nights in Ireland. But the best part? We could literally just walk to our bed which was waiting for us behind the pub!

• Distance: Kilkenny to Nenagh = 1.5 hours. Nenagh to Lorrha = 30 minutes
• Where to Stay: Tua Campsite. There aren’t any designated spots here, it’s just a field and you find a place. It was, however, level and very quiet when we stayed.
  • Facilities: There’s a very basic kitchen here with a sink and microwave, toilets (shared with the pub), and a shower. It was 10 Euros per person/night. There’s also the pub attached which has a pool table.
• Where to Eat: The pub wasn’t serving food when we were there. It was a great opportunity to cook steak and salad in our campervan!
• Things To Do: There are lots of castles and ruins nearby. We did a hike in Portumna Forest Park, you can visit Lough Derg for kayaking, walking, biking or swimming.

3. Lorrha to Galway via Burren & Kinvarra (1 Night)

After all the sitting in the van, and in the pub, we decided to do a hike in Portumna Forest Park near Lorrha before hitting the road.

Galway was one of the places we were most looking forward to visiting during our trip. But, one of the best things about having your own wheels in Ireland (and not having a strict plan), is to be able to take the advice of the locals.

Lots of people had recommended the village of Kinvarra and Burren to us – in particular, Linnane’s Lobster Bar.

So, we did as the locals recommended and rather than just doing a straight shot to Galway, we stopped along the way.

Kinvarra was so cute with its colourful buildings right along the harbour, and the imposing Dunguaire Castle as soon as you arrive in the village. From there, we made our way to Galway.

As soon as we parked the van, we headed into Galway to find some trad music!

The city is known for its music scene and we were super excited to check it out. The second we got out of the taxi, we heard music coming from a pub…so, we went inside. There were around 20 people playing in this “trad session”! It was incredible.

A local started chatting with us and told us about a bunch of excellent restaruants and places to listen to more music that night. We took his advice and had a fabulous night out in the city filled with dancing, new friends, and good times.

We only spent 1 night in Galway (and experienced some CRAZY wind that night in the van!), as we knew we were coming back in a couple of days to explore more with friends.

Practical Information:

• Distance: Lorrha to Kinvarra = 71km (1 hour, 10 minutes). Kinvarra to Galway (Salthill) = 30km (1 hour)
• Where to Stay: O’Hallorans Caravan Park in Salthill just outside of Galway. Use FreeNow App to get a taxi easily.
  • Facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower, electricity hook up, greywater and chemical toilet dumping, garbage bins. No kitchen, but there is a sink for washing dishes.
• Where to Eat: There are so many restaurants in Galway. Unfortunately, we dind’t have great food experiences! The ones we wanted to eat at were booked or closed. Kai Restaurant is recommended, as is Oscars Seafood Bistro, and Ard Bia at Nimmos.
• Where to Drink: Tig Coili (small place with great trad music), Taaffes Bar (a late-night place with live music), Tigh Neachtain (unique, local spot with art adorning the walls), The Salt House (great place for craft beer) & Monroe’s Tavern (the first pub we went to in Galway with 20 people doing the trad session!)
• Things to Do: enjoy the music, explore the Latin Quarter, do a bit of shopping, visit the small market near the Long Walk, explore the SaltHill Promenade, chill out in Eyre Square, walk along the River Corrib, join a walking tour, visit the University grounds, watch traditional Irish dancing.

4. Galway to Connemara National Park (1 Night)

This day was the most spontaneous of our Ireland trip. We woke up in Galway and planned to head to the Cliffs of Moher. After driving for around 15 minutes, I asked Nick to pull over.

We stopped and I opened up google Maps and decided that we had to change our plan!

The route we had chosen made no sense and would’ve had us back tracking on ourselves. After some discussion, a new plan was formed: we’d head north to the Connemara National Park – visiting some sights along the way – and spend the night up there.

Where? We weren’t sure yet…

I’m sooo glad we made the decision to add Connemara National Park to our list! It covers more than 7,000 acres which includes bog, heath, and mountains. If you look on the map, Connemara County is completely dotted with land and water – very “boggy” looking.

The scenery on this drive was stunning and we were glad to be out in a more wild part of Ireland. We stopped at the town of Clifden, at some scenic pull-outs, and made our way up to the Kylemore Abbey and Gardens – which is absolutely stunning.

When it came time to figure out where to stay, we found the most perfect spot just by searching on Google Maps – Clifden Eco Beach Camping. The view out to the water, and the gorgeous private beach and cove were stunning.

This place was so scenic. Our van faced the water and had a perfect view of sunset. After setting up the campervan, Nick went for a swim in the ocean, we lit a bonfire in the evening and cooked a meal for ourselves. A perfect end to the day.

Practical Information:

• Distance: Galway to Clifden: 78km (1 hour, 25 minutes). Clifden to Kylemore Abbey: 18km (25 minutes). Kylemore Abbey to Clifden Eco Beach Camping: 22km (30 minutes)
• Where to Stay: Clifden Eco Beach Camping. The views here are stunning and so is the sandy beach. It’s pristine and quiet – come here for a peaceful stay.
  • Facilities: Showers (paid 1 Euro for 10 minutes), toilets, kitchen with sink and fridge, bike rentals, free spring water for drinking, grey water dumping, BBQ.
• Where to Eat: In Clifden, don’t miss Guy’s Seafood Bar (the chowder is to die for). In the evening, this is another occasion where it’s the perfect opportunity to cook for yourself in the campervan and enjoy a meal at sunset outside with a table and chairs. Stock up at Lidl in Clifden.
• Things To Do: Visit Clifden town, explore the Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, visit the Village of Roundstone, scenic drives, hiking in Connemara National Park, fishing, swimming & beaches in the summer.

5. Connemara to Oughterard (1 Night)

Remember how I said we’d be returning to Galway? Well, we had another couple of friends to meet up with in Ireland and they were staying in Oughterard.

As you can probably see, we’ve been visiting some “random” places during this itinerary.

For us, while we love the popular spots (they’re popular for a reason), we also love finding the little villages and towns and exploring the lesser-known destinations

So, we went there first and all of us headed back down to Galway for the afternoon/evening for some dinner, drinks & music before returning to Oughterard for the night.

Practical Information:

• Distance: Clifden Eco Camping to Oughterard = 61km (1 hour). Oughterard to Galway = 27km (35 minutes).
• Where to Stay: We only found 1 places near Oughterard that would accept campervans…and it was the parking lot of a cafe! Thanks to Camp Street Cafe for hosting us.
  • Facilities: None in the evening. Toilets during the cafe’s working hours. The owner doesn’t charge, but asks that you purchase something from the cafe. The town is super quiet and the night was peaceful.
• Where to Eat: you can grab a quick bite at Camp Street Cafe. We enjoyed coffee & matcha at My Little Flower Coffee. Powers is a highly rated restaurant in the town.
• Things To Do: Go fishing, visit the Glengowla Mines, head up to Connemara National Park for the day, do some hiking, visit the Aughnanure Castle, relax in the Oughterard Shrubbery (park).

6. Oughterard to Doolin +Cliffs Of Moher (1 Night)

The Cliffs Of Moher are one of those iconic sights that we’ve seen online and on TV for many years now. Today was the day we finally got to see them in real life!

We arrived in the village of Doolin which was the jumping off point for the northern stretch of the Cliffs. We chose to base ourselves here, as the main viewing area of the Cliffs of Moher and the south are usually much busier.

The hike was gorgeous! We walked along a narrow pathway hugging the cliffside with a sheer drop down to the ocean on one side, and farmland with cows on the other. Dress appropriately with hiking shoes, and expect rain and wind. Note: be careful when visiting the Cliffs of Moher as accidents can (and do) happen.

We lucked out and had a perfect day – a mix of sun and clouds and no wind! Which is pretty unheard of. We hiked for a couple of hours and returned back to Doolin the way we came.

Practical Information:

• Distance: Oughterard to Doolin = 96km (2 hours). Galway to Doolin = 70km (1.5 hours)
• Where to Stay: Nagles Camping & Caravan Park. This is a great place within walking distance of the trailhead for the Cliffs of Moher, and pubs/restaurants in Doolin. Friendly workers, clean facilities, and right at the pier if you want to go to Aran Islands, or see the Cliffs Of Moher by boat.
  • Facilities: 1 Euro paid showers, toilets, kitchen with paid stove (1 Euro), paid washer and dryer, small shop, grey water disposal, chemical toilet dumping, electricity hook up, wifi.
• Where to Eat: In Doolin, we enjoyed a meal at Gus O’Connor’s Pub, which opened in 1832!
• Things To Do: Hike the Cliffs of Moher (or visit by boat), take a boat to Aran Islands, wander around Doolin, see the Doolin Cave.

7. Doolin to Dingle via Adare (1 Night)

As with each of the days on our campervan road trip, we wouldn’t just go from point a to point b. We’d stop along the way to not only break up the journey, but to see some interesting sights and towns as well.

Today, we decided to stop in at the gorgeous, Heritage Town of Adare. We wandered around the streets and stopped in for a Guinness and shephard’s pie for lunch.

From there, we continued on to Dingle. We arrived and as soon as we checked in, the rain came pouring down.

We’d actually been super lucky with weather up until this point – we had sunshine and clouds the whole time! So, we figured the best thing to do would be to get some work done before calling a taxi to take us into town for some dinner, drinks & music.

We pub-hopped around Dingle enjoying the traditional music at interesting venues – one was a hardware store by day…and a bar by night!

Again, this is why we like to stay within a short taxi ride of the towns. We want to meet people, listen to the incredible music, and eat and drink at the cool pubs.

Unfortunately, due to the pouring rain, the fact that we arrived in the late afternoon, and we had work to do…we only saw the pubs and streets at night in Dingle!

Practical Information:

• Distance: Doolin to Adare = 95km (1.5 hours). Adare to Dingle = 130km (2 hours)
• Where to Stay: Rainbow Hostel. Located just a 10 minute taxi ride from Dingle, this hostel offers campervan parking in both of their parking lots.
  • Facilities: Access to the full kitchen, toilets and showers. There’s laundry available as well. There’s no electricity hook-up or a place for dumping grey or black waste.
• Where to Eat and Drink: Foxy John’s (a hardware store/pub!), and The Dingle Pub

8. Dingle to Killarney via The Ring Of Kerry (2 Nights)

This was our biggest driving day yet. We checked the weather and there was a named storm on its way to Ireland…with nothing but rain for the next 2 days while we were in Killarney and the Ring of Kerry!

So, we decided to have a big driving day so we could avoid the rain. And it turned out to be a good call.

I’m sure the Ring of Kerry is stunning in sunny weather, but we had lots of low-hanging clouds, so the viewpoints weren’t amazing.

We did enjoy the town of Kenmare, the Torc Waterfall, and the Staigue Fort, before parking at our campsite in Killarney. The next day, we enjoyed our first Afternoon Tea at the Muckross, as well as checking out the Abbey and the Killarney National Park.

If you have the time, Killarney is an incredible place to spend a few nights, with lots to see and do in the city and surrounds. The music and pubs are especially fun here. Click here for our full guide on travelling the Ring of Kerry.

Practical Information:

• Distance: Dingle to Killarney = 96km (2 hours).
• Where to Stay: Fleming’s White Bridge. We had this place basically to ourselves! The owner is lovely, and the location is great, with just a quick taxi ride into Killarney.
  • Facilities: 1 Euro paid showers, toilets, kitchen with stove, paid washer and dryer, grey water disposal, chemical toilet dumping, electricity hook up, wifi.
• Where to Eat and Drink: Cronins Restaurant (try the salmon & roast dinner), Murphy’s for the roast dinner and Irish stew, the Killarney Grand (we saw an incredible band here), O’Conner Pub for amazing music as well.
• Things To Do: Drive the Ring of Kerry, have Afternoon Tea at Monk’s Lounge at the Muckross Hotel, hike around Killarney National Park, visit Kenmare, enjoy the live music everywhere!

9. Killarney to Cobh (1 Night)

As soon as we arrived in Cobh, the storm had also arrived. We spent many hours inside the van with it swaying back and forth, and the water at the harbour violently rocking all the sailboats. The wind was howling!

Luckily, we were cozy and safe inside our campervan – sooo grateful that it had heating.

Around 4pm, the clouds parted and we ended up with blue sky! The plan was to visit Cork, but due to the storm, we just stayed in Cobh.

The pretty little town has great pubs, restaurants, and beautiful sites. Cobh is a great place to visit either by itself, or with a trip to Cork as well.

Practical Information:

• Distance: Killarney to Cobh = 1 hour, 20 minutes (108 kilometers)
• Where to Stay: Five Foot Way Campervan Parking. This was the only place we could find to park for the night, but it did the job! It’s just a quick, pedestrian-only walk into Cobh center, and close to the train that takes you directly to Cork as well.
  • Facilities: 1 Euro paid toilets, grey water disposal, chemical toilet dumping
  • Cost: 10 Euros per day
• Where to Eat and drink: Kelly’s Bar, Ryan’s Bar, the Roaring Donkey. When we were there, most places were closed – not sure if it was due to the storm, or the time of year. We ate at Azure and even though the reviews are high, we found the food to be so-so – maybe it was an off day?. The Arch Wine Bar looks good.
• Things to See and Do: Cobh was the final port of call for the Titanic before making its way to New York. There’s lots of history here. Also visit the Cathedral and the Deck of Cards houses – and this viewpoint.

9. Cobh to Dublin via Blarney Castle

The last day of the road trip! Today, we made our way back to Dublin, stopped in to visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

We were pleasantly surprised! It wasn’t just about the castle, but the surrounding well-manicured grounds, and pretty walking paths were beautiful. As an added bonus, there was lots of parking for campervans at the Blarney Castle.

We topped up the diesel and the add-blue and made our way back to Dublin. The drop-off experience with Indie Campers was just as easy as when we picked up the campervan.

And just like that, our 10 day roadtrip around Ireland came to an end!

Practical Information:

• Distance: Cobh to Blarney Castle = 32km (45 minutes). Blarney Castle to Dublin = 284km (3 hours)
• Where to Stay: Five Foot Way Campervan Facility. This is basically just a parking lot right on the water. There’s no one there to manage it, you pay when you enter. It’s right next to the train station to take you into Cork as well.
  • Facilities: 1 Euro paid toilets, grey water disposal, chemical toilet dumping, garbage dumping.
  • Cost: €10 for 24 hours
• Where to Eat: We didn’t find a lot of great restaurants here. Azure Harbour Bistro was pretty good.
• Where to Drink: Kelly’s Bar, Ryan’s Bar, the Roaring Donkey
• Things To Do: Check out the Cathedral, the “Deck of Cards” houses, visit the Titanic Museum

Tips for Travelling Ireland by Campervan

After experiencing the trip. Here are a few tips:

1. Stock Up on Supplies

Before setting off, make sure you have everything you need – chemicals for the toilet, propane for the gas stove, coal for the BBQ, toilet paper, etc.

We asked Indie Campers to give us extra propane for the stove and heating in case we needed it – and then if we didn’t use it, we’d just return it. We didn’t end up needing it, but it made us feel good to know we had extra if needed for those chilly nights. We also got extra chemical toilet tablets.

The fridge in the Active Long model was a good size, so we stocked up on some food ahead of time. Going to supermarkets (while trying to find parking) isn’t the best way to spend your holiday. Get everything at once and then you’re all set!

2. Download the Park4Night App

Park4Night is such a great app.

If you stay somewhere awesome (either an actual campsite or a wild camp spot), then you can add it to the app. Include a few photos, the coordinates of where it’s located, what amenities are on offer, and the pros and cons.

When looking for a place to stay, you search around your current location to find nearby places that sound good to you.

The difference between using it in Ireland vs. other countries is that there aren’t a ton of “wild” spots on the app, there are lots of regular campsites as well.

As long as you respect the area, are quiet, and don’t leave any garbage, then wild camping is usually not an issue. Of course, if you’re asked to leave or are told you can’t spend the night, then you’ll have to obey.

3. Have Data On Your Phone

If you’re a digital nomad like us, then you’ll most likely need to work online while you’re roadtripping around Ireland. Even if you’re not wanting (or needing) to work, having service on your phone is a must for navigation and safety reasons.

You’ll definitely want to use Google Maps for your trip (or whichever map program you use), so having data on your phone is a must. We used our eSIMs with Revolut, but if you don’t have an account with them, you can roam on your current SIM, or try an eSIM company like HolaFly.

Some of the campsites we were at offered wifi as well, but that doesn’t help when you’re on the road.

4. Familiarize Yourself with the Functionality of the Van

When we rented the campervan with Indie Campers, we were given a YouTube video ahead of time for how everything works on the model we were renting.

When we arrived, we also got a walkthrough of the van, and had all our questions answered.

You’ll want to know how to charge the van, how to fill and empty the grey water tank, how the heating works, and how the toilet functions (and how to dump the black water).

Enjoy Exploring Ireland by Campervan

Ireland has soooo much to offer, and travelling by campervan is a great way to experience the beaches, mountains, and offtrack places.

Park on a cliff overlooking the ocean, near cultural towns, or in a grassy field behind a pub! With a campervan, the choice is yours. 10 days is a good amount of time to get a taste of what Ireland is all about. Our roadtrip with Indie Campers is one that we won’t forget.

To learn more about renting a campervan in Ireland, click here. And, feel free to email us with any questions you have.

A special thanks to Indie Campers for making this trip possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own