The Best Camping Spots in Ireland

Summer is (almost) here, and with it comes the perfect time to go camping in the Irish countryside. With its beautiful landscapes and wild coastlines, the country is ideal for camping enthusiasts—whether you’re a seasoned camper travelling with your own equipment or you prefer the comfort of a glamping pod. You just have to know where to go. That’s why, in this blog post, we’ll show you the best camping spots in Ireland.

Connemara National Park, County Galway

For spectacular mountain views and rugged natural beauty, Connemara National Park is a dream camping destination. Here, you’ll find many hiking trails for every experience level. One is the popular Diamond Hill climb, which offers stunning views over the Twelve Bens mountain range. In the national park itself, there are no camping grounds; however, you’ll find Renvyle Beach Caravan & Camping Park only 15 minutes away. The park is not only spacious and offers modern and clean facilities, but it is also located right next to a stunning beach with white sand as far as you can see.

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Nature and adventure in County Roscommon

If camping is a means to come closer to nature, then Lough Key Forest and Activity Park is a must-visit. Surrounded by rich woodland and a lake, this camping ground invites you to forest walks and lake views. And, as the name already suggests, there’s much more: the family-friendly park also includes a tree canopy walk, ziplining adventures, boat hire, and the indoor Boda Borg experience for children and grown-ups.

Family Camping in County Kilkenny

County Kilkenny is a great destination if you want to visit castles and old towns and if you don’t want to go too far from Dublin. Here, you’ll find Nore Valley Park, a unique and family-friendly camping experience. The park is not only a working farm with plenty of animals that you and your children can pet—it also has playgrounds, a mini golf course, rides and go-karts, and a games room, perfect for when the Irish weather surprises you with a rain shower. The camping ground is available for tents, caravans, and motorhomes and also offers pre-equipped lodges and mobile homes.

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Camping at the Ring of Kerry

County Kerry is without a doubt one of the most beautiful areas to visit in Ireland: stunning views of the coast, rugged cliffs and islands, and the Ring of Kerry as a road trip you certainly cannot miss. Naturally, the camping grounds here are also one of a kind. For one of the best seaside camping experiences in Ireland, Wave Crest near Caherdaniel is hard to beat. Located right on the Ring of Kerry—and right next to the beach—this camping ground offers unforgettable views and easy access to your daytime adventures. What better way to spend the evening than in front of your tent watching the sunset over the ocean?

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Wild Camping at Slieve Bloom Mountains, County Laois and Offaly

Does camping, for you, mean staying in the remote wilderness, only you (and a friend), your tent, and nature? Well then, you’re the kind of person who would enjoy wild camping. The Slieve Bloom Mountains, right in the centre of the country, offer some of the best off-the-beaten-path camping in Ireland. And while there are official campsites in the area, you might want to use one of the many opportunities for wild camping in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Just take care of and respect the environment. Usually, wild camping is only allowed for one night before you continue your travels, and of course, you have to bring your own equipment.

As you can see, Ireland not only offers stunning landscapes but also many camping grounds all around the country for experiencing nature. Just remember that being in nature means that
a) you have to take care of your surroundings and leave them as clean as you found them, and
b) that nature—and the Irish weather—is unpredictable. So be prepared for sun, rain, and fog (and all that usually in the blink of an eye).

Source header photo: Scott Goodwill on Unsplash