Camping spots from the mountains to the coast
Wake up to birdsong and sip your morning coffee on the dunes of a sandy beach. Trek across mountains and explore forests, knowing that your home for the night can keep you as close to nature as your daytime adventure. If you want to get to know the stunning natural landscape of Ireland, then camping, glamping and caravanning are the way to go. With that settled, all that’s left to do is to choose a spot.
Coastal campsites
In County Clare, Nagles Camping & Caravan Park is the perfect base. The site offers kitchen and bathroom facilities and a place for all types of campers. Enjoy traditional music and tasty food in the village of Doolin, be wowed by the Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like Burren, or jump on a ferry to the gorgeous Aran Islands.
On the Antrim coast, Carnfunnock Country Park offers space for caravans and motor homes, as well as a grassy area for tents. There’s plenty to do on the campsite, with a walled garden and a maze of popular attractions. When you’re ready to explore this picturesque location in the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, hop on a walking trail through the woodland, across the glens and to the coast.
Inland escapes
Nothing says an inland adventure like camping lough-side in County Roscommon, part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Lough Key Caravan and Camping Park is a peaceful site surrounded by forest, with activities such as walking and cycling trails, kayaking and a high-wire course. When you’ve built up your hunger, get the camp stove out or check out the food truck here that specializes in a “fuss-free picnic”.
Swap loughs for mountains and you find yourself in the foothills of the Sperrins in County Tyrone. A stay at Sperrin View Glamping is a must here. Their glamping pods offer all the home comforts but still allow you to feel close to nature even after dark, as the area is part of the OM Dark Sky Park. Stargaze through the window above your bed at night and explore the surrounding area via walking and cycling trails in the nearby Davagh Forest by day.
Island adventures
On Valentia Island on the Ring of Kerry, Valentia Island Caravan and Camping is equipped with all the kitchen and bathroom facilities you’ll need, so you can focus on exploring the island. A highlight of the island is Knightstown — a buzzing village and home to a bright red historic clock which has become an attraction in itself. Elsewhere on Valentia, you’ll find tetrapod trackways dating back over 300 million years, Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, which offer views of the Skellig Islands, Dingle and the Blasket Islands.
Last but not least, set up camp on Achill Island in County Mayo. With views over the Atlantic Ocean, Keel Camping has space for all types of campers. This is not only ideally located by Keel Village, but it’s also a great spot to explore the island, with attractions including the Cliffs of Minaun, Keem Beach (as seen in The Banshees of Inisherin) and Slievemore Deserted Village within cycling distance!
