Having just returned from France and Italy on a short one month trip, I took the time to ask French and Italian fellow campers if they have ever taken their camper-vans/motor-homes to Ireland. Out of 15 asked only one had visited twice. When asked why the other 14 couples had not been or even thought of planning a trip to Ireland the responses were varied but can be summarized as follows:
Lack of knowledge of available facilities for camper-vans.
This is understandable because when browsing the web looking at Ireland for Camper-van, Motor-home facilities it can be confusing. So here are some pointers to help you find and plan a trip.
campervancontact list 44 free spots with 4 for less than 10 euros and an additional 14 spots for more than 10 euros. There is an app available for downloading off-line maps with powerful search tools.
Camping Ireland lists all the tourist board approved campsites that have all the facilities required for a campervan. In high season you would be advised to check availability. They also have an app for download.
For those of you who use the ACSI card there were 10 campsites listed in the 2015 guide book which offer low season discounts. It appears that the Camping Key Card is more popular in Ireland offering both low and high season discounts of around 10% depending on the site.
Camper Friendly Pubs
We have been touring Ireland for years and have spent many great nights parked next to a pub and great fun in the pub enjoying the black stuff, excellent food, good conversations and sometimes music.
A little advice:
• Just ask the owner if it is OK to stay overnight and where would you like me to park.
• If you get free parking then spend money in the premises.
• Ensure that you are parked correctly out of the way of incoming customers and not taking up too much parking space. Park in the further-est spot from the pub entrance to allow arriving customers the convenient parking spots. In Ireland the Pub usually fills up in late evening so if you arrive early and the car park is empty do not be tempted to park at the door, show respect for the regular customers.
• Never use your awning or additional outside space, stay compact.
• Do not reverse the camper rear overhang over walkways or footpaths.
• Do not leave any rubbish.
• If you show respect you and other campers will receive respect and will be welcome.
Two examples:
Glenmalure Lodge Co. Wicklow GPS: N 52.95749, W 6.3534 have camper spaces available. If you visit there try their venison sausages on glazed onions, delicious.
Furlongs Curracloe Co. Wexford GPS: 52.392880, -6.388362 When asked, Pat pointed us to a hard standing level area in the back under the watchful eye of CCTV security. We had the best battered fish that we have ever tasted there. The batter was crisp with no soggy bits.
There are many more camper friendly pubs so go find them and give them some business.
Wild Camping
There are many beautiful places where you can park over night and you will spot them as you tour around. Just take normal sensible precautions and ensure that you tidy up after your stay.
Example;
GPS: 53.107388, -6.491210 is a picnic area in Ballyknockan overlooking the Blessington Lakes, Co. Wicklow it is frequently used by passing campervans for short stays. There is a pub within walking distance and boat hire available where you can rent fishing rods and spend a day on the lake.
Please note that it is a bus terminus turning point for the Dublin 65 bus and that you should leave plenty of room for the bus to maneuver, the bus arrives twice daily at 7 am. and 7:30 pm.
TO BE CONTINUED
With good routes etc.
travelling in a campervan 