The 10 best camping sites in Ireland (for all types of campers)

There are a host of incredible places to camp in Ireland, and here are some of the best camping sites for all kinds of campers.

Calling all camping enthusiasts, this is one for you. We have a list of great camping spots for all sorts of campers.

Whether you never go away without your tent, love to park up your campervan with a view or take every opportunity to take your caravan for epic weekend getaways, these are some of the best camping sites in Ireland suited to all types of campers.

Ireland is jam-packed with excellent spots to set up camp, some with beautiful views, facilities, a warm welcome and a comfortable setting, so let us do the hard work for you and inspire you with the best camping sites in Ireland. Just make sure you pack a good-quality camping chair for when you’re toasting marshmallows with your friends and family!

IB4UD’s top tips for camping in Ireland

  • Research campsites in advance and make reservations, especially during peak seasons, to ensure that you have a designated spot and that the camping site has everything you may need.
  • Choose a reliable, waterproof tent with a groundsheet suitable for the Irish climate.
  • Invest in a good-quality sleeping bag and a comfortable sleeping mat to be comfortable and insulated in cooler temperatures.
  • Ireland’s terrain can be rugged, so ensure your camping equipment is sturdy and durable.
  • Preserve Ireland’s natural beauty while camping by following the principles of “Leave No Trace”.Remove all your rubbish and waste properly, and leave the campsite as you found it.
  • Take time to explore the surrounding areas beyond your campsite, whether it’s hiking in national parks, visiting historical sites or exploring the rural countryside.

10. East Coast Adventure Glamping, Co. Down – an ideal place for families and pet owners

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / East Coast Glamping

Close to the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, this is one of the best camping sites in Northern Ireland, as well as the whole country, which even has pet-friendly glamping pods for you and your furry friend.

There are plenty of activities in the region, and this is an ideal place for families looking for some fun and adventure in County Down.

Address: 34 Lower Knockbarragh Rd, Rostrevor, Newry BT34 3DP, United Kingdom

9. Lakeside Holiday Park, Co. Clare – for families or friends who love the water

Lakeside Holiday Park.
Credit: Facebook / @Lakesideireland

With an epic location on the shores of Lough Derg, this is a perfect camping site for families who love the water, particularly families with older kids or groups of friends.

There are plenty of areas to play sports, a diving board, canoe rental and even table tennis, so there won’t be a bored family member on this camping getaway.

Address: Dooros, Mountshannon, Co. Clare

READ ALSO: Top 3 best places for glamping in Clare and the Aran Islands, RANKED

8. Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon – for the adventurous camping families

Lough Key Forest camping.
Credit: Instagram / @roadhousetrippin

For families who are travelling, this is one of the best camping sites for tents, campervans or caravans in Ireland.

Here you have many unique activities to keep children entertained and plenty of walking and cycling trails to enjoy. This is a great place to be adventurous!

Address: 6 Key West, Rockingham Demesne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 CV91

7. Wolohans Silver Strand Caravan Park, Co. Wicklow – a camping haven in Co. Wicklow

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / Wolohans Silver Strand Caravan and Camping Park

Overlooking one of Wicklow’s best beaches, this is one of the best campsites in Ireland, which welcomes tents, campervans and caravans.

This is an all-traditional grass site, and each pitch has privacy and a sea view, which makes it a fabulous place to rest and relax on your camping getaway.

Address: Silver Strand, Dunbur Upper, Co. Wicklow, A67 PK31

RELATED: Top 5 best camping spots in County Wicklow, ranked

6. Chléire Haven, Co. Cork – for an island camping trip

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @capeclearcampsite

If you fancy some luxury camping on an island, then this is your calling. Chléire Haven is located on Cape Clear in County Cork, one of the country’s unique places.

Their epic yurt accommodation can fit a family of 6 or 4 adults, and you can also pitch your tent or book a bell tent.

Address: Cape Clear, Knockanamorough, Co. Cork

RELATED: Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Cork, ranked

5. Wave Crest Camping, Co. Kerry – one of the best camping sites in Ireland

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @Wavecrestcamping

With a fabulous location on the Ring of Kerry, Wave Crest is one of the best camping sites in Ireland that boasts breathtaking views.

There are pitches for tents, caravans and campers, as well as direct access to the water for those who love to get out in their boats and paddle boards and has many attractions to discover in the region.

Address: Wave Crest Caravan & Camping Park, Glanbeg, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry

4. Tepee Valley Glamping, Co. Armagh – an ideal glamping spot all year round

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland.
Credit: tepeevalleycampsite.co.uk

In County Armagh, you will find one of the most incredible spots to get away from it all at any time of year.

At Tepee Valley, you can stay in the Shepards Hut, the Tin House, the Gypsy Caravan or the heated Log Cabin, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to camp outside of the summer months.

Address: 20 Shanecrackan Road, Markethill BT60 1TS, United Kingdom

3. Portsalon Luxury Camping – for one of the best luxury camping experiences

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @donegalglamping

For those looking for the ultimate luxury camping experience, then you have found it. Situated along the Donegal coast, you will have the chance to stay in luxury yurts with king-size beds and a wood-burning stove. 

This is just the ticket for an unforgettable camping experience with a twist. This site has particularly spectacular views of Knockalla Mountain and Mulroy Bay.

Address: Cashelpreaghan, Co. Donegal

READ ALSO: Top 10 BEST Caravan and Camping parks in Donegal (2023)

2. Clifden Eco Beach, Co. Galway – a nationwide favourite amongst campers

Clifden Eco Beach.

One of the best camping sites in Ireland has to be Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravan Park, which is in the stunning region of Connemara, and if you haven’t been, you have to.

This dream camping spot has a wide range of facilities, a private beach and is suitable for tents, campervans and caravans. Ireland’s first climate-neutral eco campsite, they received an Eco Tourism Ireland Gold Award.

Address: Claddaghduff Road, Wild Atlantic Way, Grallagh, Clifden, Co. Galway, H71 W02

RELATED: the top caravan and camping parks in Galway

1. Mannix Point, Co. Kerry – a fantastic spot for all campers

Mannix Point.

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland because it appeals to all types of campers.

Located in the majestic county of Kerry, Mannix Point is fully equipped for campervans, caravans and tents and has a dedicated camper sitting room, music sessions and even a BBQ area for those summer evening dinners.

Address: Ring of Kerry, Garranebane, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry

RELATED: IB4UD’s Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Kerry

Notable mentions

This is one of the best camping sites in Ireland.

Eagle Point Camping, Co. Cork: A stunning campsite in West Cork that welcomes all types of campers.

Rosguill Holiday Park, Co. Donegal: This Failte-approved caravan and camping park is located in one of the most majestic areas of County Donegal, with plenty of things to do.

Hidden Valley, Co. Wicklow: For those looking for a host of onsite activities and resort facilities in Wicklow, this is your go-to camping site.

Camac Valley, Co. Dublin: This Dublin camping site is open all year round with access to fishing lakes, playgrounds and plenty of walking trails.

Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park: Tucked between Knockalla Mountain and Ballymastocker Bay, this family campsite is a great one.

Adare Camping and Caravan Park: This is a great camping destination and a dog-friendly camping spot.

Castle Ward Caravan Park: This is one of the most overlooked scenic camping spots in Ireland and is one of the best caravan and camping spots in Northern Ireland.

Your questions answered about the best camping sites in Ireland

If you still want to know more about the best camping sites in Ireland, we have the answers to some of our readers’ most frequently asked about this topic in the section below.

Wild camping at night.
Credit: Flickr / Nick Bramhall

What is wild camping?

This refers to camping in nature or a parking area that is not specifically a dedicated campsite. There are some great wild camping spots in Ireland.

Can you park a campervan anywhere in Ireland?

You can park a campervan anywhere In Ireland as long as there are no restriction signs and it is not on private property (unless you have permission).

Can you wild camp in a campervan in Ireland?

As long as there are no restrictions, you can park on your campervan in many places in Ireland, but always follow the rules and leave no trace.

More useful info

The 10 best camping sites in Ireland (for all types of campers)

Top 10 BEST Caravan and Camping parks in Donegal (2023)

Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Cork, ranked

Top 10 best spots for wild camping in Ireland, ranked

Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Galway

Top 10 best spots for wild camping in Northern Ireland

Top 5 best caravan and camping parks in Sligo

Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Mayo

Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Northern Ireland

Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Kerry

Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Ireland, ranked

Top 5 best camping spots in County Wicklow, ranked

Top 10 things that will come in handy on a camping trip

Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Wexford

The 5 best Caravan and Camping parks in Limerick

The 5 BEST Camping & Glamping Spots Around Killarney, Co. Kerry

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