Sometimes we just want to pack up, get off the beaten track and be surrounded by nature, and that’s where wild camping comes in. Here are the ten best spots for wild camping in Ireland that you will absolutely love.
Many countries around the world prohibit wild camping for their own reasons, but luckily for us, it is accepted in Ireland, with a few rules, as to be expected.
When it comes to nature, it is our job to always do the right thing, and that means that wherever you decide to wild camp, always make sure you are not on private land.
Make sure you leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories (and your rubbish, obviously). It is important that how we camp allows us all to be able to wild camp in harmony for years to come.
With that being said, there are some absolutely stunning places to pitch one of the best wild camping tents or park your campervan all over Ireland, treating you to epic sunsets, wild nature and a peaceful night’s sleep.
So, let us guide you through these magical places with our top ten best spots for wild camping list below.
IB4UD’s Top 6 Essentials for wild camping
- A reliable, lightweight tent that offers protection from the elements is essential.
- Bring a comfortable sleeping bag appropriate for the weather conditions of the place and a sleeping pad for underneath it to keep you warm and comfortable.
- A sturdy backpack with sufficient capacity to carry all your gear is crucial.
- Pack a first aid kit for emergencies that includes bandages, antiseptic ointment, painkillers, blister pads, and any necessary personal medications.
- Bring lightweight, non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare and carry a water filtration system to ensure access to clean drinking water.
- Fire-starting equipment, like waterproof matches or a lighter, is useful to help you start a fire for warmth and cooking. Check local regulations and fire restrictions before starting a fire.
10. Achill Island, Co. Mayo – Ireland’s answer to the Caribbean
Keem Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Ireland, would have to be one of the most popular places on the island and the country, so get here early or out of season for a lush spot.
Campervans and tents both have a few areas to choose from and when the sun is shining, it’s like a scene from the Caribbean.
Address: Co. Mayo
READ ALSO: Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Mayo
9. Mullaghderg Beach, Co. Donegal − a quiet camping escape
Although swimming here is dangerous and not permitted, you can still certainly enjoy the sensational sea view from this magical place.
Mullaghderg Beach is one of the most perfect wild camping spots. You have a beautiful beach and amazing views, what more could you want?!
Address: The Banks, Mullaghderg, Co. Donegal
READ ALSO: Top 10 BEST Caravan and Camping parks in Donegal (2023)
8. Coumeenoole Beach, Co. Kerry − wake up to the ocean
This is one of the best spots for wild camping in Ireland, especially in a campervan as you have two car parks to choose from, with fabulous views.
If you are camping in a tent, you’ll certainly find a spot with a beach view here.
Address: Coumeenoole North, Co. Kerry
READ ALSO: Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Kerry
7. Hook Head, Co. Wexford − stay in Ireland’s sunny corner
This beautiful area of Wexford is perfect for wild camping, and you can find spots for parking your camper either close to the lighthouse or the surrounding area.
For tents, Baginbun Beach offers a sweet escape.
Address: Hook Head, Churchtown, Co. Wexford
READ ALSO: Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Wexford
6. Derrynane Beach, Co. Kerry − live the beach life
Located along the Iveragh peninsula, this is one of the best spots for wild camping in Ireland if you like stunning beaches with plenty of activities, as well as it being an area rich in biodiversity.
Address: Darrynane More, Co. Kerry
5. Mullaghmore Head, Co. Sligo − camp along the Wild Atlantic Way
The stunning stretch along the Wild Atlantic Way is the perfect place to stay overnight, and there are many grassy areas to pitch a tent and laybys to park a camper safely.
Be aware of certain sections with signs prohibiting camping.
Address: Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
READ ALSO: Top 5 best caravan and camping parks in Sligo
4. The Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork − where you’ll be spoilt for choice
There are many spots here around the peninsula to park with a beautiful view as well as pitch your tent. You have the added bonus of having many hikes, including the Beara Way on the Beara Peninsula.
Address: Co. Cork
READ ALSO: Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Cork, ranked
3. Omey Island, Co. Galway − an island camping getaway
This gem in Connemara is accessed by foot or by driving over the sand during low tide and is a great spot for camping surrounded by the beach.
Beware of the tide and make sure to check the times before heading here. Once on the island, when the tide comes in, you’ll be there for the night!
Address: Sturrakeen, Co. Galway
READ ALSO: Top 10 best caravan and camping parks in Galway
2. Minard Castle, Co. Kerry − sleeping among history
One of the best spots for wild camping in Ireland has to be at Minard Castle, which is a dramatic site located by the water. There are plenty of grassy areas for tents and spots for a few campers too. Be sure to pack your camping essentials!
Address: Kilmurry, Co. Kerry
1. Wicklow Mountains National Park, Co. Wicklow − a fabulous spot close to Dublin
Camping in this stunning park is allowed but beware of any areas that may have no camping signs and follow the rules to keep everything as it was when you arrived.
You can check out some more of Wicklow’s best camping spots here.
Address: Co. Wicklow
So now you have an idea of the top ten best spots for wild camping in Ireland. What are you waiting for?
Other notable mentions
Strangford Lough: Inland from the Ards Peninsula, you will find Strangford Lough. It is home to some of the best spots for wild camping in Northern Ireland.
Knockadav Wild Camping: This beautiful wild camping spot in the Knockmealdown Mountains is the perfect place to pitch a tent on your Ireland road trip. Stunning views of the Blackwater Valley below make this the perfect spot for wild camping.
The Mourne Mountains: Find a flat space in the Mourne Mountains for breathtaking views of the beautiful mountain range while at one with nature. This is one of the favourite spots for people wild camping in Northern Ireland.
Food waste: Make sure to use common sense and take your food waste with you after a wild camping trip.
Your questions answered about wild camping in Ireland
If you want to know more about wild camping in Ireland, we’ve got you covered! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions that have been asked online about this topic
Is wild camping legal in Ireland?
Yes! Wild camping is legal in Ireland. Just be sure to check out restrictions and prohibiting signs in the area you wish to pitch a tent and ensure it’s not private property.
Is it safe to wild camp in Ireland?
It is very safe to wild camp in Ireland. Of course, it’s important to use common sense. Take your valuables with you if you’re leaving your tent.
Can you camp on beaches in Ireland?
There are some beaches you can camp on in Ireland, others are restricted. Be sure to look up guidelines on the particular spot before your trip.
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
