Ireland
A letter to The Southern Star criticizes local authorities for lacking facilities for motorhome users, citing European examples. The author notes that motorhomes have toilets that need emptying every two days, but public toilets and campsites are often unavailable, especially in winter. Installing service points, like in Cobh, has boosted footfall and revenue. The author urges councils to adopt similar measures.
🇮🇪 Ireland — OpenVan.camp
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A surge in campervans at Inver beach in Drumbeg has sparked calls for a height barrier. Locals complain of congestion and lack of parking spaces.
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A Ford Transit Custom PHEV converted to a camper in Ballymena received a VRT bill of €8,500 at 13.3%, though the owner expected 8% due to CO2 emissions of 37g/km. Revenue's criteria state that Category B VRT at 8% applies to motor caravans, while 13.3% applies only to vehicles with emissions of 120g/km or higher. If the conversion meets specific requirements (seats, table, sleeping accommodation, cooking and storage), the owner can appeal within 30 days; otherwise, they may need to pay and then appeal.
Irish journalist Conor Power rented a Cozy Cottage motorhome on a Volkswagen base for 234 euros per night and spent a week traveling around Ireland. He praised the vehicle's ease of handling and the sense of freedom, but criticized the country's inadequate infrastructure for motorhomes, including limited overnight spots and difficulties finding water and sanitation services. As a result, he often had to stay at campsites, adding 20–25 euros per night to his costs.
Shauna Moriarty has applied for planning permission to build a tourism, recreational and community facility on family land at Cromane Lower, Killorglin. The 1.38-hectare (3.41-acre) site would include six glamping pods, nine campervan pitches, a service and reception building, a playground and seating area, a car park with spaces for bicycles and motorbikes, and an events area. The application states that informal campervan parking already occurs along the beachfront, including on the applicant's family land, and that there are currently no purpose-built, serviced glamping or campervan facilities in the immediate area. The applicant argues that formal visitor accommodation and parking would help reduce unmanaged parking and camping along the shoreline and improve visitor management. The public can make submissions by 27 September, with Kerry County Council due to publish its decision by 18 October.
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In 2024, the Wild Atlantic Way attracted 9.8 million tourists, with an estimated 168,000 staying in campsites and motorhomes. In West Cork, campervan tourists face a shortage of affordable, serviced sites: a municipal aire in Cobh costs €10 per night, while commercial campsites charge up to €50. Local councillors are calling for regulation and more facilities, and Fáilte Ireland is developing an action plan to support campervan infrastructure.
Jan-Peter Nagel, based in Cork, began traveling and living in a van in 1999, long before vanlife became mainstream. He creates bespoke campervan conversions with handcrafted natural timber interiors and custom design elements. His company Unfollow Camper Vans builds off-grid-ready vans with solar panels, lithium batteries, and diesel heaters.
The article, updated on August 19, 2026, offers practical advice for traveling through Ireland by motorhome. It covers traffic rules (driving on the left, priority to the right, legal alcohol limit of 0.5 g/l), mandatory equipment (warning triangle, adapters for plugs and gas), and details on toll roads and low-emission zones. It lists 81 service areas and 133 campsites, and suggests three itineraries, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
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An Irish couple, both 58, sold their house to buy a second-hand motorhome with solar panels and travel across Europe. They paid off their debts and replaced household bills with fuel, ferries, and vehicle maintenance. The couple follows seasonal weather patterns, moving to warmer regions, and uses a diesel heater and thermal curtains for warmth. They recommend starting with short trips and prioritizing insulation and solar panels.
Ireland
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A planning application has been submitted to Mayo County Council for a caravan park with 61 mobile home pitches and 20 campervan spaces on Achill Island, at Keel, on a 16-acre site.
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Aviva's research shows 16% of Irish drivers assume standard car insurance covers campervans. The insurer advises checking policies, especially for rentals or first-time buyers. There are 27,835 campervans registered in Ireland, and 40% of respondents would consider one for holidays.
On the Irish island of Achill, popular with motorhome and caravan holidaymakers, the number of wild campers has increased, creating problems. Lisa Fitzsimons, owner of Keel Camping, reports that about 50-60 tents and vans are camping without facilities, and people daily ask for water and toilets. The campsite, with 160 pitches, has 40 caravans using the long-stay option, and seasonal pitches are fully booked until August 3.
Ireland
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The Irish motorhome association supports strict access controls and bylaws in County Cork after complaints about rogue owners occupying scenic parking for days. A tiered fee is proposed.
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Authorities in County Donegal have reminded campervan tourists to respect local communities, the environment and landowners. Visitors are encouraged to support local businesses, use only authorised camping facilities, leave no trace and dispose of wastewater at designated locations. They are also reminded not to park on dunes, fields or private land without permission, and to keep noise levels down.
A Belfast Live journalist who had previously refused to go camping hired a campervan for three days from Campervan Ireland and stayed at Wolohan's campsite in County Wicklow. The cost was 40 euros per night. She highlighted the convenience of the modern campervan, including a shower, toilet, and bed, as well as the chance to disconnect from digital devices due to weak Wi-Fi signal.
In an article by Belfast Live dated 30 July 2026, the author recounts their campervan trip across Ireland. The piece covers practical aspects such as campervan rental, campsite selection, and driving conditions. It highlights the flexibility of campervan travel and the opportunity to explore Ireland's landscapes at one's own pace.
An Coimisiún Pleanála, the Irish planning body, has upheld Donegal County Council's refusal of planning permission for a camper van park near Narin Portnoo Strand. The development, proposed by Patrick Boyle, included 10 camper van bays, a service building, and a sewage treatment system. Local residents objected, citing visibility from approach roads and Arranmore Island, light pollution, and potential harm to the corncrake. The commission ruled the project would adversely impact the scenic quality and rural character of the area.
Residents of Tralispean, County Cork, Ireland, are dreading the bank holiday weekend due to a large influx of campervans and caravans at the local beach. One resident reported that campers are using private driveways as toilets, with photographic evidence, and that the area is becoming unsightly. The issue was also raised at a Cork County Council meeting, where councillors noted that caravans at Garrylucas Beach are taking up parking spaces and pose a health and safety risk due to gas canisters.
The head of the New Ross Municipal District, Councillor John Fleming, said a planned 23-bay motorhome parking facility at Marshmeadows will be a gamechanger for the town. Planning submission is due early next year, delayed by a required Natura Impact Statement in August. Fleming stated the park will capture tourists arriving on late sailings from Rosslare, boosting footfall in the town centre.
Cobh Municipal District Council has agreed to review campervan and motorhome parking after councillors claimed the authority is losing revenue at the 'Five Foot Way' facility. The site generated €55,000 last year, but many users allegedly avoid paying, especially after 5pm on Saturdays and on Sundays. Councillors have proposed installing a pay barrier, which they say would pay for itself. Senior official Noreen Brennan will review the situation and report back.