🇮🇪 Ireland — OpenVan.camp

Sinn Féin councillor David Jones has called for designated parking areas for camper vans to be introduced near lakeshores in County Westmeath. At the latest meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, figures from the Lakeshores Summer Strategy showed 62 fines were issued across the district this year, an increase of 17 on last year. Fines for illegal camping, bonfires and dog fouling are rising from €150 to €250. Jones said more needs to be done to encourage tourism.

Kerry County Council has refused planning permission for a glamping and campervan park on Cromane Strand. Shauna Moriarty applied to build the tourism and community facility on family land at Cromane Lower, Killorglin. The 1.38 hectare site would have included six glamping pods, nine campervan pitches, a service and reception building, a playground, a car park and an events area. The council's planner recommended refusal on four grounds: wrong location, harm to coastal scenery, unresolved wastewater disposal and potential disturbance to residents and farmers. The council received ten letters of support and seven objections, including from An Taisce.

Planning permission has been approved for 26 caravan pitches and a shower block in Bundoran. Patrick Heaney received the go-ahead for the proposed touring caravan and campervan site at Magheracar, along with retention of existing domestic sheds. He had initially applied for 41 pitches. Documents lodged with the application stated that the need for such a facility in Bundoran has been frequently highlighted in the media. The domestic sheds are to be removed once the development is complete.

Cork County Council members said rogue motorhome and caravan owners have effectively taken over a free public car park at Distillery Lane in Midleton, East Cork, with some vehicles abandoned for up to six months. Councillors reported foul odours and human and animal waste being dumped in the area. Cllr Ann Marie Ahern counted 11 motorhomes and two caravans, two of which appeared completely abandoned. Cllr John Buckley counted 16 motorhomes and four caravans. Signs limit parking to 48 hours, but by-laws are not enforced. Officials said they cannot remove the vehicles and can only ask gardaí to act. Councillors called for a dedicated motorhome facility in East Cork.

Rambling Rover, a luxury camper van rental service based in Rathdrina, Bow Park, near Slane, has expanded its fleet from seven manual vehicles to 15 top-tier campers, predominantly Swift models valued at over €100,000 each. Founder Paul Dunne said nearly 70% of first-time visitors express a desire to buy a camper van, but he advises renting multiple times before committing, as a €50,000 budget does not buy a lot. The company reports a 70% repeat customer rate; all vehicles are under 3.5 tonnes, require a standard category B license for drivers aged 25 and older, and include insurance and a 45-minute familiarization session.

Ireland lacks hostels and serviced sites for campervans. Recommended are Mannix Point, Clifden Eco Camping and Keel Camping. Prices vary by season; book ahead.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.