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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.
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.
A travel series follows a journey from Prague to Ireland in a converted Volkswagen Crafter with three large dogs. The first episode covers the drive to Calais, ferry boarding, and initial practical insights. The series shares real-life tips for traveling with pets and unexpected challenges encountered on the road.
Councillor Bill Slattery warned that camper van parking in Lahinch will be "crazy this summer" until new measures are introduced. Plans to relocate camper van parking from the Promenade car park to the Liscannor Road car park are expected to be in place for the 2027 summer season. Slattery said issues will persist until then, with potential altercations between camper van owners, Gardaí, and Clare County Council.
The High Court has ordered over 100 caravans parked on the Great Heath of Maryborough in Portlaoise to leave forthwith. The order was made on June 28 after the first caravans arrived on June 22. The court also granted an injunction restraining the defendants from re-entering the 426-acre site, which is owned by the Minister for Public Expenditure. Authorities cited a lack of waste facilities and significant risk to the rare grassland habitat.
The High Court of Ireland has granted an interim injunction preventing trespassing on over 400 acres of State-owned land in Maryborough, Portlaoise. The caravans had previously been parked on the Curragh Plains in Kildare. Gardaí reported around 50 vehicles and caravans arrived at the Great Heath of Maryborough on June 22, with numbers increasing to 80–100 within days. The county council confirmed delivery of skips and portable toilets, and noted complaints from residents and graziers. Justice Brian Cregan issued the injunction, with a possible return to court before the end of the week.
A campervan was caught by the incoming tide on Rossnowlagh Beach in Ireland over the weekend. A video shared on social media shows the vehicle on the verge of being submerged, but a tractor towed it to safety just in time. This is the latest in a series of similar incidents on the beach, where many vehicles have been less fortunate. Local councillor Michael McMahon issued a renewed warning to beachgoers.
Carlow County Council discussed plans for a campervan parking site along the River Barrow. Councillor Fergal Browne noted tourists spend money locally but lack overnight parking. CEO Coilín O'Reilly suggested using a site purchased in April 2026, earmarked for a park and older persons social housing, to provide ten campervan spaces.
The High Court of Ireland has ordered approximately 70 Traveller caravans parked on lands in the Curragh, County Kildare, to leave immediately. The land is owned by the Minister for Defence. During the service of court papers, accompanied by gardaí and military police, some caravan dwellers were hostile and refused to leave. This is the latest in a series of orders related to the annual parking of caravans on the site, which interferes with its use for a racecourse and Defence Force training and leaves large amounts of waste, with cleanup costs reaching tens of thousands of euros.
A new fire safety awareness campaign has been launched in Galway to improve safety for people living in caravans and mobile homes. Led by Galway County Council's Traveller Accommodation Unit and supported by the Dormant Accounts Fund, the campaign features a video focusing on fire prevention and emergency response. The video was produced in partnership with Galway Fire Services, Traveller representative groups, Colas, and the local authority. Officials highlighted that fires in caravans spread quickly and escape routes are limited.
Camping packages for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor will go on sale on June 11. Two-night packages average €179, Sunday-only packages average €188 per person per night. The campsite is a short walk from the course and includes showers, toilets, lounges, and charging stations. Pink Moon is the operator.
The popularity of camper vans in Ireland has led to a shortage of used models, driving interest in imports. Post-Brexit, imports from the UK have become more complex, but Japanese models like the Mazda Bongo offer alternatives. Importers must pay 13.3% Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), plus potential VAT and customs duties. A lower 8% VRT rate applies to models with CO2 emissions below 120g/km, such as the VW California PHEV.
Ireland's Department of Defence seeks a court injunction to remove caravans from lands near the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare. Cleanup costs in 2024 reached €185,000.
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