Campervan visitors urged to respect Donegal communities and countryside

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.

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.