Trip to Ireland by car with three dogs: starting a journey that will test us and our camper van

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 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 order to remove caravans parked on State-owned land near the Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare. Cleanup costs in 2024 reached €185,000.