Exploring Motorhomes and Campervans in Ireland: A Comprehensive Handbook
Exploring Ireland by Motorhome: A Comprehensive Guide
Ireland, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, is an ideal destination for a motorhome adventure. This article provides a comprehensive guide to motorhoming in Ireland, covering everything from the rules of the road to recommended road trip itineraries.
Similarities with the UK Rules
Ireland shares many similarities with the UK when it comes to driving rules. There are very few things one legally has to carry while driving, although it is recommended to have items such as a spare wheel, spare glasses, and a motorhome security camera. Unlike the UK, there are no speed cameras, red light cameras, or mobile speed cameras in Ireland.
Speed Limits
Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are as follows: motorways - 120km/h, national roads/ dual carriageways - 100 km/h, regional roads - 80km/h, built-up areas - 50 km/h. Speed limits for vehicles over 3.5t are slightly lower. In Northern Ireland, the speed limits are: motorways - 70 mph, national roads/ dual carriageways - 60mph, built-up areas - 30 mph.
Overnight Parking
Overnight parking in Ireland should not include awnings, outdoor furniture, BBQs, generators, washing lines, or anything outside the vehicle. It is important to ask for permission before staying overnight, as the Irish are hospitable and likely to allow a polite and respectful request. Many pubs allow motorhomes and campervans to stay overnight in their car parks, although this is only for one night and moving on in the morning is required.
Renting a Motorhome
To rent a vehicle in Ireland, one must be at least 21 years old, have had a driving licence for more than one year, show identification, and have motorhome insurance, breakdown cover, vehicle V5 logbook, vehicle tax, and MOT.
Getting to Ireland
To get to Ireland from the rest of the UK, one needs to take a ferry. There are several ferry routes to choose from, including Holyhead to Dublin, Pembroke to Rosslare, Liverpool to Dublin, Cairnryan to Larne, Cairnryan to Belfast, Liverpool to Belfast, Holyhead to Dublin, and Fishguard to Rosslare. There are also ferries which go directly from France to Ireland.
Road Trip Ideas
Some of the best road trip ideas and places to visit when motorhoming or campervanning in Ireland focus on scenic coastal routes, historic sites, and well-equipped camping parks. Among the highlights are:
- Wild Atlantic Way: This is Ireland’s longest coastal route and one of the world’s best coastal drives. Popular stops include Dingle Peninsula, Inch Beach, and Minard Castle, offering stunning ocean views, beaches, ancient ruins, and charming towns along the way.
- Top Campervan Sites to Stay: Notable camping spots include Goleen Harbour in West Cork, Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park in Galway, Lough Key Forest Camping Park in Roscommon, Castle Archdale Caravan Park, and Glen of Aherlow Caravan & Camping Park. These sites are known for good facilities and picturesque surroundings, ideal for motorhome travelers seeking comfort and access to nature.
- Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast: Ballyness Caravan Park provides proximity to famous landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, with family-friendly amenities and a peaceful countryside setting.
When planning a trip, the Wild Atlantic Way route is especially recommended for motorhome travelers wanting a mix of dramatic coastline, beachside campsites, and historic castles. Combining this route with trusted campervan sites is a great way to have both adventure and convenience.
Practical Advice
It is recommended to explore Ireland using a motorhome or campervan, car, caravan, or motorbike. The road system in Ireland is very good and easy to navigate. There are very few service points for discharging waste and refilling with fresh water in Ireland, apart from on campsites, so booking into a campsite every few days is recommended to use its services. It is also important to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment, as on-the-spot fines apply to the driver, not the company.
Additional Tips
The article also recommends several books to read before a trip to Ireland, including Take the Slow Road: Ireland, DK Eyewitness Back Roads Ireland, Lonely Planet Ireland's Best Trips, Lonely Planet Ireland, Ireland The Best 100 Places, and Lonely Planet Cork, Kerry & Southwest Ireland Road.
Ireland is a beautiful place for a road trip, with plenty of history, beautiful roads, and hospitable places to find food and entertainment. So pack your bags, grab your motorhome, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Ireland!
- If you're planning to motorhome around Ireland, it might also be helpful to familiarize yourself with the lifestyle side of home-and-garden, such as knowing what is allowed for overnight parking. Remember that awnings, outdoor furniture, BBQs, generators, washing lines, and anything outside the vehicle should not be used while parking overnight.
- For an immersive experience, consider combining your motorhome travel with a brief travel escape to Ireland's rich cultural sites and attractions, like venturing along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way route or staying at top campervan sites such as Ballyness Caravan Park, known for its proximity to the famous Giant's Causeway. This lifestyle blend can make your motorhome journey even more memorable and rewarding!
