Camper Champ

Ireland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, and its national parks are truly spectacular. There are six national parks, all of which are worth visiting:

Killarney National Park, County Kerry: This is the oldest national park in Ireland. Its diverse ecosystem, picturesque mountains, lakes, and woodlands provide a unique experience. The park is home to the iconic Ross Castle and Muckross House and Gardens.

Burren National Park, County Clare: The Burren is renowned for its unique karst landscape, rich history, and high biodiversity. In spring, its limestone pavement becomes a carpet of blooming wildflowers. The park is also close to the Cliffs of Moher, a must-visit natural attraction.

Connemara National Park, County Galway: This park features stunning landscapes, including mountains, woodlands, and lakes. Its visitor centre is housed in the former Letterfrack Industrial School. Diamond Hill, located within the park, provides stunning panoramic views of the region. Certain attractions, such as the Aillwee Caves, have an admission fee.

Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal: Ireland's second-largest national park. The park features the beautiful Glenveagh Castle, the Derryveagh Mountains, and a variety of wildlife, such as red deer.

Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow: This park is the largest and is located just south of Dublin, making it a popular getaway. The park features beautiful landscapes of mountains, upland lakes, steep-sided valleys, and the famous Glendalough monastic site.

Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo: This park provides stunning views of the Nephin mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is also home to the Owenduff Bog, one of Ireland and Western Europe's last intact active blanket bog systems.

Ireland's six impressive National Parks are perfect for exploring by campervan. All parks have free admission; however, overnight stays in campervans in National Park car parks are usually not permitted, so it’s best to explore on day trips and stay overnight at an approved campsite or a permitted stop outside the park.

Wild camping in the central Glenveagh Valley is not allowed, and overnight stays in campervans in park parking areas are typically prohibited. However, there is a car park where you can stop for the day to enjoy the incredible sights before heading out of the park to stop for the night.

Camping in the Wild Nephin National Park can be allowed in remote areas under the relevant wilderness camping rules and code, and visitors may need to follow any designated zones or registration guidance set out by the park. There are no campervan facilities in the park, so you'll have to swap your comfortable campervan hire for a tent under the stars if you want to stay within the park. If tent camping isn't your thing, staying at a campsite near the park is a good option and means you'll still have the comforts of a toilet, kitchen, and bedroom space to enjoy.

The camping regulations for Connemara National Park are similar, as there are no motorhome services in the park and any camping is generally limited to wilderness (tent) camping under the relevant code and rules for permitted areas. Overnight stays in campervans in park car parks are explicitly not allowed. For your visit, it's worth arriving early and parking in the main car park to enjoy a full day of hiking on one of the four walking trails.

There are two car parks for Burren National Park, but they are intended for daytime parking. It’s best to stay at a campsite in the area overnight and enjoy a guided tour around the park during the day.

Overnight stays in campervans in the Wicklow Mountains National Park are not generally permitted in park car parks; however, it may be possible to wilderness camp in a tent in suitable remote areas, which could be the perfect place for a true camping adventure. Along with the other National Parks in Ireland that allow wilderness (tent) camping in specific areas, there is a strict Camping Code to make as little impact on the environment as possible and ensure campers stay safe.

Overnight stays in campervans are not allowed at Killarney National Park car parks, so it's best to grab your boots and explore on foot, and enjoy outdoor activities before staying overnight elsewhere.