Camper van parking

Just tying to organize a last minute trip to the causeway coast and thinking of hiring a camper van as too late with accommodation. Can anyone advise about where you can pitch up eg can you park anywhere ? Any good recommendations for pitches suitable with kids... as close to Portballintrae and the causeway as possible. Many thanks!

Hi Natalie,

Campervan holidays on the island of Ireland are becoming really popular as it does indeed combine the accommodation and the ability to travel around all in one!

Wild camping isn't encouraged in Northern Ireland but there are places to camp. If it is possible, then you should gain permission from the landowner. Much of the forest areas of the country are owned by the National Forestry Commission and it is strictly forbidden to wild camp here unless there are clearly designated signs.

That being said, there are campsites that would be available across the Causeway Coastal Route. Camping Ireland has a wonderful website with the Ballyness Caravan Park being in an ideal location for the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills. These would be preferable as you have children, there are play areas to keep them amused once you have been out for the day.

There are also some other community posts regarding wild camping that you may wish to look at.

I hope this helps, and I'm sure your fellow members and industry partners will be able to add to this list!

If you need any more advice, just let me know!

Martin

Hi Natalie, You will find details on sites throughout Ireland on our website www.campingireland.ie including sites in Northern Ireland.  Also. you will find details on the Northern Ireland Tourist Board site www.discovernorthernireland.com   I would suggest if you are travelling within the next few weeks to try and book ahead as sites are very busy at the moment.

Have a great trip
Regards

Aideen
Camping Ireland

Hi Natalie,

 Staying in a campervan sounds like a great way to spend time on the Causeway Coast.

If you visit our web site: www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com you will see an accommodation section.  There you will find a list of local campsites.  The nearest ones to Portballintrae and the Giant's Causeway are: Ballyness Caravan Park (Bushmills), Bush Caravan Park (Bushmills), Skerries Holiday Park (outskirts of Portrush on the easterly side) and the Golf Links Holiday Park (Portrush).  The first two mentioned would be quieter parks in the countryside and the latter two would be near to both the East Strand Beach and Portrush town, which gives plenty of scope to keep the children occupied and amused. 

If you still need to look into hiring a campervan then there is a company based in Portrush called Causeway Campers.  They specialise in  VW Campervan and Motorhome rental in the Causeway Coast region.  If you would like to look at the rental options please visit their web site: www.causewaycampers.com.  You have the option of various pick-up sites including Belfast City, The International, Derry and Dublin Airports.  They can also be picked up on Portrush.

If you are in Coleraine during your holiday, please call into the Visitor Information Centre in the Town Hall and we will be happy to give maps and information on attractions and activities, to help you make the most of your time spent on the Causeway Coast. 

Regards,
Anne