Ireland’s landscapes and coastlines make it an ideal destination for
camping lovers. While
campsites are the most recommended option for overnight stays, I found several legal alternatives to experience the outdoors in a more flexible and sometimes remote setting. If you're seeking a bit more freedom, don’t need the facilities every day or want a quieter spot, this thread is for you!
Copyright: @FinnRichards1. Stay on "Welcome Sites" (Britstops, Pitch Up)
If you’re traveling by campervan or motorhome, there are networks like
Britstops, which offer free overnight stays at locations such as farms, pubs, or local attractions. These hosts offer a spot to park up for the night, usually in exchange for purchasing something from their business (like a meal or produce). Similarly,
Pitch Up allows you to find stays at farms, pubs or private lands in exchange for a fee.
- You get to support local businesses while enjoying free or affordable overnight stays.
- Less need to book ahead like you would with a campsite, unless you are in high season.
- It is sometimes more affordable than a traditional campsite
2. National Parks and Forests (Limited Areas)
While the island of Ireland doesn’t allow unrestricted wild camping in its national parks, there are specific areas where camping is allowed. For example, The
Wicklow Mountains and
Connemara National Parks allow wilderness camping (and only this form of camping). Overnight stays are permitted as long as you leave no trace. Note that this is specifically for people doing multi-day hiking trips, not for RV's or campervans. More information can be found on
this previous thread from a Community member.
- Stay in natural environments with minimal infrastructure.
- Ideal for hikers or those looking for a more rugged outdoor experience.
3. Campervan Aires or Overnight Parking Areas
For those traveling by campervan or motorhome, you can sometimes park overnight in a designated campervan aire or public parking area. While not all public parking areas allow overnight stays, some towns provide free or affordable parking spots. Some of these may offer basic facilities like toilets or waste disposal. Use apps or websites like Park4Night or
CamperContact to find such spots. Don’t forget that those are solely for self-contained vehicles to spend the night and camping behaviors aren't usually allowed. This means that you won't be able to use awnings, stabilizers, or fold-up tables.
- Convenient for quick, no-frills overnight stops.
- Often located near towns or beaches, giving easy access to local amenities.
To sum it up, traditional campsites (found on
Camping Ireland's website) remain the best way to spend a comfortable camping holiday on the island of Ireland. It was worth sharing these few alternatives, especially in the busy season or if you have a self-contained RV. I would recommend a trip with a good balance of campsites for comfort and one or two legal overnight spots for a no-frills experience. Finally, always remember to respect local guidelines and the environment to keep Ireland accessible for everyone.
Does our Community have tips or experiences to share about camping or RVing in Ireland?