Hi Michael,
In general, there isn’t one single age rule across the board when it comes to
camping in Ireland, but a lot of individual campsites do have their own age policies. Some might require an adult to be present or a parent's letter, while others might be a bit more flexible. The best approach would be to reach out directly to any
campsites your son is considering. A quick email or phone call can go a long way in avoiding surprises on arrival.
Now, about wild camping, it is restricted on the island, unless you’ve got landowner permission. There are some
National Parks that are happy to provide you with a permit for wild camping within their boundaries. It’s worth looking into these parks and possibly contacting them directly for the most up-to-date information.
One more important thing to keep in mind as your son gears up for the trip: if he’s travelling unaccompanied as a minor,
Irish immigration requires a few proof-of-consent documents when entering the country.
It might seem like a lot at first, but once you’ve got those basics sorted, it’s all pretty straightforward from there. Knowing he has everything in order will probably give you a bit more peace of mind too!
Hope this helps and happy planning!