5 Best Campsites In Ireland For Adventurous Travelers
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Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Path is one of the small island’s biggest tourist attractions. It’s not just a destination. The west coast is also called home to some of Ireland’s best campsites.
The west coast has fascinated Hollywood directors with the Skellig Islands. It also has the country’s highest peak, the 3,406-foot Carauntohill in County Kerry. Plus, you can take advantage of some of the best waves around Donegal and Lahinch if you don’t mind getting wet.
To really feel like you’re in the wilderness, camping is the way to spend your time. I’ve put together a list of the best campsites in Ireland for both locals and visitors. These are the campsites I have visited several times of the years. Some are really more glamorous, and some are more convenient, but truly all are great places to start.
I’ve mainly focused on the west coast, but for sure you’ll find campsites all over Ireland. These are the ones I know and can recommend with confidence.
           5 Best Campsites In Ireland
Eagle Point Camping – Bantry, Co Cork
Without a doubt this is my favorite campsite in Ireland and it’s going to be yours too. Traveling from the southeast, this is usually your starting point. If this is your first time camping and you want to see how amazing it can be, I recommend starting here.
The campsite is approximately 10 minutes’ drive (6.9 km) from the quaint coastal town of Bantry. In Bantry, you’ll find a vibrant community with pubs, restaurants and plenty of parking.
Eagle Point Camping has so much to offer that goes beyond the needs of even the most minimalist camper. This makes it perfect for first timers or campers looking to recharge their batteries (literally).
The pitching ground is great and offers one of the best views you can get from a tent. Just remember that the pitch site is at the far end of the field, about a seven-minute walk from the bathroom. So, make sure you use the bathroom before settling into your tent.
There is a small beach where you can swim. From my experience, the site is quiet, and the staff is very friendly and helpful.
Contact Address:
– Phone: (+353) 2750630
– Email: info@eaglepointcamping.com
– Eagle Point Camping Website http://www.eaglepointcamping.com
Nagless Camping and Caravan Park – Doolin, Co. Clare
Nagles Camping and Caravan Park is one of the most convenient campsites for many reasons. That’s not just because it’s close to Ireland’s best traditional music session bars.
Ideally situated on the quiet edge of Co. Clare, this campsite is a fantastic base camp for any hiker. It is perfect for a trip to the Aran Islands, enjoying local traditional music in bars such as McGann, McDermott and Fitzpatrick and is only a short drive to the Cliffs of Moher and Lahinch.
The campsite has some of the nicest showers I’ve experienced at a campsite. A helpful tip for this site is to pitch your tent next to a rock wall. Doolin is part of Ireland’s ‘Wild West’, and the wind blows day and night, so any cover your tent can get is welcome.
Contact Address:
– Phone: +353 65 707 4458
– Email: ken@doolincamping.com
– Doolin Camping Website http://www.doolincamping.com
Keel Sandybanks Caravan & Camping Park – Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Keel Sandybanks is one of the most remote campsites I’ve ever been to and has a mysterious attraction for many reasons.
First, it’s only a short walk (just about a minute and a half) to one of the most relaxing surf spots on the West Coast. Although Kill Beach isn’t famous for big waves, it usually has a nice, manageable 3-4 foot swell. If you are interested, you can rent longboards and take surfing lessons.
If you drive about 13 minutes (8 km) down the main road, you will reach the beautiful Kim Bay. The view from there is stunning, a vista that looks back over Keel beach and the surrounding mountains.
The two main ranges are Slievemore and Croghaun, standing at 672 and 688 meters respectively. Home to the secluded village of Achill in Slivemore, which is a must-see.
There are two pubs close to the campsite. One offers a very Irish experience where a pint of Guinness cost me €3.80 (prices may vary), and there is a small cafe where you can get a warm bowl of soup and good barista-style coffee.
The campsite itself is excellent. With an amusement park next door, this is one of Ireland’s best campsites for families with children. The grounds are great for pitching a tent, and there’s plenty of space, so you’ll never be too close to your neighbors.
An important tip for staying in Achill, stock up on all the supplies you need before you arrive. The local grocery store only has the basics and the nearest supermarket is quite far away.
Contact Address:
– Phone: (+353) 9843211
– Email: info@achillcamping.com
– Achill Camping Website http://www.achillcamping.com
Renville Caravan and Camping Park – Renville Peninsula, Co. Galway
This campsite is an absolute amazing place. It’s a quiet little peninsula on one of Ireland’s most beautiful roads. Anyone who has driven through Conema will agree with me.
There really isn’t much to say about this site. It’s not conveniently placed next to anything, nor is it the most accessible place to find.
However, truly it is a quiet and peaceful place where you can really rest and relax from the busy day. You can pitch your tent facing the water, giving your little nylon shell a view that no money in the world can buy.
Bring everything you require for food and drink, as there are no restaurants or pubs in the area Instead, barbeque, socialize and make sure you head down to the beach to watch the sunset.
Phone: (+353) 95 43462
Email: renvylebeachcaravanpark@gmail.com
Renvyle Caravan and Camping Park website https://www.renvylebeachcaravanpark.com
Cronin’s Yard – Killarney, Co. Kerry
This campsite is all about amenities. It is at the foot of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carauntohill, making it the perfect base camp for your ascent to the summit.
I was in the area this past year, and unfortunately, it was on a stormy night. Eight hours of high winds and heavy rain took out our porch poles, uprooted our tent (we had to stay inside to keep it from blowing away), and broke the zipper on our rain cover. The other tents around us were not so good!
The site is small but has stunning views of Carrauntoohil. The friendly owner provides useful information and packed lunch for your climb. This was the cheapest campsite I’ve stayed at, but has basic amenities. There are showers and a kitchen of sorts, but don’t expect much.
You’ll probably only be there for a short time, so there’s no need to worry too much. It’s about a 36-minute drive from Kerry town, so bring everything you need. Enjoy being as close to wild camping as you can get at a campsite.
Phone: (+353) 64 622 4044
Email: info@croninsyard.com
Cronins Yard Camping Website https://www.croninsyard.com
Some tips for camping in Ireland
If this is your first time camping, be sure to call ahead to check if there is space (usually for tents). Follow campground rules. Do not place disposable BBQs on the grass as they will leave burn marks. Most importantly, bring bug repellent.
I hope you have enjoyed this short list of my personal favorite campsites around Ireland.
If you want to try wild camping, we recommend the book “Wild Camping in the UK and Ireland”. You can wild camp in Ireland, but be sure to follow the laws and guidelines to stay safe and avoid damaging the area.
Best of luck camping….