Ireland's campsites range from peaceful lakeside retreats and rolling green countryside to dramatic Atlantic coastline locations along the Wild Atlantic Way. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, touring by campervan, or discovering remote coastal scenery, Ireland offers unforgettable places to stay under the stars.
Browse Ireland campsites Cobh, County Cork Photo by Jason Murphy on UnsplashCamping in Ireland grew alongside the country's expanding tourism industry during the 20th century, particularly as improved roads made rural and coastal regions more accessible. Many campsites developed near popular beauty spots, fishing destinations, and historic towns, while the rise of the Wild Atlantic Way further increased demand for outdoor accommodation. Today, visitors can choose from traditional caravan parks, family-friendly campsites, and secluded coastal locations that showcase Ireland's renowned landscapes and hospitality.
Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and one of the most impressive medieval fortresses anywhere on the island. Built in the late 12th century by Hugh de Lacy, it became a centre of Norman power during their expansion into Ireland.
Rising dramatically above the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most recognisable historic sites. Although technically a fortified ecclesiastical complex rather than a traditional castle, its combination of medieval buildings, defensive walls and royal history makes it essential.
Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland's most famous castles and a symbol of medieval power in the south-east. Originally built by the Anglo-Norman de Clare family in the 12th century, it later became the stronghold of the powerful Butler dynasty for almost 600 years.
The Battle of Clontarf, fought in 1014, is one of the most famous battles in Irish history. It marked a major confrontation between the forces of High King Brian Boru and an alliance of Viking rulers and rival Irish kingdoms.
The Battle of the Boyne, fought in 1690 near Drogheda, was one of the most significant battles in Irish and British history. It saw the forces of William of Orange defeat those supporting King James II during a struggle for control of the British Isles.
The Battle of Athenry in 1316 was one of the most important medieval conflicts between Gaelic Irish forces and Anglo-Norman settlers. The battle saw an alliance of Irish kingdoms attempt to challenge Norman dominance in western Ireland.
Newgrange is arguably Ireland's most important prehistoric monument and one of the greatest ancient sites in Europe. Built around 3200 BC, this enormous passage tomb is older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most recognisable landmarks, rising dramatically above the surrounding countryside. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, it became a powerful religious and political centre during medieval Ireland.
Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, Skellig Michael is one of Ireland's most extraordinary historic landmarks. The remote island became home to an early Christian monastery founded between the 6th and 8th centuries.
Newgrange is the most famous prehistoric monument in Ireland and one of the greatest ancient sites in Europe. Built around 3200 BC, this enormous passage tomb was created by Ireland's Neolithic people thousands of years before the pyramids of Egypt were completed.
Located within the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, Knowth is one of Ireland's most impressive prehistoric monuments. Built around the same period as Newgrange, it contains the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe.
Carrowmore is one of Ireland's largest and oldest megalithic cemeteries, containing dozens of prehistoric monuments spread across the landscape near Sligo.
Ireland's main intercity line crosses the midlands and passes near the Rock of Cashel and the Galtee Mountains; fast, frequent and a good backbone for a rail-based trip.
Cuts through the flat green midlands before arriving on the west coast, useful for reaching Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way without a car.
Runs north through Mullingar and Boyle with views of Lough Gill and the flat-topped Benbulben on the approach into Sligo — Yeats country.
A short commuter line along Cork Harbour to the colourful former transatlantic port of Cobh, one of the prettiest short rail trips in the country.
Electric suburban line hugging Dublin Bay and the cliffs south of Bray, with views over the Irish Sea and Killiney Bay.
Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, running from the Dublin foothills through the Wicklow Mountains past Glendalough to County Carlow.
Circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula through Killarney National Park and along the Ring of Kerry coastline, one of the country's best long-distance walks.
Loop of the Dingle Peninsula combining sea cliffs, sandy beaches and Mount Brandon; can be walked in stages.
Steep, rocky pilgrim climb in County Mayo with panoramic views over Clew Bay; busy on the last Sunday of July (Reek Sunday).
Trail along one of Europe's highest sea cliffs in southwest Donegal, quieter and more dramatic than the Cliffs of Moher.
Traffic-free former railway line in County Mayo from Westport to Achill Island, one of Ireland's most popular family cycling routes.
Off-road route from Waterford City to Dungarvan via viaducts, tunnels and the coast, following a disused railway.
Flat greenway between Mullingar and Athlone along a former rail line through farmland and villages.
On-road cycling loop of the Iveragh Peninsula; scenic but with narrow roads and tour-bus traffic in summer, best done early or off-season.
Medieval city with a Norman castle, narrow laneways and a strong food and craft-beer scene.
Colourful harbour town on the Dingle Peninsula known for traditional music pubs, seafood and Fungie-era charm.
Early monastic site in a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, with two lakes and popular walking trails.
Three islands off Galway Bay (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr) with dry-stone walls, Irish-speaking communities and the Dún Aonghasa fort.
Wild bog, mountain and coastal region in west Galway, including Connemara National Park and the Sky Road near Clifden.
Small County Clare village famed for traditional music sessions and as the ferry point for the Aran Islands, close to the Cliffs of Moher.
Sailing town in County Cork with a well-preserved harbour, forts and a reputation for good restaurants.
The classic 170km loop of the Iveragh Peninsula taking in mountains, lakes and Atlantic coastline.
Iconic 200m sea cliffs on the Clare coast with a visitor centre and coastal path walks north and south.
Pubs in Doolin, Dingle, Galway and elsewhere host informal 'trad' sessions most nights, a genuine part of local culture.
Boat trips from Portmagee or Doolin reach ancient monastic sites and seabird colonies off the west coast.
A passage tomb older than the pyramids in the Boyne Valley, aligned with the winter solstice sunrise.
Irish cooking leans on good dairy, beef, lamb and seafood: expect hearty stews, soda bread, colcannon and boxty (potato pancake), plus black and white pudding at breakfast. Coastal areas do particularly well for fresh seafood — Galway oysters, Dublin Bay prawns, smoked salmon and chowder are all worth seeking out. Farmhouse cheeses and artisan bakeries have grown strongly in recent years, and no visit is complete without a pint of stout (Guinness or a local craft version) or a glass of Irish whiskey, ideally in a pub doing both food and live music.
Neolithic passage tomb complex in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Remote monastic island off the Kerry coast with beehive-hut hermitage remains dating from the 6th–8th centuries.
Ireland's oldest national park, with lakes, oak woodland, red deer and Muckross House, in County Kerry.
Upland blanket bog and heather moorland close to Dublin, including Glendalough and Lough Tay.
Mountain and bog landscape in west Galway centred on the Twelve Bens range.
Remote glen, lake and castle estate in County Donegal, home to a red deer herd.
Distinctive limestone karst landscape in County Clare with rare arctic-alpine flora and ancient tombs.
This remote monastic island off the Kerry coast, with its dramatic beehive huts perched above the Atlantic, became Luke Skywalker's hideaway on Ahch-To.
Ireland's northernmost point, this dramatic Donegal headland doubled for part of the Star Wars planet Ahch-To alongside Skellig Michael in The Last Jedi, with additional scenes shot around the old signal tower.
Multi-day national celebration around 17 March, with the largest parade and events in Dublin.
The world's largest festival of traditional Irish music, held in a different town each August.
One of Ireland's oldest fairs, held in Killorglin, County Kerry in August, featuring a wild goat crowned 'king' of the town.
Major arts and street theatre festival held in Galway City in July.
Music, theatre and visual arts festival held in Kilkenny each August.
Long-running jazz festival taking over Cork City's pubs and venues on the late-October bank holiday weekend.