5 Amazing Campsites

Heading Go camping 

Camping is the popular choice for many holiday-at-home Irish vacations this year. Camping expert John Whelan has the low down on five great campsites.

The good news is what a choice you have in such great camping locations and facilities all over Ireland. There are literally dozens of delightful holiday destinations to choose from right throughout the summer and up until the end of October.

Camping whether with friends or family is safe, healthy, enjoyable and affordable and if you can head off mid-week or off peak then all the better.

To narrow it down to just five campsites, well that’s impossible but we’ll give it a shot.

Home schooling may have been the bane of our lives for the past year but to ensure a memorable camping trip it’s important you do your homework and research to select that sweet spot that suits you.

Packing and preparing properly is essential. Bring some books, a bike, barbecue and a wind break. 

Also remember when it comes to camping, one size does not fit all. 

Some campsites welcome family pets, others do not allow dogs at all. While most campsites are family-friendly, others are for adults only. So it’s vitally important to plan ahead particularly with advance bookings and demand so heavy again this summer.

Happy Camping and here goes our five recommendations…

Goosey Island, Sneem, Co Kerry

When it comes to camping Kerry is certainly the Kingdom. We could easily suggest five great camping options in Kerry alone. 

There’s the wonderful Wave Crest in Caherdaniel; Mannix Point in Cahirciveen; Anchor Caravan Park in Castlegregory or Valentia Island Caravan & Camping.

Goosey Island is our tip. In the heart of the quiet, quaint and quintessentially Kerry village of Sneem on the shores of Kenmare Bay it’s a firm favourite for motorhomes. It’s just €15 a night with electricity but be aware it only caters for self-contained campervans or motorhomes in this aire style facility. 

Desert House Camping Park, Clonakility, Co Cork

Not to be outdone neighbouring Cork is no slouch when it comes to camping options. We can confirm that it’s only mighty! 

That’s certainly the case with Eagle Point in Bantry but it’s so inundated with bookings from regulars and season pitches only limited off-peak availability remains.  Sexton’s in Timoleague too is a special place which the family have lovingly operated for over 50 years. It’s a cosy campsite with 30 pitches and disabled access facilities and fresh local produce on site in high season.

Only 5 minutes down the road is Desert House Camping in the bustling Clonakility. Set on a working family dairy farm it’s just a few minutes’ walk into the town with its West Cork Model Railway Village and Michael Collins Museum. Out the road is the famous Inchydoney Beach.

Hidden Valley Resort, Rathdrum Co Wicklow

If ever a campsite was family friendly well then it’s Hidden Valley and it has all the awards and accolades to prove it. And you can bring your family pet along for good measure.

This is the Garden of Ireland and Hidden Valley is just ideally located on the banks of the Avonmore River. If you don’t fancy fishing there is lots more on the menu here with an aqua park, football pitches and playgrounds all on site. Lots of interesting places to visit nearby too along the Wicklow Way, Glendalough, Avoca, Brittas Bay and Avondale.

Hidden Valley has all the camping options to choose from tents, glamping lodges, mobile homes and spacious pitches for caravans and motorhomes. 

Clifden Eco Beach Camping. Co Galway

When you imagine the perfect campsite it’s places like Clifden Eco Beach Camping and Caravan Park that you dream of.

This authentic great outdoors experience delivers the Milky Way, the campfires, the rugged Connemara coastline and a sea view, all fitted as standard!

You’re in Connemara pony country, fresh oysters are on the menu, kayaking is a must and the glorious sunsets come at no extra charge. 

Sleepy Hollows, Crolly, Donegal 

Camping seems like second nature in Donegal which boasts a pristine beach at every bend on the road. 

And on the road to Dunfanaghy is Corcreggan Mill with its warm welcome and choice of lodge accommodation, glamping and Motorhome Park. 

This spot is home to the famous October Jazz n’ Blues festival. Surfing, kayaking and pony trekking are all part of a day’s fun along this Wild Atlantic Way coastline.

If you fancy something a little more sedate for the soul just pop down the road to Sleepy Hollows (no kids allowed) for a campfire sing-song, a riverside walk or a visit to Clannad and Enya’s home place at Leo’s Tavern. 

Next time remind me to tell you about The Apple Farm campsite in Tipperary, and Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny…

John Whelan is the author of the popular campervan & camping blog, Vanhalla - Camper Heaven, visit vanhalla.ie