Taking your campervan or motorhome to Ireland is (in my opinion) the best way to explore this amazing island. With it’s camper-friendly facilities and roads that feel made for adventuring, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to combine freedom, comfort, and unforgettable scenery.
When I started planning my trip to Ireland, I wanted to make the most of it. I carefully put together an itinerary to ensure I wouldn’t miss any of the top highlights. Researching ferry routes was my first step, followed by hunting down the best overnight spots for my motorhome. It quickly became clear that traveling by motorhome wasn’t just practical – it made the entire experience more enjoyable and flexible.
Whether you’re new to road tripping or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you prepare. From ferry ports and routes to unmissable stops along the Wild Atlantic Way, here’s everything you need to know to take your campervan or motorhome to Ireland.
Planning your own Irish adventure? Check out our detailed Road Trip Wild Atlantic Way Guidebook to to find out how to take your campervan or motorhome to Ireland, essential tips, routes, and must-see stops to make your trip unforgettable!
Traveling to Ireland with your campervan or motorhome is pretty straightforward, thanks to several ferry operators connecting the UK and Europe to Irish ports. Unlike flights, ferries are tailored for large vehicles, making it easy to bring your home-on-wheels along with you.
Here’s what you need to know about ferry travel:
If you’re travelling from the UK, you can reach Ireland from four main ports. Here’s an overview below outlining duration times.
UK PORT | IRELAND PORT | FERRY | Duration |
CAIRNRYAN | BELFAST | STENALINE | 2HRS |
CAiRNRYAN | LARNE | P&O | 2HRS |
LIVERPOOL | BELFAST | STENALINE | 8HRS |
HOLYHEAD | DUBLIN | IRiSH FERRIES & STENALiNE | 3HRS |
FISHGUARD | ROSSLARE | STENALiNE | 3.5HRS |
Once you arrive in Ireland, it’s worth noting how long it will take to drive from the port to potential road trip starting locations. This will allow you to plan your trip more efficiently.
| PORT | |||||
LARNE | BELFAST | DUBLIN | ROSSLARE | ||
BELFAST | 30 MINS | N/A | 2HRS | 3HRS 40 | |
DUBLIN | 2HRS 20 | 2HRS | N/A | 2HRS 10 | |
CORK | 4HRS 50 | 4HRS 30 | 3HRS | 2HRS 50 | |
GALWAY | 4HRS 20 | 4HRS | 2HRS 30 | 4HRS | |
SLIGO | 3HRS 10 | 2HRS 50 | 2 HRS 40 | 4HRS 10 | |
The one thing I really underestimated on my first trip to Ireland was the size and scale of the country. It’s one thing looking at it on a map, but when you get down to the nitty gritty and start planning, it’s bloody huge! For example, the Atlantic Way alone is 1600 miles long (over three times bigger than the NC500 in Scotland).
Not only that, the density of must-see locations in Ireland (especially on the Atlantic Way) is much higher. As a result, you’ll end up covering less ground each day or will have to miss out on locations to cover a larger area.
I don’t like the idea of trying to rush an Irish Road Trip when there really is so much to see. Of course, if you want to travel at a faster pace and skip some places, go for it, I totally understand that everyone is different and that we all have our own style of travelling.
If you’re looking to do the entire Atlantic Way, you’ll need a minimum of 12 days. However, from my personal experience, 3-4 weeks is much better as you’ll be able to see almost everything at a more relaxed pace with time to enjoy some excursions.
Ireland is a dream destination for road trippers, offering a warm welcome and an abundance of features that make exploring by campervan or motorhome an absolute joy. Unlike the UK, Ireland has far fewer height restriction barriers, a noticeable lack of “no campervan” signs, and plenty of free parking spots. It’s almost as if the country was designed with road trip enthusiasts in mind.
The roads are well-maintained—yes, even by local standards—and there are multiple laybys where you can pull over to soak in the stunning scenery. And if you dread narrow, single-track roads, you’ll be pleased to know there are very few of those here!
Ireland’s welcoming attitude toward road trippers is particularly noticeable, likely thanks to the success of iconic routes like the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route. From the lack of restrictions to the abundance of camper-friendly spaces, it feels as though Ireland genuinely wants you to explore every corner of its breathtaking landscapes. If only more places were like that, right?
Here’s a list of my top 10 destinations you must visit:
If you want to find out more about these destinations, take a look at my blog post – Robbie Roams Top 10 Wild Atlantic Way
Curious to learn more about my NC500 adventures? Check out my Robbie Roams YouTube channel for tips, stories, and inspiration!
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide writer. In 2022, I launched No Fuss Travel Guides with 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. I've since worked with tourism boards including Visit Wales and have been featured in The Guardian 'Best of Travel'.
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Rob, Staffordshire, UK
