Ireland Golf Road Trip by Campervan: Routes, Parking and Planning

Combine a round of golf with the freedom of an Irish road trip. A campervan gives your group flexibility between courses, coastal towns and places to eat, but course bookings and authorised overnight parking should be arranged separately. This practical guide helps you build a golf holiday from Dublin.

Featured photograph: Lahinch links course by Joseph Mischyshyn, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. WordPress may create resized versions for display.

Planning a golf road trip from Dublin

Start by choosing two or three golf regions rather than driving across the entire island every day. Check each course’s visitor tee-time policy, handicap requirements, equipment hire, dress code and cancellation terms before travelling. Check your campervan’s dimensions when arranging parking: a golf club car park is not necessarily suitable for overnight use.

Five regions for an Irish golf and campervan holiday

Dublin and the east coast

A convenient first stop after collecting your vehicle in Dublin. Research visitor access at courses in Dublin and neighbouring counties, then stay at an authorised campsite or motorhome stopover. Allow extra time for city traffic and check restrictions on larger vehicles.

County Wicklow

Mix mountain scenery and golf with a relaxed road trip. Narrow roads and height restrictions may affect some routes, so check your vehicle suitability before setting out.

County Clare

The west coast is a natural choice for golfers interested in links-style scenery. Plan tee times in advance, especially in summer, and allow time for Atlantic weather conditions.

County Kerry

Explore Kerry’s golf courses alongside coastal drives and local food. Book overnight parking at an authorised site rather than assuming a golf club permits campervan stays.

County Donegal

For a longer trip, Donegal combines dramatic coastline and opportunities to discover regional courses. Leave flexibility for weather and avoid planning excessively long driving days.

Irish golf courses to add to your campervan itinerary

These named courses provide a more extensive starting list. Visitor access, green fees, tee times and any vehicle parking arrangements must be checked directly with each course. Golf-club parking does not imply overnight motorhome permission.

County Dublin

The Island Golf Club · Portmarnock Golf Club · The Royal Dublin Golf Club. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Louth

Seapoint Golf Club. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Down

Royal County Down. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Antrim

Royal Portrush. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Donegal

Ballyliffin Golf Club. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Clare

Lahinch Golf Club. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Kerry

Ballybunion Golf Club · Waterville Golf Links. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Cork

Old Head Golf Links. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Limerick

Adare Manor. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Kilkenny

Mount Juliet Estate. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

County Wicklow

Wicklow Golf Club. Check visitor policies and availability directly.

Suggested routes: East Coast links (Dublin–Louth), Northern links (Down–Antrim–Donegal), Atlantic links (Donegal–Clare–Kerry–Cork), or a parkland itinerary (Kilkenny–Limerick). For 2027 events, check confirmed dates before making travel plans.

Official golf-course photo galleries

Explore photographs of the actual courses directly from their operators. These links open the official galleries; images are not copied or reproduced without permission.

• Adare Manor, County Limerick — official gallery
• Mount Juliet Estate, County Kilkenny — official gallery
• Seapoint Golf Links, County Louth — official course photography

For food and coastal stops between rounds, explore our Irish pub-stopover guide. Travelling with surfers or family? See our surfing and beaches road trip. Compare vehicles and check your dates on the booking calendar.

Golf holiday checklist

• Reserve visitor tee times directly with each golf club.
• Check whether clubs accept visitors and whether any handicap documentation is required.
• Confirm parking dimensions and whether a daytime campervan space is available.
• Book authorised overnight accommodation separately.
• Secure golf clubs and valuables when leaving the vehicle.
• Build in extra travel time for rural roads and changeable weather.

What should you pack?

Bring waterproof golf clothing, layered clothing, suitable shoes and secure bags for equipment. Confirm storage capacity on your chosen campervan’s vehicle page before booking. If travelling as a group, account for passenger seats, luggage and golf bags—not just sleeping berths.

When should you visit?

Longer summer days can make a multi-course itinerary easier, but visitor tee times and campsites may book up. Shoulder-season travel can be quieter, though daylight and weather conditions vary. Check each club’s operating calendar.

Book your campervan in Dublin

Explore our Ireland 2027 campervan planning guide, browse upcoming events and use the Retro Camper Hire booking calendar to check current availability and prices. For vehicle storage or luggage questions, contact Retro Camper Hire.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sleep overnight in a golf club car park?

Do not assume so. You need the operator’s explicit permission and must comply with local parking rules. A designated campsite or motorhome stopover is generally more reliable.

Can I bring golf clubs in a campervan?

That depends on the specific vehicle layout and storage space. Check dimensions and ask the hire team before confirming a booking.

How many golf courses should I book in one trip?

For a relaxed holiday, allow enough time between rounds for driving, meals, rest and sightseeing. Avoid tight schedules that depend on ideal traffic or weather.