Rent a Campervan in Ireland – The Ultimate Road Trip

Planning a campervan road trip from Dublin

There’s no better way to explore the Emerald Isle than by renting a campervan in Ireland. From the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way to the magical charm of the Ancient East, Ireland offers a wealth of stunning scenery, rich history, and cultural experiences. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of renting a campervan in Ireland and share some essential tips for planning your ultimate road trip adventure.

 

Start your journey at Retro Camper Hire in Bluebell, Dublin 12. Before choosing a route, check campervan availability and prices for your dates and review our campervan hire FAQs.

Why Rent a Campervan in Ireland?

Renting a campervan in Ireland allows you to experience the country’s breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems at your own pace. Unlike group tours, a campervan holiday gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and stop wherever your heart desires. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient castles, enjoying traditional Irish music in a cosy pub, or soaking up the dramatic coastline views, renting a campervan in Ireland is the perfect way to see it all.

 

Choosing the Right Campervan for Your Adventure

Choose a campervan with enough travel seats and sleeping places for everyone in your group. Compare the individual vehicle pages for cooking facilities, heating, storage and any toilet or shower facilities you need, as equipment varies by campervan. Check the current hire terms and driver requirements before booking.

• For two: compare Avoca, Europa and Maverick. Each sleeps two; their travel seats and equipment differ.
• For four: explore Scooby or Shelby. Shelby lists a toilet and shower. Layla has a family sleeping layout for two adults and two children.
• For six: Grande lists six sleeping places, six travel seats, a toilet and a shower.

Use the camper filters and side-by-side comparison to narrow your choices. Select dates to compare the available campers and their displayed hire prices. Check each camper’s photos and confirm any essential equipment, driver eligibility and security deposit before paying.

 

Navigating Ireland’s Roads and Highways

Driving a campervan in Ireland may be different from what you’re used to, especially if you’ve never driven on the left side of the road before. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and road signs before setting off. Additionally, be prepared for narrow, winding roads, especially in rural areas. Renting a campervan in Ireland with GPS or using a reliable navigation app can help you stay on track and make your journey more enjoyable.

 

Must-Visit Destinations for Your Campervan Road Trip

When you rent a campervan in Ireland, the entire country becomes your playground. Some must-visit destinations include:

• The Wild Atlantic Way: This 2,500 km coastal route stretches from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south, showcasing some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
• The Ring of Kerry: A 179 km circular route that takes you through picturesque villages, ancient sites, and dramatic coastal scenery.
• The Causeway Coastal Route: A 195 km journey along Northern Ireland’s coast, featuring highlights like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Dark Hedges.

 

A five-night campervan itinerary from Dublin

This suggested loop gives you time in Ireland’s Ancient East without trying to cover the whole island. Check camper availability and minimum hire for your dates first, then reserve suitable overnight pitches. Collection is from Unit B1C, Bluebell Industrial Estate, Dublin 12, D12 RC58 between 2pm and 4pm.

1. Day 1: Dublin to Wicklow. Keep your first afternoon simple: collect your camper, buy supplies and drive to your booked pitch. Tell the campsite your expected arrival time and allow time for the vehicle handover before leaving Dublin.
2. Day 2: Stay in Wicklow. Make Glendalough or a local forest walk your main outing, leaving time to enjoy your campsite. Check suitable daytime parking for your camper’s height and length before setting off. Spend a second night in Wicklow.
3. Day 3: Wicklow to Waterford. Head south for a day exploring Waterford or the coast. Choose one main stop and book an overnight pitch in the area. A visitor car park is not automatically an overnight camping place.
4. Day 4: Waterford to Kilkenny. Plan time for Kilkenny’s historic centre, then continue to your booked campsite. Check local parking arrangements before taking a larger camper into the city.
5. Day 5: Kilkenny towards Dublin. Return towards the depot and spend your final night at a booked campsite within a comfortable morning drive. Leave time to prepare the camper for return using the instructions provided at collection.
6. Day 6: Return before 12 noon. Complete the self check-out process explained when you arrived at our depot. Allow extra time for Dublin traffic and any stops required by your return instructions.

Have seven nights?

Add two nights in Wexford between Wicklow and Waterford, keeping your final night close enough to Dublin for the before-noon return. This is a suggested route, not a package: campsite bookings, attractions and travel costs are arranged separately.

Choose your overnight stops before you travel

For planning, Hidden Valley in Rathdrum publishes motorhome pitch information, and Nore Valley Park near Kilkenny offers touring pitches. Check each park’s opening dates, vehicle limits, facilities, arrival times and booking rules directly. These are independent campsite options, not included accommodation or confirmed partners.

Use Discover Ireland’s Ancient East guide for attraction ideas. For your camper, check dates and compare available vehicles, and read our collection, return and hire FAQs before booking.

Practical Tips for a Successful Campervan Holiday

Finally, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your campervan rental in Ireland:

• Plan your overnight stops in advance, and book campsites or caravan parks when possible.
• Familiarize yourself with campervan etiquette, such as proper waste disposal and respecting other campers’ privacy.
• Make sure to pack essential items like a first-aid kit, torch, rain gear, and a power adapter for charging devices.
• Always have a backup plan in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as a change in weather or road closures.

 

Plan your Irish road trip with real destination guides

Choose your stops before choosing the length of your hire. Our campervan-friendly pub guide explains how to check overnight parking permission, while our surfing guide covers coastal destinations from Donegal to Cork. Golfers can use our Irish golf road-trip guide to build a course-by-course itinerary.

For a rental overview covering collection from Dublin, driver eligibility and vehicle choices, read Campervan Hire Ireland. Use the live booking calendar to check your actual dates and rates; travel articles do not guarantee availability.

Check campervan availability for your trip

Build your itinerary around the time you have, the campervan you choose and confirmed overnight stops. Our guide to campervan routes in Ireland can help you compare coastal and inland trips. When your dates are ready, check availability for your campervan hire or contact our Dublin depot with questions.