Any hiking enthusiast will tell you: Ireland is a country made for walkers. This is evidenced by the island’s numerous national parks, as well as the many hiking trails available throughout the country. All offer unique experiences that will bring you into contact with nature and its great wild spaces.
Whatever your level: there’s a circuit to suit everyone… and the temptation to take a bivouac hike in Ireland often wins over budding adventurers! If you too would like to try your hand at Irish nature, here’s what you need to know to organize a hike with stages and bivouacs.
Camping in Northern Ireland – © JTATODD
First of all, let’s open a few doors. Wild camping in Ireland is forbidden. It is punishable by fine and can be very costly. The authorities actively enforce these rules, especially in summer, when the influx of tourists is at its peak.
We also advise you not to pitch your tent in areas where the signs are explicit: when unauthorized camping is forbidden, many signs inform you of this fact. So avoid settling there at all costs, or you could be fined and your vehicle impounded!
It should be noted, however, that there may be a degree of tolerance among the general public. Unauthorized camping may be tolerated in certain areas, provided that permission is obtained from the owner. Many farmers will allow you to bivouac on their land… as long as you don’t disturb it, and leave it in the same condition as you found it when you arrived.
But there are a few common-sense rules to follow:
Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park
As a general rule, choose a safe place. There’s no better way to do it than on a serviced campsite! These are often located on the country’s hiking trails. They allow you to pitch your tent, benefit from running water and access to showers, and enjoy a well-deserved night’s sleep… far from the risk of being fined for wild camping!
Admittedly, this option won’t guarantee you a night alone in the wilderness, but many Irish campsites offer spaces set in unspoilt surroundings. Some allow you to pitch your tent just a stone’s throw from a beach, or facing an incredible view.
In terms of price, camping is one of the most economical solutions: expect to pay between €10 and €15 a night for a tent. Additional options are often available for even greater comfort.
Once you’ve defined your hiking route, you’ll need to make sure you’re well equipped! And the list can be a real headache: you need to take the essentials without overloading yourself, because the kilos on your back are heavy, even more so after a few kilometers of walking.
In general, you will need to start with at least the following items:
Above all, make sure you choose a quality sleeping bag: it’s the only way to ensure a warm night’s sleep, sheltered from the Irish humidity. Let’s not forget: it’s not uncommon to have a shower or two between two rays of sunshine. And there’s nothing worse than falling asleep in a wet tent and sleeping bag! Worse still: you could well fall ill, which would compromise all the fun of your bivouac hike!
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