Travel to Ireland is constantly reinventing itself! And among the most popular at the moment is the campervan trip in Ireland! Popular with families, couples and outdoor sports enthusiasts alike, this type of travel guarantees freedom and memorable experiences. You’ll discover an Ireland that’s far from the beaten track, as the miles go by!
Newcomers always ask the question: what’s the difference between a campervan and a motorhome? And how do you make the right choice to discover Ireland?
Let’s get straight to the point: motorhomes and campervans are two types of vehicle used for camping and travel, but they differ considerably in terms of size, layout, comfort and use.
As a result, campervans are generally smaller and more compact. They can be the size of a small bus or a large converted van.
Inside, everything is laid out to the millimetre: every space is designed for optimum capacity. This is also the case for motorhomes, but their larger spaces allow for more equipment and functions.
Campervans generally feature a smaller kitchen, often equipped with hob, small fridge and sink. They can be equipped with portable toilets, but rarely have a full bathroom with shower.
The living area is more compact, with seats that can be converted into beds. The beds can be integrated into the rear seats or unfolded.
Finally, campervans often have a pop-up roof to increase vertical space and allow you to stand upright inside.
Campervans are simpler and less luxurious than motorhomes, but offer enough amenities for short trips or weekend getaways.
– They’re perfect for couples or small groups looking for a more flexible, minimalist camping experience.
What’s more, these vans are easier to drive and park, comparable to driving a large car. They can be parked in standard parking spaces and are more maneuverable than motorhomes on narrow or winding roads.
Travelling by campervan in Ireland is a fantastic option for exploring the Irish island. Firstly, because you can travel at your own pace without being constrained by public transport schedules or hotel reservations.
You have the freedom to change your itinerary at any time and discover places off the beaten track. And that’s what makes Ireland so attractive: it’s by getting lost, by taking an unplanned route, that we sometimes make the most beautiful discoveries!
Ireland’s beauty often lies in its unexpected landscapes and picturesque villages. With a campervan, you can stop spontaneously to take photos, admire a sunset or simply enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
Ireland is famous for its picturesque but often narrow and winding roads, especially in rural and coastal areas.
We’ve lost count of the number of camper van drivers who have sweated their butts off on certain stretches of the Ring of Kerry, for example!
So don’t worry: campervans, being more compact and maneuverable, are perfectly suited to navigating these roads and accessing places inaccessible with a larger vehicle.
In other words, you’ll be able to go anywhere, unlike the big tanks used by motorhomers!
Another great advantage: with a converted van, you can easily spend the night in the heart of Ireland’s natural landscapes, whether by a lake, near a secluded beach or in a lush green valley.
You can enjoy an immersive experience in the heart of nature, far from civilization, and get back to basics: you and nature!
But be careful where you set up camp: some areas are regulated and forbidden to campervans!
Travelling by campervan can be more economical than staying in hotels or bed and breakfasts, especially if you’re planning a long stay. You can also save on meals by cooking for yourself.
Better still, campervans are often more economical than motorhomes: thanks to their smaller size, they often consume less fuel and electricity, and are easier to maintain.
Planning a campervan holiday in Ireland requires you to take several budget items into account, including vehicle rental (unless you’re taking it with you on the ferry), fuel, camping fees, food and other miscellaneous expenses. Here’s a detailed estimate to help you prepare for your adventure.
The cost of renting a campervan varies according to the season, length of stay and type of vehicle. On average :
For a week in high season, the rental cost could be between 700 and 1,400 euros.
Campervans aren’t particularly fuel-efficient (unless you go for an ultra-efficient model), with an average consumption of 10 to 15 liters per 100 km. The price of diesel in Ireland is around €1.40 to €1.50 per liter.
For a 1,000 km itinerary (which is reasonable for a week’s travel), you could spend around 140 to 225 euros on fuel.
Campsites in Ireland offer a wide range of services, from simple parking areas to fully equipped sites with electricity, showers and other amenities.
For a week, using mostly serviced campsites, the cost would be around 140 to 245 euros.
Travelling by campervan means you can cook your own meals, which can cut costs considerably compared with eating out.
For a week, if you alternate between ready-made meals and restaurants, a budget of 150 to 200 euros could be realistic.
Ireland offers many free attractions, such as hiking and beaches, but some visits and activities are not free.
For a week, a budget of 100 to 150 euros for activities and attractions is reasonable.
Total for one week: around 1,350 to 2,460 euros for two people.
Renting a campervan is a great way to discover Ireland’s beautiful landscapes and charming villages. Several reputable providers offer campervan rental services, each offering a variety of vehicles and services to suit your needs. Here’s a list of the best campervan rental companies in Ireland, including Blacksheep.
Overview: Blacksheep Van is a leading provider of modern, well-equipped campervan rentals in Ireland. They offer a wide range of vehicles to suit different group sizes and travel needs, with an emphasis on comfort and convenience.
Advantages:
Website: https: //www.blacksheep-van.com
Overview: Bunk Campers is one of Ireland’s largest campervan rental companies, with branches in Dublin and Belfast. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economical vans to large family motorhomes.
Advantages:
Website: https: //www.bunkcampers.com
Presentation : Celtic Campervans is a family business with over 35 years’ experience. Based in Dublin, it offers modern, well-equipped vehicles for all types of travelers.
Advantages :
Website: https: //www.celticcampervans.com
Overview: Based in Galway, Ireland West Motorhomes is ideally located for those wishing to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. They offer a range of motorhomes and campervans to suit different budgets.
Advantages:
Website: https: //www.irelandwestmotorhomes.com
Presentation : Lazy Days specializes in vintage and modern Volkswagen campervan rentals. Based in Dublin, this company offers a unique experience for those looking for a cool, retro style of travel.
Advantages :
Website: https://www.lazydays.ie
Overview: Campervan Ireland offers a variety of modern vans and motorhomes, with offices in Dublin. They are known for their professional service and well-equipped vehicles.
Advantages :
Website: https: //www.campervanireland.net
In Ireland, there are certain playgrounds that are ideal for vanlifers! Hiking and outdoor sports enthusiasts will quickly find what they’re looking for in the heart of unspoilt regions such as south-west Ireland, Connemara and Northern Ireland.
Here is a small selection of panoramic tours that combine wide open spaces, sporting activities and a close-up view of Irish culture:
This iconic 2,500 km coastal route along Ireland’s west coast is ideal for a campervan trip. You can explore magnificent beaches, impressive cliffs and charming villages at your own pace.
A picturesque loop in southwest Ireland, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, mountains and lakes. The roads can be narrow, which makes the campervan particularly suitable.
A wild and unspoilt region with varied landscapes, from mountains to peat bogs. The campervan allows you to venture into less-visited areas and discover the natural beauty of the region.
These majestic cliffs are one of Ireland’s most visited sites. A trip by campervan allows you to visit them at less busy times, for a quieter, more personal experience.
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