We recently tried travelling by motorhome in Ireland for two weeks. So, what is travelling with a motorhome in Ireland really like? We've had a lot of experience in terms of roads, campsites, campervan hire etc. that we're sharing today. If you have more, similar or different experiences, please share them with us!
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What is it like to rent a motorhome in Ireland?
We travelled around Ireland with a rented motorhome, which was convenient because we didn't have to transport our own motorhome all the way. There are several different rental companies and we rented from Bunk camperswhich is perhaps the largest rental company by far. In any case, we saw a lot of motorhomes from this company as we travelled around. The company has offices in both Dublin and Belfast, and we picked up our car at the Dublin office, which is relatively close to the airport.
Our experience is positive! We received very good and professional service. The motorhome was equipped with pretty much everything we needed, including campsite catalogues and a spare tyre (which we needed to use!). We paid extra for insurance in case we broke windows or mirrors. We didn't have that, but given that the roads are very narrow, it sometimes felt good to have ...
Can you bring your own motorhome?
You can of course bring your own motorhome, although it may be a long journey. There are ferries from France and the UK, among others. Bringing your own motorhome means that you can drive with the steering wheel on the left side, even though you are driving in left-hand traffic. That works too, of course. We saw motorhomes with licence plates from France and the Netherlands, among others.
How big a motorhome can you drive in Ireland?
You can drive a motorhome of any size in Ireland, but if you drive a large motorhome you are limited to the larger roads. We saw quite a few normal sized motorhomes and some extra large ones, such as the big Concorde.
Personally, we recommend driving a small motorhome in Ireland. Many of the most beautiful roads are narrow and winding, and with a large motorhome you will not be able to drive everywhere. The maximum permitted size of vehicles is: height 4.25 metres, width 2.55 metres and length 12 metres.
What is it like to live in a small motorhome?
If you choose to rent a small motorhome, how does it work to live in a small motorhome? The motorhome we travelled with was 5.40 metres long and 2.60 metres high, which meant it was very small. It was of course easy to drive and convenient to park.
The cooking facilities were a bit more limited than in our regular motorhome (two hobs and no oven) but otherwise we had everything we needed. We found the motorhome a little cramped perhaps, but for two weeks it worked perfectly well.
How are the roads?
There are large and good roads, but many roads are small, narrow and winding. The road quality is usually ok, but there may be high kerbs, walls or vegetation very close to the road. Above all, driving in Ireland is extremely beautiful! You also see a lot of sheep ... and lambs.
Do you pay motorway tolls?
Yes, you do pay motorway tolls, but we found them to be very low. On most motorways you pay in cash at manned stations. On a motorway outside Dublin, you pay via the website instead. eFlowbefore or after travelling. If you rent a motorhome, the car hire company can help you arrange payment. Fees are also charged on ferries, which we sometimes found relatively expensive.
What is it like to drive in Ireland?
Our experience is that people drive calmly and take care in traffic. The problem is, of course, that it is left-hand traffic!!! You have to remind yourself all the time (left, left, left!). After a few days, we found that it went much better.
Distances and speed limits are given in the Republic of Ireland in km/h, but in Northern Ireland in miles. The GPS in our rented campervan gave all distances in 'miles' and 'yards', which was a bit confusing for us...
Which traffic rules apply?
In the Republic of Ireland, Irish traffic rules apply and in Northern Ireland, British traffic rules apply. In both places, talking on a mobile phone and sending text messages is prohibited, while hands-free calls are allowed. The word 'Yield', which may appear on signs in Ireland, means giving way.
How much does it cost to refuel?
We found that refuelling costs the same as in Sweden.
Can you fricamp?
Fricamp is only allowed if the landowner has given permission. It is not permitted to free camp on public land. The prohibition also applies to overnight stays in a motorhome parked on a road, street or car park.
Are there car parks?
We did not find that there are car parks in the same way as in many other parts of Europe, but there is something called Safe Nights Ireland. Joining this club (or renting a motorhome from a member car hire company) gives you access to 350 basic motorhome sites around the country, all of which cost €10 per night. Some campsites are also basic and feel almost like caravan parks.
What are the campsites like?
All campsites we have stayed at have been very well maintained (many times nicer than in Sweden!) and had good service. The prices have usually (in May 2018) been 22-23 euros per night. In some places it has been a little more expensive, and the most expensive was the campsite outside Galway where we paid 34 euros.
If you opt out of electricity, prices are slightly lower. Showers are often not included in the price, but are paid with coins or tokens in a vending machine. We must also say: What incredibly green grass! Many times it has also been so hard that we could easily stand on it with the motorhome.
Do you need anything special with you?
You should pack an adapter for electricity as all sockets (even in motorhomes if you rent one) are for British plugs. It's also good to pack rain gear... The weather changes quickly and the Irish sometimes joke that they can have four seasons in one day. If you wish, you can also read our general checklist for car holidays in Europe.
What is available in shops and restaurants?
In the supermarkets you can find most of what you are looking for, although the range varies a bit. Our reaction was that there was a very large selection of pre-sliced products (cheese, ham) and some typically British pies. Speciality products are Irish soda bread and white and black pudding, which you can get in breakfast restaurants. There are also plenty of cakes and pastries!
Travelling by motorhome in Ireland
Summing upIreland is one of the most beautiful countries we have travelled through by motorhome. We used to say that Corsica is the most beautiful in Europe, but Corsica now has competition from Ireland. This stunning green island is for those who like beautiful and dramatic scenery, interesting history and happy people. You can find all our tips on places to visit and campsites and pitches here:
Also, don't forget to check out our film from our road trip around Ireland!
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Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
I found the narrow roads difficult when we were in England and had to keep track of meeting places. For us, it is easier the best as long as there is water and emptying we are satisfied. Good tips on Safe Nights Ireland, we used pubs as overnight stops we did not buy Brit Stops was too close to travel when I discovered it.
But it has been very interesting to be part of the journey. And tempting to go there,
20 May 2018 - 8:07
Helena says:
It can be hard to find all the smart things and how everything works in time! Safe Nights Ireland seems smart. We didn't use it during our trip because we had so much technical equipment so we needed electricity every night. Otherwise it seems smart! Glad you followed us on the trip!
20 May 2018 - 17:30
Ama de casa says:
I thought it was "exciting" enough to drive around with a small ordinary hire car on those roads. Motorhome? Don't think so... 😉
Loved the green island - so much beauty to look at! But the narrow roads... Yep. I am a real coward 😀.
20 May 2018 - 10:11
Helena says:
Regular car and type bed and breakfast also works great for getting around! 🙂 We who are used to driving a fairly large motorhome thought this one was tiny and smooth 😉.
20 May 2018 - 17:31
diana's dreams says:
I am keen on a motorhome holiday but have not got the rest of la familia with me yet...looks so cosy hugs
20 May 2018 - 12:31
Helena says:
Sorry you can't take your family with you! Motorhome holidays are cosy! 🙂 But even driving with a regular car works 😉 .
20 May 2018 - 17:31
Ruth in Virginia says:
I am totally impressed with the film. HOW could you drive and
film at the same time? And again - great views to lose.
spirit over. Enjoyment to the highest degree!
Speaking of narrow roads - we drove a car in the north of Scotland and on the
a couple of islands; often looked like your roads. Yes, there were also sheep
plenty.
20 May 2018 - 15:21
Helena says:
Haha, yes, it is perhaps lucky that you do not drive so fast always, so we manage to film while driving. But then not all film clips are successful either ... 😉 Can imagine that the roads in Scotland are also narrow!
20 May 2018 - 17:33
Camilla Sandmark says:
A great guide that I wish had been available when we were travelling. Although there were some things that we could not influence such as the size of the car, number of travel days and other things, it would have been very helpful and given many good tips. It has been so much fun to read about your trip and isn't Ireland wonderful?! Longing for the motorhome trip but I have to console myself with the fact that we will be in Dublin for a week in June.
20 May 2018 - 17:24
Helena says:
So glad you enjoyed following our journey Camilla! 🙂 Hopefully our guide can be useful for someone else planning a trip to Ireland with a motorhome! What fun with Dublin in June, wonderful! We did not have time for Dublin on this trip, so we hope it can be a weekend trip there at some point!
20 May 2018 - 17:34
Ditte says:
Thanks for the great info! I have been following the trip and will look back when it is our turn to look at Ireland. But it will be without a motorhome. We have imagined small B&Bs and smaller hotels.and possibly a campsite.
Glad you compare Corsica to Ireland in terms of beauty. I've travelled around Corsica and visited the island many times and am absolutely thrilled. But even there it is a good idea to come when it is not high season.
20 May 2018 - 18:11
Helena says:
What fun that you are thinking about Ireland! Regular car and overnight stay at B&B or hotel works great! And some campsites also have cottages or glamping cottages for rent 🙂 .
22 May 2018 - 6:46
BP says:
Great film! Hope that with your reports from the trip and not least with this post you have attracted many motorhome enthusiasts to holiday in wonderfully beautiful Ireland.
20 May 2018 - 20:41
Helena says:
Glad you liked the film BP! 🙂
22 May 2018 - 6:46
Renate's travels says:
Interesting post! I've driven a regular car around Ireland, but I can imagine that travelling by campervan has that little extra - where you can stop almost anywhere you want.
This type of camping car also looked very practical and compact on small Irish roads. 🙂
21 May 2018 - 23:10
Helena says:
Nice that you also drove around Ireland! Of course, a regular car also works just fine! We ourselves always like a little extra to travel with a motorhome. but it can be different what suits you. And of course it was easy with a small model! 🙂
22 May 2018 - 6:48
Anna / Boihusbil says:
Warmest thanks for the trip and your exhaustive posts. You can also take the larger motorhome with you, and rent a car for 1-2 day excursions in the area and then move with the home to the next place 🙂 I think I live in the motorhome.
22 May 2018 - 17:02
Shamrock says:
Oh I want to go to Ireland!
28 May 2018 - 18:52