We’re Cazzy and Bradley and this is how we explore the outer space of Ireland. One of the perks of dating an Irish girl is the chance to explore Ireland. Every year, we go camping with Cazzy’s family in Donegal, and I’ve been lucky to spend Christmas in both Belfast and Dublin. But most recently, we discovered that an epic 16-day campervan road trip is the perfect way to experience the real Ireland.
Starting from Dublin, we looped around both the north and south, uncovering the untapped beauty of almost all of Ireland’s coastline. This was one of our favourite adventures yet. Here are my top five reasons why a road trip is the ultimate way to discover Ireland.
1. Discovering the “In-Between” Moments
When visiting a new country, most travellers research towns and cities, select a few locations, and arrange transport between them. We did the same, stopping in dozens of famous spots across Ireland.
But the real highlights weren’t the destinations themselves. Instead, it was the “in-between” moments that made our trip unforgettable. Think winding roads, lush green fields, and rugged coastline. The memories that stand out most are watching waves crash along the Wild Atlantic Way and stumbling upon a cosy, remote Irish pub. You can’t plan these moments, but having your own campervan lets you stumble upon them organically.
2. Complete Freedom Over Your Daily Schedule
With so much to see in 16 days, we had a packed itinerary, but we kept it flexible. We allowed extra days to linger in places we loved or move on if we wanted to explore further. Having our own transport meant we controlled how long we stayed and where we ended up each night. A pre-arranged tour would have left us feeling rushed or held back.
3. The Joy of Wild Camping
Wild camping is one of the best parts of an Ireland road trip. While campsites are plentiful, wild camping lets you wake up to breathtaking coastal views, often with no one else in sight. Our favourite spot was a secluded layby on Achill Island, where we enjoyed dinner and breakfast with ocean views and stunning sunrises.
4. Save Money While Travelling
Travelling by campervan is often cheaper than booking tours or hotels. Even backpackers will find hostels add up quickly in Ireland. With a fuel-efficient van, petrol costs are manageable, we spent around 15 euros a day, including 3-4 hours of driving. Plus, your campervan doubles as transport, accommodation, and a kitchen!
5. It’s Pure Fun!
Driving Ireland’s roads is a joy. Yes, some are narrow, but they’re well-maintained and rarely crowded. Winding through quaint villages and rolling hills is an experience in itself. An automatic campervan makes it even easier, especially if you’re new to driving on the left.
Our 16-Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
- Day 1: Dublin to Wexford
- Day 2: Wexford to Cashel
- Day 3: Cashel to Blarney
- Day 4: Blarney to Castletown-Bearhaven
- Day 5: Castletown-Bearhaven to Killarney
- Day 6: Killarney to Dingle
- Day 7: Dingle to Limerick
- Day 8: Limerick to Doolin
- Day 9: Doolin to Galway
- Day 10: Galway to Roundstone
- Day 11: Roundstone to Achill Island
- Day 12: Achill Island to Sligo
- Day 13: Sligo to Mullaghderg Beach
- Day 14: Mullaghderg Beach to Derry
- Day 15: Derry to Belfast
- Day 16: Belfast to Dublin
Top Tips for Planning Your Route
Limit driving to 3-4 hours a day: This leaves plenty of time for exploration. Use Google Maps to plan stops and estimate driving times, it’s free and works offline.
Prioritise the western coast: The Wild Atlantic Way offers some of Ireland’s best roads, views, and towns, including the iconic Ring of Kerry.
Ireland is a spectacular destination for travellers of all ages, and a campervan road trip lets you experience its magic at your own pace. Whether you’re drawn to coastal cliffs, charming villages, or lively cities, this is the way to see it all.
We couldn’t imagine exploring Ireland any other way and we definitely plan on returning more and more in the coming years.
