East coast of Ireland – Your eyes won’t stop smiling
You have to be careful when planning to tour Ireland with your motorhome… it’s just too easy to get lost in the place. My east coast experience left me with soulful memories of the glories of nature, welcoming smiles and liquid black stuff called Guinness that should be on everybody’s liquid wish list.
A worthy starting point is Dublin. Situated at the mouth of the River Liffey, it’s not only renowned for its vibrant nightlife, but is a cultural hotbed – and with a history boasting Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Becket and Oscar Wilde, to name but a few, that’s hardly a surprise. Music, dance, opera and theatre are all thriving industries in Dublin, but it’s also blessed with more green spaces per square kilometre than any other European capital city.
After you’ve taken a delightful stroll, you’ll no doubt fancy a tasty beverage… well I did! And the Guinness factory is the most popular tourist spot in the city - but don’t let that put you off. It’s less than 15 Euros if you book online, plus you get a pint.
You will probably want to stay the evening and the closest spot for your motorhome is Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park. Their website is simple but professional and it’s the ideal location.
However, the quicker you get on the open road the better. Your next destination has to be Wicklow, a mere 50-minute drive south. Beaches, hills and rivers await, plus a unique slice of Hollywood. Braveheart Drive is an 80k route west of the Wicklow mountains, as you get a close-up on the landscape that so inspired Mel Gibson in the movie. Baltinglass Abbey, situated on the east bank of the River Slaney, offers stunning arches and a slice of Irish history dating back to the Stone Age. After so much gorgeous fresh air you will certainly sleep well and there are numerous camping options. River Valley Holiday Park and Roundwood are both competitive with various online deals.
Keep on heading south for just over an hour, to the sunniest and driest region of the country. It’s here in Wexford where the beaches take on breathtaking dimensions. Close to Courtown or north of Rosslare, you will find dream-like sand-scapes.
Another essential is the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig– an open museum of 35 hectares of historic landscapes, examining 9000 years of Irish history.
And after all that… accommodation options are limited, but Carne Beach Caravan and Camping Park is a charming spot, virtually hanging off the southernmost tip of the island. A quick jog from the St George’s Channel! Such a site of isolation seems somewhat fitting for one of Europe’s most attractive road routes. Untouched, unspoilt and undeniably spectacular.
Look to travel back inland via Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow to indulge in the world-renowned Irish hospitality to round off your adventure. Did I mention the Guinness…!?
Ireland's west coast also has plenty to offer with Limerick and Galway being major tourism centres. Another destination that is worth the visit is Northern Ireland, with Belfast having many things to offer for the whole family!
What's the next plan? From Motorhome Republic, grab only the best deals for campervan rentals from Luton, from Birmingham, and all top locations around the United Kingdom.
Written By: Alex Bell
A journalist and editor for nearly two decades, I am originally from London but proudly call New Zealand home. Having travelled the South Island in a campervan, I know exactly how liberating motorhomes and campers can be. It’s a great opportunity to be part of Motorhome Republic, as we look to educate and encourage people to hit the road in what is, essentially, a portable hotel! I will be creating interesting industry articles, travel itineraries, road-trip ideas, movies and so much more. Come along for the ride!
A journalist and editor for nearly two decades, I am originally from London but proudly call New Zealand home. Having travelled the South Island in a campervan, I know exactly how liberating motorhomes and campers can be. It’s a great opportunity to be part of Motorhome Republic, as we look to educate and encourage people to hit the road in what is, essentially, a portable hotel! I will be creating interesting industry articles, travel itineraries, road-trip ideas, movies and so much more. Come along for the ride!
