Bringing Your Campervan From France to Ireland: Complete Guide
Are you considering a camper van trip to Ireland? The Hibernia ferry from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Cork is a great place to start, and we have plenty of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience.
Bringing your camper van from France to Ireland is a great way to explore thousands of years of history and enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet, and following our complete guide can help to make the planning process simple for you.
Let’s take a look at the camper van routes in Ireland and discover the best places to stay, so that you can begin planning your itinerary and making the most of your visit.
Camping in Ireland
Wild camping in Ireland is illegal without the permission of landowners, so you cannot simply park up and stay overnight here, although some road trippers choose to risk it. However, you’ll be spoilt for choice as there are hundreds of excellent campsites in Ireland for you to explore. Whether you are looking for children’s play facilities, great food onsite or an authentic farm experience, you’ll find that the variety of campsites includes something for everyone and covers all areas of the country.
You may also wish to take advantage of schemes such as Safe Nights Ireland (SNI), which allows you to access more than 200 overnight parking spots in Ireland for a single annual fee. Safe Nights Ireland is committed to providing pleasant, off-the-road locations across the country, from cities to extremely rural areas, and can be used for single nights between campsites or for your entire trip. Several pubs, restaurants and farms offer pitches and services for camper vans, and you’ll find apps to help you locate these online.
Campervan etiquette is simple in Ireland, just allow plenty of time for your journey and be prepared to pull over when you encounter tractors, livestock and other vehicles on the country roads. And don’t forget to drive on the left in Ireland!
Campervan Routes In Ireland
Once you’ve chosen to bring your camper van to Ireland, you’ll want to find out more about the options for exploring this beautiful country. The good news is that there are some truly magical routes to choose from – the hard bit is narrowing it down!
Let’s take a look at some of the best driving routes for camper vans in Ireland:
Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2.600km (1600m) route that runs from Donegal to Cork and takes in many historic sites along the way, as well as some of Ireland’s most beautiful cities, towns and villages. You can start from Cork, as you drive off the Hibernia Ferry in your camper van, picking up the route in Kinsale and making your way along the southern and western coastline.
You’ll pass through many locations with exquisite seafood and other exceptional culinary experiences, and you’ll see the stunning villages of Clare and Limerick before arriving in the city of Galway, where you’ll find plenty of authentic Irish pubs to enjoy a pint of Guinness and experience the famous craic, for which Ireland is renowned. We recommend taking one to three weeks to make the trip, depending on the pace you like to travel at and how much time you’d like to spend hiking and enjoying the views along the way.
You can immerse yourself in the story of Ireland as you explore stunning landmarks such as The Cliffs of Moher and Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient burial tomb in The Burren, County Clare, and you’ll find historic country houses and adventure sports available too. This is an excellent opportunity to discover the south west of Ireland, and you’ll make memories that will last forever when you choose to drive the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ireland’s Ancient East
Ireland’s Ancient East is a shorter route, 401 km (250 miles), so you can explore 5000 years of Irish history in just a few days. With sites and landmarks that date from the Celtic civilisation and the influence of travellers and invaders through the years, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of Irish identity and culture. The route runs from Cork to Dublin, and many people drive to Dublin first to spend a few days in the capital before winding their way back via this stunning route.
When you choose to take your camper van on Ireland’s ancient East route, you’ll explore the Boyne Valley, with its Celtic tombs and sacred sites, and you can take a break to enjoy the sporting opportunities in the area. From golf courses to walking tours, there’s something for everyone, and the many impressive restaurants and cafes along the way will provide you with all you need to rest and refuel!
There are several impressive castles on this route through Ireland, and the famous Blarney Castle is highly recommended. In contrast, you can visit Wicklow’s historical gaol to find out more about those who were at the bottom of the pile during Ireland’s most difficult times. Ireland’s history is complex, and this route offers a good opportunity to really understand this, while enjoying the beautiful countryside that makes Ireland such a popular destination.
Beara Way
The Beara Peninsula is a particularly stunning part of Ireland, so it’s the perfect choice if you only have a short time to explore with your camper van but want to make the most of this wild country. The drive from Cork is around 120km, and you can do this in a couple of hours or stop off along the way to experience the friendly towns and villages en route. You’ll want to plan your drive to make the most of the experience, including the Healy Pass, which is a dramatic mountain road with some of the most incredible views imaginable.
There are plenty of excellent campsites in the Beara Peninsula, including Allihies campsites, which boast stunning views and are only a short walk from the small town where you will find good food and traditional Irish pubs. You may want to spend several days on one site, or change locations each night to get a feel for the area.
The Beara Way is often described as a hidden gem in Ireland, and you’ll understand why when you experience the impressive scenery for yourself. With stunning valleys and ancient monuments along the way, you can discover this area at your own pace before making the drive back to Cork City to catch your ferry home. Cork City itself is another great location, and we suggest parking outside the city and using public transport to explore the historic town.
The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry may be a good option for you if you have a limited time to explore with your camper van in Ireland, although it is likely to be busier than the Beara Peninsula. The route is a 179 km (111-mile) circular route that can be completed in an afternoon but is a much more enjoyable experience when you allow two to four days to relax into it.
The Ring of Kerry is renowned for the many historical landmarks here, including a 7th-century monastery and the stunning Ross Castle, near Killarney. Killarney itself is a spectacular city, with colourful buildings and an impressive cathedral, and the beautiful Lough Leane is a wonderful place nearby to watch the sun come up. Don’t miss Muckross House, home to authentic Irish weavers and crafters who still use antique looms to make hats, clothing and homewares by hand. You’ll love exploring the 19th-century mansion, which gives you a taste of how the richest folks in Ireland lived at this time.
You can visit the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, a 19th-century Irish politician, and enjoy a trip to Derrynane Beach, which is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in the world! The route will take you through stunning mountains, and you can book a trip to visit the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO heritage site, if you are visiting in the summer months. There are many great restaurants to enjoy along the way, and you’ll love discovering the local produce in this foodie area.
Mizen Head
The Mizen Peninsula is the most southwesterly point in Ireland, 123km from Cork, and is a beautiful place to visit. Touring in this area enables you to explore the rugged coastal landscape and find out more about the wildlife and the history here. You’ll want to allow three to five days for this trip to ensure you can really make the most of the experience, and we recommend spending some time in Kinsale to begin your adventure.
Kinsale is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, and you’ll find plenty of Irish delicacies and locally produced food and drink here. You can stock your camper van up for the journey or seek advice on the eateries to stop at along the way, and explore the historic harbour town with its colourful buildings and 17th-century fortresses. From here, you can travel to stunning Crookhaven and enjoy the long golden sands at Barleycove Beach.
At Mizen Head itself, you can find out more about the Mizen Head Signal Station, which has an impressive visitor centre where you can learn about its role in protecting sailors, as well as the geology of this unique area. You might enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience here if you are lucky enough to spot the minke, fin or humpback whales that are often seen in the ocean here, along with dolphins, seals and a host of fascinating seabirds.
Taking Your Campervan to Ireland
Ireland is a stunning country with a vast array of camper van routes to choose from, and you can be sure you’ll have an incredible time when you choose to bring your camper van here. The beauty of travelling with a camper van is that you can pack up everything you will need for your journey, including the home comforts you can’t manage without, and travel in comfort on the Hibernia Ferry from Boulogne to Cork, Ireland. This is a fast and convenient service with comfortable cabins available, so you can arrive rested and ready to enjoy your Irish adventure.
Ireland offers an exciting choice of routes, packed with historic sites and beautiful landscapes to explore, and you’ll find some of the best hospitality in the world as you explore in your camper van. You’ll need to ensure that you prepare for a successful trip by taking out the correct insurance and carrying copies of these along with your driving licence and passport.
Irish weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll need to pack plenty of layers and a good raincoat, but the summer is generally warm. There are several festivals and events all over Ireland, especially in the summertime, and you should check in advance to ensure that you can enjoy or avoid these as you wish!
The Hibernia Line: Passenger Ferry from Boulogne to Cork
The Hibernia Line offers you a quick and easy route from France to Ireland with your campervan, and you’ll be on the shores of Ireland within 21 hours of departure. With six departures per week, you can choose the most convenient crossing for your trip and make the most of your vacation time. You’ll travel in a high-quality 350-cabin vessel from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Ringaskiddy port in Cork, so you can simply drive off the ferry and begin your adventure in Ireland.
It’s easier than ever to take your camper van from France to Ireland with the new Hibernia Line ferry, so you can enjoy all the culture, cuisine and craic Ireland has to offer. You’ll find more information and booking options on our website, so you can start planning your next camper van trip today!