10 Best Campsites in Ireland for Outdoor Camping
Camping has always been a big part of Irish life. For many, it evokes memories of family holidays spent under canvas or in cozy caravans, exploring the rugged beauty of West Cork, the sunny shores of Wexford, and beyond.
These camping trips are more than just vacations—they are adventures filled with the thrill of setting up camp, discovering new places, and meeting fellow travelers from near and far.
No matter if you’re seeking romance, nostalgia, or a deep connection with nature, there are amazing camping spots in Ireland that offer unforgettable experiences.
Here are the 10 best campsites in Ireland for outdoor camping that you must explore this year. So, pack your gear and get ready to rediscover the magic of camping, Irish style!
10 Best Campsites in Ireland to Go Camping
1. Chleire Haven, Co. Cork
Google Rating: 4.9
Located on Cape Clear Island off the coast of Cork, Chleire Haven offers one of Ireland’s most unique camping experiences. This island escape feels worlds away from the mainland hustle, with stunning ocean views in every direction.
The campsite features cozy Central Asian-inspired yurts that bring luxury to the camping experience. Inside each yurt, you’ll find comfortable wooden double beds and warm wood-burning stoves to keep you cozy during cool coastal nights. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and comfort.
What makes Chleire Haven special is the balance between nature and amenities. You can enjoy stargazing around the communal firepit or cook fresh local seafood on the outdoor BBQ. The island location means you’ll wake to the sound of waves and seabirds rather than traffic.
Getting here requires a ferry ride from Baltimore, adding to the adventure. The journey across the water sets the tone for a truly off-grid experience where you can disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
2. Hidden Valley, Co Wicklow
Google Rating: 4.5
Hidden Valley in Rathdrum strikes the perfect balance between peaceful nature retreat and action-packed family destination. This award-winning campsite, voted Ireland’s Favorite Small Stay, sits nestled among beech trees beside the flowing Avonmore River.
The campsite offers diverse accommodation options from traditional tent pitches to comfortable cabins. What truly sets Hidden Valley apart are its activities. Families can enjoy kayaking on the river, compete in laser tag games, or relax with movie nights at the on-site cinema. The exciting Splash Valley Aqua Center provides hours of water-based fun that kids particularly love.
Its location makes Hidden Valley an ideal base for exploring Wicklow National Park. After a day of hiking through what many call “the Garden of Ireland,” you can return to your campsite for BBQ under the stars. The surrounding mountains create a natural amphitheater that amplifies the feeling of being embraced by nature.
The friendly staff organizes seasonal events throughout the summer, creating a community feel that brings campers back year after year.
3. Pure Space, Co. Clare
Google Rating: 4.8
True to its name, Pure Space in County Clare offers a clean, simple environment where you can truly unwind. Located on Ireland’s dramatic west coast, this eco-aware site focuses on reconnecting guests with the natural world and their inner selves.
This gold standard Ecotourism Ireland recognized site provides several accommodation options. You can choose from self-catering wooden lodges, off-grid eco-cabins, or pre-furnished canvas bell tents. There’s also space for small camper vans and hiking tents, making it accessible for all types of outdoor campers.
What makes Pure Space stand out is its commitment to sustainability. The site uses renewable energy sources, practices water conservation, and encourages guests to leave no trace. This responsible approach earned them an Irish Responsible Tourism award.
After adventures, you can gather around communal spaces to share stories and enjoy the legendary Clare sunset views. The peaceful atmosphere helps visitors disconnect from their busy lives and find clarity in nature’s simplicity.
4. Rosguill Holiday Park, Co. Donegal
Google Rating: 4.7
Located on the breathtaking Rosguill Peninsula in northern Donegal, this breathtaking camping spot offers you an authentic Irish coastal experience. The park offers spectacular panoramic views across Mulroy Bay, where the wild Atlantic waves crash against the rugged shoreline.
Every pitch at Rosguill provides campers with stunning vistas whether you’re in a tent, caravan, or motorhome. The morning light breaking over the bay creates a magical atmosphere that photographers and nature lovers will treasure. As evening falls, the sunset paints the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks that reflect off the water.
The campsite’s excellent facilities make your stay comfortable and convenient. The clean, modern kitchen is perfect for preparing meals, while the tennis court offers active visitors a chance to burn off energy. Kids especially love the on-site Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, where locally-made treats provide the perfect reward after a day of exploration.
What makes Rosguill truly special is its perfect location for campers. Within a short drive or energetic walk, you’ll discover hidden beaches, coastal hiking trails, and charming fishing villages. After a busy day exploring, you can return to your peaceful campsite to relax and recharge.
5. Wave Crest Caravan Park, Co. Kerry
Google Rating: 4.6
Perched along the world-famous Ring of Kerry route, Wave Crest Caravan Park in Caherdaniel is a hidden gem for campers. This family-run park sits right on the waterfront, treating guests to jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views that change with each passing hour and tide.
The friendly owners have created a welcoming atmosphere that keeps visitors returning year after year. Their well-maintained facilities cater to every type of camper, from tent campers to those traveling in luxury motorhomes. Hot showers, spotlessly clean washrooms, and practical laundry facilities ensure your stay remains comfortable regardless of weather conditions.
Families particularly appreciate the thoughtful amenities designed for younger visitors. The games room provides entertainment during occasional rainy days, while the dedicated TV room offers a cozy space to unwind. Children can burn off excess energy at the playground, making it easier for parents to relax and enjoy their holiday.
One of Wave Crest’s biggest advantages is its year-round operation. Summer visitors can enjoy swimming at nearby Derrynane Beach, with its Blue Flag status and stunning white sands. Winter campers experience a different kind of magic—wild, dramatic seascapes and peaceful solitude rarely found in more popular tourist seasons.
Also Read: Best Beaches in Dublin
6. Clifden Eco Beach, Co. Galway
Google Rating: 4.7
Clifden Eco Beach stands out as one of the best campsites in Ireland for its sustainable tourism. Located in the heart of Connemara’s stunning coastal landscape, this award-winning eco-campsite offers a camping experience that’s both environmentally responsible and unforgettable.
Unlike many traditional campsites, Clifden operates with a strong commitment to preserving its unique natural setting. The campground sits beside a rare machair ecosystem—a special type of coastal grassland found only in western Ireland and Scotland. This delicate habitat blooms with colorful wildflowers in spring and summer, creating a natural carpet that attracts diverse butterfly and bee species.
The pitches here feel more natural and integrated with the landscape than at standard campsites. Whether you choose a spot overlooking the bay or tucked behind the dunes, you’ll feel genuinely connected to the wild Connemara environment. The sound of waves lapping against the shore creates a soothing backdrop for peaceful nights under star-filled skies.
Water conservation and renewable energy are priorities here, with solar-powered facilities and careful waste management systems. The clean, simple amenities provide everything needed without unnecessary luxury that would impact the environment.
The surrounding area offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Take a refreshing swim in the clean Atlantic waters, try your hand at windsurfing, or simply wander along the seemingly endless beaches collecting shells.
7. Portsalon Luxury Camping, Co. Donegal
Google Rating: 4.9
Located in the stunning northern reaches of County Donegal, Portsalon Luxury Camping offers you a luxury and comfort camping experience. The camping site features five spacious yurts, each equipped with cozy king-sized beds and warming wood-burning stoves for those crisp Irish evenings.
What makes this spot truly special is the thoughtful outdoor spaces. Each yurt has its own private deck area complete with a BBQ, fire pit, and hammock—ideal for relaxing while taking in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling hills. The peaceful setting creates a natural sanctuary away from the hustle of everyday life.
Just a short walk away lies Portsalon village with its spectacular 3-mile Blue Flag beach. Whether you spend your days exploring the golden sands or simply unwinding on your private deck, this glamping experience offers romance and relaxation in equal measure.
8. Eagle Point Camping, Co. Cork
Google Rating: 4.7
Perched on its own peninsula jutting into Bantry Bay, Eagle Point Camping delivers some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal views. This special corner of West Cork offers panoramic vistas of the Beara Peninsula and majestic Hungry Hill that will leave you speechless.
The campsite’s seven secluded pebble coves are perfect for campers on the quest for quiet spots to relax with a book or simply watch the changing colors of the bay. Swimmers will love the sheltered swimming spots and kayaking opportunities, while fishing fans can try their luck catching dinner fresh from the bay.
The real magic happens at sunset when the sky erupts in color over the water. Keep your eyes peeled for seals playing in the bay—they’re regular visitors to these protected waters.
9. Rock Farm, Co. Meath
Google Rating: 4.6
Located in Ireland’s Ancient East, Rock Farm offers an eco-friendly camping experience with the iconic Slane Castle as your backdrop. This gold-certified sustainable site sits on an organic farm in the historic Boyne Valley, combining natural beauty with environmental consciousness.
The secluded yurts provide a perfect balance of comfort and connection to nature. After exploring the network of riverside trails, nothing beats unwinding in the site’s wood-fired hot tub nestled beneath a charming hawthorn tree. The bubbling water under starry skies creates moments you won’t soon forget.
Rock Farm goes beyond basic camping with thoughtful touches like electric bike rentals, making it easy to explore the region’s rich history and natural wonders at your own pace. The nearby Boyne River offers peaceful kayaking opportunities through landscapes steeped in Irish mythology.
10. The Apple Farm, Co Tipperary
Google Rating: 4.7
For a unique camping experience that engages all your senses, The Apple Farm in Tipperary’s Munster Vales region delivers something truly special. This working farm welcomes campers to pitch their tents amid flourishing orchards of apples, pears, and plums—creating an atmosphere so idyllic you might think you’ve been transported to continental Europe.
The sweet scent of ripening fruit fills the air as you wake each morning to birdsong among the trees. The farm’s owners organize engaging activities like guided orchard walks and local food workshops, connecting visitors with Ireland’s agricultural heritage.
A thoughtful welcome gift of the farm’s award-winning apple juice awaits each guest—a perfect morning refreshment or evening mixer. The central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Tipperary’s hidden gems while returning each evening to this peaceful fruit-growing haven.
