The top 5 attractions in Ireland with campsites nearby

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are countries of immense beauty and with a vast choice of attractions, it can be difficult deciding where to visit on a touring or camping holiday. To make life a little more hassle free, we've chosen our top 5 things you should see during a visit to Ireland.

The Giant's Causeway, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to the world famous Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim coastline. It is a World Heritage Site and the heritage coastline extends 12 miles to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The Causeway Rambler Bus Service allows people who don’t want to drive or walk the full route to access all the attractions along the coastline easily.

The Giant’s Causeway is renowned for its 40,000-plus polygonal columns of layered basalt that resulted from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. People visiting this geological marvel can walk across the columns and enjoy four trails of various grades, which offer breathtaking views of jagged cliffs and wave-lashed bays. There are routes suitable for all ages and abilities.

Where to stay
Ballyness Caravan Park
A countryside site, five miles from the Giant’s Causeway. Causeway Rambler bus service stops at site from Jun-Sept. On-site shop, wildlife ponds and children’s play area. Also close to Bushmills Distillery.
 

The Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands, Co Clare, Republic of Ireland

Many boat companies operate from Doolin Pier, in County Clare, offering services direct to each of the three Aran islands and also cruises to view the Cliffs of Moher. Cruises vary from trips to one island, all the islands, hour trips just to view the Cliffs, to full day outings.

Three rocky limestone outcrops make up the unspoilt Aran Islands. On the islands the way of life is still traditional; full of character and history. The landscape is dramatic, with stone walls, narrow winding roads, craggy shores and sandy beaches.

The Cliffs of Moher are 214 metres tall at the highest point and stretch for nearly five miles along the Atlantic. They are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland. A boat trip will give you a magnificent view of the towering cliffs from sea level.

Where to stay
Nagles Doolin Camping & Caravan Park
Only 100 metres from Doolin Pier for boat cruises to the Aran Islands. Site lined by dry-stone walls with hardstanding pitches. Views to the coast and Cliffs of Moher.
 

The South Kerry Coastline, Co Kerry, Republic of Ireland

When driving along the Ring of Kerry route (a tourist trail covering the south coast of Ireland) some of the most beautiful coastal scenery opens up before you. The Ring of Kerry can be explored by tourist bus, there is a signposted Ring of Kerry cycling path and the alternative walking route is the Kerry Way.

Two beaches in County Kerry to look out for are Derrynane and Rossbeigh. Derrynane beach, near Caherdaniel, has a wide, expansive beach with white sand and when the tide is out walk over to Abbey Island and the ruins of Derrynane Abbey. Further up the coast is Rossbeigh beach which stretches out for about three miles into the north Atlantic. The backdrop to the beach are the mountains and village of Glenbeigh.

You can’t spend all that time looking out across the sea to far-off islands without being intrigued as to what lies out there. Regular boat trips run from various points in County Kerry to the World Heritage island of Skellig Michael.

Where to stay
Mannix Point Camping & Caravan Park
Situated on the coast with 500 metres of waterfront. Ideal for watersports and boat trips to the Skellig Islands. 16 miles from Rossbeigh and Derrynane.
 

Killarney National Park, Co Kerry, Republic of Ireland

There are few places that can offer the outdoor enthusiast such freedom and vast expanses of landscape to explore as a National Park. It is said that in Killarney National Park you will find a different walking route for every day in the year. Walkers can choose from low-level parkland, lakeside and woodland walks, to higher-level hill walks on old bridle paths. For the more adventurous, take on the 1,000 metre summits of the MacGillicuddy Reeks. Killarney has a plethora of loop walks – some can be completed in 30 minutes while others can take four-plus hours. The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls gives the area a jaw-dropping beauty, and a variety of wildlife calls the park home.

Where to stay
Killarney Flesk Caravan & Camping
Walking and cycling path directly from site into Killarney National Park. Close to town centre. Restaurant, bar and shop on site.
 

The Castles

Blarney Castle in County Cork is most famous for its stone at the top of the Tower. For years, people have climbed the steps to kiss the stone and gain the gift of eloquence. The castle also has a diverse selection of gardens, avenues, aboretums and waterways, including the unusual Poison Garden which contains all sorts of toxic plants.

Commanding a presence on an island in the River Suir, Cahir Castle in Tipperary was designed to be a state-of-the-art defensive castle. Appearing to grow from the rock on which it stands, the castle has been the scene of sieges and bombardments for centuries. The keep, tower and much of its defensive structure still remains and now an audio-visual show informs visitors of its lively history.

Where to stay
Blarney Caravan & Camping Park
Two miles from village of Blarney in a secluded location. Hardstanding pitches with hedging and trees. 18 hole pitch ‘n’ putt on site, bar 100 metres. 

Glen of Aherlow Caravan & Camping Park
Situated in a valley, surrounded by woodland and farmland. Close to a nature park, mountains and lakes. 15 miles from Cahir Castle.