Camping in Ireland is an increasingly popular choice for families seeking an affordable and unique holiday experience. While staycations can be costly, with some short-term lets charging a staggering €4,000 a week, camping offers a more budget-friendly alternative. According to Camping Ireland, the sector represents, a significant number of people (up to 500,000 annually) who opt for this type of holiday. What makes camping in Ireland particularly appealing is the variety of options available, from traditional caravan and camping parks to glamping pods and horse-drawn caravan holidays. These accommodations cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring there's something for everyone.
One of the most attractive aspects of camping in Ireland is the opportunity for families to connect with nature and each other. Nicola Aldeweireldt, a family from Waterford, highlights the energy and excitement that the International Outdoor Adventure Centre (IOAC) near Rosslare in Co Wexford brings to her children. The IOAC offers a range of activities, from self-catering to evening entertainment, allowing parents to relax while their kids make new friends and explore. The cost is reasonable, with a pitch for tents and cars starting at around €50 a night, and additional activities priced at €20 an hour.
Another example is The Dying Cow in Co Wicklow, a rural pub that has diversified into glamping pods and camping areas. The family-run establishment offers a more comfortable experience with showers, toilets, and a small kitchenette, priced at €15 per person in a tent or €120 a night for a glamping pod. This option is ideal for walkers on the Wicklow Way, providing a well-deserved break with hot and tasty refreshments.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, James Conolly at Knockrobin in Rathnew offers upmarket tents and cedar huts with stunning views of the Wicklow Mountains and the sea. The cost is around €180 a night, and breakfast can be delivered from the nearby Tinakilly House Hotel. This romantic setting has even witnessed several proposals in the tents.
In Kilkenny, Tree Grove Caravan and Camping Park provides a convenient and affordable option, just a 20-minute walk from the city centre. With unlimited hot showers, kitchen and laundry facilities, and a TV room, the park offers a range of amenities at competitive prices, starting from €15 for a hiker/cyclist per night and €45 for a family of four. Camping pods are also available for €90-€120 a night.
Lough Key Forest Park in Co Roscommon offers a more rustic experience with pitches for four-man tents starting at €30 a night, rising to €35 for a six-man option. Showers are available for an additional €2. Fossa Caravan and Camping Park in Killarney provides a picturesque setting with mature trees and shrubs, overlooking MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Carrantuohill, with accommodation costing €20-€51 a night.
Beirnes of Battlebridge in Co Roscommon, recently reopened after a change in ownership, offers glamping cabins for €200 for two nights, sleeping up to four. The site is located on the edge of the Shannon, with Leitrim across the river. Rivervalley Holiday Park in Co Wicklow provides a range of accommodations, from glamping to log cabins, with prices varying from €20-€26 per unit a night to €105-€250 a night for glamping options.
The Irish Caravan and Camping Council (Camping Ireland) reports that up to 500,000 individual tourists stay in registered caravan and camping parks each year, accounting for up to 2.7 million bed nights annually. The industry has experienced a significant boost during the pandemic and has sustained high volumes due to an increase in campervans and motorhomes, as well as the good weather this summer. Domestic Irish holidaymakers make up about 60-65% of visitors, while overseas visitors, predominantly from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, account for the remaining 35-40%.
In conclusion, camping in Ireland offers a diverse range of options for families seeking an affordable and unique holiday experience. From traditional caravan and camping parks to glamping pods and horse-drawn caravan holidays, there's something for everyone. The industry has experienced a significant boost during the pandemic and has sustained high volumes due to an increase in campervans and motorhomes, as well as the good weather this summer. So, if you're looking for a budget-friendly and memorable family holiday, consider camping in Ireland.
