An Ultimate Guide to Planning a Motorhome Tour of Ireland
If you’ve been wanting to explore the mystical beauty of Ireland and get lost in rolling landscapes and quaint towns, now is your time.
Travelling around Ireland in a motorhome gives you the perfect opportunity to explore every nook and cranny, hitting all of the tourist spots as well as venturing down the unbeaten path.
From the rugged cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way to the historic charm of ancient castles, Ireland beckons travellers with its lure and character. Today, Melling Motorhomes will show you how to plan the perfect motorhome tour around Ireland, so you get the most out of your trip.
With our motorhome hire, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in Irish culture in no time.
Why Choose Ireland for a Motorhome Adventure?
With its lively atmosphere, breathtaking views, and friendly people, what’s not to love about Ireland?
If you’re not yet convinced, just take a look at this scenery below!
Do you feel the itch to explore this mystical place yet? No? Give us a few minutes, and we’ll have you dashing to pack your bags.
Ireland offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking the freedom of the open road. If you’re more of a partier who loves trying out new pubs and clubs, Ireland offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in its famous nightlife. No matter what you’re after, there’s a place for everyone here.
From enchanting castles like the one above to rolling hills, picturesque villages, bustling cities, and panoramic ocean views, there’s so much to see. Travelling by motorhome allows you to be flexible with your itinerary, stop wherever you desire, and save on the cost of accommodation (apart from campsites and stopovers).
Plus, you can pack anything you want as long as it fits in the vehicle! You no longer have to choose between 20 different outfits for a seven-day trip; bring them all!
Planning Your Journey
Planning your journey can be the most stressful part of any trip, but it doesn’t have to be.
Splitting it up into sections and using a checklist as you go helps to compartmentalise each step, making it easier to tackle.
Best Time to Travel
Similar to Britain, Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable. They get wind, rain, and sun all year round, so it’s best to plan the time you want to go with the type of weather you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a moody, mystical trip, then autumn and winter are the perfect times. If you’d prefer to enjoy a slight breeze and not have to dress up in loads of layers, go in the summer.
- Spring (March-May): Ideal for moderate weather, pretty scenery, and reduced crowds.
- Summer (June-August): Longer daylight hours, higher temperatures, and a bustling environment in towns and villages.
- Autumn (September-November): A quieter season with cooler weather and stunning autumnal colours.
- Winter (December-February): This offers a serene charm, fewer visitors, and cosy nights in neighbourhood bars.
If you can travel outside of the school holidays, you’ll be able to experience quieter roads and lower prices.
Duration of Your Trip
Next is planning how long you want to stay. If you want to get a taste of Ireland, then seven days will allow you to explore one or two popular regions.
To explore more of this beautiful country and cover multiple regions, you’ll need around 14 days. This will give you time to hit a lot of the tourist spots and take it all in.
Three to four weeks is ideal for an extended tour. This will allow you to travel at a relaxed pace, drive around more, and discover some hidden gems.
Creating an Itinerary
Before going on any trip, an itinerary is essential before any trip. It will prevent the last-minute panic of navigating routes, picking where to go, and finding the best deals on overnight stays and activities.
Add key cities to your trip, like Dublin, known for its vibrant atmosphere, and Galway, known for its arts scene. Natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park are also must-sees for nature lovers, as they provide that other-wordly feel.
Once you’ve chosen your stops, plan which route to take:
- Wild Atlantic Way: This well-known coastal road spans more than 2,500 kilometres, traversing a breathtaking landscape from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south.
- Ring of Kerry: This circular route, with its charming villages and coastline scenery, is ideal for a day excursion.
- Causeway Coastal Route: This begins in Belfast and travels along the coast to Londonderry. It includes important sights like Carrick-a-Rede and Dunluce Castle and offers stunning vistas.
When embarking on a road trip, it can be easy to get caught up in it and not stop for a breath, but we’re learning to enjoy the moment in 2025. Dedicate days for exploring with rest days in between so you don’t drop from exhaustion (especially when travelling with kids).
Throw in a bunch of activities for a well-rounded trip. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Hike in Connemara National Park.
- Go kayaking in Killarney’s lakes.
- Visit a whisky distillery in Cork.
- Explore Dublin’s museums.
- Stroll along the dramatic cliffs of the Aran Islands.
- Visit Dingle Bay to see dolphins.
- Dine at farm-to-fork restaurants.
- Explore fairy trails at Lough Key Forest Park.
Booking Campsites
There are plenty of campsites and motorhome parks located around Ireland, catering to all of your needs.
It’s best to book campsites ahead of time and choose ones near your planned destinations so you won’t have to drive too far. Campsites book up quickly from June to August, so plan for this time plenty in advance.
Use Camping Ireland to find campsites located near your stop-off spots. This offers a comprehensive directory of campsites across the country and allows you to filter your search. Expect to pay around €25-€40 per night for full-service parks.
Park4night App is also a great app for finding overnight parking spots, wild camping locations, and campsite recommendations. However, it’s best to note that wild camping is illegal in Ireland unless you have permission from the landowner.
Documentation and Insurance
When travelling to Ireland, you will need to make sure you have the following options on you:
- Passport or ID
- Driving License
- Green card (from insurer)
- Personal travel insurance
- Motorhome insurance (breakdown cover, Ireland cover, Theft and damage cover)
- Rental insurance (if you’re renting the vehicle)
- V5C Registration Document
- MOT Certificate
- Road tax verification
You will need an international driving permit if you have a paper license only or have a license issued in Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar. Making sure you have roadside assistance with national coverage is also ideal in the case of an accident.
Packing Essentials
When setting off on a road trip in a motorhome, you will need the general amenities, including:
- Food and cutlery
- Clothing
- Bedding and towels
- First aid kit
- GPS
- Toiletries
- Gadgets
- Portable Wi-Fi
- Hiking or sports equipment
To find out more on what to bring with you, check out our blog on the ultimate checklist for your motorhome essentials.
Legal Requirements for a Motorhome in Ireland
When driving a motorhome through Ireland, you are legally required to carry the following:
- Headlight converters (for European vehicles)
- A warning triangle
- Spare tyres and tools
- A spare pair of glasses (if required)
- UK sticker for reg plates or the back of your vehicle
How to Get From the UK to Ireland in a Motorhome
To get from the UK to Ireland in a motorhome, you will have to take the ferry across. Luckily for you, there are a few routes you can choose from:
- Liverpool to Dublin (P&O Ferries): 8 hours
- Liverpool to Belfast (Stena Line): 8 hours and 30 mins
- Holyhead to Dublin (Irish Ferries and Stena Line): 3 hours
- Fishguard to Rosslare (Stena Line): 4 hours
- Cairnryan to Belfast (P&O Ferries and Stena Line): 2 hours and 30 mins
Ferry prices typically range from £150 to £400 for a motorhome and passengers. To get the best deal, book early and compare dates. Before booking, ensure that the ferry can accommodate your motorhome’s size and weight.
Top Destinations and Must-See Attractions
Here’s the fun part: Ireland offers plenty of beauty, culture, and history, and deciding where to go can be difficult.
That’s why we added some of the top destinations and must-see attractions so you can leave your trip feeling fulfilled.
1. Wild Atlantic Way
Stretching over 2,500 km along Ireland’s west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way offers dramatic coastal scenery and is one of the longest routes in the world.
Here’s what you can see along the way:
- The Burren (County Clare): A distinctive karst limestone landscape that’s home to rare plants and historic monuments. Who wouldn’t want to see that?
- Connemara National Park (County Galway): Discover hiking paths, bogs, heaths, and forests with breathtaking views of the mountains.
- Cliffs of Moher (County Clare): These majestic coastal cliffs, one of Ireland’s most well-known natural monuments, provide stunning vistas of the Atlantic.
2. Ring of Kerry
Even if you’ve never visited Ireland before, you’ve most likely heard of the Ring of Kerry. This circular route is a scenic drive with plenty of seaside villages, castle ruins, and towns to see along the way.
Drive counterclockwise around the ring to avoid traffic issues and bus tours.
Some highlights along the route include:
- Killarney National Park: Home to the Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House, and Torc Waterfall, this is perfect for hikers, animal lovers, and adventurous travelers.
- Valentia Island: This island is accessible by ferry and is one of Ireland’s westernmost inhabited islands, offering an experience like no other.
- Ballycarbery Castle: This striking ruin, located near the town of Cahersiveen, is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
3. Galway
Known as the cultural heart of Ireland, Galway is a spot you don’t want to miss. This lively city is home to unique pubs and bars, a variety of delicious restaurants, and a great arts scene.
Top things to do in Galway include:
- Quay Street: This colourful street is perfect for a night out or a day of shopping. It has plenty of pubs, bars, and restaurants.
- Salthill Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Salthill Promenade, which offers stunning views of Galway Bay.
- Galway Cathedral: Built in the mid-20th century, this enchanting building has stunning stained glass windows and a beautiful interior.
4. Dublin
Dublin is one of the most popular cities to visit in Ireland (and with great reason).
Dublin has a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful streets, and plenty of fun activities, making it perfect for the younger crowd. That’s why this city houses mainly young adults under 25 (it’s the perfect spot for a girl’s trip or a lad’s day out).
Must-see attractions in Dublin include:
- Moore Street: Moore Street is a great place to browse and is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. It also hosts the city’s oldest food market!
- Guinness Storehouse: If you love a good beer, enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar and take an interactive tour of the Guinness Storehouse to learn more about Ireland’s most well-known export.
- Temple Bar: Explore Dublin’s cultural quarter, which is well-known for its pubs, street art, and active atmosphere.
5. Cork and the South Coast
Cork is Ireland’s second-biggest city, with plenty to discover. This beautiful city is full of charm, bound to capture your attention. Once you visit, you’ll never want to leave!
Some highlights around Cork include:
- Blarney Castle: Take in the architecture, explore the lovely castle gardens, and give a kiss to the well-known Blarney Stone.
- English Market: A must-visit for foodies, this has a large selection of locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, and freshly made meals.
- Kinsale: This charming seaside town is well-known for its mediaeval forts, fine dining establishments, and vibrant buildings.
6. Belfast
If you get the chance to visit Ireland, don’t forget to stop in Belfast! This city is a top tourist destination, perfect for those who love to party. This is only a two-hour drive from Dublin, with plenty of historic sites, pretty streets, and friendly locals.
Top things to see in Belfast include:
- Titanic Belfast: This museum is located where the Titanic was built, allowing visitors to engage in an immersive experience, exploring the history of this ship.
- St. George’s Market: One of Belfast’s oldest attractions, St. George’s Market is a bustling place where you can buy handmade gifts, sample local produce, and enjoy live music.
- Crumlin Road Gaol: This museum, which was formerly a prison, offers guided tours that explore Belfast’s contentious political history. Visitors can also explore the execution chamber, tunnels, and cells.
Practical Tips for Motorhome Travel in Ireland
When planning a motorhome tour around Ireland, be prepared to always drive on the left side of the road and adhere to these general speed limits.
- 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways.
- 80 km/h (50 mph) on regional roads.
- 100 km/h (62 mph) on national roads.
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
In the Republic of Ireland, speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph) for Northern Ireland.
Take care on winding, narrow roads, and expect to find wildlife crossing the road often in rural areas. Coastal areas, including the Wild Atlantic Way, can be quite windy, so take care when parking nearby overnight.
You’ll need to refill your fresh water tank at campsites and empty your grey and black water tanks at designated dumping stations. Fuel stations can be scarce in remote areas, so make the most of any rural regions you stop at!
Ireland has a number of toll roads, especially in the Dublin area. Make sure you understand how to pay the M50 since it uses an electronic toll system (eFlow) that has no barriers. If you are renting a motorhome, ask the rental company how tolls are handled so you don’t have to make any last-minute, frantic calls.
Emergency contacts: Dial 112 or 999 for police, fire, and ambulance during emergencies.
Experience the Trip of a Lifetime with Melling Motorhomes
Are you all prepared for your trip? Yes? That’s what we like to hear!
If you’ve got your heart set on a motorhome tour around Ireland, but you don’t have a vehicle of your own, then don’t fret! At Melling Motorhomes, we have a range of modern, spacious vehicles to rent whenever you need them.
Book with us today and experience the beauty of Ireland for yourself. It’s that easy! Don’t miss out on our winter hire deal while it lasts.