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Plan your camper trip from Cork – find your ideal camper in minutes

Road Genius compares campervan rentals from all major suppliers and shows live availability in one place. Cork is a busy starting point for touring the south of Ireland, with easy connections to Dublin, Shannon and the Wild Atlantic Way. The city's airport is 15 minutes from the N40 ring road so you can reach coastal routes quickly. This guide provides the key facts you need before driving and camping around Cork.

Best Time for a Camping Trip

Period Average High Temperature Good time?
Spring (Mar-May) 12°C (54°F) Yes
Summer (Jun-Aug) 19°C (66°F) Excellent
Early Autumn (Sep-Oct) 15°C (59°F) Yes
Winter (Nov-Feb) 9°C (48°F) Limited (short days)

Driving in the Area

  • Motorway speed limit is 120 km/h (75 mph); national roads are 100 km/h (62 mph) and regional roads 80 km/h (50 mph).
  • The M8 toll at Fermoy accepts cash or contactless card; rental vans without an eFlow tag must stop at the toll barrier.
  • Rural roads on the West Cork peninsulas are narrow; use passing places and expect average speeds below 50 km/h (30 mph).
  • Multi-story car parks in Cork City have height barriers around 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in); use Black Ash Park & Ride or open surface parking lots instead.
  • LPG gas is difficult to find west of the city; fill up at the Circle K station on the N27 before heading to Kinsale or the Beara Peninsula.
  • Met Éireann (Irish weather service) issues weather warnings; strong Atlantic winds can make high bridges and exposed routes dangerous for tall vehicles.

Camping and Overnight Stops

Place Electric/Water Hook-ups Advantages Disadvantages
Blarney Caravan & Camping Park Full Near Blarney Castle; bus to city; accepts vehicles up to 9 m Closed Nov-Mar; booking required in July–Aug
Garrettstown House Holiday Park (Kinsale) Water+Electric Surf beach, play areas, open Easter–Sep Difficult access for vehicles over 7.5 m; busy weekends
Eagle Point Camping (Bantry) Water+Electric Waterfront pitches, kayak launch 90 minutes drive from Cork; minimum 2-night stay in high season
Youghal Green Park RV Stop None 24 hour parking, waterfront location, low cost pay-and-display No hook-ups; restrooms only during day
Council harbor areas (e.g. Castletownbere) None Free overnight parking if not signed otherwise; scenic No services; must leave by 10:00 if fishing boats need space

Resupplying Options

  • Circle K Junction 6 on the N27: diesel, gasoline, LPG gas, fresh water tap, gray/black waste disposal.
  • Blarney Caravan & Camping Park allows non-guests to empty waste and refill water for a small fee.
  • Supermarkets at Wilton and Douglas sell Campingaz cylinders and groceries, with open car parks without height barriers.

Important Information

  • Dial 112 or 999 for police, fire or medical emergencies anywhere in Ireland.
  • Overnight parking is not allowed at motorway service areas; use marked lay-bys or campsites.
  • Spring tides can flood low coastal roads around Bantry Bay and Youghal; check tide times before parking near water.
  • From 1 October to 31 March dipped headlights are required on national roads even during daylight hours.
  • Wild camping on private land is only legal with the landowner's permission; a polite request usually works.
  • AA Ireland roadside assistance (phone 0818 66 77 88) covers most rental vehicles.

FAQs

What are the age restrictions to rent a campervan in Ireland?

In Ireland, most campervan rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. You may also need to have had your driver's license for a certain duration, typically between 2 to 5 years. Some vehicles may not be available to those under 25.

To find suitable options, simply input the driver's age in our search tool, and it will display vehicles you can rent.

A full driver's license is necessary and if you're a younger driver, extra insurance might be needed.

Is free camping allowed in Ireland?

In Ireland, most land is privately owned, so you need permission from the landowner to camp there. While free camping is generally not allowed, some national parks do permit it. Remember to always clean up after yourself and follow local guidelines. Before you go, check online or visit an information center to learn about the rules in the area you want to explore.

Ireland has more than 100 campsites available with prices beginning at approximately €15 per night.

What sort of license is needed to rent a campervan in Ireland?

To rent a campervan in the Republic of Ireland, you must have a valid manual driver's license for at least 2 years. This license lets you drive a European category B vehicle with a weight limit of 3,500kg. If your license is from outside the UK, EEA, or Switzerland, you'll need an international driving permit.

Can I travel to Northern Ireland in my rental vehicle?

Absolutely! Although Northern Ireland is part of the UK, many campervan rental suppliers have locations in both the UK and Ireland.

Traveling one-way is a popular choice, allowing you to explore more during your trip.

Keep in mind that extra fees for one-way rentals might apply. The Road Genius comparison tool will include these costs in your final price.