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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.
| 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) |
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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