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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.

Campervan Depots

Map of campervan rental depots near 526762

Best Months for a Campervan Trip

Period High °C Good time?
Mar–May (spring) 10–13 °C Yes; mild weather, fewer crowds
Jun–Aug (summer) 17–20 °C Yes; warmest but busy
Sep–Oct (autumn) 12–15 °C Yes; autumn colours, shorter days
Nov–Feb (winter) 6–9 °C Maybe; wet weather, limited daylight

Driving in the Area

  • Urban speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph); some areas have 30 or 60 km/h limits.

  • Motorways allow 120 km/h (75 mph); regional roads 80 km/h (50 mph).

  • The M50 ring road uses electronic tolling without barriers. Pay online or at Payzone shops before 20:00 the next day to avoid a penalty.
  • City centre streets use pay-and-display parking. Parking meters operate 07:00–19:00 Monday–Saturday; Sunday is free in most areas.

  • Multi-storey car parks in the city centre have 2.0 m (6 ft 6 in) height limits. Park & Ride sites at Red Cow (LUAS tram) or Carrickmines (DART rail) are better for taller vehicles.

  • Rural roads near Howth and in the Wicklow Mountains are narrow with stone walls. Fold in your mirrors when needed and watch for oncoming tractors, cyclists and sheep.

Camping Spots

Place Facilities Pros Cons
Camac Valley Tourist Park (Clondalkin) Full hook-ups Open all year, city bus at gate, large pitches Summer fills 3+ months ahead
Lynders Mobile Home Park (Portrane) Water+Electric Seaside views, playground, near Howth Closed Nov–Mar, exposed to wind
North Beach Caravan Park (Rush) Water+Electric Beach access, shops nearby 8 m vehicle limit, tight spacing
Roundwood Caravan Park (Co. Wicklow) Water+Electric Quiet village, gateway to Wicklow walks Last check-in 20:00, limited evening buses
Sally Gap lay-by (Wicklow Mountains, wild) None Free, sunset views No facilities, soft ground, leave no trace

Fuel, Water, Waste

  • Applegreen service stations on the M1 (Julianstown) and M7 (Kill) offer 24-hour diesel, fresh water taps and paid chemical toilet emptying.
  • Most tourist parks, including Camac Valley, let non-guests refill water and empty tanks for a small fee; call first.
  • Dublin City Council facility at Ballymount accepts grey water, black water and recyclables Monday–Saturday 09:00–17:00.

Local Tips

  • Rain falls on about 150 days per year; bring waterproof clothing and air out the vehicle daily.

  • Book campsites at least 90 days ahead for June–August and for St Patrick's week (mid-March).

  • City centre roads close for the St Patrick's Day parade on 17 March; use Park & Ride that day.
  • Emergency services: dial 112 or 999 for police, fire or ambulance.

  • Wild camping is accepted on public land if you stay one night, keep away from houses and light no fires; ask the landowner when unsure.

  • Mountain roads can become icy in winter; check Met Éireann weather warnings and bring traction equipment if you plan to drive on high mountain roads.

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.