For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental Dublin - Complete Guide 2026 guide.
Best Dublin RV Itinerary for rv rental beginners - Overview
A beginner-friendly RV itinerary starting and ending in Dublin is an ideal way to experience Ireland's key highlights with a rented motorhome. This journey is best enjoyed from late Spring to early Autumn, specifically May to September, for optimal weather conditions and longer daylight hours, allowing ample time for exploration. For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental Dublin - Complete Guide 2024 guide, your go-to resource for a seamless trip. Planning an unforgettable adventure through Ireland is made easy when you understand the local driving conditions. Drive slowly and carefully, and you can drive almost anywhere without issues. No need to stress - just use common sense and pay attention.
For those new to renting a campervan, this route focuses on manageable daily driving distances, typically less than 150 km, to allow for relaxed travel and ample time to immerse yourself in the culture, food, and scenery. RV travel offers the flexibility to cook meals on board, saving on dining expenses. Explore our RV-friendly recipes playlist for ideas that can elevate your trip. Bandana Caravan, founded in 2001, has helped tens of thousands of travelers discover the world by RV, providing full price transparency and no hidden fees, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
7-Day Classic Route in Dublin
A classic 7-day caravan rental route from Dublin provides a perfect introduction to Ireland's charm for first-time RVers. This itinerary balances iconic sights with relaxed driving, ensuring you savor each stop without feeling rushed and adhering to slow travel recommendations. * **Day 1: Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow (approx. 50 km / 30 miles)**: Travel south from Dublin to the picturesque Wicklow Mountains. Explore the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, featuring St. Kevin's Kitchen and two scenic lakes. Overnight at a nearby campsite like Roundwood Caravan & Camping Park, offering powered pitches for your rented motorhome. * **Day 2: Glendalough to Kilkenny (approx. 100 km / 60 miles)**: Drive west to Kilkenny, a medieval city renowned for its stunning Kilkenny Castle and the historic Medieval Mile. Overnight at a Kilkenny area RV park, such as Kilkenny Tourist Campsite, which provides essential facilities for your mobile home rental. * **Day 3: Kilkenny to Cork/Blarney (approx. 100 km / 60 miles)**: Head southwest to County Cork. Your main stop will be Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Afterwards, explore the vibrant city of Cork. Secure a campsite near Cork, such as Blarney Caravan & Camping Park. * **Day 4: Cork to Killarney (approx. 80 km / 50 miles)**: Continue your journey through breathtaking landscapes to Killarney National Park in County Kerry. This area offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Stay at a well-equipped Killarney campsite, like Fossa Beach Caravan & Camping Park, which boasts 47 powered sites for campervan rentals. * **Day 5: Killarney - Ring of Kerry / Dingle Peninsula Day Trip (approx. 100-150 km / 60-90 miles loop)**: Dedicate this day to experiencing one of Ireland's most famous scenic drives, the Ring of Kerry, or the equally stunning Dingle Peninsula. The loop can be driven in your campervan, with plenty of pull-offs for photos. Return to your Killarney campsite. * **Day 6: Killarney to Cashel (approx. 100 km / 60 miles)**: Journey back east to the historic town of Cashel to witness the iconic Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings. Park your RV at a campsite in the Cashel region, perhaps Parson's Hill Caravan & Camping Park, to enjoy the local charm. * **Day 7: Cashel to Dublin (approx. 160 km / 100 miles)**: Make your way back to Dublin, concluding your memorable Irish adventure. Drop off your rented RV and start planning your next trip! For comparing Motorhome Prices for Dublin or exploring options like Weekly RV Rental in Dublin - Pricing 2024, Bandana Caravan has you covered. When budgeting for these incredible experiences, remember that on RV PLANET routes, travelers can itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting. RV PLANET routes streamline financial planning, offering a full picture of trip costs from fuel to campground fees.14-Day Extended Journey in Dublin
An extended 14-day motorhome rental trip from Dublin allows for a more in-depth exploration of Ireland, stretching further into its rugged beauty and vibrant culture. This route expands on the classic itinerary, venturing into the famous Wild Atlantic Way while maintaining our recommendation to travel slowly, max 100-150 km per day on average. * **Days 1-7: Southern Highlights** - Begin by following the 7-day classic route, fully immersing yourself in the charms of Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cork, and Killarney. Enjoy the ancient sites, medieval towns, and lush landscapes with your rented RV. * **Day 8: Killarney to Doolin / Cliffs of Moher (approx. 150 km / 90 miles)**: Drive north along the spectacular west coast. Witness the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, rising up to 214 meters (702 feet) from the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, head to Doolin, known as the capital of traditional Irish music. Stay at a Doolin area campsite, like Nagles Doolin Camping & Caravan Park. * **Day 9: Doolin to Galway (approx. 80 km / 50 miles)**: Continue your journey north to the vibrant and artistic city of Galway. Explore its bustling streets and bohemian atmosphere. Secure a spot at a campsite just outside the city center, which allows for easy public transport access into Galway itself for your campervan rental. * **Day 10: Galway to Connemara National Park (approx. 100 km / 60 miles)**: Discover the wild and untamed beauty of Connemara National Park, a region of mountains, lakes, and peatlands. Find a serene campsite within or near the park, like Clifden Caravan & Camping Park, offering stunning views. * **Day 11: Connemara to Westport (approx. 70 km / 45 miles)**: Head to the picturesque town of Westport in County Mayo, famous for its Georgian architecture and proximity to Croagh Patrick. Park your campervan at a local RV site, such as Westport House Caravan & Camping Park. * **Day 12: Westport to Sligo / Donegal (approx. 150 km / 90 miles)**: Continue further north to explore the surf coast of Sligo or the rugged, dramatic landscapes of Donegal. This region offers stunning natural features and less crowded spots. Find suitable overnight parking at a designated campground like Strandhill Caravan & Camping Park near Sligo. * **Day 13: Sligo / Donegal to Boyne Valley (near Dublin) (approx. 150 km / 90 miles)**: Begin your journey back towards Dublin, making a significant stop in the historic Boyne Valley, home to ancient sites like Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. Stay at a Boyne Valley campsite, such as Mornington Camping, located approximately 50 km from Dublin. * **Day 14: Boyne Valley to Dublin (approx. 50 km / 30 miles)**: Enjoy a short final drive back to Dublin for your RV return, concluding your comprehensive Irish tour. This extended journey provides a deep dive into "RV Rental Ireland - Complete Guide 2024" experiences, highlighting how we handle the details so you can live the journey.🎬 Video coming soon
Recommended RVPlan Trip for Dublin
For a truly comprehensive RV adventure from Dublin, Bandana highly recommends exploring the "
Dublin Roundtrip - Wild Atlantic Way
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
When planning your RV rental adventure from Dublin, don't miss these personal recommendations from Avi Bandana, our founder and CEO. With over 25 years of hands-on experience, Avi genuinely knows RV travel and the best spots to truly connect with Ireland's essence. * **Blarney Castle & Gardens (Traditional Visit)**: Avi Bandana suggests this iconic site near Cork for its rich history and the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. It's a classic Irish experience and well worth the visit with your rented mobile home. * **The Kerry Bog Village Museum (Traditional Visit)**: Step back in time at this unique museum, offering a glimpse into 19th-century rural Irish life near Killarney. It's a fascinating cultural stop easily accessible by campervan. * **Connemara Smokehouse (Local Industry)**: Visit this local industry in Connemara to learn about traditional salmon smoking and sample delicious fresh produce. It's a taste of authentic Ireland that many travelers miss. * **Traditional Irish Pubs (Traditional Restaurant)**: Don't miss stopping at local pubs along your route for authentic Irish cuisine, a pint of Guinness, and often live traditional music. Many rural pubs offer parking for RVs, creating a unique "Pint & Park" experience. To enjoy meals on board, ensure your rented RV has a good kitchen setup. For inspiration, check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist. * **Local Markets (Traditional Market)**: Seek out regional farmers' markets to experience local culture and taste fresh, artisanal Irish products. These markets are excellent for stocking up your RV kitchen with local ingredients and connecting to the culture.Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Dublin
Avi Bandana consistently recommends a maximum of 100 miles or 150 km per day on average when RVing in Ireland, ensuring a leisurely travel pace. This recommendation allows for ample exploration time and reduces the stress of rushing between destinations in your rented motorhome. Driving distances often appear shorter on a map but can take longer in reality due to Ireland's narrow roads, winding routes, and frequent opportunities for scenic stops and photographs. For example, the drive from Dublin to Glendalough (approx. 50 km) typically takes around 1 hour. Traveling from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher (approx. 75 km) can easily take 1.5 to 2 hours due to coastal roads and smaller towns. A trip from Killarney to Dingle (approx. 60 km) is roughly a 1.5-hour drive, navigating the scenic peninsula. It's crucial for beginners to factor in these realistic drive times and embrace the slower pace to truly feel the place, connect with the culture, the food, and the scenery of Ireland. When in urban areas, remember to drive slowly and carefully, paying attention to signage, and you can drive almost anywhere without issues.Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right campervan or motorhome rental for your Irish adventure is key to comfort and maneuverability. Bandana Caravan, as true RV specialists, offers expertise to guide you in selecting the perfect vehicle. * **For Couples: Class B - Camper Van.** Avi Bandana highly recommends a Class B Camper Van for couples traveling Ireland. These compact RVs, typically averaging 5.8 meters in length and accommodating around 2 adults, are perfect for navigating Ireland's often narrow roads and bustling towns. They offer excellent maneuverability and fuel efficiency, often achieving 8-10 Liters/100 km. Models like the "Category Van" or the "Active Classic" offer features such as a front air conditioning, shower, and toilet, making them ideal for a comfortable trip for two. * **For Families: Class C - Alcove.** For families or larger groups up to 6 people, a Class C Alcove motorhome is an ideal choice for a rental. Bandana's fleet typically features Class C RVs averaging 7.5 meters in length and comfortably sleeping 4-6 adults across multiple sleeping places (e.g., "Group G" with 7 sleeping places). These vehicles provide more living space and often separate sleeping areas, making longer trips more comfortable. They typically offer fuel consumption around 10-12 Liters/100 km, similar to a "6 Berth Derwent" with 3 double beds. To remove the planning headache, consider Bandana's 'Rent&Plan' service, which combines your RV rental with a ready-made itinerary crafted by travel professionals, offering full access to trip-planning software at a 25% Planning Discount when using rvplan.net.Can Google Maps be used for motorhomes?
While Google Maps can provide general driving directions in Ireland, it lacks specialized RV routing that considers crucial vehicle dimensions. These dimensions include your rented motorhome's height, weight, and length, which are vital for safely navigating Ireland's frequently narrow roads, low bridges, and weight-restricted areas. Relying solely on standard navigation can lead to challenging situations for RV beginners. For more RV-specific navigation in Ireland, consider using specialized apps like CoPilot RV or Sygic Truck & Caravan GPS. These applications allow you to input your motorhome's exact dimensions to ensure the route suggested is suitable and safe, avoiding problematic passages. Always remember that Ireland drives on the left, and rural roads, even those appearing on main routes, can be significantly narrower than anticipated, requiring extra caution regardless of navigation tools. When visiting urban centers like Dublin, plan for peripheral parking at campgrounds such as Camac Valley and use public transport to explore the city, as RV parking and maneuvering in the city center are notoriously difficult.Is it legal to sleep in a camper van in Ireland?
It is generally legal to sleep in a rented camper van or motorhome in Ireland, provided you have the explicit permission of the landowner if you are on private property, or if you are staying in a designated campsite. 'Wild camping' or overnight parking in undesignated public spaces, such as car parks or roadside pull-ins, is often tolerated in very remote, rural areas but remains a legal grey area. Such practices are increasingly discouraged or outright prohibited in popular tourist spots and national parks to protect natural environments. The safest and most recommended option for beginners is to utilize Ireland's extensive network of dedicated campsites, which offer essential amenities like electricity, fresh water refill points, and waste disposal (dump stations) for your RV rental. Many traditional Irish pubs in rural areas also welcome self-contained RVs to stay overnight in their car parks, often in exchange for patronizing their establishment – always ask permission inside first. This "Pint & Park" custom is a wonderful way to experience local hospitality. For finding campsites and campgrounds during your trip, we recommend using RV PLANET (rvplan.net) - a great resource for locating available spots along your route.How much does it cost to rent a camper in Ireland?
The cost of renting a camper or motorhome in Ireland typically ranges from €80 to €200 per night, depending on several dynamic factors. These factors include the specific RV class (e.g., a compact Class B Camper Van versus a larger Class C Alcove motorhome), the total rental duration, and the seasonality of your trip. Peak summer months (June-August) will always see higher prices due to increased demand. Beyond the base rental fee, comprehensive costs involve several ancillary expenses. Fuel is a significant factor, with average consumption around 10-12 Liters/100 km for most RVs. Mandatory insurance coverage is required, often with an excess that can be reduced by purchasing an optional top-level deductible for extra peace of mind. Road tolls, such as those on the M50 orbital in Dublin or the M1 and M7/M8 motorways, also need to be budgeted. Expect campground fees to average €25-€45 per night for a serviced pitch, which includes electricity and water hookups. Factor in additional expenses like propane for cooking/heating, dump station fees (if not included with your campsite), groceries for your RV-friendly recipes playlist, and entrance fees to attractions. For detailed cost tracking and budgeting, remember that on RV PLANET routes, travelers can itemize and track every expense along the way.What is the most beautiful road trip in Ireland?
The **Wild Atlantic Way** is widely considered the most beautiful and iconic road trip in Ireland, stretching over 2,500 km along the entire west coast from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. This route offers breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher, dramatic headlands, and charming traditional villages, making it a dream for any RV rental adventure. Our "
Dublin Roundtrip - Wild Atlantic Way
