Summer is here, and that means that we are planning holidays and weekends away.
We’re all about staycations and exploring our very own country. And van life is on the rise!
We sat down with Shauna Doyle, who is currently travelling around Ireland in a camper van, to find out her top spots to camp around the Emerald Isle.
Connemara – Galway
@rozannapurcell 👇🏻 Save this Day trip Itinerary📌 Connemara, Galway. 7 stops & around 90 mins of driving 🚗 📌 Stop 1: @steam_cafe_ in Clifden 📌Stop 2: 12 Pins for coffee on the go @12pinscoffee 📌 Stop 3: Hike Diamond Hill: start point Connemara National Park | Moderate Trail| well marked trail (loads of info on this in @thehikelifebook) 📌Stop 4: Visit Kylemore Abbey (very close to the hike) 📌Stop 5: Lunch at @misunderstood_heron 📌Stop 6: Dip at Glassilaun Beach (one of Irelands best) 📌Stop 7: Dinner @fadopizza one of my favourite pizza spots in Ireland. 📌Finish by a sunset drive along the coast/ sky road for some magic. ✨ Would you do this Day Trip? #ireland #irishdaytrips #irishlocations #irishbeaches #connemara #swimspots #wildswimspots #irishswimspots ♬ Stargazing – Myles Smith
Galway is my favourite place of all time for camping both in a campervan and tent. Between the vibrant atmosphere and summer feel of Salthill to the stunning views of rural Ireland in Connemara, you really get to see it all.
Must see spot: Salthill Promenade
Cong – Mayo
@joshuanueva Itinerary for 📍Cong, Co. Mayo, for those looking to travel and support sustainable businesses on the @thewildatlanticway #AD 🥾 Walk around Cong village 🏠 Stay @thelodgeashford 🍴Eat at Wilde’s restaurant at the lodge or The Dungeon @ashfordcastle 🦅 Go for a private Hawk Walk @ireland_falconry 🌊 Visit one of Mayo’s best waterfalls in Tourmakeady Woods @jcwlgeopark ⛰️ Explore Joyce Country – Ireland’s newest 5th UNESCO Geopark @jcwlgeopark Here’s some easy ways to #KeepDiscoveringSustainably: • Choose businesses that are actively reducing their negative impact on our environment (less waste, paper cups, plastic-free, green circular economy, good & fair treatment of their animals etc.) • Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce single-use plastic waste. • Bin your rubbish correctly & pick up one piece of litter you come across while exploring. • Bring a reusable coffee cup. • Support local. As long as you’re more conscious of your impact on the environment, and actively make small decisions to reduce your negative impact, you’ll have a huge positive influence on everything & everyone around you 🍃 #ireland #discoverireland #mayo #castle ♬ original sound – Joshua Nueva
Cong in Mayo is a gorgeous spot, it feels like the set of a fairytale movie, lots of lovely bars, restaurants, shops and things to do.
Must see spot: The Duck Crossing
Glenbeigh – Kerry
@mattzzer1 Emilies, Glenbeigh, Kerry📍 Another hidden gem in Kerry, a great spot to pencil in for your summer road trip. #kerry #ireland #food #cafe #pizza #coffee #foodreview ♬ Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
Kerry in general is a great spot for camping, again between the atmosphere in the town with bars, shops and restaurants and the views of mountains and lakes.
Must see spot: Ladies View in Killarney
What should people know before taking a camper holiday?
Campervans are big and can be difficult to drive and park, so plan a campervan-friendly route and be aware of barriers. You’ll also have to research campervan-friendly parking areas and campsites and make sure to book in advance if possible.
If you are driving a big camper van, having bikes is a great idea, so once you are parked, you can use your bike to get around the area to explore further. Bring some food to cook in your camper; nothing says wholesome like setting up a BBQ with a view!
Be prepared for every season, bring sun cream, shorts, hats, raincoats, wellies and flip flops. It’s likely you will need them all.
Make sure you have all the camping essentials, deck chairs, fold-up table, and flip flops for the showers in campsites.
What are the best parts of a staycation?
Spending time outdoors, with your family, freedom to go anywhere and explore all Ireland has to offer!
It’s a great way to support local businesses too, from hiring the camper, staying in local camp sites, eating in local bars and restaurants and shopping in their local stores. We have rented our campervan from Cara Motorhome in Limerick the past few years and highly recommend them if you are planning your own camping trip.
Shauna Doyle has teamed up with Centra’s Summer Sizzlers to prove that no Irish road trip is complete without a scenic view and a stop in Centra along the way. To celebrate, Centra is giving away the ultimate sizzling summer prize of a TentBox, the perfect upgrade for your next adventure. Just pop into one of the 12 iconic Centra stores, strike a pose at the Summer Sizzlers photo stand, and send it to @centra_irl on any social platform to enter. Find out more here.