Dublin overflows with emotion from the past, yet the city has a skip in its step and is as friendly as they come. Just ask directions to the corner shop and you’ll likely know more about the city in one conversation than you could ever read. Evidently the Irish like to tell a story,which is one of the reasons why Dublin was designated as a Unesco City of Literature. Beautiful coastline and rolling hills make it a spectacular area to explore in a motorhome, whether you’re alone, with friends or as a family.
Ireland motorhome rental deals, compare and decide
There are many choices for Dublin self-drive holiday rentals. At Motorhome Republic we have a global network across more than 450 depots, so we know how to get you the best deal. Just compare all of the top brands in one place and use the filtering system to get exactly what you want. Our experienced staff can help you with any queries, on the end of a phone or email. We’re here to help.
Dublin is an ideal gateway to seeing more of Ireland by campervan. You can explore the various attractions, national parks and heritage sites at your own leisure and convenience.
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Travelling from Dublin, road-trip time
The surrounding areas of Dublin city offer some incredible landscapes, with cliffed coastlines, hamlets and green areas as far as you can see. Head to the east coast for a few days and take in the fresh air, then out to the Peninsular.
Head 14km north to Howth and walk around the cliffs. During August and September the cliffs are red from the weather. Visit the massive ruins on Ireland’s Eye – the island off the coast. If you’re lucky, you may even be the only visitors.
Drive all the way to Cork for a beautiful scenic drive around the coast. Stop at Hook Lighthouse and also at Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. There are plenty of camping options along the way.
Opposite to Cork, you will find Limerick on the scenic coastal N69 route. Here you will be able to marvel at some of the most beautiful medieval buildings in Ireland.
To the south you can check out Wicklow, ‘the garden of Ireland’. Some of the most spectacular scenery in the country can be found here. Take a day to drive through the glacial valley of Glendalough. There are views of the lake below and panoramas of typical Irish countryside. Believe us, this place is truly breathtaking.
In any direction you can find beautiful drives, ruins and country lanes. Westmeath is less than an hour west of Dublin and boasts many beautiful lakes and landscapes. Kilkenny is Ireland’s medieval capital and is just a two-hour drive.
Once you are done exploring Ireland, you can also hop on a ferry to the United Kingdom or France. Alternatively, you could drive to Belfast, in Northern Ireland.
The beauty of having a motorhome in Dublin means you can go where your heart takes you.
Motorhome camping – accommodation of Dublin
Dublin is not well-served for visitors who wish to camp in designated sites. The nearest to the city centre is located to the south-west of the city. Some motorhome companies allow parking on site in the city, but we suggest getting further afield and journeying in just for day trips.
Camac Valley Tourist Caravan and Camping Park is a very good site and a good base to visit the east coast. It usually has availability, even for a last-minute trip. Camac Valley village has some nice places to eatand is handy for Dublin Zoo.
Overlooking the famous Silver Strand beach, Wolohan's Caravan & Camping Park is situated three miles from Wicklow town on the east coast of Ireland. The Silver Strand beach is safe swimming and fun for all the family.
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World-renowned hospo, restaurants in Dublin
As well as retaining its historical and cultural charms, Dublin offers trendy bars and elegant restaurants. And of course a robust pub culture. Trocadero has been an institution in Dublin for more than 50 years. The fare has a rather old-world feel with deep-fried Brie and avocado prawns and Crêpes Suzette, but there are also more modern meals on offer. The luxurious setting is a perfect place to try pre-theatre menus.
In contrast, Drury Buildings is a relatively new addition to Dublin’s dining scene. With exposed steel beams and distressed brick, it’s a more casual affair than other restaurants in the area. Weekend brunch or bar snacks and cocktails can be found in the bar downstairs. Or upstairs is a more upmarket and smart restaurant with excellent service and delicious food. If you’re on a camper’s budget, this is a good spot for a bargain.
Farmer Browns is a set in a neighbourhood spot, a little out of the bustle of the city. It has a cosy, Bohemian dining room and classically friendly Irish service.The menu is smart and imaginative and continues to bring in the punters. In Howth, the King Sitric fish restaurant and Ivans serve freshly caught fish right on the shoreline.
Temple bar is known as a popular tourism spot with a buzzing atmosphere and somewhat overpriced pints. There are loads of things to see in the area, but with quaint pubslining almost every street, locals tend to avoid the tackiness of central and head to where a quiet pint comes with a friendly yarn. Here are a couple of pubs we know you’ll enjoy:
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Against The Grain – for craft Irish beers and whiskey, a little away from the centre of town.
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Kehoe’s – old world charm, in the centre of town. Busy, but pour a great Guinness.
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McDaids – typical Irish pub, local drinking spot for Irish writers.
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The Exchequer – a little bit different, cocktails, slightly quieter.
Dublin’s oldest microbrewery pub, the Porterhouse, sells its own label of beers, but the stouts, lagers and ales are better than any mass-produced beer. The Oyster Stout is made with real oysters and is a unique tasting experience.
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It’s not all shamrocks and leprechauns – things to do in Dublin
Head to the home of the black stuff, a building in the shape of the giant pint itself – the Guinness Storehouse. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about this world famous beer or take a taste in the Gravity Bar while enjoying a stunning view of the city.
Dublin Zoo is located in Phoenix Park. There are plenty of animals to see, including tigers, hippos, bats, rare monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, and red pandas. In the Kaziranga Forest you can even see an impressive herd of Asian elephants. The National Gallery of Ireland houses works by Vermeer, Caravaggio, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet. There are more than 10,000 artworks on display.
Come March 17, Dublin and the rest of Ireland descends into a world of green to drink away the hours of St Patrick’s Day. There are amazing street performers and the celebration lasts for days. This is a major event for tourists, so if you’re looking for a Dublin camper rental, be sure to book early and not miss out.
Built between 1220 and 1260, St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few buildings left from the medieval city of Dublin and is still the largest cathedral in Ireland. Explore Trinity College with a guided tour by a student. It’s an oasis of classical and contemporary buildings set in peaceful and elegant gardens – and Oscar Wilde once studied here. The Book of Kells, written around 800 AD and containing the Latin texts of the Four Gospels, resides here.
Dublin Castle is the heart of the city. It’s not a castle you’d see in fairy-tales or expect dragons to live in, but this 13th century building stands on the same site of a Viking fortress. Do as the locals do and stroll around the Dubh Linn Gardens hidden behind. This is the original place of the dubh linn (dark pool), from where the city drew its name.
Dublin motorhome guide
A few tips for your Dublin campervan holiday:
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Check your travel insurance. You may already be covered and not need to buy insurance through the rental company.
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Go to the grocery store and buy lunch food to avoid spending tons of money in cafes.
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In rural areas, you are likely to occasionally encounter tractors and animals on the road, so it is important to drive slowly and carefully.
