@WhereinDublin
Camping in Dublin has become increasingly popular over the years due to its affordability and unique way of connecting with the wilderness. The region has a multitude of camping spots, offering people a wide range of different experiences to suit their needs.
Our great country of Ireland has all the ingredients for enjoying the outdoors, including great places to do so, and the capital city of Dublin is one of them. What better way to immerse yourself in nature than by camping?
When it comes to camping in Dublin, you have to make a decision and ask yourself some questions. Are you looking for caravan sites or the best places for tent camping?
Allow us to fill you in on the top campsites around the capital and surrounding areas.
This webpage contains some links that may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no added cost to you.
Best Camp Sites & Caravan Parks In Dublin
Larch Hill
Larch Hill is one of the best places to camp in Dublin. It’s a campsite where you don’t need your own equipment because here is the International Scout and Guide Centre, where you can rent everything you need for a comfortable stay. This is a great advantage for those who want to try camping first before investing in equipment
The site is located on 88 acres of land and is only a short distance from Dublin itself. Imagine a beautiful valley with lots of trees and fresh air, seemingly far away from the chaotic city life
When it comes to the best campground in Dublin, Larch Valley is certainly one of the challengers and hard to beat. The site has all the essential facilities such as showers for washing, toilets, and an all-weather shelter to protect you in case of rain. If this is your first time at this campground, you’re likely to experience a whole new way of exploring.
Camac Valley
Camac Valley, in the 300-hectare Corkagh Park in Clondalkin, is less than 20 kilometres from Dublin city centre. It’s open year-round and has amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including potable water, a kitchen for cooking meals, laundry service, and emergency power outlets. Camac Valley makes an excellent base for your camping trip.
There are numerous grass and asphalt trails, lakes for fishing, abundant wildlife, forests, a farm and rose garden, and a café for your morning cup of Arabica. The reception area welcomes guests with a small shop where you can find everything you need during your visit.
The state-of-the-art playground is a great place to let the kids play and relax by yourself. Little things like this propel this campground to the top of the list of best campgrounds for families in Dublin.
North Beach
North Beach is 30 kilometres north of Dublin in Rush, and its 200-metre shoreline is a major attraction for guests. This is a caravan site; unfortunately, tents are not allowed.
If you want an independent beach holiday where you can swim or fish to your heart’s content, North Beach may be just what you are looking for. The site has all the amenities you will need during your camping holiday, from power hookups to gas bottles you can purchase to start a fire on your grill.
Lynders Mobile Home Park
If you are a fan of the hit series “Father Ted” ( TV ), you may recognise the beach adjacent to Lynders Mobile Home Park. Yes, it’s Portrane Beach, featured in the series. The alluring stretch of coastline is just a short drive from Dublin Airport.
Lynders Mobile Home Park offers plenty of rental accommodations as well as a place to stay for those who want to pitch their tent. The park has an 800-metre boardwalk where you can enjoy all that Dublin Bay has to offer. When it comes to scenic campsites in Dublin, Lynders certainly gets top marks. Facilities at the site include electricity, water, waste disposal and a toilet and shower block.
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley on the Avonmore River in County Wicklow is just over an hour’s drive from Dublin and is an excellent choice for campers seeking activities nearby. Some might call it more of a holiday park because there’s so much to experience on site, whether it’s fishing on the river, kayaking, or renting a boat to enjoy the fresh Irish breeze.
Hidden Valley’s facilities are hard to beat, offering visitors everything they need, including modern heated restrooms, outlets for hair dryers and razors, disposable grills, and pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
Wild Camping Areas In Dublin + Surrounding Areas
The Dublin Mountains
The Dublin Mountains are a wild camping area in Dublin that campers adore. It’s an area of 43 kilometres comprising exciting hiking trails, panoramic views, and rural pathways waiting to be explored. If you are in the region do check out Johnnie Fox’s pub
There are dozens of popular areas in the Dublin Mountains where people go to get their camping fix; some of the more notable ones are the Hellfire Club, Cruagh Woods, Djouce, and many more.
Brushers Adirondack Shelter
This wild camping place is hidden away in the Wicklow Mountains. Finding the area may be a tad difficult, but if you stick it into Google Maps and try to follow the pathway, you’ll soon find this hidden gem.
Brushers’ Adirondack shack is basically a three sided, pitched roof shelter with raised floors. The facility, one of a few such shelters, is on Coillte land by Mountain Meitheal. Each shelter can take 4 or 5 people, but if you want to stay, you will need to bring along everything you might need to stay warm because the empty shelter is in an extremely secluded area many miles away from any built up area.
Another option for a shelter, also on the Wicklow Way, is at Brusher’s Gap, north of Glendalough and 1.5 hours’ walk from the nearest settlement. There is some basic furniture and some running water, but you will probably need to treat it before you think about drinking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wild Camping Legal In Ireland?
Technically, wild camping is not legal in Ireland due to the fact that a lot of the land is privately owned by farmers. But wait, it’s not all bad news. In many upland areas that aren’t privately owned, especially in the mountains, it’s usually tolerated as long as you’re minding your own business and leaving no trace behind you.
Are There Any Useful Apps For When You Camp In Dublin?
There are plenty of mobile phone applications out there that can assist you with your camp trip in Dublin. Here are some of them.
- Park4night – Allows people to share the spots they have stayed in their camper.
- Dyrt – Helps you find the best camping ground closest to you.
- All Trails – Let’s you discover the best hiking trails around.
- iOverlander – Provides campers with the best information about the destination they’re visiting.
And That’s A Wrap!
Campers sometimes need to be hardy souls, as must most hikers. The weather in countries like Ireland can change quickly, so enjoying outdoor life means you need to be prepared. Dublin has the moderating influence of the Irish Sea to ensure that extremes of temperature in the winter are rare. While some of the organised campsites are open all year, the camping season really begins in the spring.
Spring means new life and colour in the green countryside, with several good options in the Dublin region for camping, either in a motor home or caravan, as well as those comfortable in tented accommodation. You can expect toilet and shower blocks at most sites, electricity, and sometimes basic shopping facilities.
If we have forgotten any campsite you’d like us to recommend, be sure to leave a comment to let us know.
