Best Caravan & Camping Locations in the South of Ireland
17/04/2026 •
12 min
Caravan and campervan
travel has become one of the most popular ways to explore Ireland, and it’s
easy to see why! You set your own pace, stop when something catches your eye,
and cook your own food with views most hotels couldn’t compete with.
The south of Ireland
is one of the best places in the country to do it. Cork, Kerry, Wexford and
Tipperary each bring something different, from wild Atlantic coastline and long
sandy beaches to mountain valleys and small friendly villages.
Whether you’re
planning a family staycation, a coastal road trip or a longer stretch along the
Wild Atlantic Way, this part of the country delivers.
This guide covers
some of the best caravan parks in southern Ireland, along with tips for
planning your camping trip and everything you need to know about cooking and
heating comfortably on the road.
Why the south of Ireland is perfect for caravan holidays
The south of Ireland has everything that makes caravan travel special: great scenery, good food, welcoming towns and plenty of ways to spend your days outdoors. Whether you’re following the Wild Atlantic Way or heading inland for something quieter, it’s a region that works for all kinds of trips. And once you’re on the road, a few things stand out straight away:
Jaw-dropping scenery at every turn- The Wild Atlantic Way runs along the southern coastline, linking sea cliffs, harbour villages, hidden beaches and open headlands. Travelling it by caravan or campervan, at your own pace, stopping when something catches your eye, is one of those trips you don’t forget.
Brilliant beaches and outdoor spaces- There’s something for everyone here. Families gravitate towards the long sandy beaches in Wexford, while swimmers and walkers head west to Cork and Clare. Surfers follow the Atlantic-facing bays. And almost everywhere, you’re close to a coastal walk or nature trail.
Food that's worth the trip on its own- The south is known for its food, and for good reason. Kinsale has built a reputation as one of Ireland’s top food towns, while places like Skibbereen, Schull, Kenmare and Dingle are just as worth a stop. For caravanners, picking up fresh ingredients and cooking them back at the campsite is often a highlight of the trip.
Perfect for families- Caravan parks in the south are generally well set up for families, with spacious pitches, safe surroundings and a relaxed feel. Kids get the space to roam, and adults get a proper break.
Top caravan parks in the south of Ireland
Below are some of the most popular caravan and camping destinations in southern Ireland, offering a mix of coastal views, peaceful countryside and excellent facilities:
Eagle Point has a
setting that's hard to top. The site sits on its own peninsula on Bantry Bay,
with water on three sides and mountain views in the distance. It's a well-run
park with spacious pitches and a genuinely peaceful feel.
It's a great base for
exploring West Cork; coastal drives, islands, small harbour towns, and it sits right on the Wild Atlantic Way,
so you can head in either direction and find something worth seeing within
minutes.
Wave Crest Caravan
& Camping Park is set in Caherdaniel on the Ring of Kerry, with panoramic
sea views and a peaceful coastal setting that makes it a memorable stop for
caravan and campervan travellers. The site overlooks Kenmare Bay and is well
placed for exploring nearby beaches, coves and some of Kerry’s best-known
scenic routes.
Its location makes it
a strong base for anyone touring the Ring of Kerry or looking to spend time
around Derrynane and the surrounding coastline. With its waterfront setting and
family-run feel, it offers the kind of relaxed, scenic camping experience many
travellers are looking for in the south-west.
Hideaway is a
smaller, more low-key site near Skibbereen with a strong eco focus and a
relaxed atmosphere. It suits travellers who want to slow down and explore the
West Cork countryside at their own pace rather than ticking off highlights.
Skibbereen itself is
a lovely town with good markets and cafés. It's the kind of place you plan to
spend one night and end up staying three.
For something away
from the coast, the Glen of Aherlow is worth the detour. The park sits in a
valley beneath the Galtee Mountains with walking trails leading straight from
the site into the hills.
It's a great option
for hikers and cyclists, and it offers a very different experience from the
coastal sites. If you're doing a longer trip and want to mix beach time with
mountain scenery, this fits in well.
Morriscastle sits
behind one of the longest sandy beaches in Ireland. The access is direct, the
beach is rarely overcrowded, and the whole setup is ideal for families who want
to spend most of the day by the sea.
The southeast tends
to get the best summer weather in Ireland, which makes Wexford a smart choice
for anyone who wants the best chance of sunshine.
Garretstown is a few
minutes from Kinsale, which gives you a good beach on one side and one of
Ireland's best food towns on the other. The beach is wide, safe and well suited
to families. Kinsale offers everything else; restaurants, harbour walks, good coffee,
local seafood.
It's a popular stop
on the Wild Atlantic Way and a site that tends to get strong repeat visitors.
Cooking, heating & outdoor comfort on your caravan holiday
One of the best things about caravan travel is the freedom to cook, relax and enjoy the outdoors wherever you stop. A harbour town lunch, a beachside barbecue or a warm caravan after a day exploring all become part of the experience.
To make that work, you need reliable
portable fuel that can power:
➔Caravan cookers and hobs ➔Water heating systems ➔Small kitchen appliances ➔Caravan heating on cooler evenings
Calor
LPG cylinders are widely used across Ireland for caravan travel because
they provide reliable heat and are easy to exchange at retailers across the
country.
For caravan cooking and heating: We recommend our 6kg propane gas bottle or 5kg butane gas bottle for caravans and campervans. These cylinders are commonly used to power hobs, heating and other onboard appliances while travelling. Butane is typically used indoors in caravans and campervans, while propane is better suited for outdoor use, particularly for BBQs and external appliances.
For outdoor cooking: Portable BBQs are a popular choice for caravanners who want simple meals at the campsite. Calor BBQ gas cylinders connect easily to most portable gas barbecues, heat quickly and offer reliable flame control for outdoor cooking.
For outdoor heating: Coastal evenings can cool down quickly, even in summer. Calor Patio Gas cylinders are commonly used with outdoor heaters to keep campsite seating areas comfortable after sunset.
If you’re travelling with gas cylinders, a few simple
checks can help keep everything running smoothly throughout your trip.
When packing and setting up your caravan, it’s important to
store and handle LPG cylinders correctly:
Keep gas cylinders upright and in a well-ventilated space
Make sure they’re secured during travel so they don’t move or tip
Turn off and disconnect cylinders when they’re not in use
Switch off gas-powered appliances when you’re finished using them
Check regularly for any signs of damage or leaks
If you’re using butane, store it in temperatures above 4°C so it performs properly
Always check your campsite’s rules, as storage guidelines can vary between locations
Taking a few minutes to get this right means you can relax
and enjoy your trip, knowing everything is set up safely.
Where to find gas while travelling in southern Ireland
One of the advantages of travelling
in Ireland is that gas supplies are easy to find along the way.
Calor
gas cylinders are stocked across towns and villages throughout southern
Ireland, including hardware stores, fuel depots, outdoor retailers and caravan
and camping suppliers. Calor operates a cylinder exchange system, which means
you don’t need to wait for a refill. Instead, you simply bring your empty Calor
cylinder to a stockist and exchange it for a full one, paying only for the gas.
Before setting off, it’s a good idea
to check the Calor stockist map to identify stockists along your
route. This makes it easy to plan fuel stops ahead of time and ensures you’ll
always have reliable gas for cooking, heating and outdoor use during your
journey.
Tips for planning a caravan trip in the south of Ireland
A caravan trip in the south is all about freedom, but a bit of planning makes everything easier once you’re on the road:
Book popular sites early - The most scenic caravan parks in the south of Ireland can fill up quickly during the summer months, especially in July and August. If you’re travelling during peak season, reserving your pitch in advance helps avoid last-minute stress.
Check campsite facilities before you arrive - Not every caravan park offers the same amenities. Electric hook-ups, shower blocks, laundry facilities and dog policies can vary from site to site, so a quick check beforehand ensures there are no surprises when you arrive.
Pick up local produce along the way - Part of the joy of travelling through Cork, Clare or Wexford is discovering the incredible food culture. Farmers’ markets, seafood stalls and small roadside shops make it easy to stock your caravan kitchen with fresh local ingredients.
Plan where to refill or exchange gas cylinders - Reliable cooking and heating are essential when travelling. Before setting off, take a look at the Calor retailer map and note a few stockists along your route. Carrying a spare cylinder can also provide peace of mind during longer trips.
Pack for Ireland’s changeable weather - Southern Ireland enjoys some of the country’s mildest conditions, but coastal weather can change quickly. Bringing a good waterproof jacket means you’ll be ready for passing showers, and able to enjoy the scenery no matter what the skies are doing.
Leave space for spontaneity - Some of the best moments on a caravan trip happen when you take the smaller road or stop in a village that wasn’t on the plan. Southern Ireland is full of hidden beaches, quiet harbours and unexpected viewpoints, so leave a little time to wander.
Ready to hit the road?
Southern Ireland offers some of the
most rewarding caravan and camping experiences in the country. From the
dramatic Atlantic coastline of Cork and Clare to the sandy beaches of Wexford
and the mountain landscapes of Tipperary, every stretch of the journey brings a
new view.
One of the real advantages of
travelling by caravan is the independence it offers. You can follow the
coastline for a few days, detour inland to places like the Glen of Aherlow, or
stay longer in towns like Kinsale and Skibbereen when you find somewhere worth
slowing down for.
With a good route planned and reliable portable fuel on board, exploring the south of Ireland becomes exactly what
caravan travel should be; simple, comfortable and full of great places to stop
along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most popular caravan parks in southern Ireland include Eagle Point Camping in Bantry, Wave Crest Caravan & Camping Park in Caherdaniel on the Ring of Kerry, Hideaway Camping near Skibbereen, Glen of Aherlow Caravan & Camping Park in County Tipperary, Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park in Wexford and Garretstown House Caravan & Camping Park near Kinsale. These sites offer a mix of coastal scenery, countryside settings and family-friendly facilities.
Cork and Kerry have many campervan-friendly campsites, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way. In West Cork, Eagle Point Camping and Hideaway Camping are well-known options, while in Kerry, Wave Crest Caravan Park in Caherdaniel provides a scenic base for exploring the Ring of Kerry and nearby beaches such as Derrynane.
Yes. Several caravan parks in the south offer direct or very close access to beaches. Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park in County Wexford sits beside one of Ireland’s longest sandy beaches, while Garretstown House Caravan & Camping Park near Kinsale is just a short walk from Garretstown Beach, which is popular for swimming and surfing.
Most caravan parks offer a range of practical facilities for travellers, including electric hook-ups, shower and toilet blocks, chemical waste disposal points, fresh water supply and designated caravan or campervan pitches. Many family-oriented parks also provide playgrounds, laundry rooms and small on-site shops.
Most caravans in Ireland use LPG cylinders to power cooking hobs, water heaters and heating systems. Butane is commonly used for indoor appliances in caravans and campervans, while propane is typically used outdoors, making it ideal for BBQs and external heating. Calor commonly recommends 6kg Propane cylinders and 5kg Butane cylinders, depending on your setup and how you plan to use your gas while travelling.
Gas BBQs are widely used at caravan parks and campsites across Ireland because they are easy to control and generally safer than open fires. However, each campsite may have its own guidelines, particularly during dry weather, so it’s always best to check with the park before lighting a barbecue.
Caravan gas cylinders are widely available across southern Ireland. Check the Calor retailer map to locate Calor gas cylinder providers along your route.
Yes. Many caravan parks in southern Ireland are designed with families in mind, offering safe beach access, playgrounds, open green spaces and spacious pitches. Areas like Wexford, West Cork and parts of Kerry are particularly popular for family camping holidays.
Along with standard travel essentials, caravanners should pack cooking equipment, LPG gas cylinders, outdoor seating, waterproof clothing and basic campsite supplies. It’s also useful to bring a spare gas cylinder for longer trips so you always have fuel for cooking and heating.
Yes. Many caravan parks in Cork and Kerry are located directly along the Wild Atlantic Way or very close to the route. Sites such as Eagle Point Camping in Bantry and Wave Crest Caravan Park in Caherdaniel are popular stopping points for travellers touring the southern section of the route.
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