The Ultimate Campervan Road Trip Through the West of Ireland
23/04/2026 •
11 min
There are few better
ways to explore Ireland than by campervan. You wake up somewhere new, make
coffee with a view, and decide where to go next without being tied to bookings
or a fixed plan.
Nowhere suits that
style of travel better than the west of Ireland.
From Donegal’s wild
headlands to the surf beaches of Sligo and the limestone landscapes of Clare,
the west coast offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. Much of
it is connected by the Wild Atlantic Way; a route that winds through fishing
villages, mountain passes, coastal cliffs and quiet beaches.
In this guide, we’ll
share some of the best campervan stops along the west coast, along with
practical tips for cooking, heating and travelling comfortably along the way
Why the west of Ireland is perfect for campervan adventures
The west coast feels made for road trips. Distances between towns are manageable, the scenery changes quickly, and there are always smaller roads worth taking just to see where they lead. For campervan travellers, a few things make this part of Ireland stand out:
Wild scenery that changes every hour - Along the western coastline, the landscape shifts constantly. One moment you’re in the mountains, the next you’re looking out over the Atlantic or pulling into a harbour village that feels unchanged for decades. The journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Endless outdoor adventures - There’s no shortage of ways to fill your days. You can hike in Connemara, surf in Strandhill, cycle the Great Western Greenway or explore the cliffs in Clare, all within easy reach of good campsites..
Food worth stopping for - The west is full of places where it’s worth pulling in just to eat. Fresh seafood, local cheese, bakeries and small markets are easy to find along the route. For many travellers, cooking simple meals back at the campsite ends up being one of the highlights.
A slower, more relaxed pace - The west naturally slows you down. Small villages, beaches and viewpoints appear constantly, and travelling by campervan means you can stop whenever you feel like it.
Best caravan and campervan stops along the Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for over 2,500 kilometres, but these campsites are some of the most popular stops for campervan travellers exploring the western coastline:
Located on the grounds of historic Westport House, this is one of the most established caravan parks along the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s within walking distance of Westport town and close to the Great Western Greenway, making it a great base for cycling and exploring Mayo’s coastline. The park offers spacious pitches, excellent facilities and easy access to nearby beaches and coastal drives.
Clifden is often described as the capital of Connemara, and this eco-friendly campsite sits right on the Atlantic coast. From here, you can explore the Sky Road scenic drive, Connemara National Park and the rugged beaches that define the region. The site has a peaceful atmosphere and strong sustainability focus, making it popular with campervan travellers looking for a quiet coastal stop.
Strandhill is known for its surf culture, sea views and relaxed atmosphere. The campsite sits overlooking the Atlantic and within walking distance of Strandhill village. It’s a fantastic base for exploring Knocknarea Mountain, visiting Sligo town or simply spending time on the beach.
If you’re planning to visit the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin is one of the best places to stay nearby. Nagle’s Caravan Park sits just outside the village with sweeping views across the Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Doolin is also famous for traditional Irish music, so it’s easy to combine scenic days with lively evenings in local pubs.
Donegal is one of the most spectacular parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, and Rosguill Holiday Park sits in a beautiful coastal setting overlooking Mulroy Bay. Nearby attractions include Fanad Head Lighthouse, secluded beaches and quiet coastal drives that showcase Donegal’s dramatic scenery.
Portsalon sits beside Ballymastocker Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. The campsite offers a peaceful coastal setting and easy access to swimming, walking and exploring the Fanad Peninsula. For campervan travellers heading through Donegal, it’s an excellent place to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Boyeeghter Bay, Co. DOnegal
Cooking, heating & outdoor comfort on a campervan road trip
One of the best things about travelling by campervan is how easy it is to settle in wherever you stop. Whether you’re parked by the sea in Donegal or tucked into a quiet campsite in Connemara, having simple cooking and heating on board makes a big difference. Most campervans rely on LPG cylinders to power everyday essentials like cooking, hot water and heating, so you can travel comfortably without relying on external facilities.
Cooking in your campervan
One of the biggest
advantages of a campervan is being able to cook whenever it suits you, whether
that’s breakfast before heading out or a simple dinner after a long day on the
road.
Travelling through
the west makes it even better. Coastal towns are full of small markets,
fishmongers and bakeries, so it’s easy to pick up fresh ingredients along the
way.
Most campervan
kitchens run on LPG, with 6kg propane cylinders commonly used to power both cooking and
heating during longer trips.
Outdoor
cooking at the campsite
When the weather
allows, cooking outdoors is hard to beat. A portable gas BBQ makes it easy to
prepare simple meals beside the van or at a scenic campsite. Calor BBQ gas cylinders connect easily to
most portable BBQs, heat quickly and give you good control, ideal for fresh
seafood, grilled vegetables or an easy evening meal.
Even in summer,
evenings along the Atlantic can turn cool quickly. Having a reliable heating
system means you can warm the space up quickly and stay comfortable overnight.
Because LPG powers both heating and cooking in most campervans, keeping an eye
on your gas supply is a simple way to avoid any surprises.
Enjoying
outdoor evenings
Evenings on the west
coast have a rhythm of their own. The light softens, the wind drops, and
everything slows down after a day on the road.
When the temperature
dips, a small outdoor heater powered by patio gas cylinders can make a real
difference, letting you stay outside a little longer and make the most of where
you’ve stopped.
Not sure which gas cylinder size you need for a caravan or campervan?
When you’re travelling with gas cylinders in your caravan
or campervan, a few simple precautions can make a big difference to safety and
peace of mind:
Always store gas cylinders upright and in a well-ventilated area
Secure cylinders properly while travelling so they can’t move or tip over
Turn off and disconnect cylinders when storing them between trips
Switch off LPG-powered appliances when they’re not in use
Check cylinders regularly to make sure they remain upright and free from leaks
If using butane gas, store it in temperatures above 4°C to ensure it performs correctly
Check your campsite’s guidelines before you arrive, as storage rules can vary
It’s also important to use the right type of gas in the
right setting. Propane gas cylinders are designed for outdoor use, making it
ideal for BBQs and external appliances, while butane gas cylinders are
typically used indoors in campervans and caravans.
Taking a few minutes to check everything is set up
correctly means you can relax and enjoy your trip, knowing your setup is safe
and reliable.
Where to find gas supplies along the Wild Atlantic Way
When you’re
travelling the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll often cover long stretches between
towns, so it helps to know where you can pick up gas along the route.
The good news is that
gas is widely available across the west. Calor
gas cylinders are stocked in towns and villages along the route,
from hardware stores and service stations to outdoor and camping retailers.
If your cylinder runs
low, you don’t need to wait for a refill. You can simply exchange it for a full
one at a participating stockist and keep moving.
Before setting off,
it’s worth checking the Calor retailer map and noting a few stops along your route. It’s
a small step that makes the journey feel much easier.
Planning your Wild Atlantic Way campervan trip
A campervan trip
through the west is meant to feel easy and flexible, but a bit of preparation
makes a big difference once you’re on the road:
Book key campsites ahead of time
Popular
stops along the Wild Atlantic Way, particularly in places like Westport, Doolin
and Clifden, can fill up quickly during the summer months. Reserving your pitch
in advance helps avoid unnecessary detours after a long day of driving.
Break the route into smaller sections
The Wild Atlantic Way is long, and the west coast rewards slower travel. Plan shorter driving days so you have time to stop at beaches, viewpoints and small villages along the way.Popular stops along the Wild Atlantic Way, particularly in places like Westport, Doolin and Clifden, can fill up quickly during the summer months. Reserving your pitch in advance helps avoid unnecessary detours after a long day of driving.
Pick up local food as you travel
Coastal towns across Mayo, Galway, Clare and Donegal are full of excellent local produce. Fishmongers, bakeries and farmers’ markets make it easy to cook simple meals back at the campsite.
Pack for Atlantic weather
The west of Ireland is famous for its changing conditions. Even on sunny days it’s worth having warm layers and a waterproof jacket close at hand.
Keep an eye on your gas supply
Campervans rely on gas for cooking, hot water and heating. Checking cylinder levels before leaving and noting Calor stockists along your route helps ensure you always have fuel when you need it.
The west of Ireland is made for campervan travel. The roads hug the coastline, small villages appear when you least expect them, and some of the best views in the country are found by simply pulling in and stepping outside.
Following the Wild Atlantic Way in a campervan allows you to experience this landscape properly. You can linger in places like Connemara or Donegal, stop for seafood in a harbour town, or spend an evening watching the sun drop into the Atlantic.
The most popular route is the Wild Atlantic Way, which follows Ireland’s western coastline from Donegal in the north down to Cork in the south. Many campervan travellers explore it in sections, often travelling through Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Clare. This allows time to stop at scenic viewpoints, beaches and coastal villages rather than rushing the full route.
Some well-known caravan and campervan parks along the western section of the Wild Atlantic Way include Westport House Caravan & Camping Park (Mayo), Clifden Eco Beach Camping (Galway), Strandhill Caravan & Camping Park (Sligo), Nagle’s Caravan Park in Doolin (Clare), Rosguill Holiday Park (Donegal) and Portsalon Luxury Camping (Donegal). These locations offer a mix of coastal scenery, good facilities and convenient access to nearby attractions.
Yes. The Wild Atlantic Way is very popular with campervan travellers because the route passes through many towns with campsites, service points and places to rest overnight. The roads are generally suitable for campervans, although some smaller coastal routes can be narrow, so slower driving and careful planning are recommended.
The best option is to stay at designated caravan parks or campsites, which typically offer facilities such as electric hook-ups, showers, fresh water points and waste disposal. Popular camping areas exist throughout the west coast, particularly in counties Mayo, Galway, Clare and Donegal.
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.
Yes. Most campervans have compact kitchens with a gas hob, small fridge and basic storage. Many travellers cook simple meals using local ingredients purchased in coastal towns or markets along the route, making campsite dinners part of the overall road trip experience
Useful items include cooking equipment, gas cylinders, outdoor seating, warm layers, waterproof clothing, a torch, and basic camping supplies. Because weather along the Atlantic coast can change quickly, it’s also helpful to pack both warm clothing and lighter gear for sunny days..
Yes. Nagle’s Caravan Park in Doolin is located close to the Cliffs of Moher and provides a convenient base for exploring the area. Clifden Eco Beach Camping is well placed for visiting Connemara National Park and exploring the surrounding coastal landscapes.
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