Last updated on August 6th, 2022 at 06:40 am
Heading off on a weekend camping trip is one of the best ways to bond and have fun with your friends and family. It offers the perfect opportunity to get out of the city, relax, and soak up nature in some of the most scenic spots in the country.
Fortunately, there are many excellent campsites and camping grounds scattered among the lakes, mountains, and rivers of the east of Ireland, as well as the numerous beautiful camping spots dotted along the beaches of the east coast. The majority of these camping spots are less than 2 hours drive from the capital.
In this post, we share 10 of the best places to go camping near Dublin.
Map of Places
The following map shows the location of every place highlighted in this post:
County Wicklow
Derrybawn Mountain Ecolabs
Source: Pitchup
Nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, Derrybawn Mountain Ecolabs is the perfect location for a weekend of hiking, cycling, and exploring. Conveniently situated 5 minutes drive from the nearby village of Laragh, the site is also a short drive to the stunning valley of Glendalough, with its twin lakes and medieval monastic settlement.
In addition to a wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, there are also a few cosy pubs and restaurants in the area.
Information on availability and pricing can be found here.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Wolohan’s Silver Strand Caravan and Camping Park
Source: Wolohan’s Silver Strand Caravan and Camping Park
Overlooking the beautiful Silver Strand beach, Wolohan’s Silver Strand Caravan and Camping Park is an ideal camping ground for those looking for a taste of the sea air. The grounds have access to the beach for swimming activities and walks along the strand. There are also cliff walk trails to the north of the grounds along Wicklow Head.
The site is located close to Wicklow town and offers a range of amenities.
More information can be found here.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Hidden Valley Holiday Park
Source: Hidden Valley Holiday Park
Hidden Valley Holiday Park provide a family oriented camping experience, offering a range of fun activities including kayaking, paddle boats, laser tag, and an aqua park. There is also a playground onsite.
The camping grounds offers excellent amenities, including hot showers and a kitchen.
Information on availability and pricing can be found here.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wild camping is permitted in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, apart from the valley of Glendalough. Stretching over 50,000 acres, the park is the perfect place to experience a wilder weekend, with a range of hiking trails and and stunning mountain scenery to enjoy.
Visitors should be aware that all campers are expected to comply by the ‘Wild Camping Code’, which can be found here. In addition, it should be noted that campfires are not permitted within the park.
Driving Time: 1 hour
County Wexford
Curracloe Caravan and Camping Park
Source: Visit Wexford
This campsite is located next to Curracloe beach, one of the finest beaches in the country. Known for its warm, golden sand, the beach is often used by horse riders and is a popular spot with surfers.
The camping grounds offer a wide range of amenities and activities, including tennis and pitch and putt, and is within walking distance of Curracloe village.
Information on availability and pricing can be found here.
Driving Time: 2 hours
Roches Campervan and Campsite
Source: eOceanic
Situated on the gorgeous Bannow bay, Roches Campervan and Campsite is know for its clean facilities and beautiful views. The site is also not far from the many spectacular beaches along the Wexford coast. In addition, horse and pony trekking is available directly from the site.
Information on availability and pricing can be found here.
Driving Time: 2 hours
Loughcrew Megalithic Centre & Camping Park, County Meath
Another excellent family-oriented camping spot is Loughcrew Megalithic Centre & Camping Park. There are scenic lake and hill-walking trails in the area, offering stunning views of Loughcrew Lake and the Boyne Valley.
More information can be found here.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Lough Ramor Camping, County Cavan
The Lough Ramor Camping grounds on the shores of Lough Ramor is the perfect place for those in need of a spot of peaceful fishing – the lake is particularly known for its healthy stock of large pike. The lake is also suitable for swimming and boating.
Information on availability and pricing can be found here.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Lough Ennel Caravan and Camping Park, County Westmeath
Situated on the shores of tranquil Lough Ennell, Lough Ennel Caravan and Camping Park is a great base from which to explore Ireland’s Midlands region. Nearby attractions include Belvedere House Gardens and Park and the children’s petting farm Mollie Moo’s. The shallow, clean waters of the lake are well suited for swimming and boating.
More information can be found here.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Raven’s Rest, County Carlow
The Raven’s Rest campsite, located on the border of County Carlow and County Wicklow, offers a tranquil camping experience in an area of great natural beauty. The many walking and hiking trails of the Wicklow Way are close by, along with the pubs and restaurants of the traditional Irish village of Hacketstown.
Information on availability and pricing can be found here.
Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
