Camping in Ireland: A Cost-Effective Holiday Option
Staycations in Ireland can be expensive, with some short-term lets charging a staggering €4,000 a week. But for those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, camping is a popular choice. According to Camping Ireland, the sector represents over 500,000 people annually, with accommodation prices ranging from below €300 to below €500 for a family of four.
One family that swears by this is the Aldeweireldts from Waterford. They've been camping at the International Outdoor Adventure Centre (IOAC) in Wexford for five years. The IOAC offers a range of activities, including self-catering, evening entertainment, and additional activities like kayaking and archery, all at reasonable prices.
The Dying Cow in Wicklow, a rural pub with glamping pods and camping areas, provides a more comfortable experience with showers, toilets, and a small kitchenette. Prices range from €15 per person in a tent to €120 per night for a glamping pod.
In Kilkenny, Tree Grove Caravan and Camping Park offers a convenient location near the city centre, with prices starting from €15 per hiker/cyclist per night and €45 for a family of four. Knockrobin in Rathnew provides upmarket tents and cedar huts, with prices around €180 per night.
Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon offers basic camping at €30 per night for a four-man tent, while Fossa Caravan and Camping Park in Killarney provides a more luxurious experience with prices ranging from €20 to €51 per night.
Beirnes of Battlebridge in Roscommon offers glamping cabins for €200 for two nights, and Rivervalley Holiday Park in Wicklow provides a variety of accommodation options, including glamping, mobile homes, and log cabins, with prices varying depending on the style.
The industry has experienced a boost during the pandemic and continues to thrive due to the popularity of campervans and motorhomes, as well as the good weather this summer. According to Con Quill, chief executive of the Irish Caravan and Camping Council, domestic Irish holidaymakers account for 60-65% of visitors, while overseas visitors from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands make up the remaining 35-40%.
Camping in Ireland offers a cost-effective and enjoyable holiday option, providing a range of activities and amenities to suit different preferences and budgets.
