Is wild camping allowed in Ireland?

No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately, not officially allowed in Ireland. However, outside the tourist areas and in the countryside, it is mostly tolerated by the inhabitants and authorities.

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Written by: Monique

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Last researched: 2023

Wild camping is generally not allowed in Ireland. Especially in places with the signs "Temporary Dwelling prohibited" or "No overnight Parking," this regulation is checked regularly.

With the permission of a landowner, it is not a problem to spend a night in a tent or motorhome. Notably, in rural areas, this is tolerated by the authorities and residents.

As always, you should follow the general rules of conduct, when camping wild. If you don't leave rubbish and behave properly, you will, in most cases, be left alone.

In national parks, wild camping and bivouacking are often permitted, you should check the park's website for more information.

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You can find the perfect pitch to set up your camp with the Caravanya App

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Ireland

Ireland - the green island. Ireland owes its beautiful nickname to its endless grasslands and green hills covered with numerous lakes. Whether you want to enjoy nature in the interior of the country or marvel at the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, Ireland is worth a trip. We have listed a few tips for you to follow on your trip to Ireland.

Weather
Ireland has an oceanic climate. The summers are not very warm (on average 14 to 16 degrees), but winters are quite mild (on average 4 to 7). To avoid the tourist rush, you should go on your trip in spring or autumn.

Ring roads
Coaches mainly use one direction on ring roads. They drive either clockwise or counterclockwise. To avoid constrictions, when traveling with a large motorhome, you should make sure which way to go as well.

Avoid driving at night

The roads in Ireland are often covered with potholes. In particular, in rural areas, horses, cows, and sheep often cross the road. Furthermore, manhole covers can protrude the road. All this makes driving in Ireland a little more strenuous than in other countries and can be a problem, especially in poor visibility and at night.

No parking
If you are driving through a city and have to stock up, pay attention to where you park. Yellow road markings signify no stopping zones, red markings signify no parking zones. You should take no-parking zones seriously. Irish are quick to use parking claws, instead of giving you a ticket.

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10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Ireland

It is a well-known fact that the Irish national holiday of St. Patricks Day takes place on 17 March and that Guinness is the national beverage. But where did the first St. Patricks Day Parade take place? Here, you can find the answer and nine other interesting facts about Ireland can.

Fact #1 - 9,000 years lease agreement
When Arthur Guinness moved to Dublin, he signed a lease for his brewery. Duration? 9,000 years. Lease? 63.50 per year.

Fact #2 - St. Patricks Day Parade
The first St. Patrick's Day Parade was not held in Ireland as one might think, but in New York by Irish immigrants.

Fact #3 - The Oldest Pub
The oldest pub still can be found in Ireland. Seans Bar in Athlone was opened in 900 AD and can still be visited.

Fact #4 - All Irish are redheaded
At least that's what you think. Only 9 percent of Irish people have red hair, making them second only to Scotland.

Fact #5 - Halloween
And the Irish have introduced another festival to the USA, Halloween. It corresponds to the Celtic festival Samhain and was originally a kind of harvest festival.

Fact #6 - And again Guinness
Guinness is probably the most famous beer from Ireland. However, Ireland is not at number one when it comes to consumption. Nigeria is in the first place.

Fact #7 - Eurovision Song Contest
Ireland has won most of the Eurovision Song Contest so far. So far there have been seven victories, more than any other nation.

Fact #8 - National symbol
Not the cloverleaf is the official national symbol of Ireland, but the Irish harp. The harp can also be found in the logo of Guinness and Ryan Air.

Fact #9 - O'Connell Bridge
The unique O'Connell Bridge can be found in Dublin. It is 50 m long and just as wide. This is unique in Europe.

Fact #10 - Castles
There are about 30,000 castles and castle ruins in Ireland. Some of them can not only be visited but even rented. If your tent is not enough for you.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

Warning triangle Yes
Safety vest No
First aid kit Yes
Replacement lamp set No
Spare tyre / repair set No
Fire extinguisher No
Tow rope No
Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Not nationwide, but there are isolated exceptions.
Left hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are left-hand drive
Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? No

Information

Is the tap water potable? Yes
Socket type: G
Energency numbers: 112
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Languages: English, Irish
Country licence plate code: IRL

Average prices, in €

Price coffee rounded: 3.25
Price beer rounded: 5.25

Entry conditions for animals

You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. Yes
In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No

We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofni!

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