Brighter days are ahead and with staycation season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start researching family campsites in Ireland. It’s time to brave the Irish weather and make memories to last a lifetime.
Camping is a fantastic way to spend time with family, time outdoors and time meeting and mingling with families and new friends.
Before you enthusiastically fill the car with camping essentials like lanterns, sleeping bags and tent poles, be sure to make a military style checklist prior to embarking on your summer adventure. Preparation is key to planning a staycation with the kids. When considering camping sites in Ireland, there are a number of amenities you will likely wish to review from security and hygiene facilities to child-friendly activities and more.
Camping is popular for families in Ireland, and it’s no surprise that it is. We have some of the most beautiful campsites in the most stunning locations. We have received many recommendations and suggestions for Campsites all around the Country, Campsites families have Tried, Tested and Recommended for other Families and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Here’s 10 Family Friendly Camping Sites in Ireland with some well-known campsites and a few hidden gems! Plus we’ve done the hard work for you by rounding up easy-to-digest essential information for each location…
Boasting five stars on TripAdvisor for cleanliness and location, Aran Island Camping and Glamping is located on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands. In the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way and set amidst the country’s most beautiful coastal scenery, Inis Mór is most definitely for those with a penchant for exploring the great outdoors. Activities for adventure-lovers on the island include fishing, cycling and hiking.
Features:
- Sea View/Beachside
- Walking-distance from ferry & local supermarket
- Campsite kitchen & BBQ area
- Shower & bathroom block
- Dishwashing facilities & water supplies
- Local bike hire available
Unplug from the fast-paced and hectic demands of everyday life along the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way. Clifden Campsite is located near Connemara National Park in an area rich in biodiversity. Living true to their eco ethos, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in nature and take inspiration from the spectacular surroundings. Activities include pony trekking, hiking, fishing, kayaking and much more. Visit nearby attractions such as Kylemore Abbey, Inishbofin Island and Killary Sheep Farm.
Clifden is a fantastic option for first-time campers. Entry to the park is permitted by appointment only and the site prides itself on its safe camping environment for children, with supervision and security.
Features:
- Private beach
- Bike hire
- Eco-campfires available
- Sanitary facilities; showers, WC’s, basins, hairdryers
- Kitchenette facilities; fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, dishwasher
- All communal areas well ventilated
- Water supplies
- Pet friendly
- On-site security
Brimming with personality, a warm welcome awaits at the homely Mountain Forge Escape. A stone’s throw from Clonakilty town, this is an excellent base for those hoping to experience the best of West Cork. Choose from an array of activities to entertain the kids from crazy golf and mazes at Smuggler Cove Rosscarbery, surfing at Inchydoney, visit the birthplace of Michael Collins, Clonakilty’s Model Railway Village and much more.
Features:
- Wheelchair accessible shower & toilet
- Wifi
- Fresh water supplies
- Self-catering kitchen; featuring cooker, fridge, kettle, toaster etc.
- Separate ladies & gents shower/toilet facilities
- 15 minute walk to local village
For the ultimate adventure-seeking family, a staycation at IOAC is one for the bucket list this summer. The kids most certainly won’t be left idle here! Choose from an array of pre-bookable activities like Jacob’s Ladder, the high ropes, raft building, battlezone archery, the viking challenge course and more. Relax while the kids are kept busy on campus!
Features:
- Electricity available at each pitch for €4.00 per night
- Shower & toilet facilities
- Kitchen facilities
- Café
- BBQs permitted
- Nearby beaches
Please check out Ballycross Apple Farm near Wexford as well.
The Willowbrook story spans two generations, with a lifelong dream of a pristine family campsite in Ireland at the core. A gem sitting in the heartlands of Ireland, Willowbrook has something to offer everyone in the family and is an idyllic setting for those with little ones. Activities for younger children include; The Artful Frog Saturday morning art class, the Faerie Garden & Scavenger Hunt, and the Wishing Wall of Willow.
Wellness is also a key focus, with Willowbrook home to a Natural Healing Clinic offering acupuncture, massage and Tai Chi run by qualified professionals.
Features:
- Electrical hook up €5.00 per night
- Campers kitchen filled with necessities, plus a mini art gallery filled with local pieces
- Ladies & Gents shower and toilet facilities
- Wood fired pizza oven available
- Japanese Tea House overlooking the lake
An ideal family escape from the city, River Valley Holiday Park is a fantastic base to explore Ireland’s Ancient East, the many hiking and cliff trails that Co Wicklow has to offer. A haven for families with safety prioritised, there is boundless fun for all the family including; on-site crazy golf, tennis, playgrounds, a pets corner, peddle go karts, kids club and more.
Features:
- Modern shower & toilet blocks
- Campers kitchen
- Laundry facilities
- Pet Friendly
- Bundles of kids activities
- Wave Crest, Caherdaniel, Kerry
Adventure the Ring of Kerry this summer and experience its many delights from the county’s most stunning beaches and boat trips along the peninsula, to its many walking routes and jaw-dropping scenery. Wave Crest camping site sits along the picturesque waterfront and boasts a homely family-friendly atmosphere. Use Wave Crest as a base for day trips and activities with the kids.
Features:
- Hot showers (token required)
- Wash up room and fridge/freezer facilities
- Cafe and Shop/Deli
- Children’s play area
- Card payment facilities
- Fishing supplies
- Pet friendly (restrictions apply, please ask)
Prepare for a summer of endless fun. With over 40 years’ experience, you are most definitely in safe hands at the family run Knockalla Caravan Park. Located along the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, this is highly recommended as a key stopover on a road trip along the infamous west coast route. The park offers stellar facilities and services and is an ideal base for kids, water sports enthusiasts and avid walkers alike.
Features:
- 2 min drive to Ballymastocker Beach (voted second most beautiful beach in the world)
- Shop & Bakery
- 24/7 on-site security
- On-site management team
- Tennis court & football pitch
- Bathroom & shower facilities
- Kitchen facilities
- Nore Valley Park, Kilkenny
Make memories and enjoy bundles of fun with the kids at Nore Valley Park this summer. With a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, Nore Valley is all about the little ones. From tractor rides to feeding the animals at the pet farm, there’s certainly no room for boredom here! Enjoy a whole variety of animals from chickens to deer and donkeys.
Features:
- Park supervised at all times.
- Free shower & bathroom facilities
- Campers Kitchen
- Home-baked food & souvenir shop
- Crazy golf
- Pet farm
- Playground & kids activities
- 3km river walk
- Westport House Caravan and Campsite, Mayo
Visit the heart of Westport town and enjoy premium relaxation for the entire family this summer. The park sits on the heritage grounds of Westport House Estate, rich in history and trails to explore. A visit to Pirate’s Adventure Park is not to be missed with exhilarating rides, slides, boats and trains. There’s something for everyone in the family.
Features:
- Hot showers
- Diasabled access showers & toilets
- Gracy’s Pizzeria & Bistro
- Playground
- Bike hire
So there you have it! Ten of the Top Recommended Campsites in Ireland for Families to create their own fun and memories at!
Lots of families have only recently started camping, so maybe this is the year for you too! What better way to make memories and enjoy a relaxed holiday – camp fires, new friends, roasting marshmallows and somewhat carefree days! Once you get the hang of the tent pitching, the rest is all the fun part!
Let us know if you try out one of the campsites for the first time. We love to hear stories of new camping families! And if you’ve visited one of the campsites and you love it for families, let us know of any hidden gems or must visit places nearby.
Have a recommendation? We’d love to hear your tips for family campsites Ireland. Submit your tips and reviews in the comment section below or share with us on Instagram @thefamilyedit
