Wild camping is one of my favourite ways to experience Ireland. After years of travelling around the country by campervan, I've found some incredible places where you can wake up surrounded by mountains, beaches, cliffs and some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery.
These are 10 of my favourite wild camping spots in Ireland, from the rugged coast of Donegal to the mountains of Mayo and the wild landscapes of Cork and Clare.
Just remember that wild camping is at your own risk.
Rules around overnight parking and camping can vary, so always check local signage, respect private land and leave no trace. These aren't necessarily official wild camping sites — they're simply some of my favourite places I've discovered while travelling around Ireland. When I have stayed at these locations there have been no restrictions so always adhere to the latest signage and respect the local surroundings.
These are 10 of my favourite wild camping spots in Ireland, from the rugged coast of Donegal to the mountains of Mayo and the wild landscapes of Cork and Clare.
Just remember that wild camping is at your own risk.
Rules around overnight parking and camping can vary, so always check local signage, respect private land and leave no trace. These aren't necessarily official wild camping sites — they're simply some of my favourite places I've discovered while travelling around Ireland. When I have stayed at these locations there have been no restrictions so always adhere to the latest signage and respect the local surroundings.
Inch Beach, County Kerry
1. Gougane Barra, Cork
Hidden among the mountains of West Cork, Gougane Barra is one of those places that feels wonderfully remote. So remote that you will not have good or even any phone signal. I did, so I stayed here much longer than planned.
Surrounded by forest, mountains and a beautiful lake, it's incredibly peaceful and makes a fantastic stop when exploring County Cork. I love the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature here, away from the busier tourist spots.
Best for: Mountains, forests, hiking and peaceful scenery.
2. Carrowniskey Beach, Mayo
If you're looking for wild Atlantic scenery, Carrowniskey Beach is a fantastic spot.
This beautiful sandy beach on the Mayo coast has a wonderfully remote feel, with plenty of open space and spectacular views. It's exactly the sort of place I love discovering on an Irish road trip.
This is an excellent place to learn to surf or just watch the waves roll in, and the expansive beach makes it an amazing place to enjoy long walks.
Best for: Beaches, sunsets and Wild Atlantic Way scenery.
3. Mullaghmore, Sligo
Mullaghmore is one of my favourite coastal areas in Sligo, particularly because of the incredible views towards Benbulben.
You've got the Atlantic, mountains and rugged coastline all in one place, making this a brilliant stop when travelling around northwest Ireland. The scenery here is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Best for: Coastal scenery, Benbulben views and photography.
4. Silver Strand, Donegal
Donegal is packed with incredible beaches, but Silver Strand is definitely one of my favourites.
Tucked beneath dramatic cliffs, the beach has golden sand, turquoise water and that remote feeling that makes Donegal so special. It's one of those places where you can easily sit and watch the waves for hours.
Best for: Beaches, dramatic scenery and getting away from the crowds.
5. Mizen Head, Cork
At the southwestern tip of County Cork, Mizen Head is all about rugged Atlantic scenery.
The cliffs, ocean and huge skies make this one of the most spectacular parts of the Wild Atlantic Way. I've travelled extensively around Cork and this area never gets old.
Best for: Dramatic cliffs, ocean views and exploring West Cork.
6. Cliffs of Moher, Clare
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most famous natural attractions for a reason.
The sheer cliffs rising above the Atlantic are spectacular, and the surrounding Clare coastline is equally impressive.
While this is a much more popular area, I still think it's somewhere worth experiencing when travelling through County Clare.
Best for: Iconic Irish scenery, coastal walks and photography.
7. Kilkee Cliffs, Clare
For me, the Kilkee Cliffs are a great alternative to some of the busier coastal attractions in Clare.
They're rugged, dramatic and completely exposed to the Atlantic, with some amazing rock formations along the coastline. I love finding places like this that don't always get the same attention as Ireland's biggest tourist attractions.
Best for: Coastal scenery, cliffs and quieter Atlantic views.
8. Leenaun, Galway
Leenaun is one of my favourite places in County Galway, surrounded by mountains at the head of Killary Harbour.
The scenery here is incredible, particularly when the mountains are reflected in the water. It's also a fantastic base for exploring Connemara and the wider Wild Atlantic Way.
Best for: Mountains, Killary Harbour, Connemara and road trips.
9. Flaggy Shore, Clare
The Flaggy Shore is completely different from many of the other locations on this list.
Located on the Clare coast in the Burren, you'll find a unique limestone landscape stretching along Galway Bay. It's especially beautiful in the evening when the sun starts to set across the water.
Best for: Sunsets, the Burren, photography and Galway Bay views.
10. Doolough Valley, Mayo
Doolough Valley is one of the most spectacular and remote-feeling places I've discovered in County Mayo.
The road winds between dramatic mountains and lakes, creating an incredible landscape that feels a million miles away from everyday life. This is exactly the kind of scenery I love about travelling around Ireland — wild, peaceful and completely unforgettable.
Best for: Mountains, lakes, remote scenery and scenic road trips.
Beautiful Connemara, County Galway
After exploring so much of Ireland, I'm still finding places that completely blow me away. That's what I love about travelling around this country — you don't always have to go somewhere famous to find incredible scenery.
RSS Feed
