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First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!
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Galway, the jewel of the west coast of Ireland, is a must-visit destination for lovers of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Whether you want to explore the majestic Cliffs of Moher or soak up the bohemian atmosphere of this dynamic city, renting a campervan in Galway gives you the freedom to discover at your own pace. With picturesque roads winding through the Irish countryside, you can easily access the natural wonders and charming villages nearby. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Ireland by choosing this flexible travel solution.
Itineraries and Road Trips in Ireland from Galway
Galway is the ideal starting point for exploring Ireland by campervan. From this charming coastal city, discover wild landscapes, scenic roads, and rich Irish culture. Three itineraries will allow you to tailor your trip to your availability, from a short stay to an extended adventure.
Galway and Connemara: 7 to 10 days
Depart from Galway to explore Connemara National Park, its russet bogs, and the rounded peaks of the Twelve Bens. Take the coastal road to Clifden passing through Roundstone, a picturesque village where you can enjoy a seafood chowder. Plan a day of hiking in the national park and a stop by the shores of Lough Corrib before returning to Galway. This short circuit allows you to discover the wild essence of the Irish west without leaving the region for too long, ideal for campervans of all sizes. Parking areas in Galway offer all the necessary services for a comfortable stay.
The Ring of Kerry from Galway: 14 days
From Galway, head south through the Burren National Park and its remarkable karst landscapes. Continue to the Ring of Kerry to discover spectacular cliffs, the Gap of Dunloe, and the coastal villages of Dingle and Tralee. Explore Killarney and its mountainous landscapes before heading back to Galway via Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher. This two-week itinerary combines the wild southern coast with a gradual return to Galway, offering a complete immersion in the diversity of Irish landscapes and allowing for relaxing stops at the many campsites along the way.
The Complete Wild Atlantic Way: 21 days
Embarking on the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway, the longest scenic coastal route in the world at 2,500 kilometers, represents the ultimate adventure. Head north discovering Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland, Glenveagh National Park, and the Slieve League cliffs. Then head south passing through the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren. This three-week loop allows you to explore the entire western facade of Ireland, with varied landscapes, authentic villages, and cultural stops in Galway as a base. Campervans will find suitable areas throughout the route.
All the towns where you can rent a motorhome in Ireland
Discover on this map all the cities in Ireland where you can rent your motorhome or campervan.
Use the search engine to find out exactly which departure and return towns you can use to organise your road trip.
To do this, enter the first letters of the country in the corresponding field and discover all the cities in Ireland or elsewhere.
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Discovering Ireland by Campervan from Galway: When to Go, Weather, and Rates
Ireland offers van and campervan travelers an exceptional playground, with wild coastlines, lush landscapes, and changing weather that shapes the experience of each season. From Galway, a coastal city in Connacht, you have direct access to major attractions along the Irish Atlantic coast, including the famous Cliffs of Moher.
The best time to go: spring and summer
From a meteorological perspective, the best season to visit Galway extends from June to September. Late spring and summer offer milder weather, ideal for exploring the region in a campervan without facing the violent storms that characterize autumn and winter on the Atlantic coast. The months of May and September stand out particularly for their dry and sunny climate, perfect for road trips.
The long summer days allow you to fully enjoy natural light while hiking around the Cliffs of Moher and the coastal landscapes of Connacht. However, July and August attract a large influx of travelers, which can impact your sense of freedom in a van.
Weather and road conditions: anticipating coastal challenges
Galway, located on the coast, experiences strong winds particularly in autumn and winter, with gusts that can reach significant speeds and storms that may cause flooding. In January, temperatures range from 4 to 8°C with frequent showers, making driving a campervan more demanding. Current forecasts for Galway indicate cloudy conditions with showers, typical for this winter period.
For a comfortable van trip, prioritize the months from May to September, when temperatures rarely exceed 20°C but remain pleasant for exploring the coastal roads of Connacht. More stable weather conditions will allow you to park peacefully near the Cliffs of Moher and iconic coastal sites without fearing violent storms.
Types of vehicles to rent in Ireland
This list gives you a good overview of the offer of motorhomes, campervans, and other vehicles in Ireland. Please note that not all of these vehicles are necessarily available at all rental agencies of our partners. To find out about the available vehicle options for your road trip, please use the search form at the top of this page. You can then filter the results by rental company, price, type of motorhomes, compare rental offers and their options, check availability, save your offers, and of course book online when your choice is made!
Practical Guide to Campervan Travel in Ireland from Galway
Driving and regulations from Galway
In Ireland, start from Galway with a valid B license and an IDP if necessary, adhering to speed limits suitable for campervans: 50 km/h in towns like Galway, 80 km/h on regional roads towards the Cliffs of Moher, and a maximum of 80 km/h for heavy vehicles on highways. The narrow roads around Galway require cautious driving, especially under the frequent rain of Connemara, and avoid urban parking with barriers of 2.20 m like those in downtown Galway.
The strict regulation prohibits overnight parking indicated by signs, with increased checks in season near Salthill in Galway; prioritize the national roads N59 to safely reach Clifden.
Sleeping and connecting around Galway
From Galway, choose dedicated campsites like Aran Islands Camping & Glamping on Inis Mór, accessible by ferry from Rossaveal, offering electricity, water, and waste disposal in an exceptional coastal setting. Nearby, Clifden Eco Beach Camping and Caravanning Park offers powered pitches with views of the Atlantic Ocean, ideal for recharging your van after a day along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Wild camping is discreetly tolerated for one night near Connemara National Park if you arrive late and leave early, but respect private properties and take all your waste to avoid fines.
Local tips and safety in Galway
In Galway, ask locals or the Garda near Eyre Square for tolerated spots, and use apps to locate Super Valu in Galway for supplies and suitable parking. In winter, check the weather for strong winds on the Salthill promenade, and support local farms around Spiddal for secure paid parking.
Stay discreet, do not camp on beaches or roads like at Blackrock Diving Tower, and prioritize caravan parks to interact with other travelers legally.
