“Low lie the fields of Athenry” – The Dubliners.
Forget the normal backpackers dream on the Emerald isle when you instead hire (or buy) a campervan to get around. There are some truly remote little spots around the island that are not easily accessible on foot or public transport. So check out all the best options for Campervan hire Ireland has to offer and be ready for an adventure!
Having the freedom to tour this magical island in a van means you can stop off and stop on whenever and wherever you like (within Irish laws of course!). So for the sake of this list we will skip the usual suspects of Guinness Brewery, Corks Island, Ring of Kerry, Molly Malone away, Belfast Crown Bar, Tayto Factory, Bushmills Distillery, Windsor Park, The Giant’s Causeway.
Here are 6 top spots that you should check out by Campervan.
1.Fields Of Athenry
A classic Irish tune, “The Fields of Athenry” is actually not that old nor is it fictional. It’s a true story about a lad who was taken on a boat from the village of Athenry.
Fields of Athenry
The song was written as recently as 1978 and you can visit the village itself where once a record breaking version of the time was recorded. Or where once they watched the small free birds fly.
2.Craggy Island (Father Ted Loyal)
Fans of the iconic Irish TV sitcom Father Ted will cherish a visit to the place (or places) it was filmed. It might not be getting lost in a women’s knickers and bras department but if you do your homework you could end up on Craggy Island and at Ted’s house.
Craggy Island
3.Milford
For a real treat head up to Milford in County Armagh. To get here you’ll have crossed the bridge between The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Visiting The Home of the Penalty Kick: Milford, County Armagh, Northern Ireland and William McCrums Legacy
It is here in a tranquil village that William McCrum invented the famous penalty kick which has since become an integral part of football. You can visit his grave, the park dedicated to him and the entrance to the village.
4.The Dark Hedges
Perhaps the most famous “point of interest” on this list is The Dark Hedges. This is the spot where part of The Game Of Thrones was filmed.
It’s a really remote spot and you can only get here by driving. It’s not on a bus route.
Dark Hedges for Game Of Thrones
5.Islandhill
An island in Northern Ireland that you can walk to? Yes please! From the coastal town of Newtownards, park up your campervan and make the short walk across the path to the magical Islandhill! Make sure it’s low tide so you don’t get stranded as there are no shops or buildings on little Islandhill.
Backpacking in Northern Ireland: Touring Islandhill, Near Newtownards
Backpacking in Northern Ireland: Touring Islandhill, Near Newtownards
6.The Ponderosa
What better way to celebrate your Irish trip than to visit Ireland’s Highest Pub!! The Ponderosa sits atop the gorgeous Sperrins Mountains on a Northern Irish road trip known as The Glenshane Pass.
The Ponderosa, Ireland’s Highest Pub, Glenshane Pass, NORTHERN IRELAND
The Ponderosa, Ireland’s Highest Pub, Glenshane Pass, NORTHERN IRELAND
You can park up and enjoy a black of black at the loftiest bar in Ireland. Now that’s rock n roll.
These are just six classic picturesque spots in Ireland that you can visit by Campervan.
