If you're thinking of hiring a motorhome or a camper in Ireland for the first time, then the idea might sound daunting - but fear not, heading out for an adventure in a home on four wheels isn't as complicated as you might think.
In this blog, I'll go through everything you need to know about hiring a motorhome in Ireland.
How to hire a motorhome in Ireland
Touring Ireland in a campervan is a road trip like no other, and renting a motorhome is a simple process. You can check rates and availability here.
You'll need to pay a deposit upon booking and provide ID and fill out a few forms. Then when you pick up for camper, you'll be given a full tour of all the facilities and shown how everything works, before setting out of your adventure!
Driving a Campervans in Ireland
All campervans and motorhomes under 3,500kg can be driven on a normal car driving licence in Ireland, UK and Europe. All motorhomes for hire at Go Camper Hire are below this weight and so can be driven on a normal license.
One of the benefits of a touring holiday in Ireland is the lack of other road traffic compared to say the UK. With a population of less than 5 million, the roads between major towns are often relatively quiet.
The seating position in a camper is usually much higher than in a standard car, which gives you a great view of the road ahead and your surroundings, as well as giving your front seat passenger a great view too.
You will however, need to bear in mind the extra width and length of the vehicle compared to a normal car, and care should be taken when turning corners, just to give yourself the extra room. It's certainly not difficult driving a motorhome, even if you've never done it before, and soon becomes second nature, allowing you to fully enjoy your road trip!
Here's a handy Youtube clip with tips and advice on driving a motorhome.
Where To Stay
There are plenty of well equipped campsites all over Ireland offering a range of facilities and types of locations. From farm based sites, to eco friendly sites, to sites practically on the beach, you'll find plenty of choice.
We can help you out with tips and advice on many of the campsites in ireland, because we've stayed at most of them! There re also guides to campsites on blogs on this site too.
What do do when you arrive at a campsite
Once you arrive at your destination, there are a few things you'll need to do before you put your feet up and open the wine.
Most campsites require a checkin first, and once that's all done and you've paid for your stay, you'll either be directed to your pitch, or be free to choose your own, depending on which site you stay at.
It's advisable to top up with water if you'll be staying for a few days before you head to your pitch.
Once at your pitch, you can get yourself hooked up to the mains. The extensions leads provided have a male at one end and a female at the other, just make sure to connect to the van first and then the mains socket and vice versa when you are leaving.
Here's a YouTube video with a few tips on arriving at a campsite:
Sleeping in a camper
Most campervans have either fixed beds or conversion beds, which switch from seating by day to bed areas by night. Converting a sofa into a comfy bed is usually very straight forward and can be done quite quickly and there really is nothing quite like snuggling up under the duvet and hearing the crashing of the waves only metres away, or the wind blowing through the trees, or even the rain pattering onto the roof of the van.
It's such a wonderful feeling sleeping so close to nature, whilst also knowing you're safe and warm with all the mod cons!
Cooking in a motorhome
Cooking in your camper can be a really fun experience. You'd be surprised just how well equipped a motorhome kitchen can be, and prepping, cooking and eating a tasty meal right in the middle of nature can be a wonderful experience.
And of course, there's alway the option of setting up a barbie and cooking outside!
Most campsites also offer kitchen facilities such as cookers, communal fridges and washing up stations, and these can often be a great place to meet fellow campers and make new friends as well as sharing tips and advice on local places to visit. With Covid restrictions however, some campsite facilities may be closed so make sure to check ahead.
Showers and toilets
Modern campervans are equipped with flushing toilets and hot showers. It's a simple process to fill up with water from a tap, which will supply the kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well as the shower. Toilets are a cartridge bases system, with a slide out box which can be conveniently empties at the station in all campsites. Even with heavy use, the toilet won't need emptying for a few days and with moderate use, you'll go the whole week.
Gas
Motorhomes use gas for cooking and heating. The gas is provided in bottles, with a simple switch mechanism on top of the bottle to turn off the supply whist you are driving. You will get two bottles of gas so that there is never the possibility of running out.
Electric
Motorhomes are equipped with 12Volt internally for lights etc, but you will more than likely want to hook up to full 240V mains power once you are at your campsite. Once you are connected you can plug in your devices just like you would at home.
Before you leave
Once you are ready to leave your pitch and head back out on the road again, you'll need to make sure of a few things first:
Unhook your mains electric
Close any windows and roof vents
Put the step in
Make sure there are no loose items on tables etc
The you're good to go!
Summary
Hiring a camper in Ireland is a very simple and affordable way to explore Ireland. A motorhome offers the freedom that no other holiday can, while still having all the mod cons. You can check rates for Irish motorhome rental here.
Where to hire a camper in Ireland
Great Escape Camper Hire has modern 4 and 6 berth motorhomes that are easy to drive and great fun to holiday in! The booking process is simple and you'll be taken though all of the features of the van before you set out so that you can relax and enjoy all that Ireland has to offer from the comfort of your own (mobile) home!
You can check out availability and booking information here.
Hire a motorhome in Ireland short film below:
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