The Irish Government certainly put their best foot forward when it designated Killarney as the first National Park in Ireland in 1932. Covering around 40 square miles, this magnificent park contains interlinking lakes that cover almost a quarter of the park’s area, Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, which stands tall at 1,038m, and Ireland’s only wild herd of native red deer.
Easily accessible from Killarney town on foot, cycle or the horse-driven Jaunting Cars, this gem has plenty to interest nature lovers and history buffs alike. There are hiking and walking trails that will inspire awe in even the most experienced travellers, handsome mediaeval castles, cascading waterfalls and ancient ruins to explore. Most importantly, for the purpose of this article, there are some top-notch camping sites near Killarney National Park. We’ve selected a handful to suit a wide range of travellers including families, couples and small groups and included some useful info on pricing, facilities and places nearby to enjoy some local delicacies.
Read on to discover our take on the 4 Best Motorhome Campsites in Killarney National Park.
1. Killarney Flesk Camping and Caravan Park
If you are all about the location, put Killarney Flesk Camping and Caravan Park on your list of potential camping sites near Killarney national park. This peaceful site is the nearest to the town and ideally situated to explore the park or head off to the wonderful Ring of Kerry.
Facilities are plentiful and include a camper’s kitchen, onsite bar and restaurant, disabled facilities, laundry and bike rental. If you want to try some traditional Irish fare, take the short walk into town, head to Bricín, and try the house speciality of Boxty, your host’s version of the traditional Irish potato pancake.
Killarney Flesk Camping and Caravan Park, Flesk, Muckross Rd, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
52.04345288580634, -9.499140299515654
2. Fleming's White Bridge Caravan & Camping Killarney Holiday Park
Alongside hiking, boating, cycling and all the other activities you have planned for your camping trip to Killarney National Park, your gang will also need time to relax and unwind. Fleming's White Bridge Caravan & Camping Killarney Holiday Park is just the spot for it. Located a short distance outside Killarney town and right on the banks of the river Flesk this four-star, award-winning site has everything you need for a great holiday.
Guests can choose from a wide range of spacious pitches. There are all the usual facilities, a small shop on site, or two welcoming pubs within walking distance. And, of course, the town and all its entertainments are just down the road.
Fleming's White Bridge Caravan & Camping Killarney Holiday Park, Ballycasheen Road, Ballyspillane, Whitebridge, Co. Kerry, V93 HW56, Ireland
52.0571440054062, -9.475853257224454
3. Fossa Caravan And Camping Park
The lovely, family-run Fossa Caravan And Camping Park offers grass and hardstanding pitches with electric hookups if required. At this Killarney National Park campsite, you’ll be surrounded by woodland and just a short stroll from the shores of Lough Leane. Dogs are welcome!
If you fancy exploring Loch Leane, and we recommend you do, keep an eye out for white-tailed sea eagles, grey herons and the aforementioned native red deer. This is the largest lake in the area, covering an impressive 19 square kilometres. Walking around the lake area is an absolute joy (more details on routes in this handy blog) as is a boat ride. Killarney Lake Tours offers daily-priced tours on a heated waterbus.
Fossa Caravan And Camping Park, 3CC8+75 Fossa Road, County Kerry, Ireland
52.070695, -9.584493
4. Glenross Caravan and Camping Park
Glenross Caravan and Camping Park is a little outside Killarney but the 45-minute or so drive along the Ring of Kerry road is a great experience in itself. This beautiful camping site near Killarney National Park has the added bonus of being closer to the sea and the myriad attractions of the Ring of Kerry which you can find out more about on this great blog.
Guests at Glenross Caravan and Camping Park have the choice of a number of spacious hardstanding pitches. Facilities include modern toilets and showers, washing up area, fridge/freezer, drying area and a children’s play area. There are a few good pubs and restaurants within walking distance and plenty of watersport activities nearby as well as fishing and horse riding.
2 Ring of Kerry, Curraheen Little, Co. Kerry, Ireland
52.058646, -9.931888
We hope that has given you some food for thought about taking a trip to southwest Ireland and the Killarney campsites that might best serve your needs. When you are planning your trip, keep in mind that many campsites aren’t open all year round and, owing to Killarney’s enduring popularity, many get booked up in high season. Always check the website or contact the park in advance.
Ireland is a place best visited with your own vehicle. Public transport tends to be expensive and connections aren't the best, especially in rural areas like Killarney and the southwest. Having your own motorhome also opens up the possibility of wild camping. Technically, wild camping is illegal in Ireland but many travellers find that it is rather more tolerated than in other parts of northern Europe, like the UK.
Don’t camp up on farmer’s land without asking permission first, and if they are nice enough to say yes, leave the site the way you found it. Irish folks are famously very friendly and love nothing more than a chat so you can also head to a pub or cafe and ask locals for recommendations of places to pitch up.
Now for the weather. I have been on camping trips on the west coast where there has been beautiful sunshine for two weeks straight in May; and I have been in summer when the forecast was said to be set fair and we got anything but. Always come prepared for very wet weather and hot sunshine too. Bring suitable footwear and don’t assume you will be able to restock on your creature comforts in smaller towns.
If you need to stick to a budget, try to travel outside school holidays when campsites, ferries and even some attractions will cost more. You’ll also be sharing all these incredible vistas with crowds.
A motorhome camping trip to Ireland with Killarney National Park on the itinerary is bound to be a highly rewarding and memorable experience. There is so much fun and adventure to be had in this part of the world - and then there is the culture and people to add to the mix.
That feeling of the open road and being thoroughly immersed in nature will be all the more pleasurable when you have your own motorhome to enjoy it. The extra space to pack those creature comforts, the ability to pull up wherever takes your fancy and camp under the stars… there really is nothing like it. If you don't have your own campervan, why not take a look at the motorhomes for hire in Ireland from our trusted customers? You’re sure to find the ideal vehicle for your holiday. Now all you need to do is get planning and packing!
But your trip doesn't have to end there! Next, head to the best campsites in Connemara or our favourite motorhome sites in Burren.
