Epic Campervan Adventure Around Ireland

It was a few years back, before the world turned upside down with COVID, that I decided to take my father’s old campervan for a spin. I’d been itching for a road trip, something that would take me along the western coast of Ireland and beyond. I had this vague plan in mind: I wanted to explore as much of the country as I could, starting from Cork and traveling around the left side of the map, through rugged landscapes and along the coast, before looping back home again.

From Millstreet to Mallow and Beyond

I set off early one morning, leaving my home and heading through Millstreet, a small town just a few kilometers away. From there, I made my way to Mallow and onto the motorway. Driving through Limerick and Clare, I could feel the excitement building. It had been far too long since I’d had the chance to venture out on such an open-ended adventure. After a few hours on the road, I arrived in Galway.

Galway’s always been a bit of a gem. I stopped for something to eat while I pulled out my phone to figure out my next move. I knew I had to make it to the Giant’s Causeway at some point – there was no way I’d miss that. But I had time, and the best thing about road trips is the freedom to take a few detours.

A Stop at Achill Island

From Galway, I decided to head toward Achill Island in County Mayo. If you’ve never been, let me tell you – it’s wild and beautiful. Standing on one of Achill’s beaches, I could feel the weight of the landscape all around me. The rugged cliffs, the waves crashing against the shore, the sense that you’re standing on the edge of the world... there’s something about it that just makes you want to pause and soak it all in.

After capturing a few images – the light was perfect, by the way – I got back on the road. I still had a lot of ground to cover before reaching Co. Antrim, where I’d spend the night.

Exploring Dunluce Castle

One of my favorite stops along the way was Dunluce Castle in County Antrim. This place feels like it’s straight out of a storybook, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. It’s got a rich history, but what drew me in was the sheer drama of the location. You can almost hear the echoes of the past as you wander through the ruins. Fun fact – Dunluce Castle was used as a filming location for the TV series Game of Thrones.

Unfortunately, as I made my way through Antrim, the weather decided to turn on me. What had been a calm day quickly transformed into gale-force winds, and by the time I found shelter behind a nearby fire station, I knew my plans for photographing the Giant’s Causeway at sunrise were out the window.

A Visit to The Dark Hedges

The next morning, I drove to The Dark Hedges. This avenue of ancient beech trees is iconic, and if you’ve seen Game of Thrones, you’ll recognize it immediately. But here’s the thing – when I arrived, it felt like half the world had the same idea. Tourists were everywhere. Every photographer’s nightmare, right? But I’m not one to give up easily. So, I parked the campervan, made myself some breakfast, and waited.

Hours passed, but it was worth it. I eventually got the clear shot I wanted – two stunning images of the hedges, with no one in sight.

Carrickfergus: A Quick Stop

After that, I made my way to Carrickfergus. I’d always wanted to see the place, partly because the song "Carrickfergus" had stuck in my head for years. I spent a couple of hours wandering around, taking in the history of the town before continuing my journey south.

Greystones and Brittas Bay

My next stop was Greystones in County Wicklow, and I took a quick detour to Brittas Bay, where I captured a few more images. It’s a peaceful spot, with long stretches of sand and a view that seems to go on forever. After a day of wandering around and taking in the scenery, I parked the campervan by the harbor at Greystones and called it a night.

Hook Head Lighthouse: A Fitting End

The following morning, I found myself drawn to Hook Head Lighthouse. I’d read about it before, and something about it called to me. Hook Head is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, and it stands tall on a rugged headland that feels like it’s been battered by centuries of storms. I spent the entire day here, watching the light change, photographing the waves crashing against the rocks.

By the time the sun began to set, a few other photographers had gathered, and we shared the space, each of us lost in our work. I fell asleep that night to the sound of the waves, my mind filled with the images I’d captured over the past few days.

Homeward Bound

The next morning, it was time to head home. A short three-hour journey brought me back to familiar ground, but my heart was still full from the adventure. The road, the landscapes, the moments of quiet beauty – these are the things that make traveling through Ireland so unforgettable.

If you ever get the chance, take the trip. Explore the hidden gems, capture the sunrises, and let the beauty of Ireland work its magic on you.