Consider camping in Cork for your next staycation or weekend getaway, as it offers a cost-effective and unique experience.

Cork is a great place to go camping, whether you want to relax by the sea or escape inland. It’s easy to find places to camp in the wilderness because the area is so vast. There are also many campsites and glamping options near points of interest. Our guide to camping in Cork has something for everyone, whether you go east or west.

Glamping

Inch Hideaway, Whitegate

This glamping option in Cork is eco-friendly, sustainable, and pet-friendly. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of Inch Beach in Whitegate. The venue offers a variety of activities in the surrounding area.

Various outdoor activities are available, including surfing, kayaking, and bike rental. Additionally, there is a conservation area surrounding cliff walks.

Inch Hideaway has four luxurious yurts and a “Wanderly Wagon”. Each yurt is on a raised platform with a wood-fired stove for warmth. The communal area includes a kitchen, dining area, pizza oven, and campfire pit. The focus is on sharing.

Ballyvolane House Glamping, Fermoy

This accommodation offers a traditional, fully serviced experience in the gardens of a Georgian house from 1728. Guests can stay in a glamping ark with a double bed or in one of the 11 bell tents. The mattresses are filled with recycled denim and organic lambswool. The atmosphere is made cosy by lanterns and tea-light chandeliers.

The country house offers communal dinners at night and breakfasts until noon. It is ideal for leisurely walks in the nearby woods and gardens.

Claire Haven Yurt Holidays, Cape Clear Island

Cape Clear Island, located eight miles off the coast of West Cork, offers a unique glamping experience on Ireland’s southernmost, Irish-speaking inhabited island. The island can be reached by a 45-minute ferry ride from Baltimore, providing a secluded and nature-filled getaway.

Campsites & Caravan Parks

Sextons Caravan & Camping Park, Clonakilty

Sexton’s family caravan and camping park is an award-winning and affordable option for stress-free camping. They have been in business for 50 years. They are located on the Wild Atlantic Way, close to beautiful beaches and towns such as Clonakilty, Timoleague, and Courtmacsherry. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and breakfast during their stay.

Blarney Caravan and Camping Park, Blarney

Blarney Caravan Park, a four-star family-run park outside Cork City, offers ample open space for ball games and an 18-hole pitch and putt course. It provides a convenient location to park your camper for a few nights while exploring Cork City and its surroundings.

Eagle Point Camping, Bantry

Eagle Point offers a peaceful countryside experience with camping pitches like The Horseshoe Cove, Flor’s Cove, and the Potato Field. Each plot includes a six-amp electric hook-up and is located near amenities. Additionally, secluded spots are available for those seeking complete solitude, known as “West the Point” and “Butterfly Bay”. Guests can wake up to the calming sounds of the sea and birdsong.

The Hideaway Camping & Caravan Park, Skibbereen

The Hideaway in Skibbereen accommodates tents, caravans, and motorhomes. The site includes ball games and a playground. Skibbereen is nearby, where visitors can shop, dine, and relax in pubs. Golfing, sea angling, fishing, walks, scuba diving, moonlight kayaking, and whale watching are also available.

Wild Camping

The Wild Camping Code

– Campsites must be at least 400m from a building or road capable of carrying a vehicle.

– Campsites must be at least 400m from a building.

– Tents must be moved every second night to allow vegetation to recover.

– Campers must remove all food waste and litter, whether or not it is biodegradable. Buried waste is often exposed by foraging animals or by erosion.

– Soap and toothpaste must be kept at least 30m from watercourses.

– Dish and utensil washing must be conducted at least 30 metres from water bodies. All wastewater should be strained and scattered. Under no circumstances should wastewater used in washing be poured into lakes, streams or rivers.

– Campers are required to conduct themselves quietly to avoid disturbing the local community, wildlife or other visitors.

– Campsites must be kept visually unobtrusive.

– Campsites must be left as found, or better

Inchydoney

Inchydoney is an island on Ireland’s west coast, connected to the mainland by a causeway. It offers luxury and adventure in a secluded location. Visitors can explore the rugged beauty of West Cork by kayak, bike or on foot. The locals are friendly, and the views are stunning. Inchydoney Surf School is perfect for surfers, while swimmers can enjoy the blue flag beach outside the Inchydoney Lodge and Spa. Visitors can stroll along the gold strand or take several looped walks on the island. Bikes are available for hire to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. The island offers discreet camping spots for those who want to stay overnight.

Glengariff

Glengarriff is located far from everything, which makes it beautiful. This charming village is situated on the untamed Ring of Beara. You can set up a campsite in Glengarriff Forest and explore Garnish Island, kayaking on the bay or running trails in the woods. It’s a very rural area.

Sherkin Island (near Silver Strand Beach)

Sherkin Island is located in the southwest of Cork City. It is ideal for camping due to its low population of approximately 111 people.

A ferry ride of approximately 10 minutes is available from Baltimore Harbour to the island. Typically, Silver Strand is the preferred destination for overnight stays.

The beach here is beautiful, and you’ll have the whole place if you visit during the quieter months.

The Beara Way

The Beara Way is a beautiful walking route in Ireland. It is often overlooked in favour of the nearby Ring of Kerry. Along the 206km route, there are numerous beautiful places to camp, with the coastline offering the most picturesque and remote spots. You can even take a ferry to Bere Island and camp there overnight. Many believe it to be the best destination for wild camping in Cork.

Barleycove Beach

Barleycove Beach in Cork is a popular spot for wild camping, likely due in part to its reputation as one of the best beaches in West Cork.

The beach was formed in 1755 due to the displacement of all the sand by 15ft waves caused by a tsunami from an earthquake in Portugal.

Blue Flag Beach offers ample space for leisurely walks and swimming in the clear waters. Additionally, it is situated in a protected conservation area, providing opportunities for observing various wildlife species.

White Bay

White Bay is a wild camping spot located by Roches Point. You can have your own private beach there. The site is inside Cork Harbour and provides good protection from easterly conditions. There’s plenty of driftwood for a campfire, but follow Leave No Trace principles while wild camping here or anywhere else.

FAQs about camping in Cork

We’ve received numerous inquiries throughout the years, ranging from the most picturesque camping spots in Cork to the most distinctive ones.

Below, we have included frequently asked questions we have received on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter platforms. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments section below.

What are the best places to go camping in Cork?

Some recommended camping spots in Cork include Eagle Point Camping, Chléire Haven, The Hideaway Camping & Caravan Park, and Glengarriff Caravan and Camping Park.

What are the best spots for wild camping in Cork?

When camping in Cork, choosing places like the Beara Peninsula for a more rugged experience is recommended. However, camping by the beach is crucial to do so safely and in a sheltered spot away from the water.

What are the most unique places for camping in West Cork?

Chléire Haven, located on Cape Clear in Cork, is a recommended campsite for those seeking a unique experience. The location offers stunning views of the water.